Which of these 2 scopes should I choose - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: alicumircea
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 11, 2024, 04:43:48 pm
content: Hi all,New here, sorry if I ask dumb questions.I am into electronics (recently) as a hobby. I do repair mobile phone boards, only iPhone. Some time ago I bought my first scope, a Rigol DS1054Z and am very happy with it. I use it mostly to monitor i2C communication. However, being a geek, I always wanted an old analog scope. I have the opportunity to chose between a Tektronix 2210 and a newer Fluke PM3082. The Fluke is genuine analog, newer, has cursors and on-screen display but I don't really fancy the digital buttons too much. The advantage is that the guy that sells it is in my region and actually has 3 pieces that I can test and choose from.The Tektronix 2210 I fancy more not for the weak digital part, but for the old school looksThe problem is I need to buy the Tektronix from another country, not tested. The only thing they were able to show me is that it displays both traces. Tektronix would be around 110 EUR, the Fluke would be 180EUR.Which one would you choose... and why?

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2024, 05:55:44 pm
content: I would buy the local ones that you can try out.

author: BrokenYugo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2024, 06:18:07 pm
content: I'd aim older for better repairability, no ASICs. Analog scopes are determined to break and you want it to be full of parts you can buy, since the one you can't inevitably lets the smoke out. 70s/80s design looks better on the shelf too.Also avoid the miniature/portable ones unless you know it's an easy to service model or you enjoy suffering. Like those Leader bag scopes are about a trillion brackets and screws holding the whole thing together, everything in the way of everything else, nothing modular, no clear parting lines. Mine developed some power supply issues and now gathers dust half exploded in a box when I realized I'd have to totally dismantle the thing to get the PSU out. Their old bench scopes are probably fine though.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2024, 06:26:17 pm
content: If you want something to contrast your modern DSO, for my taste the Fluke is too modern already. While it has a CRT and an analog core, the handling feels quite "digital", with encoders and momentary pushbuttons, all driven by a microcontroller. I would opt for the Tek with its proper rotary switches, potentiometers and slide switches.The rational decision might be what Grandchuck has recommended -- but this purchase it not exactly about "rational", right?

author: alicumircea
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2024, 03:22:05 pm
content: Right on point!This isn't a rational purchase, I do indeed want more the Tektronix one. If it was rational, of course the answer would be easy - newer 4 channel 100MHz scope vs the old Tektronix

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2024, 03:35:01 pm
content: QuoteWell that makes the decision much simpler, both.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2024, 04:00:53 pm
content: Quote from: BrokenYugo on April 11, 2024, 06:18:07 pmThose Tektronix 2000 series are a PITA to take apart as well.