Found a DSE Q1803 scope at a local 2nd hand store - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2014, 02:07:07 pm
content: It's $138 AUD (IIRC) at a 2nd hand store locally, looks in pretty good condition. I don't know if it has the case, manual or extras. I would hope it comes with the probe at least. From what I can gather it's analogue, 10MHz, single channel.What I'm wondering is, would it be worth it to buy it?I'm only likely to pull it out once or twice a month, not likely to need the extra features yet. (Doing a comp sci course at uni, electronics as a hobby). I'm going to be doing some screwing around with low frequency Z80 CPU hackery and possibly switchmode power supplies.The other thing to consider is the uni I'm studying at is upgrading their bench kits (power supply, scope, generator etc.) and have asked me to contact them at the start of the year if I'm still interested in purchasing one from them, which are likely to be good quality. So I'm thinking assuming this Q1803 isn't a dud, I'll nab it and then use it as a "trainer" so to speak. Thoughts?(Bear in mind I'm on a uni student's budget - $300+ isn't quite justifiable for something that's not likely to get much usage)Thanks guys!

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2014, 02:31:43 pm
content: Yeah, I was thinking along the same lines RE the price, when there's threads floating around about it being $128 new.I honestly doubt the staff even know what it is used for - it's a cash converters (for those who don't know they sell everything (heaters, tv, guitars etc...) in a small store with about 5 staff at any one time). I also don't believe they have any other scopes there. I'll have a more thorough look next time.I'll head over on Monday (or tomorrow if they are open) and interrogate them, thanks.Oh, and I mentioned a case b/c I thought I read on one of the older threads that it came with one, but it doesn't particularly matter.I appreciate the help!

author: geek
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2014, 08:36:36 pm
content: Cool I've never seen any scopes in cash converters.Let us know how you go.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 01:02:16 am
content: Quote from: NRoach44 on July 19, 2014, 02:07:07 pmNO! that is about the new price for a 10MHz single channel analog at Jaycar a few years back.I don't know if anyone still sells them new,but if you poke around you should be able to get one secondhand for a lot less,& probably a two channel,at that!

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 05:28:12 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on July 20, 2014, 01:02:16 amThat's a bit of an issue - This is the first I've seen that is sub ~$200 (and not a shitty PC attached scope). I'm probably not looking hard enough but I haven't managed to find one. Unless those "pocket scopes" are any good.If they won't be reasonable with the price I'll have to keep a closer eye on the auctions place here.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 05:35:17 am
content: Single channel 10 MHz? That price is too high.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 06:34:14 am
content: Quote from: NRoach44 on July 20, 2014, 05:28:12 amUp to a few years back,DSE,Jaycar,& Altronics stocked single channel 10MHz analog 'scopes at around the price Cash Converters are asking------I bought one,because I needed it to fix my old BWD.Never got around to fixing the BWD & bought a Tek 7000 series later,but the little Jaycar did a lot of useful work in the meantime.No sign of them in the latest Jaycar or Altronics catalogue--only one grossly overpriced 2 channel one,along with overpriced DSOs.Try going to a few HamFests----there are usually a few Oscilloscopes going at more reasonable prices.Whereabouts in Oz are you?

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 06:35:26 am
content: Bentley (S/E Of the Perth CBD)

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 06:51:05 am
content: Quote from: NRoach44 on July 20, 2014, 06:35:26 amCool!"Remember that Hamfest will be on again this year, so consider yourselves notified !Sunday, August 3rd 2014 at the Cyril Jackson Community Hall, Fisher Street in Ashfield, Bassendean.Sellers admitted at 07 30hrs, buyers from 09 00hrs.Entry fee is $5.00."Straight from the horse's (well the Northern Corridor Radio Group's,anyway) mouth!If you can't find anything better at the Hamfest,I might be persuaded to part with the little Jaycar for a carton of Emu Bitter!

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 07:43:58 am
content: Sounds good. I'm assuming I'd need to bring cash to the Hamfest? (I'm a little doubtful that they'd have eftpos)

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 08:15:59 am
content: Yes,you will need cash!

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 08:25:15 am
content: Cash, and an alarm clock, then again by watching Dave's Ham videos, it seem not everyone gets there early to sell out off their boots.Then again if you don't get there early you'll never know what bargain you missedThey seem to have bargains inside as well and probably you'll be able to test them unlike at the boot sales.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 10:51:21 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on July 20, 2014, 08:25:15 amAlso,if you don't get there early,you'll have to walk a long way from the nearest parking space.It's not near as big as the one Dave went to,but it should be worth it!

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2014, 10:58:54 am
content: Google maps is saying that using public transport I should get there around 9:09 if I leave at the right time. I'm used to walking across campus quite a bit so it should be fine as long as I'm not walking around the whole time I'm there.Thanks for the help guys!

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2014, 04:11:48 am
content: Okay, so after they did their "price comparison" (of which consisted of checking Altronics and Jaycar's range of scopes, and comparing it to Multichannel scopes, and then after I pointed out it's single channel low res they compared it to the portable ones) they wanted $110 for it (Originally $129). It was complete (Power cable, probe and manual). Needless to say I'll be heading to the Hamfest.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2014, 04:36:03 am
content: Yeah,Cash Converters have "delusions of grandeur" when it comes to their pricing!As to the Hamfest---they usually have some 'scopes,but you may be unlucky.It's like the River's ad--"they may have many,or none!"I think it's still worth it,though!

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2014, 04:39:20 am
content: Yeah, I'm not too worried about not getting one - I can probably make do with my trusty DMM until the university starts clearing out their stuff. Still, I've never been to a Hamfest before, so it'll be something to have a peek at.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2014, 08:02:03 am
content: Didn't see any at the Hamfest,but I was a bit late------hopefully therewasone & you got it!

author: NRoach44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2014, 11:31:13 am
content: Yeah, funnily enough I got one of the DSE ones mentioned in the OP for $60. It's enough for me until the uni clears out their older stuff.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2014, 12:01:56 pm
content: Wow, you have Cash Converters down under? In the UK they sell knock off/stolen goods at stupid prices. They are known by the police as"a legalised fence"I would never dream of buying anything from them. That price is insane for a crappy old 10MHz single channel scope.