Terrible name, but can anyone advise on whether this scope makes sense for a DIY Audio newbie, never used a scope before ?
I looked on ebay for second hand scopes near me and there are a few, but none include probes and they seem to be quite a big expense item ? I believe I'll need x100 probes to view power supply voltages as well as lower ones to for measuring signal voltages at various stages of amplification ?
Actually - basic advice on buying a beginners oscilloscope would be really appreciated.
I looked on ebay for second hand scopes near me and there are a few, but none include probes and they seem to be quite a big expense item ? I believe I'll need x100 probes to view power supply voltages as well as lower ones to for measuring signal voltages at various stages of amplification ?
Actually - basic advice on buying a beginners oscilloscope would be really appreciated.
Hello,
Of course, that depend on the price you have find for this item..
Otherwise, why not.
So, it is a entry level analog oscilloscope with a single channel .
If your budget is under 150€, you could probably find
much better used device.
Regards.
FRex
Of course, that depend on the price you have find for this item..
Otherwise, why not.
So, it is a entry level analog oscilloscope with a single channel .
If your budget is under 150€, you could probably find
much better used device.
Regards.
FRex
I seem to have a recollection that Digimess was part of Grundig.
Standard divider probes (divide by 10) are suitable for 99% of audio work. If you intend looking at high DC voltages, that's high as in over two to three hundred volts such as in valve gear (and scope AC coupled to look at ripple) then you need specifically made high voltage probes. Everything else and standard probes are fine.
Standard divider probes (divide by 10) are suitable for 99% of audio work. If you intend looking at high DC voltages, that's high as in over two to three hundred volts such as in valve gear (and scope AC coupled to look at ripple) then you need specifically made high voltage probes. Everything else and standard probes are fine.
What in God you think that professionals expect to do when them getting the entry level equipment for reliable work and this cost around 800 quid.
At low price point all that you can get is something limited to anything, capable to help you measuring volts & frequency (audio circuits only) and to view signal saturation caused by over driving the input.
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Hey dude, no need to be rude ! If a newbie question annoys you, please feel free to ignore it.
I'm looking for help understanding what the differences are between the cheap ones and the expensive ones, and drawing the line between what's needed for understanding what's happening in the tube circuits I build compared to what's needed for analysing telecoms circuits. I do the former, not the latter. You seem to be saying "just buy an expensive one". Not the answer I'm looking for - help me understand what's important and what's not.
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For basic analog audio circuits, I suggest you focus on the following aspects:
* For detecting high-frequency instability, you need at least 10 MHz bandwidth. 100 MHz would be preferable, and is easy to get second-hand.
* To measure relatively small signals you want at least 5 mV/div sensitivity, with 2 mV/div or even 1 mV/div preferable.
* For convenience, and for rudimentary differential measurements, 2 channels with a add/invert function should be available.
* To reduce noise in case of a 100 MHz scope, a bandwidth-limiting filter (e.g. 20 MHz) is useful.
* To easen stable triggering, particularly with small signals, "HF reject" and "auto level" (or similar) functions are useful.
Many standard analog oscilloscopes fit these requirements, and are easy to get second-hand. Tektronix 465, 2445 or 2465 (ascending performance and cost) would be my first suggestions.
If I looked up the correct figures, the mentioned scopes have rated inputs of at least 400 V (please double check). So if you can find a similarly rated 10x probe, you should be able to look at tube power supplies.
Samuel
What is important for you and everyone else to realize, is that in this available pile of test and measurement equipment, the low cost versions them are described as tools for students education.
Them are wooden swords qualifying only for practice, and not for a war.
But what you are giving me is not useful because you don't say WHY (based on your experience) certain models are "wooden swords". You give me vague metaphors instead of specifics.
I would strongly suggest following Samuel's advice. He is a more reliable source.
You can get very nice probes from EBay for $25-40; the "official" Tek probes can run significantly more, but good quality probes from other manufacturers will work just as well.
You can get very nice probes from EBay for $25-40; the "official" Tek probes can run significantly more, but good quality probes from other manufacturers will work just as well.
What specifics?
You need six months training with one oscilloscope so you to learn using it and start gaining some understanding of these specifics.
Are you ready for a true large theoretical and practical learning curve?
Professionals can not avoid this and neither hobbyists.
Oh dear. So you're of the view that unless you are prepared to undergo a 6-month training course a beginner shouldn't buy a scope ?
This is a DIY audio forum. It's a subject I'm interested in and I'm gratified to have questions answered by more knowledgable and experienced people. We all have to start somewhere mate.
Dude, seriously, don't worry about it. Get a decent 100MHz scope and start playing. You'll get 90% of what you'll need to know in a few days of playing and making mistakes.
I'd add the Tek 2245 to that list, is what I use and is simple and easy to use with very good performance.
I'm with SY and Samuel wrt other comments in the thread.
FWIW I think it is great when any diy'er makes the move to increase their understanding of how the circuits they are working on actually work. You'll pick up enough in a few hours to be able to make useful measurements.
Start with measuring something that isn't broken like a function generator to gain a little understanding into how the scope works. I'd recommend adding one to your list of must haves as a source for trouble shooting and non critical characterization of circuit function - not appropriate for distortion measurements, but good enough in most cases for anything else.
I'm with SY and Samuel wrt other comments in the thread.
FWIW I think it is great when any diy'er makes the move to increase their understanding of how the circuits they are working on actually work. You'll pick up enough in a few hours to be able to make useful measurements.
Start with measuring something that isn't broken like a function generator to gain a little understanding into how the scope works. I'd recommend adding one to your list of must haves as a source for trouble shooting and non critical characterization of circuit function - not appropriate for distortion measurements, but good enough in most cases for anything else.
Thanks and yes I'd started looking at function generators. Might have to come later unless they are cheaper at audio frequencies.
I have the same question about you, that you plan to conquer the universe of electronics by looking for 135 quid scope.
You have an attitude problem it is obvious.
Now open your wallet and buy an GDS200 70MHz Oscilloscope, and 100X passive probe, this will be your alternative as hobbyist instead paying 1500 EUR for a desktop Oscilloscope with finest controls among with an active differential probe.
Bottom line with out paying 1000 quid as minimum you will not play the magician in this TV show.
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