Gould and Kikusui Oscilloscope?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: PotatoBox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 11:56:09 pm
content: So, I decided to get a used analog oscilloscope, where I'm getting to the point where I really want to know what's going on in my circuits and be able to further diagnose what's going on. So I did a Kijiji search and found this:https://www.kijiji.ca/v-electronics/mississauga-peel-region/gould-os250b-15mhz-and-kikusui-5510-10-mhz-oscilloscope/1286452251?enableSearchNavigationFlag=trueAppears to be a Gould and Kikusui Oscilloscope, but apparently they both need to be recapped which I could easily do my self. He is offering 50 dollars for both. Would this be a good buy?

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 12:43:00 am
content: If you think you'd use them regularly, want to clean up or collect vintage equipment, or would really, really have trouble saving for a more modern scope and need something to work with, they could be an excellent buy. I personally wouldn't bother because I'd rather have what a DSO, but they seem to be functional (and not technically in need of a recap, since they do work, even if it's a reasonable idea given the age). Both of them have fairly limited bandwidths, so while they can be fine for a lot of work, it's not like you found a 100-200MHz scope for $50.I'm certain that there are those on the forum who would love to get two CRT scopes for $50, but I am not one of them. You're going to have to decide what it is you're looking for and how you value it. I don't think it's a stellar value as a tool for your lab unless you don't need high bandwidth and like using older analog scopes. The transformer requirement is an annoyance, but if you want to use it (or want to rework the power supply) it's probably not a deal breaker.

author: buck converter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 12:51:28 am
content: My crazy advice: Buy it, recap it, and sell them both for $50 and use the $100 you know have to buy a nice working 50-100Mhz scope.Quote from: DaJMasta on August 07, 2017, 12:43:00 amHe is correctMy less crazy advice: ask all universities / colleges in your are if they are dumping anything. I got a 100Mhz Tek 2235 this way a few days ago.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 01:00:18 am
content: We all have to start somewhere and if this the dearest you can justify then go for it. They will open your eyes to a new world.An as yet unmentioned advantage of getting them both is you'll have one to fix the other with.My first scope was a 60 MHz CRO from which I learnt a hell of a lot, broken it was and a gift from a friend.Good luck with them both.

author: PotatoBox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 01:22:38 am
content: I really only want one oscilloscope, which one should I pick up? The seller said that I could buy just one. I'm leaning towards the Gould since you don't need a transformer for it.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 02:29:35 am
content: Both look like OK basic scopes.The Kikusui has minimal features, triggering is only a level knob. Not AC/DC, slope etc like the Gould has.But the seller says the Gould is dim. I doubt it needs capacitors replaced as he advises. It's a gamble the CRT is not old.The cost of the probes a big piece actually, factor that in.I would spend a bit more and get something a little better.