Author Topic: Observing RF Envelope on Rigol 8xx Series  (Read 257 times)

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Offline mgoldeyTopic starter

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Observing RF Envelope on Rigol 8xx Series
« on: February 09, 2024, 07:17:42 pm »
I am looking to buy my first oscilloscope and would be grateful for confirmation that one of the Rigol 800 series scopes will perform the task I need most immediately.  I am just getting started with hobbyist electronic repair and I'm a bit overwhelmed by all I've been reading and watching.  I think I've learned enough already to feel foolish for asking this question, but I'm gonna ask anyway: 

I need to align DAT decks, which is a mechanical procedure involving adjusting rollers and guides.  The right way to do it is with a scope hooked to test points on the deck, and to observe the RF envelope shape.  When everything is correctly aligned, the envelope has a flat top.  You can see what I'm talking about in these two videos:

  << complete with some voltage / division info on the screen

https://youtu.be/wN9hvVj50a8?t=122 and give it 20 seconds for more if you're interested in what the display might be if things are bad.
 
From reading service manuals, a 60 MHz scope is necessary, and obviously a good analog Tek scope would suit my needs.  I can see that these Rigols are overkill for this one task.  But I don't know where this hobby is going and I'd like to buy something that I can still use in 8 or 10 years if my interest grows.  (Space is also a concern; smaller is much better.  And given the uncertainty of buying a used Tek scope, the cost difference to get a new Rigol seems like money well spent.)

From my research, I think that any of those Rigols will provide the visual output I need for this task, but maybe I'm totally missing the boat and they are not the right equipment for that job?  I would be grateful for a little hand holding.  I'll learn how to use it... but will it do what I need? 

Many thanks for your wisdom and advice.
 

Offline MarkT

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Re: Observing RF Envelope on Rigol 8xx Series
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2024, 08:54:37 pm »
Yes, if a 60MHz 'scope is required, a Rigol 60+MHz 'scope will work!
Note well the use of 'scope probes in the x10 position - almost always the correct setting, essential for higher frequencies as the x1 setting is low bandwidth and can overload the electronics on the PCB.
 


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