Second Hand Analog Oscilloscope? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2014, 03:38:02 am
content: Hello everybody, zerorisers here. So I am a beginner in electronics and wish to learn much more; problem is I do not have much money. If anybody has an old Analog Oscilloscope or any Oscilloscope for that matter I would be happy to try and make a deal. Thank you for your time, zerorisers.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2014, 11:12:26 am
content: It would help if you gave some idea of your location in the US. Shipping oscilloscopes can be expensive and/or dangerous to the instrument and someone who has one they can part with might be local to you.

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2014, 08:34:06 pm
content: Sorry about that. I am located in Plano, Texas, USA.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2014, 01:58:39 am
content: It's actually possible to get scopes ~$50 range on eBay, even including shipping, on eBay if you're patient (living in the US helps immensely).Linked a couple in another thread you started (Second Hand Analog Oscilloscope).

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2014, 10:35:29 pm
content: Yes I concur. Texas is a good location for you to try eBay. I've picked up stuff from 20mhz for $50 (shipping in) to about $80 for 100mhz (shipping in) and recently bought a $60 scope 60mhz from a local Kijiji listing and picked it up. All included probes too. Check out Craigslist and Kijiji as well. You are lucky to have plenty of options. Watch Dave's video on picking up a $50 analog CRO:http://www.eevblog.com/2013/07/25/eevblog-498-how-to-get-a-50-oscilloscope-on-ebay/

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 12:57:35 am
content: Craigslist is also a good place to check for local deals. I picked up working Tektronix 547 that way and only missed a Tektronix 2232 because I lacked the spare cash at the time.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 05:32:12 am
content: I'm in Denton and DFW craigslist as far as I can tell has a lot of people selling "vintage" scopes with round screens for more than they are worth and on the other end a lot of modern Tek and HP stuff at dealer prices.But keep an eye open on Ebay. Back about a year ago I picked up a 20MHz Tenma scope for about $50, and a week or so later saw 2 pintek scopes close at $10 that I even posted about on the forum hoping someone would pick up. Not sure who got them but I don't think it was here.There are cheap scopes on ebay in the $50 to $100 range. $50 will get you a 20MHz scope, $100 should get you a 100MHz one.Double those prices for Tek or HP, but keep an eye out for BK, Kenwood, Hitachi, LG, Philips etc.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 11:56:09 am
content: +1 for Stonent. I got a BK 5100 combiscope for $100 shipped. The seller wanted $134 but he had a make offer button. There were 8 watchers but the seller said I was the first one to make an offer. Turns out that it was his personal scope and worked perfectly. I just needed to get probes. Also, look for hamfests or amateur radio tailgate parties in your area. I got a Tek 2235 for $45 condition unknown at the Melborne, Florida hamfest last year. I just needed to clean the horizontal, vertical and time base controls and the scope works great. Others have stated in other posts to check local schools and colleges that have technical programs. Be creative, do some legwork, be patient and you will be rewarded.

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 03:03:25 pm
content: GreyWoolfy I have just contacted my nearest college, they have stated that all equipment must undergo auction and to contact the physical plant staff of the Preston ridge campus. I am now awaiting a reply from them. Thank you for the idea of checking college campuses. as long as the auction is small the price should hopefully stay low.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 03:20:24 pm
content: For the DFW locals, there are two local eBay dealers that may even let you shop in person. Checkteoutletandkellyjo.Also, you can always check with Jim atTanner Electronicsand see if he knows someone that may be selling one locally. This, together withBG Microare also good places to stock spare parts.I have never dealt with the eBay dealers and have no association whatsoever, but the fact they are local (one is in Garland, the other is in Richardson) makes them very appealing. I visit Tanner with some scarce regularity and have dealt with BGMicro (online only) - both are really nice stores.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 04:34:16 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on August 11, 2014, 03:20:24 pmIsn't Teoutlet the guys that flood the non-manual area of the test equipment section of ebay with manuals? "Tucker master, DO NOT SHIP" is on almost everything they post.I've flagged them numerous times for selling xeroxed copies of original manuals which is against Ebay policies.I talked to Jim at Tanner before about oscilloscopes and he gave me some website in Arizona that he sends people to. I checked them out but was not impressed with the prices.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 05:53:54 pm
content: Quote from: Stonent on August 11, 2014, 04:34:16 pmI did not realize that. They should not do this, therefore it is scratched from my list.

author: kingofkya
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 08:37:59 pm
content: I got a Hitachi 35 MHz V352F shipped for around $65, in the us it accecly came out of texas too. ebay's saved searches are very handy for deals. and just wait till something good shows up. And as long as its not way over priced most people will accept an offer.This one looks like a very nicely cared for unit accept for the sharpie abuse:(Example:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hitachi-Oscilloscope-20MHz-Model-V-222-/111422366498?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item19f14a6322

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2014, 03:26:26 pm
content: Yea not many reputable dealers on ebay from the sound of it. The fact I don't even have a credit card is probably even more proof I dont have much money. I have stuff That I can trade as I have been getting into bartering on craigslist. I have some surround sound speakers and golf clubs but I have no real way to value the clubs.Anyway i'm probably ranting a bit much here. fact is I am new. I could barely afford a soldering iron that plugs into the manes. That is even falling apart already and it seems like a quality brand (ECG) hence it was the only affordable one that had a brand name. If there is anybody I could possibly make a trade with that would be wonderful. again, sorry about the rant.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 07:21:51 am
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on August 11, 2014, 11:56:09 amThere is a really big Hamfest in the OP's area,but it's in June!