EEVblog Electronics Community Forum
Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: jmoreland79 on February 17, 2015, 09:51:27 pm
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We have an older LeCroy LT344L where two of the channels are now giving suspect readings at time. One channel has been iffy for a while, but with potentially two in that state that won't calibrate, it's time for a repair or upgrade.
LeCroy has a "standard" repair cost of $2,500US, though it could be less according to the rep, depending on what's wrong.
However, a brand new WaveSurfer 3034 350 MHz scope retails for around $5,000US. We want to stick with LeCroy as we also have AP015 current probes and the DA1855A differential amplifier.
Has anyone dealt with a repair of this type? The owner is naturally pushing for the repair as it's half the cost, but I am worried about other functions tanking in the next couple years essentially making the repair a waste of money. I guess I am curious is whether a repair is more a comprehensive refurbish in which they will change out any old components effectively giving you a "like new" scope.
The primary user of the LT344L is comfortable with it, so we're really not reaching for extra features or performance. But I don't want to put band aids on a failing scope over a few thousand dollars.
Cheers.
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We have an older LeCroy LT344L where two of the channels are now giving suspect readings at time. One channel has been iffy for a while, but with potentially two in that state that won't calibrate, it's time for a repair or upgrade.
What do you mean with "iffy"? If the amplitude is too low or the waveform looks distorted then it could be one of the input amplifiers.
LeCroy has a "standard" repair cost of $2,500US, though it could be less according to the rep, depending on what's wrong.
Not cheap, but at least they still offer to repair an now roughly 18 year old scope.
However, I wouldn't invest that amount in such an old scope with by today's standard low performance (500MSa/s max sampling rate). Either fix it yourself or get a replacement.
However, a brand new WaveSurfer 3034 350 MHz scope retails for around $5,000US. We want to stick with LeCroy as we also have AP015 current probes and the DA1855A differential amplifier.
Well, you also could get a 2nd hand LeCroy scope instead, i.e. a WaveRunner2 LT (the successor of your scope).
Has anyone dealt with a repair of this type? The owner is naturally pushing for the repair as it's half the cost, but I am worried about other functions tanking in the next couple years essentially making the repair a waste of money. I guess I am curious is whether a repair is more a comprehensive refurbish in which they will change out any old components effectively giving you a "like new" scope.
This won't be the case. LeCroy will do a board repair, i.e. remove the acquisition board/front end, find the problem and repair it.
The primary user of the LT344L is comfortable with it, so we're really not reaching for extra features or performance. But I don't want to put band aids on a failing scope over a few thousand dollars.
These old WaveRunner LT scopes are built like tanks, thanks in no small part because they were manufactured by Iwatsu. If you get the problem fixed then the scope is probably fine for several years. Service Manual and schematics are available, so if you feel confident enough you could try fixing it yourself:
http://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/82.69.35.198/LeCroy_LTXXX_WaveRunner1_Digital_Storage_Oscilloscope_Service_Manual.pdf (http://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/82.69.35.198/LeCroy_LTXXX_WaveRunner1_Digital_Storage_Oscilloscope_Service_Manual.pdf)
However, it's already 16 to 18 years old, and the 2nd hand value is pretty low. If the user prefers this scope then I would consider getting a 2nd hand WaveRunner2 LT (the successor of your scope), which is faster but operates the same as your WR LT244L.