Some analog Oscilloscope advise - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: sampler1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 11:10:07 pm
content: Hi guys,I have two digital scopes and to be honest I hate them both Tektronix TDS745A and A Siglent.. Well, i am about to adventure into an Analog time warp as I want to buy an analog scope. I do like Tektronix and I do want on screen information.What would you all suggest to look for???400Mhz min. two channel with on screen information.I was looking at a Tektronix 2465B ?Any help would be appreciated.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 11:22:12 pm
content: Have a pair of the Tektronix 2465s, both repaired, recaped and fully working now. Superb instruments from an older era, and if you like analog scopes these are some of the best IMO.Best

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 11:42:33 pm
content: Tektronix was king of analog scopes, IMHO nothing else could touch them. 400MHz minimum narrows things down quite a lot, an analog scope with that much bandwidth is a specialty item.As much as I love my old Tek 465, I almost never use it anymore since getting a TDS700 and can't imagine ever going back for day to day use. I'm curious what it is you hate about the DSO and wondering if it's a case of needing to learn how to use it properly. Aside from XY mode I struggle to think of anything an analog scope can do that a DSO can't, and quite a few things the DSO can do that the analog can't.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 11:53:45 pm
content: Personally, I prefer an analog CRO when I don't know what I'm looking at yet, or for X-Y mode. However, I prefer a DSO when I know what I have and want to measure it, or when I need to freeze a single sweep.One technology for which I have no nostalgia is the analog storage scope.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2021, 12:53:05 am
content: Quote from: sampler1 on March 28, 2021, 11:10:07 pmIf your mind is made up the 2465B is going to be pretty hard to beat for 400MHz with on screen information. But just to clarify, which Siglent do you have? What don't you like about your digital scopes? What are you going to use the new scope for?Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side but then you need a lawn mower. Maybe you already have a couple lawn mowers.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2021, 07:52:01 am
content: Don't rule out Iwatsu 7840 / Lecroy LA314 . This is a more modern design and not crazy expensive.

author: sampler1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2021, 03:11:35 am
content: Thanks everyone picking up the 2465B on Monday.. Fair price and in great condition.Big Thanks!Ps: keeping the Siglent for my Digital scope and The perfect condition TDS-754A is on the Bay. Great Buy.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2021, 04:10:52 am
content: Which model Siglent have you ?

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2021, 04:21:26 am
content: Quote from: sampler1 on March 28, 2021, 11:10:07 pmWhat do you typically do with your scope?

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2021, 04:29:15 am
content: Quote from: sampler1 on April 04, 2021, 03:11:35 amCongrats on the 2465B! It is a beautiful classic scope. I think it would be very useful to lots of readers - especially others currently or who might be visiting the forum the future - who are thinking about the tradeoffs between analog and digital scopes to hear your impressions after you've used the 2465B for awhile. So if you can, plz let us know your thinking after you've had a few weeks with the new scope.

author: sampler1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 03:43:28 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on April 04, 2021, 04:29:15 am========================================================================In my opinion the 2465B is just better in every way. No menus ! Just strait forward and does everything well that I could possibly want. Especially XY.To all the Digital lovers, to each his own.Cheers

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 08:24:16 am
content: Quote from: sampler1 on April 04, 2021, 03:11:35 amEnjoy it!Be aware of the issues with the calibration data in battery backed RAM, and battery failure. At the very least it would be prudent to use the test routines to keep a copy of the data in case you need to re-create it in a new RAM.Some will argue that after so many decades the cal data probably won't be completely accurate, and that a full recalibration (after losing the data and replacing the RAM) would be beneficial.

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 01:19:38 pm
content: Quote from: sampler1 on May 06, 2021, 03:43:28 amGood choice!! Be sure to recap the scope, they have a reputation for various capacitors leaking and failing. The RIFA types are famous for exploding and splattering stuff all over the power supply area.Best,