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05-31-2024, 06:30 PM
I’m tagging onto this older thread as it’s a subject I have been considering over the last couple months. I have a relatively tight budget and want to get the best bang for my buck on my future oscilloscope. I consider analog versus digital. i’ve only used analog(shows my age and how long it has been since I used one frequently) but, I decided that I do want digital; mostly because of bench space.
When I was in University back in the day, the lab used all Tektronix scopes. That was my first choice as as I always liked using Tektronix equipment. Unfortunately, their new equipment is way out of my budget but there is a lot of Tektronix scopes for sale out there for under $300. The Tektronix TDS 210 60MHz is what I’m leaning towards.
My other though is something more portable so I can take it anywhere. I’m a fan of Fluke DMMs but their new DOSs are also way out of my budget. But, I see quite a few used Fluke 123 units under $300 so I’m considering one of those.
All that said, I’m leery about buying used gear as there isn’t any way to know how much abuse it has endured; especially a handheld Fluke that has likely been out in the field a lot. After some research, it seems that Signet and Rigol are the most recommended “cheap” scopes. After reading some reviews, it seems the Signet isn’t quite as reliable as Rigol so I’m leaning towards Rigol’s new model DHO802. It is smaller than most scopes and it has a Vesa mount so it can be mounted to an articulating monitor mount and essentially take up no bench space.
So, my dilemma is now, do I buy new or used. I’d love anyone’s input on any of these three models or others you may recommend. If you didn’t catch it, my budget is around $300US.
I know the oscilloscope is a critical piece of equipment and I want to make sure I make the right choice. At the same time, for Audio use, I won’t be using a majority of the functions available on today’s equipment so I also don’t want to over-purchase.
Would love thoughts and feedback!
PS, I love to hear there is still Heatkit stuff out there. As a kid, my house was full of Heathkit stuff. Heathkit sold DIY kits for many different electronic items. My Dad loved them and just about everything electronic we had, except the TV and our first Radio Shack PC, was a Heathkit.
When I was in University back in the day, the lab used all Tektronix scopes. That was my first choice as as I always liked using Tektronix equipment. Unfortunately, their new equipment is way out of my budget but there is a lot of Tektronix scopes for sale out there for under $300. The Tektronix TDS 210 60MHz is what I’m leaning towards.
My other though is something more portable so I can take it anywhere. I’m a fan of Fluke DMMs but their new DOSs are also way out of my budget. But, I see quite a few used Fluke 123 units under $300 so I’m considering one of those.
All that said, I’m leery about buying used gear as there isn’t any way to know how much abuse it has endured; especially a handheld Fluke that has likely been out in the field a lot. After some research, it seems that Signet and Rigol are the most recommended “cheap” scopes. After reading some reviews, it seems the Signet isn’t quite as reliable as Rigol so I’m leaning towards Rigol’s new model DHO802. It is smaller than most scopes and it has a Vesa mount so it can be mounted to an articulating monitor mount and essentially take up no bench space.
So, my dilemma is now, do I buy new or used. I’d love anyone’s input on any of these three models or others you may recommend. If you didn’t catch it, my budget is around $300US.
I know the oscilloscope is a critical piece of equipment and I want to make sure I make the right choice. At the same time, for Audio use, I won’t be using a majority of the functions available on today’s equipment so I also don’t want to over-purchase.
Would love thoughts and feedback!
PS, I love to hear there is still Heatkit stuff out there. As a kid, my house was full of Heathkit stuff. Heathkit sold DIY kits for many different electronic items. My Dad loved them and just about everything electronic we had, except the TV and our first Radio Shack PC, was a Heathkit.
