Tektronix 2445A probe question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 06:46:32 pm
content: I am thinking of replacing my BK 5100 and Tek 2235 with a Tek 2445A. I would like the 4 channels in 1 scope and the 50 Ohm settings for possible ham radio projects. I was looking at the P-6133 probes and found 2 for under $30 USD shipped. If I wanted 4 probes, additional probes are available at a quite higher price. For hobbyist use, could I get away with USA sourced WunHungLo probes? I can get them a pair at a time for about $32 USD shipped. I know I won't have the selector pin but I can understand when I am in 1X and 10X attenuation and mentally adjust what I see instead of the scope doing it for me. I am working with a tight budget and want to save some money if I can. Opinions?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 06:48:24 pm
content: They don't last long. I bought a few (all different sources and styles) about a year ago. All but one have failed in one way or another, either bad coax or a bad ground connection in most cases. My Tek probes were made before I was born and are still in excellent shape

author: ShawnD
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 06:53:17 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on January 01, 2014, 06:46:32 pmI use a variety of cheap and half busted probes with a 2445B all the time with no problems. They are all no-name probes from local retailers. IF you care about the 10x display you could rig up something to ground the ring around the BNC.As a 4 channel scope remember that the 2445 only has 2 attenuator settings on channels 3 and 4 (0.1V and 0.5V/div). They are really meant for digital signals or trigger inputs (There is no external trigger connection).

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 07:05:37 pm
content: Shawn, that was the thought. Channels 1 & 2 for input/output and then have a channel for trigger all on one scope. The 50 Ohm setting is a plus to me also.

author: deth502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 08:50:04 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on January 01, 2014, 06:46:32 pmthats what i do, and you should be able to find 100mhz chineese scope probes for MUCH less than that.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 04:00:25 pm
content: I agree with c4757p. I wouldn't cheap-out on probes. I'd get the two P6133 and wait until some more become available at a good price. In the meantime you can use the probes from your previous scope(s) on channels 3 & 4.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 05:36:15 pm
content: Someone somewhere (maybe here) modded some generic leads with a pin for the range selection. General gist was just a pin glued on the side of the bnc tied to gnd via a resistor, or something along those lines. Can't seem to locate the actual article myself atm.....

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 11:07:38 pm
content: Eric Wasatonic did that on his YT channel.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 11:09:05 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on January 02, 2014, 11:07:38 pmThat sounds familiar.