Anyone willing to donate an old, unused oscilloscope to me?

[Tallie]

For a while now, I've considered buying a cheap oscilloscope. I've watched a lot of Dave's videos and recently came across one where he mentioned that someone on the forums, if asked nicely, might be willing to donate an oscilloscope to a beginner like me. So, I figured I'd ask around here before rolling the dice elsewhere. If you've got an old one lying around somewhere collecting dust, I'd be happy to give it a new home. I can pay shipping if you're not local. I live in the metro area of Atlanta, Georgia.

Sorry if this post belongs elsewhere.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[liquibyte]

I've asked to trade for one and gotten only one response (see page two).  I'm actually trading for a pretty old one (Conar 255) and I'll be happy to get that.  If I had half of what some people around here have, I'd hook you up though.  I've seen pictures of stacks of equipment that I'm sure never gets used but never offered when asked for.  I know how tough it can be trying to get the more expensive bits with very little to work with.  I'll even make you a deal, if I ever win the lottery, I'll buy you a nice 500MHz job when I get mine.  You can take that at face value, I mean it.  I never felt comfortable just asking for something like that, I hope someone helps you out.  Good luck.

Someone help Tallie out please.

[Lurch]

If I had half of what some people around here have, I'd hook you up though.  I've seen pictures of stacks of equipment that I'm sure never gets used but never offered when asked for. 

Is there anyone on this forum who isn't a complete vulture and just expects everyone to give them all their stuff just because they want it? You want it, get your own. I used to have nothing, now I have loads of shit. It's all great and none of the people moaning about how hard done by they are would ever see any of it even if it was unused.

[liquibyte]

I never asked for a thing, ever.  I offered a trade and am going to be happy with what I get.  You know the barrier to entry is high for some of this stuff and I see no reason that if someone has something extra they couldn't help out someone that is less fortunate.  Have a conversation about it and if you feel the "scam" coming out then don't offer.  I am someone on this forum that isn't a "vulture" as you put it, I'm actually asking for someone else who also asked in a really nice manner in my opinion.  I don't even have one and I'm not asking.

[TheBorg]

If I had half of what some people around here have, I'd hook you up though.  I've seen pictures of stacks of equipment that I'm sure never gets used but never offered when asked for. 

Is there anyone on this forum who isn't a complete vulture and just expects everyone to give them all their stuff just because they want it? You want it, get your own. I used to have nothing, now I have loads of shit. It's all great and none of the people moaning about how hard done by they are would ever see any of it even if it was unused.

Doesn't hurt to ask... if you don't have one or don't want to give one then don't give one. I'm a new guy to all of this, I would've loved it if someone gave me the equipment I have now (which is still puny to 90% of the users here). It's great working for it, you feel better about it. Heck, I even went to my school and asked for an oscilloscope, even a broken one (none there- yet). Personally I wouldn't feel all too comfortable if someone just gave something to me. Usually I'd try to pay something, buy them lunch or whatever. But I've seen people throw out nearly perfect or easily fixable stuff because they just didn't want to deal with it. People do this all the time with stuff- saw one guy throw out a perfectly fine Xbox system because the CD tray broke. Not impossible to fix! It happens a lot, so why not try to make someones trash your treasure?

[DL8RI]

Hi,

You know the barrier to entry is high for some of this stuff

Nope. You can get a proper Scope for under $50:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5440-Tektronix-Oscilloscope-w-5A48-sn-B101322-5A48-sn-B079828-5B42-sn-1030-/360771060813

If you want a bit more modern Unit, look for a Tek 465 (> $200)

@Jeremy:
I'd look for units like this (there are equivalents from HP, Hameg...). As for your question, I have a half-defective Philips-scope. But shipping and customs would make it unreasonable.

[free_electron]

it always helps filling out your complete profile including , and especially, the COUNTRY you are from !

[Lurch]

I see no reason that if someone has something extra they couldn't help out someone that is less fortunate.

That's not what you said before, you seemed to infer if that if they aren't using it daily then they should be giving it away to people on here.

And yes, not everyone is a vulture and some people are genuinely requiring kit or rescuing stuff in some fashion, but there does seem to be more than the average on here I've noticed. I think a lot of users here sign up almost expecting to get given stuff if they beg for it. First world problems!

[liquibyte]

Yeah, spend $50 you don't have on a gamble that it works or won't break within a few days to months and then not be repairable because you can't get the parts.  Newbies only see oscilloscope and don't know what's a good deal and what's a bad one.  I don't know what to look for to be honest and have neither the $50 (plus $25 shipping I might add) nor the inclination to trust Ebay sellers (yes, I have a seller account, no, haven't sold anything for a long time).  I offered my trade here instead of listing on Ebay because I think they went off the rails a long time ago.  Happens with everything that starts out cool and gets greedy.

That's not what you said before, you seemed to infer if that if they aren't using it daily then they should be giving it away to people on here.

I didn't mean for it to sound like that, I promise.  I just meant that I know there are people here that have things to just have them.  Take a look at the thread about the power designs supplies and then find one on Ebay now that costs what they got theirs for.  Happens with scopes too.  I'm not saying collecting is bad by any means either.  If op had asked for something I had and hadn't used for awhile and didn't need, I would offer it.

it always helps filling out your complete profile including , and especially, the COUNTRY you are from !

Atlanta, GA    I get what you mean though.

[nctnico]

The problem with giving away old gear is IMHO that some stuff is so bad it will probably do more harm than good. I have an old function generator with some issues. It works but I'm not sure if I would do someone a favor by giving it.

[DL8RI]

Hi,

Yeah, spend $50 you don't have on a gamble that it works or won't break withing a few days to months and then not be repairable because you can't get the parts.

well, it's always a "gamble", when you buy used stuff. If you want to go "ultra cheap" you can normally only get very old gear, it can be troublesome but it does not have to. That does not depend where you buy... ebay, Forums, Hamfests.
The two Teks I mentioned are both (IMO) recommendable, although they are old. A 5441 was my first "own" scope, because of the size and the lack of "coolnes" they are thrown out for cheap prices and the modular format gives you some insurance if a component dies.

And @all: Please stop this discussion about asking for something for free and/or not giving something for free. It's not going anywhere.

[Tallie]

it always helps filling out your complete profile including , and especially, the COUNTRY you are from !

I'll fill it out. Thanks for mentioning it. I realize this is kind of a hat-in-hand request but Dave made me feel pretty at ease about it. I wouldn't ask, and don't expect, anyone to part with something they'd miss. I certainly didn't want to start any arguments or cause any hard feelings. Thanks for the advice so far.

[Lurch]

Nothing personal against the OP, just seems to be a lot of people here expect things for nothing and nothing else.

As you were.

[Tallie]

Nothing personal against the OP, just seems to be a lot of people here expect things for nothing and nothing else.

As you were.

Do you have any need for a 1HP, 460V AC drive? Not many folks do. That's about the only thing, at the moment, that I have and can't use and is worth anything. No offense taken.

[Psi]

Nothing personal against the OP, just seems to be a lot of people here expect things for nothing and nothing else.

Dave has said in multiple videos that its common for people/companies to just "give away" scopes, and that if people ask nicely on the forum someone may just give them a scope.

People will still be coming across those old videos on youtube.

[Shock]

On my street they are lining the gutters lol.

Dave was slightly exaggerating.  If you know where to ask around you could find an unwanted one, it wouldn't be easy.
Many companies trash stuff rather than give it away to be fair to employees or tax reasons since it needs to be not resalable.

Hamfests, hackspace, forums, ebay, classifieds, auctions, craiglist is where you can also buy them.

It took me weeks, if not months to find a decent cheap scope close by (which was from a guy who had upgraded).
Charity should be something given and not asked for.

[vk6zgo]

We had a "young lad" ask for an Oscilloscope on this forum.
He purportedly was 12 years old,so in a weak moment,I said he could have one of mine.

In a PM,I pointed out that he needed a parent's permission.
In return he said "it's OK with Dad".

That wasn't good enough for me,so I asked him to get his father to contact me.
Dead silence! Nothing further heard!.

I was left thinking he was one of the following:

(1) An older person pretending to be a kid to pick up a free instrument.

(2) A kid who didn't have permission.

(3) A Sergeant of Police who was looking for Predators,& who thought he might find one on this forum---after all,everyone knows those Electronics blokes are weirdos!

[Psi]

(4) He had a deadbeat/drunk father who didn't care enough to bother calling you.

[Tallie]

You got me. You're all under arrest.

[vk3yedotcom]

My experience (in amateur radio) is that you often don't need to ask.

If you go to radio clubs, hamfests, etc and get to know people you will get showered with stuff.

More than you have room for and you may have to refuse.

I'm guessing it would be similar amongest makers, hackers etc.

So get in with a crowd that matches your interests.

[SeanB]

Do you have any need for a 1HP, 460V AC drive? Not many folks do. That's about the only thing, at the moment, that I have and can't use and is worth anything. No offense taken.

I could use it, to convert my drill press to a better motor than the current single phase one.

[Psi]

My experience (in amateur radio) is that you often don't need to ask.
If you go to radio clubs, hamfests, etc and get to know people you will get showered with stuff.
More than you have room for and you may have to refuse.

Yep, at hamfests you have lots of old guys who have carried car/trailer loads of stuff to the event and they DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT HOME again. hehe
Quite often their wife has made them do a cleanout.

So towards the end of the event they will just give stuff away. Especially if you're young and they see you're interested in it.
Showing interest in some item multiple times but not buying it will usually result in getting it for free/supercheap if you show up at the end of the day.

Sadly a lot of hamfests are now polluted with lots of useless 10y old computer junk.

[DL8RI]

Showing interest in some item multiple times but not buying it will usually result in getting it for free if you show up at the end of the day.

To plan that beforehand is not a really nice thing to do.

[Psi]

I don't see anything wrong with choosing not to buy something.
You're not cheating them out of anything. Another person may come along and buy it, then you miss out.

I guess it depends on the intent. 
- Trying to pay as little as possible when you can afford it now and the price is good  = not very nice
- Weighing up all the factors of           
           How much you want it
           Finding room to store it
           How likely it is to actually work
           and price
              = Perfectly sensible.
           Getting it cheaper/free at the end of the day makes it more tempting to take home.

It's not uncommon to decline free things at a hamfest.

[GeoffS]

Showing interest in some item multiple times but not buying it will usually result in getting it for free if you show up at the end of the day.

To plan that beforehand is not a really nice thing to do.

If I was selling stuff at a hamfest (or similar) and didn't want to lug the stuff home again, then I'd be more than happy to give it to someone who had expressed interest in it, asked questions etc. Much better that giving it to someone who'll just try to sell it.

[Psi]

If I was selling stuff at a hamfest (or similar) and didn't want to lug the stuff home again, then I'd be more than happy to give it to someone who had expressed interest in it, asked questions etc. Much better that giving it to someone who'll just try to sell it.

Also better than dumping it, which happens a lot due to the a-fore mentioned wife saying the stuff "has to go"

[DL8RI]

then I'd be more than happy to give it to someone who had expressed interest in it, asked questions etc.

Oh, of course. Me to.
But to go there with the attitude "I ask around, act interested, so they give it to me" is (in my opinion) not very nice to the people selling their stuff.
If you want it, pay. If you can't afford it, ask. If the seller rather dumps it than selling it to someone with little money he is an asshole.

I like the more honest way, like the OP.
If he was here in Europe/Germany I'd give him the mentioned Philips-Scope. It has some fault in the PSU (noisy rails, and does the SPSU-Humm), but the rest is ok and working.

[Lurch]

I bagged 2 bargains on ebay and ebid last night. No begging needed.

If people are watching Daves video about getting free or cheap stuff and then thinking "I know, he must mean sign up on his own forum and then ask people for free stuff" then they are missing the point of the video, and also are quite naive and have some high expectations.

[liquibyte]

I bagged 2 bargains on ebay and ebid last night. No begging needed.

If people are watching Daves video about getting free or cheap stuff and then thinking "I know, he must mean sign up on his own forum and then ask people for free stuff" then they are missing the point of the video, and also are quite naive and have some high expectations.

I get the feeling that either, you've been screwed over really bad in the past, or have been on the other end of things and no one wanted to help you out.  I've seen rich people with this same attitude, "I worked really, really hard for my millions and you should too".  You know, sometimes circumstances are beyond peoples control as to why they just don't have the means, even $50.  I'm one of those people but I offered something first because I don't like to ask for things, makes me uncomfortable.  I hope someone helps Tallie out personally.

[GeoffS]

I bagged 2 bargains on ebay and ebid last night. No begging needed.

If people are watching Daves video about getting free or cheap stuff and then thinking "I know, he must mean sign up on his own forum and then ask people for free stuff" then they are missing the point of the video, and also are quite naive and have some high expectations.

I get the feeling that either, you've been screwed over really bad in the past, or have been on the other end of things and no one wanted to help you out.  I've seen rich people with this same attitude, "I worked really, really hard for my millions and you should too".  You know, sometimes circumstances are beyond peoples control as to why they just don't have the means, even $50.  I'm one of those people but I offered something first because I don't like to ask for things, makes me uncomfortable.  I hope someone helps Tallie out personally.

 
I don't think I've seen a single positive post from Lurch.

[Lurch]

I get the feeling that either, you've been screwed over really bad in the past, or have been on the other end of things and no one wanted to help you out.  I've seen rich people with this same attitude, "I worked really, really hard for my millions and you should too".  You know, sometimes circumstances are beyond peoples control as to why they just don't have the means, even $50.  I'm one of those people but I offered something first because I don't like to ask for things, makes me uncomfortable.  I hope someone helps Tallie out personally.

I think you're misunderstanding what I've said.

I don't think I've seen a single positive post from Lurch.

I'd say it was 50/50.

[kolonelkadat]

For a while now, I've considered buying a cheap oscilloscope. I live in the metro area of Atlanta, Georgia.

BK Precision 2522 Oscilloscope - $40
http://athensga.craigslist.org/tls/4256151308.html
theres this one over in "eastside" whatever that is. I assume its in the zone 6 or eav area, maybe l5p. Its a bit shit (only 20mhz) but its the only cheap one ive ever seen come with probes.

eta: if youre going to pass on it, let me know, Im considering picking it up myself.

[Tallie]

I could use it, to convert my drill press to a better motor than the current single phase one.

Input requires 460V three phase power.

I bagged 2 bargains on ebay and ebid last night. No begging needed.

If people are watching Daves video about getting free or cheap stuff and then thinking "I know, he must mean sign up on his own forum and then ask people for free stuff" then they are missing the point of the video, and also are quite naive and have some high expectations.

There's no missing the point. This is the video that lead me here:
The pertinent clip begins at 4:10 and he mentions asking around the eevblog forums specifically at 4:20. Perhaps my expectations were too high; however, I say this not because I haven't been showered with free things but because I never expected to be called a vulture, a beggar, or a charity case. Maybe I'm naive, maybe Dave is too. Despite what you may think, several members have offered to help; the distance between us being the limiting factor. I'm appreciative of them and of others who have offered helpful advice.

BK Precision 2522 Oscilloscope - $40
http://athensga.craigslist.org/tls/4256151308.html
theres this one over in "eastside" whatever that is. I assume its in the zone 6 or eav area, maybe l5p. Its a bit shit (only 20mhz) but its the only cheap one ive ever seen come with probes.

eta: if youre going to pass on it, let me know, Im considering picking it up myself.

I saw that last night. Is it worth it?

[TheBorg]

My advice here, if everyone is making such a big fuss about getting a purely free one is to
1. pay shipping + a bit extra for one, buy lunch or something, IDK make their time worth it. Engineers love food.
2. Buy something broken and repair it, then it becomes your problem and you've showed interest in actually using it.

[mtdoc]

Tallie - Ignore the haters. Good luck in your quest. You'll find one.

I don't think I've seen a single positive post from Lurch.

What can one expect from This Guy]   

[Tallie]

I sent the B&K Precision guy an email but he hasn't responded and the listing has been deleted.

[microbug]

Set up a saved search on eBay - Dave did a video showing a few near features that help narrow down the search or allow you to see what 'scopes are going for near you ('completed listings').

I got my Hitachi V-223 (excellent scope although no service manual for that specific model, only lesser models) for £15 ($25) buy it now on eBay after watching my saved search for a few weeks. It was fairly close to me (that was one of my search criteria) and pick-up only, which saved me an arm and a leg for shipping. Although I may have been lucky, deals like this crop up every now and then - you just need to know they're there!

Be patient (unless someone here has a scope they're willing to donate, in which case have fun with your 'new' scope!). This sort of strategy also works with other types of test equipment; I've got a saved search for used items matching 'Fluke' which has been useful .

[Tallie]

I'll do that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[liquibyte]

Set up a saved search on eBay - Dave did a video showing a few near features that help narrow down the search or allow you to see what 'scopes are going for near you ('completed listings').

I got my Hitachi V-223 (excellent scope although no service manual for that specific model, only lesser models) for £15 ($25) buy it now on eBay after watching my saved search for a few weeks. It was fairly close to me (that was one of my search criteria) and pick-up only, which saved me an arm and a leg for shipping. Although I may have been lucky, deals like this crop up every now and then - you just need to know they're there!

Be patient (unless someone here has a scope they're willing to donate, in which case have fun with your 'new' scope!). This sort of strategy also works with other types of test equipment; I've got a saved search for used items matching 'Fluke' which has been useful .

I just did this as well, thanks for the tip.  I've got five set up so far and figure I've had the patience to wait this long, I can save and wait for a good deal within my limits.

[Shock]

I get the feeling that either, you've been screwed over really bad in the past, or have been on the other end of things and no one wanted to help you out.  I've seen rich people with this same attitude, "I worked really, really hard for my millions and you should too".  You know, sometimes circumstances are beyond peoples control as to why they just don't have the means, even $50.  I'm one of those people but I offered something first because I don't like to ask for things, makes me uncomfortable.  I hope someone helps Tallie out personally.

I hope Tallie goes and buys a scope, no matter what age or financial position He is in.
You liquibyte are not asking for charity, but the most people that do (unless they are in a dire food/shelter situation) are not deserving of it because they are trying to take a short cut.  Get what they want with no or less effort.  Any expectation you have that people with extra gear should give it away for free is delusional.

Noone has or should do or expect anything from anyone else (unless their paying taxes for it).  This is how society works.
Even if you gave money to a perfectly legitimate charity how many of them would stop and say "are you sure that you don't need this money?".  They would take every last penny you had in the bank and not look back.  People who are used to charity or welfare also do this because they start to expect it, no effort for reward.

You don't need to have been screwed over in the past either.  You just need to be charitable with your time, money or possessions a few times and watch how people will line up for it and take it with no thanks or second thought and come back for more.

You want to know why millionaires say "I worked for it you should too?"  its because they are teaching a lesson, that with some effort (and not always financial) you can get whatever you need.

[vk6zgo]

You want to know why millionaires say "I worked for it you should too?"  its because they are teaching a lesson, that with some effort (and not always financial) you can get whatever you need.

"whatever you need"---do they need to be a millionaire?

Many millions of people work hard all their life & never become millionaires,or even mildly affluent.

Some of the Millionaire "Entrepeneurs" we are urged to emulate had family money to start with.
Some got their start by cadging "freebies" wherever they could.
Others end up in Gaol.

Of course,if we were all rich,nobody would be rich!

[Stonent]

This was back from August when I got my $50 Tenma scope. Those Pintek scopes below both sold for $10USD! They are direct clones of the BK Precision scopes of that era.

Cheap scope alert!

20Mhz JDR scope currently at 99 cents, ends 8/9 (Same as my Tenma 72-720 scope)

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-cheap-jdr-20mhz-scope-(us)-ends-80913

40Mhz Pintek scope currently at 99 cents auction ends 8/6 afternoon US

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-cheap-pintek-40mhz-scope-(us)-auction-ends-8613-evening-no-bids-yet/

Another 40Mhz Pintek ending 8/6 afternoon US

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Pintek-40MHz-Dual-Channel-Portable-Analog-Oscilloscope-Model-PS-405-/281145426207?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item417592c11f

2 BK 1522 20MHz scopes $50 each buy it now or best offer.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-2-bk-1522-scopes-$50-each-buy-it-now/

[Stonent]

Many millions of people work hard all their life & never become millionaires,or even mildly affluent.

If you think about what we (most of us) who live in first world countries have, and compare it to the stinking rich of 100 years ago, we're better off aside from living in a smaller house on a smaller plot of land and not having jewels.

If we want French food, we don't have to go to France or hire a French chef to be on our staff, we just drive into town and whip out $50-$100 and have a first class meal. But the next day, we want Italian, ok we drive into town again and go to an Italian place.

Do we all need a study filled books from floor to ceiling? Nah, we have a Kindle.

Cars? Most of us have one. Electricity? Yep.

Though we don't have phone sanitizers, but I think they were sent away.

[Shock]

You want to know why millionaires say "I worked for it you should too?"  its because they are teaching a lesson, that with some effort (and not always financial) you can get whatever you need.

"whatever you need"---do they need to be a millionaire?

Many millions of people work hard all their life & never become millionaires,or even mildly affluent.

Some of the Millionaire "Entrepreneurs" we are urged to emulate had family money to start with.
Some got their start by cadging "freebies" wherever they could.
Others end up in Gaol.

Of course,if we were all rich,nobody would be rich!

Does Tallie need a free scope on his second forum post to start his hobby?
No-ones urging me to emulate them.  People that work to become millionaires are motivated by success.  Coincidentally a similar chemical/neural activity occurs in the brain when someone receives charity (aside from the thanking part it).  So does Tallie need a free scope. To the best of our knowledge Daves video caused that need and created and unrealistic expectation that these things are just lying around unloved everywhere and just by asking you can get one. Dave has far more success and at acquiring free or cheap test equipment than most people here.

I see your point and many people scoff at others accumulated wealth for being greedy.  For me I personally I don't care how much money someone has or where they got it.  There is always going to be wealthy people if they stole it, inherited it or worked harder or brought a lottery ticket.  I believe you create your own success and happiness by working for what you have and taking pleasure in small successes.

So it could sound to some that I'm a mean spirited person.  Well I've volunteered since a young age probably years now of helping people unconditionally with the only reward being sometimes thanked and me knowing I tried my best.  It has taught me that educating, counseling or mentoring people is far more valuable than giving them materialistic items.  I spent half a day volunteering today as it happens (and I'm not talking about forum posts lol).

But look I hate to be the odd guy out with insanely radical ideas.  Lets just everyone post what they want for free. I'll start it.

[DL8RI]

I think nothing is wrong by Talli asking for a free scope. Scopes are like Multimeters a product every dumpster-diver has quite a few.
In the last 10 years of my electronic hobby-carrer i had about 8 scopes (the 9th is on it's way) and many additional ons wandered through my hands into the hands of friends, fellow students, family. If i was greedy and didn't give them away I could have a stack of maybe 20. And I only bought one (OK, now the Hantek... two).

And I know several people who have "the right nose for junk" and end with 3-4 scopes during some "reorganization" in their company.

So why not ask? The possibility that someone remembers some old stuff down in the basement is not that low. And as I said, It's a bloody scope not a Network-Analyzer.

He asked kind, polite and I did not have the feeling in the whole thread he "demanded" or expected someone to give him something. I personally was annoyed by the second post which was much more offensive, but not enough to bother writing.

[liquibyte]

I personally was annoyed by the second post which was much more offensive, but not enough to bother writing.

Exactly how was what I said offensive to you or anyone?

You know what I find offensive.  People that sit and snipe Ebay auctions because they have tons of disposable income.  People that tell others that don't have the means about what they think in a thread asking for something for free while sitting on nine scopes.  Friends and family are ok but a stranger in need is not?  Exactly what need have you for 9 scopes?  I can see this being necessary for an actual lab but not for one person.  Is it a bragging rights thing?

Tallie, I'm sorry this thread got hijacked in this manner.  I was hoping someone would offer something but instead we've gotten a philisophical debate on the merits of "working hard" by the rich, and what annoys 27 year old Germans.

I'll make you a deal.  If you haven't found something by next Friday, I'll have the guy that I'm trading with ship the scope I'm getting to you instead of me and I'll wait to get one at a later date.  It's not much and doesn't have probes but it may help you get started.  Here's a pic.

[Shock]

You know what I find offensive.  People that sit and snipe Ebay auctions because they have tons of disposable income.  People that tell others that don't have the means about what they think in a thread asking for something for free while sitting on nine scopes.  Friends and family are ok but a stranger in need is not?  Exactly what need have you for 9 scopes?  I can see this being necessary for an actual lab but not for one person.  Is it a bragging rights thing?

Tallie, I'm sorry this thread got hijacked in this manner.  I was hoping someone would offer something but instead we've gotten a philisophical debate on the merits of "working hard" by the rich, and what annoys 27 year old Germans.

I'll make you a deal.  If you haven't found something by next Friday, I'll have the guy that I'm trading with ship the scope I'm getting to you instead of me and I'll wait to get one at a later date.  It's not much and doesn't have probes but it may help you get started.  Here's a pic.

It's peoples prerogative to do what they like since they own it, collect it or enjoy it.  People also snipe for a living and some do repairs and resell, sure its frustrating if you have no cash.  But I'm telling you man.  Take any negative energy and do some boring ass extra job, make a few bucks and you won't care.  Then you can just buy whatever new or when on special and not have to sit looking at those used equipment dealers selling their broken crap to unsuspecting buyers for hours on end.  Once you get to this point the world is your oyster.

Just don't over do it.  Consumerism is bad.

[DL8RI]

There was an misunderstanding, I had 9 different in total over the time, but have given much away or sold. I own two analog, one really old digital scope and bought now a new digital.
I offered Tallie one of the analog ones (which has a fault in the PSU, should be repairable, see #5) but shipping to the US is a killer for a 'free' one.

And what's the problem about my age or the country I live in?

And your post shows exactly what I find annoying, you have this demanding attitude Tallie has not. Even if I had 30 scopes, it would be mine and only mine decision to whom I give or sell.

[liquibyte]

There was an misunderstanding, I had 9 different in total over the time, but have given much away or sold. I own two analog, one really old digital scope and bought now a new digital.
I offered Tallie one of the analog ones (which has a fault in the PSU, should be repairable, see #5) but shipping to the US is a killer for a 'free' one.

And what's the problem about my age or the country I live in?

And your post shows exactly what I find annoying, you have this demanding attitude Tallie has not. Even if I had 30 scopes, it would be mine and only mine decision to whom I give or sell.

I have not demanded anything.  Shit, if anything I offered too.  How am I demanding anything from anybody when I'm willing to give away what I don't have and want myself?  I apologize about the age/location comment, totally irrelevant.

[eurofox]

From a simple kind and polite demand and not begging the treat start to be viral and end in a $$$ and poor/rich, instrument collector jealousy, charity/greedy, age/location discussion 

1/ everybody is free to give or not
2/ everybody is free to collect instrument without the need of comments from other, some people collect stamps, coins and some other girlfriends 
3/ everybody is free to snipe for fun or for living, I think that 0.5 million people live from trading with auctions

eurofox

[vk6zgo]

You want to know why millionaires say "I worked for it you should too?"  its because they are teaching a lesson, that with some effort (and not always financial) you can get whatever you need.

"whatever you need"---do they need to be a millionaire?

Many millions of people work hard all their life & never become millionaires,or even mildly affluent.

Some of the Millionaire "Entrepreneurs" we are urged to emulate had family money to start with.
Some got their start by cadging "freebies" wherever they could.
Others end up in Gaol.

Of course,if we were all rich,nobody would be rich!

Does Tallie need a free scope on his second forum post to start his hobby?
No-ones urging me to emulate them.  People that work to become millionaires are motivated by success.  Coincidentally a similar chemical/neural activity occurs in the brain when someone receives charity (aside from the thanking part it).  So does Tallie need a free scope. To the best of our knowledge Daves video caused that need and created and unrealistic expectation that these things are just lying around unloved everywhere and just by asking you can get one. Dave has far more success and at acquiring free or cheap test equipment than most people here.

I see your point and many people scoff at others accumulated wealth for being greedy.  For me I personally I don't care how much money someone has or where they got it.  There is always going to be wealthy people if they stole it, inherited it or worked harder or brought a lottery ticket.  I believe you create your own success and happiness by working for what you have and taking pleasure in small successes.

So it could sound to some that I'm a mean spirited person.  Well I've volunteered since a young age probably years now of helping people unconditionally with the only reward being sometimes thanked and me knowing I tried my best.  It has taught me that educating, counseling or mentoring people is far more valuable than giving them materialistic items.  I spent half a day volunteering today as it happens (and I'm not talking about forum posts lol).

But look I hate to be the odd guy out with insanely radical ideas.  Lets just everyone post what they want for free. I'll start it.

I agree with you on most of what you have said--it just gripes me when millionaires come over all "holier than thou",telling me I'm a loafer,otherwise I would be rich,too!

During the '80s & '90s,there was much celebration of the exploits of "entrepeneurs" in the media,with the implicit
(& sometimes,explicit) message "If you got off your bums,you could do this,too!"

Some of these people have since been found to have "feet of clay",& the media have a more realistic attitude.

[Shock]

I agree with you on most of what you have said--it just gripes me when millionaires come over all "holier than thou",telling me I'm a loafer,otherwise I would be rich,too!

During the '80s & '90s,there was much celebration of the exploits of "entrepreneurs" in the media,with the implicit
(& sometimes,explicit) message "If you got off your bums,you could do this,too!"
Some of these people have since been found to have "feet of clay",& the media have a more realistic attitude.

When in the media they say anything is "cheap" or "easy" just substitute those with "I want to sell this to you for profit" and "buy from my advertisers".

[vk6zgo]

I can understand rich people feeling a bit aggrieved,as they have had a bad press for hundreds of years---even Jesus Christ got into the act!

Because of this,they like to present themselves as really nice people who work very hard.
Many are,but many are not,& a few are scumbags!
Just like the rest of us,I suppose!

I am probably a bit "bitter & twisted",but it was difficult to work a full time job,come home to help my wife run a small business,& be regaled by pictures of some young twit lying on the bonnet of his pink Rolls,accompanied with a breathless article raving about young Entrepeneurs!

He went down the gurgler,by the way!---gee,I'm nasty! 

Dragging myself back on topic,I bought my first Oscilloscope (a BWD 511,single channel 10MHz CRO) more than twenty years after I began to learn Electronics,so it is easy to see newbs wanting a 'scope as  an "Entitlement,Mentality".

On the other hand,many of us were lucky enough to have access to very much better instruments than we could ever afford,through our jobs or Universities.

Many beginners these days do not have access to such instruments through their employment,or even have jobs to begin with,& Unis tend to do most of their stuff "pretend" these days with simulation.
If they want to work with real instruments,they have to scrape together whatever they can.

I would say to the OP:
Don't expect a freebie 'scope anytime soon,Dave didn't say you will instantly pick one up.
Frequent Ham Fests,Maker groups,every thing that looks likely,you may get lucky.

Don't be picky,a 10Mhz single channel 'scope is better than no 'scope at all!