Any value in a 5MHz analog oscilloscope? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: drakke
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 09:39:41 pm
content: I have been offered a 5MHz analog scope for $50.6in CRT screen and probably from the mid 1980's.It's in good shape and operational.Even just to tear it down and see how it works?

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 09:57:51 pm
content: 5MHz is more than needed for audio, and there are quite a few radio circuits it could be used for. Sure, it's slow by modern standards, but there's still a lot of work done today that could be done with a 5MHz scope. It's just that a 50MHz scope is more useful, and isn't that much more expensive to make these days, so the economics make it unprofitable to build anything too much slower.You could certainly learn a lot of basic AC circuit theory at 5MHz and below. You could learn how capacitors and inductors work, how they can be combined into various types of filters, how op-amp circuits can be built using reactive components in the feedback loops, etc.If it's working, don't tear it down in an irreversible way. At least not until you've got something that works better.

author: 691175002
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 10:02:01 pm
content: Fifty dollars seems a little steep for a 5GHz scope.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 10:07:24 pm
content: Quote from: 691175002 on March 09, 2015, 10:02:01 pmThat's a mistake, right, you're not claiming you can get 5 GHz scopes for $50? Because if that's so, wherever you live, I'm moving there...

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 10:17:13 pm
content: Quote from: drakke on March 09, 2015, 09:39:41 pmLook on ebay to get a comparison.My gut feel is that it is expensive, unless it is calibrated and suits your requirements.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 10:23:24 pm
content: That's overpriced, even for Canada. $20 would be more like it. What is it, a Heathkit?

author: drakke
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 10:26:48 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on March 09, 2015, 10:17:13 pmIt's almost new which is why I thought it may be interesting to explore.I wouldn't tear it down irreversibly.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 11:06:17 pm
content: Not a good deal. You can get a 100 MHz scope for $50 on eBay. For $60 I got a 100 MHz HP _storage_ scope that worked fine.$10 is a good price. $15 is fair. $20 is too much.As for what it's useful for - go on eBay and get a "real" scope for $50 or so. For $10 or $15 the scope you describe might be a nice clock display or something like that. Yes, you can use it for audio stuff.

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 11:10:23 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on March 09, 2015, 10:07:24 pmsame............. no wait only 5MHz, better take down the 'For Sale' sign out the front!As for a 5MHz CRO ! , do you really have a spare $50 to spend for educational purpose ,that could not be used on something more pertinent ?.If its indeed near new and comes with all its accessories etc and you really have a use after the joy of taking it apart and you can bargain it right down then maybe it had value to you!.If you do need an Oscilloscope then save up for a digital

author: The Doktor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 01:39:09 am
content: Way to much money, unless there's something about it that you really like. As others have said, you can get way more bandwidth for the money. Maybe offer $10?But 5 Mhzisusable. In fact my favorite scope is an old Tek 310a. 4 Mhz, portable (but not battery powered) and no transistorsI rarely use anything else for audio, unless I need more than 1 channel. Like the model so well I've got 3 or 4. All of them probably cost me $50 total, about 20 years ago.Ed

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 07:13:09 pm
content: One of the problem is desk-space. I found too many little things on the desk makes it harder to get things done. A 6" scope will be hogging up quite a bit of space.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 07:23:20 pm
content: Quote from: drakke on March 09, 2015, 09:39:41 pmIt's much better than NO scope.For that money I'd want probes, Operators & Service manual.It's likely much larger and heavier than a DSO and in the long term will not be as reliable.Power consumption will also be more.If it dieswill you be happy to repair it and have the skills and equipment to do so?

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 08:22:20 pm
content: Quote from: drakke on March 09, 2015, 09:39:41 pm5 MHz sounds very basic for a 1980's vintage scope. Does it have two channels? Does it have decent triggering? Those two would be my criteria to decide whether it's worth the effort.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 08:24:11 pm
content: No one has asked, Manufacturer, Model Number.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 08:58:00 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on March 09, 2015, 10:07:24 pmI'll clean up the futon.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 09:19:13 pm
content: $50 for a 5Mhz CRO.......As others have said, this could be a bit steep for a 1980's unit but CRO prices do vary greatly on the used market. IMHO any equipment is worth what YOU are willing to pay for it. A mint condition CRO from 1980 may well be worth $50 to collectors or to a person who just likes the design. I have some really cute 1980's Tektronix handheld CRO's (2xx series) and they have only 500kHz bandwidth.... but I love them...... and they sell for high prices.One use that has not been mentioned is the Octopus component tester. Its an I-V semiconductor tester CRO add on that uses a transformer an a few simple components. Very useful if you do not already own one.http://pe2bz.philpem.me.uk/Power/-%20LV/Site-900-WallXformers/octopus.htmlThe commercial version is the Huntron Tracker.I have some 'simple' oscilloscopes that I keep just as X-Y displays for various test equipments that require such as a display device.Aurora

author: drakke
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 10:30:20 pm
content: This is the item in question.I was interested since it is offered on ebay with a starting bid of $25US as well.The seller is willing to let me test it.http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/ele/4883765129.htmlhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/like/181685927760?item=181685927760&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=trueI am a beginner and thought it may be interesting to play with it.Thanks.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 10:47:56 pm
content: That is not an 'oscilloscope', it is an oscilloscope sub assembly. Unless you have a need for such a specialist item.I suggest you walk away and buy something like a Hameg HM2xx or 3xx series scope. I bought a 200MHz (yes 200MHz) Hameg HM2005 CRO for £19 a couple of weeks ago.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hameg-HM2005-200Mhz-Analog-Oscilloscope-Spares-Repairs-/161608700665?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=Np6ioNmaPud7Jy3jWRL0RuPzraU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=ncEx University lab and in superb condition. Only a few switches needed a quick clean and it worked like new. There are bargains to be hadAurora