buying tools

[aeronautical]

I have made it back into DIY audio after about 30 years. In the mode of buying tools. Have most of what I need but am wanting an Oscilloscope. I have plans to build speaker and electronics...no RF though.

Does anyone have any recommnedations at to capability...range, storing, channels, etc.?

Thanks

[DUG]

Stand alone or USB based?

My recommendation is 2 channels minimum and 20MHz will cover audio and also find oscillation issues in discrete amps.

For working class D you might consider a higher bandwidth.

USB scopes can be cheap (as low as $100) and may fit your need.

One other option is to build an adapter board and use a sound card input with some of the audio software that has been mentioned in other threads. This has some advantages of gain and thd testing.

Things to think about.

[Mooly]

I'd go for a good analogue scope, I wouldn't hesitate. The resolution on complex waveforms is "infinite" within its bandwidth, the digital scope (unless you pay megabucks) doesn't come close.

Two shots of what should be identical waveforms, post #24 here
Primare laser change
It seemed as though the digital scope couldn't resolve what is a complex waveform.

And this is from my analogue scope

[DUG]

Tektronix 2213 is a good example

2 ch, 2mV/div, 60MHz

There are many others like it.

[aeronautical]

Does anyone have any thoughts about TENMA?

I know Fluke would be nice but I am trying to remind myself this is a hobby...for fun.

[DUG]

I don't have experience with TENMA scopes...just the DMM the boss picked out.

Seems accurate enough but you will have to count to 5 to get a reading.

Kinda slow.

My 2 cents worth.

[radiotron]

If you don't mind looking at used 'scopes, the analogue Hitachis are good - I have a somewhat older V1065 that has a nice crisp CRT and triggers reliably (Mooly - nice pic of CDP RF eye pattern, a good test!), and Iwatsu made many reasonable analogue 'scopes that are often found in cleanouts of defunct TV repair businesses, the CRTs are a bit variable when they get old however - try before you buy unless dirt cheap.

[Mooly]

Originally Posted by aeronautical

Does anyone have any thoughts about TENMA?

I know Fluke would be nice but I am trying to remind myself this is a hobby...for fun.

Tenma... dare I say cheap and cheerful. I have a Tenma function generator which while excellent for the price had an annoying and extremely hard to find intermitent fault which I eventually traced to a dodgy crimped lead in a multiway plug.

I agree with radiotron, a used scope would be far better. I used to use an Hitachi for work day in day out... it was excellent...a along with an older Trio.

My own is a Hung Chang 5510, 100Mhz, the 100Mhz version of this,
Hung Chang 5506 Oscilloscope 60 MHz 3 Channel | eBay

[Enzo]

I have always used good scopes. Just to see, I bought a $300-400 (I forget exactly) Tenma scope from MCM for the bench, and it has worked just fine and flawlessly for a couple years now.

[aeronautical]

I have a few pieces of TENMA gear. DMMs and temparture meters. Not sure where the name comes from. I think it is the the electronics equivolent for Harbor Freight...which is fine. You just have to be aware of what it is.

I see the brand Tektronix quite a bit. Wondering if it is as good as the price it demands. I have nothing against buying used but I haven't had much luck in that area, so I buy new when I can. Just my experience.