TBS1052C oscilloscope, some questions as to whether it is a good choice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Infraviolet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2021, 07:21:53 pm
content: I've had a lt of prior experience using somebody else's TBS1052B Edu oscilloscope, and it suits my sort of stuff well (debugging microcontrolelr protocols, watching analgoue waveforms from sensor devices, testing various op amp circuits... nothing super-fast, nothing RF, nothing with tiny voltages...).This will be the first oscilloscope I've bought and the only one I expect to need for my sort of measurements.I have seen for sale a TBS1052C Digital Oscilloscope at a "reasonable" price (cheap enough for me not to find it prohibitive anyway).Can anyone advise on the following crucial points:1) is the interface on this virtually identical to the TBS1052B Edu (old model, discontinued), same quality of display, same buttons for various menus2) does this oscilloscope require a complex setup procedure upon first using, or just a quick calibration from a square wave generating pin3) is it dependent on any computer software? The TBS1052B Edu had a software package available to interface with a computer, but is this package necessary for use without a computer or for setup/calibration? In which case I could have some software compatibility trouble due to the systems I have on hand (Linux only, not Windows). If the software is just an added extra for screenshotting and PC automation of the scope, but NOT required for setup, calibration or ordinary use I'll be fine though.Thank you for your advice

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2021, 09:12:14 pm
content: I would avoid that unless it’s really really really cheap. Look at Telonic in UK for the Siglent scopes. They are far superior and have protocol decoders built in. SDS1202XE (200Mhz 2 channel) SDS1104XE (100Mhz 4 channel). They also have modern software support such as LXI etc and have Ethernet holes and talk IP.The TBS series suffer terribly from really old concerns such as aliasing and really low memory depth. The software on them is fairly horrible too. No protocol decoders either. They’re an update of a thoroughly obsolete 20 year old design.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2021, 09:48:25 pm
content: Quote from: Infraviolet on September 16, 2021, 07:21:53 pm1) I have not compared the two directly at any single point in time, but AFAIK its going to be similar experience2) No. There is a self-calibration routine, but it is not the same as the probe compensation using the front panel calibrator. It's in the utility menu somewhere.3) Not on any external software. Obviously it runs an OS internally.I hope it is really cheap, because there are better scopes available for very reasonable prices.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2021, 10:27:15 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on September 16, 2021, 09:48:25 pmIndeed. I suggest the OP to look for one of the many " I'm looking for an oscilloscope threads ". There is plenty of useful information and detailed lists of pros & cons in those threads. From there the OP can set a budget versus required features and make a choice.

author: Infraviolet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2021, 11:46:58 pm
content: Thank you all for the info, and cofirming my questions. I'll take a look at some other options too, I was just drawn to this particular model given the familiarity with the similar B design.