Budget Oscilloscope (under $500) that I can grow into? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Coder
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 31, 2023, 04:29:05 pm
content: I know this question comes up a lot and I've been googling the topic for days. But I run into the problem of "I don't know what I don't know". I've never used a scope and will be using this to learn. I want to be able to diagnose vintage computer circuit issues. Things I've run into already that I think a scope could help with:Checking if ICs are dead or not by verifying data signals are presentVerifying the type of video output (based on frequency and peak-to-peak voltage) on vintage computers that have very little to no documentationChecking if CRT components are generating the appropriate frequencies (I have a computer with a built in CRT that is not displaying properly and would like to repair it as you can't get the CRT anywhere)Verifying that drives are getting data signals as expectedMost of the computers I'm messing with are in the <50MHz range, but I don't know if that matters. I'd also like to use it for general electronic repair, not just vintage computers anyway. I might use it while working on cars, as well. There's been times where I could have verified if there was a problem with a sensor by looking at the signal generated. I have a scanner, which helps, but I think a scope could help find harder to diagnose issues like intermittent issues due to changes in signal as components "warm up" or partially failed components that generate erratic or noisy signals. I also like vintage audio equipment, and see myself using it there, too. But I don't know what I need when it comes to specs. I'd just look for the best specs in my price range, but my budget is kinda arbitrary, so I'm willing to exceed it some if it makes sense to.As my username suggests, I'm a software developer, so I'm ok with USB scopes that use a computer or tablet for it's interface. If one supports Android tablets, that might be a good solution for when I'm working on cars, but it's not a big factor. I work on them from time to time, but my main hobbies would have me at a work bench and I prefer physical knobs/switches/buttons. But if the software based solutions offer additional features, I might go that route. I'd appreciate any thoughts! Thanks!

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2023, 05:23:41 pm
content: The darling of the entry level scopes is the Siglent SDS1104X-E (unlocked to 200 MHz):https://www.amazon.com/Siglent-SDS1104X-oscilloscope-channels-standard/dp/B0771N1ZF9The Rigol DS1054Z (unlocked to 100 MHz) was the hot setup prior to the introduction of the Siglent:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012938E76You can find MANY similar threads discussing these scopes among others. Try the search feature.Here is an epic thread on the subject. Charlotte buys a Siglent 2 channel scope at Reply 150 and then we start to play with the features:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/what-an-oscilloscope-recommended-for-a-woman-passionate-about-electronics/msg3100087/#msg3100087There's a lot of education in that thread. Also, check out the oscilloscope training video linked as a sticky to this forum. W2AEW does a terrific job with all of his videos. That he works for Tektronix means he knows a lot of stuff about measurement and circuits. He has many tutorial videos. Try Google for 'w2aew'https://www.youtube.com/user/w2aewDave has done many scope reviews as well.

author: Coder
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 31, 2023, 11:18:14 pm
content: Thanks. I'll look through those threads. I guess I should spend some time learning how to use one before just spending a bunch of money, too. I appreciate the info!

author: EPAIII
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2023, 06:13:42 am
content: Two of your bullet items talk about verifying data signals. That can be very important in today's world. I would offer a suggestion that is also within your budget.I purchased a Hantek two channel, 150 Mhz scope that also has a signal generator built in. That is two test instruments in one and the price was around $300 with two 200 Mhz probes. And DO look at the included probes with any purchase, they may not allow you to fully use the bandwidth of the scope they are being sold with. Or the package deal may not include probes for all the channels (only one probe included with a two channel scope or only two probes with a four channel scope). A 200 Mhz probe can easily cost $25 to $40 or more - EACH.Four channel scopes with just a bit less bandwidth than that Siglent suggested above are available for around $300 to $350. And they come with built in test generators.Then, you have some of your budget remaining. I have seen high frequency glitches in logic circuits that the scopes simply do not register. But the high speed logic chips can react to them. A logic probe or logic analyzer can complement a scope when chasing this kind of fault.For a beginner that combination of three test instruments; scope, test generator, and logic probe/analyzer could easily be a better choice than just a slightly better scope.PS: I worked for over 45 years in electronics and never had a scope with more than 100 Mhz bandwidth.