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| Active Probe recommendation? |
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| IDEngineer:
I need to find one or more decent active probe(s). Don't have to be super fast, 100-200MHz is fine, I'm primarily trying to reduce the probe capacitance. I'd prefer to find one or more good used probe(s) from one of the "big names". When I needed current probes, I went with Tek A6302's and picked up a pair of AM503B's in a dual mainframe to interface them to the scope. I'd like to do something similar for the active probe(s) but, if possible, avoid the big-footprint standalone interface. My primary scope is a Rigol DS4054 that has the BNC's with seven spring-pin connectors beneath the bayonet cylinder. I don't know if that's some sort of standard (it's certainly not TekProbe), if power for active probes can be obtained there, etc. EDIT: I'm looking for good used operational probes, not fixer-uppers. Any advice gratefully appreciated. Thanks! |
| Someone:
--- Quote from: IDEngineer on August 29, 2022, 07:20:14 pm ---My primary scope is a Rigol DS4054 that has the BNC's with seven spring-pin connectors beneath the bayonet cylinder. I don't know if that's some sort of standard (it's certainly not TekProbe) --- End quote --- No standard, each manufacturer has their own lock in vision. --- Quote from: IDEngineer on August 29, 2022, 07:20:14 pm ---if power for active probes can be obtained there, etc. --- End quote --- Its there, but you'll need to reverse engineer the details. Rigol sell their inter-manufacturer adaptor T2R1000 cheap enough that it might not be worth your time (or that would be the starting point of reverse engineering). Paired with the older/outdated Tek probes like P6245. |
| MarkL:
I'll second the recommendation for old Tek active probes. If you're looking to minimize tip capacitance, the higher the BW, the better. You didn't say whether you want single-ended or differential. The 1.5GHz P6245 is a great choice for single-ended, IMO. I have several P6245 (amognst others) that I use with a Keysight scope with the equivalent of the Rigol T2R1000 adapter. Look for versions that have "40V pk MAX" printed on the compensation box. Later versions are only 15V pk. The 1GHz P6243 is another option with the same form factor. For low pF differential, the 1GHz P6247 or 1.5GHz P6248 are good candidates. All these probes, and more from Tektronix, use the TekProbe II interface. Now that their patent on TekProbe has expired, many of the major scope manufacturers offer TekProbe adapters. I think it's a great way to preserve an investment in Tek active probes without being tied to their scopes. Another path is to use the Tek 1103 standalone power supply, which can supply two TekProbe probes and provides BNC pass-thru to your scope, but it's not as convenient as the adapters. Be sure to adhere to the voltage limits on all these probes. And make sure you buy them with a return policy (like ebay "Used"), because a lot of them are damaged from misuse. Good, working ones can be expensive, but if treated properly they'll be around for more than one generation of scope on your bench. Edit: minor typo. |
| IDEngineer:
I'm aware of Rigol's T2R1000 adapter, and don't mind buying those if that's the correct solution. Thank you for the specific Tek part numbers. That's the kind of advice I was seeking. Right now I don't need diff probes (actually I have a P6247 that needs to be repaired) so single ended will do. And the P6247 reminded me... I already have a two-channel 1103 power supply! So there you go... all I need is the compatible probes, I can use the 1103 to get from them to the scope. Thanks again! |
| IDEngineer:
Looking around at used P6245's, I see that most do not come with the little accessory kit of tips and so forth. Does anyone make an aftermarket replacement for that kit? Otherwise I'm concerned they could be so proprietary that I could end up with a nice P6245 that I can't use. |
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