HP 54620C Logic Analyser

• HP 54620C Logic Analyser
  Posted by drakke on 18 Mar, 2015 00:26
• Is this worthwhile as a first LA?
  
  I was going to buy a open workbench logic sniffer and a bus pirate but this may be more interesting.
  
  It is built on a 54620 series oscilloscope.
  Are they serviceable? Easy to repair?
  
  http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Hewlett-Packard-54620C-Logic-Analyzer-16-Channel-VGC-Free-Shipping-/221397643925?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338c53f295
  
  
  Thanks
• #1 Reply
  Posted by edavid on 18 Mar, 2015 00:37
• Never buy a logic analyzer without probes...
  
• #2 Reply
  Posted by drakke on 18 Mar, 2015 00:45
• Quote from: edavid on 18 Mar, 2015 00:37

  Never buy a logic analyzer without probes...
  

  
  
  Why?  Impossible to test beforehand or because the probes are expensive?
  
  Also can I use non-Agilent ones instead?
  Are these difficult/impossible to repair?
  
  
• #3 Reply
  Posted by edavid on 18 Mar, 2015 01:43
• Quote from: drakke on 18 Mar, 2015 00:45

  Quote from: edavid on 18 Mar, 2015 00:37

  Never buy a logic analyzer without probes...
  

  
  Why?  Impossible to test beforehand or because the probes are expensive?
  

  Because it's harder to find the probes than the analyzers, and if you are patient you will find a complete unit for the same price.
  
  You don't have to believe me though... go and find a source for HP 54620C probes 
  
  

  Quote

  Also can I use non-Agilent ones instead?
  

  No.
  
• #4 Reply
  Posted by MadTux on 18 Mar, 2015 01:57
• Quote from: drakke on 18 Mar, 2015 00:26

  Is this worthwhile as a first LA?
  

  
  Yes, if you like an impressive 8k/2k deep sample memory on as much as 16 channels, then go for it.
  
  Otherwise you'd better pick something like a 16500B/C or 1670/16700. Equally old, but with much better specs.