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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG/PCE Repair/Mod Discussion => Topic started by: MobiusStripTech on May 24, 2017, 05:23:37 AM

Title: Looking for advice on buying an Oscilloscope
Post by: MobiusStripTech on May 24, 2017, 05:23:37 AM
The title says it. I am looking for advice on what to look for in an Oscilloscope, mainly for testing video and audio signals after mods and for testing/adjusting CD drives. Any feedback is appreciated.
Title: Re: Looking for advice on buying an Oscilloscope
Post by: crazydean on May 24, 2017, 12:57:54 PM
They are super expensive. The ones we use at school are Tektronix. Some are $20k, wowzers! Anyway, the ones we use are pretty awesome and I would recommend getting one on the used market.

Overall, I would buy something second-hand that has already been tested and calibrated. Also, get one with a digital screen. You may want one that can record data on an SD card or something too, for future reference. Also, make sure it has several inputs.
Title: Re: Looking for advice on buying an Oscilloscope
Post by: SignOfZeta on May 24, 2017, 01:55:32 PM
Make sure it's used. Otherwise you're up the creak for like ten grand!

Two channels at least or it's pointless.

For a lot of things I do (audio) old analog ones are better but for most jobs digital is the way to go and chances are that's all you'll find anyway.

Depending on what you are doing sometimes a digital graphing multimeter is just as good or better, you'll have to be the judge of that.
Title: Re: Looking for advice on buying an Oscilloscope
Post by: MobiusStripTech on May 24, 2017, 02:54:12 PM
Yeah I was going to go for something used. I had a scope at my old job but after changing careers I don't have access to a company one any more.
Title: Re: Looking for advice on buying an Oscilloscope
Post by: mickcris on May 24, 2017, 03:01:14 PM
the Rigol DS1054Z is a descent scope.  You dont need a $20K scope.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETCOhzU1O5A

only costs about $400 and its easily hackabe (at least when i bought mine, probably still is) to the features of the more expensive model


Title: Re: Looking for advice on buying an Oscilloscope
Post by: MobiusStripTech on May 24, 2017, 03:07:29 PM
That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again mickcris.