Advice oscilloscope for hobbyist

[silva]

Hello!

I wish to buy my first oscilloscope (for hobbyist). I have search some
information in the Internet, but I still have some doubts:

-I live away of the large towns and I have to buy it from an internet store,
from inside the European Union (to avoid import taxes). I have this one in
mind:

From german store www.conrad.com, a VoltCraft 30 MHz oscilloscope 630

"Professional two-channel oscilloscope for service, laboratory, training and
DIY use. Outstanding in its class due to its reliability, technical
equipment and price. Clear, conveniently laid out operating elements. Even
the smallest signals can easily be read off on the 8 x 10 cm rectangular
screen. The max. vertical deflection of 1mV/cm means that even small signals
can be measured. The highly sensitive alternating triggering guarantees a
static screen image for both channels, even at different frequencies. The
TV-V and TV-H operating modes allow triggering of video signals. The XY mode
is useful for the 4 quadrant characteristic curve. A 50 W output (channel I)
is available for the connection of frequency meters."

- 30Mhz are ok for a hobbyist?

-Does the scope include any probes or I have to buy it apart. Cheap chinese
probes from Ebay are ok?

-Any additional avise?

Thanks
João Silva
Portugal

 

[Jean-Yves]

Hello!

I wish to buy my first oscilloscope (for hobbyist). I have search some
information in the Internet, but I still have some doubts:

-I live away of the large towns and I have to buy it from an internet store,
from inside the European Union (to avoid import taxes). I have this one in
mind:

From german store www.conrad.com, a VoltCraft 30 MHz oscilloscope 630

"Professional two-channel oscilloscope for service, laboratory, training and
DIY use. Outstanding in its class due to its reliability, technical
equipment and price. Clear, conveniently laid out operating elements. Even
the smallest signals can easily be read off on the 8 x 10 cm rectangular
screen. The max. vertical deflection of 1mV/cm means that even small signals
can be measured. The highly sensitive alternating triggering guarantees a
static screen image for both channels, even at different frequencies. The
TV-V and TV-H operating modes allow triggering of video signals. The XY mode
is useful for the 4 quadrant characteristic curve. A 50 W output (channel I)
is available for the connection of frequency meters."

- 30Mhz are ok for a hobbyist?

-Does the scope include any probes or I have to buy it apart. Cheap chinese
probes from Ebay are ok?

-Any additional avise?

Thanks
João Silva
Portugal

as a hobbyst, you will certainly do microcontrollers
and so have to examin slowly variing signals
so you need a digital scope very soon
with this analog scope you can do audio projects
but quite not microcontrollers projects
it's better to buy a mixed analog and digital scope
prices start around 1000 euros
look for hameg combiscopes they start at 50MHz
very nice for a wide variety of projects

you can also look at ebay for a used tektronix scope
also mixed analog and digital (models 2230 2232 2430 2432 2440)
you can get one for the price of the new voltcraft and they are faaaar
better...

I bought 4 tek probes (new ones) on ebay for some $ here :
http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380010486390&ih=025&cat
egory=25415&ssPageName=STOREROMOBOX:NEWLIST#LIST
very nice and there are no duties for a small amount of money like this.

 

[Rich Webb]

Hello!

I wish to buy my first oscilloscope (for hobbyist). I have search some
information in the Internet, but I still have some doubts:

-I live away of the large towns and I have to buy it from an internet store,
from inside the European Union (to avoid import taxes). I have this one in
mind:

From german store www.conrad.com, a VoltCraft 30 MHz oscilloscope 630

"Professional two-channel oscilloscope for service, laboratory, training and
DIY use. Outstanding in its class due to its reliability, technical
equipment and price. Clear, conveniently laid out operating elements. Even
the smallest signals can easily be read off on the 8 x 10 cm rectangular
screen. The max. vertical deflection of 1mV/cm means that even small signals
can be measured. The highly sensitive alternating triggering guarantees a
static screen image for both channels, even at different frequencies. The
TV-V and TV-H operating modes allow triggering of video signals. The XY mode
is useful for the 4 quadrant characteristic curve. A 50 W output (channel I)
is available for the connection of frequency meters."

- 30Mhz are ok for a hobbyist?

It depends on the hobby but it should be fine for working with many
analog circuits, especially those you're likely to run into as you are
learning electronics. This looks like a re-badged GW Instek scope; if
so, there are more specs at
<http://www.tradeport.on.ca/instek_gos-630fc_30mhz_analog_oscilloscope.php>
except that it doesn't seem to have the extra LCD readout. The LCD
isn't all that much more useful (shows the volts and time per division
plus a frequency counter) that you couldn't do okay without it.

-Does the scope include any probes or I have to buy it apart. Cheap chinese
probes from Ebay are ok?

I'd expect that a new scope would include probes and would be
suspicious of the vendor if they were not included. If you do get
replacement probes, you'll want to get 1x/10x switchable, with
adequate bandwidth (i.e., 30 MHz or wider).

 

[Joerg]

The best advise I can give is to go with a Tektronix 7603
Oscilloscope. You can find a large assortment of Plug-Ins
that will give you great flexibility.
And, being made up of discrete components it is easily
repaired should it fail. But, Tektronix scopes are built not
to fail.

Regards, Dick, W1KSZ

Yep, and there are lots more in the 7000 series. For example, I am using
a 7704A. Joao: That's basically an empty mainframe with display and all.
A 2ch analog input module and a time-base module is usually included and
for (slow) digital stuff the 7D20 module is useful and cheap. But this
stuff is large, heavy and the only way to document measurements is to
snap a CRT screen picture with a digital camera.

Farnell over in Europe has digital scopes and I bought an Instek from
there. But if you are a beginner I suggest to get an analog scope first,
or at least one that can switch to true analog mode such as the Hameg
CombiScopes that Jean-Yves suggested. Hamegs are very sturdy, my old
Hameg from 35 years ago still works. With digital scopes you can usually
transfer images over to a PC. That can become very practical if you get
stuck and want to show a strange spike or something like that to
newsgroup folks, to see if anyone knows what could cause it.

 

[David L. Jones]

Hello!

I wish to buy my first oscilloscope (for hobbyist). I have search some
information in the Internet, but I still have some doubts:

-I live away of the large towns and I have to buy it from an internet store,
from inside the European Union (to avoid import taxes). I have this one in
mind:

From german storewww.conrad.com, a VoltCraft 30 MHz oscilloscope 630

"Professional two-channel oscilloscope for service, laboratory, training and
DIY use. Outstanding in its class due to its reliability, technical
equipment and price. Clear, conveniently laid out operating elements. Even
the smallest signals can easily be read off on the 8 x 10 cm rectangular
screen. The max. vertical deflection of 1mV/cm means that even small signals
can be measured. The highly sensitive alternating triggering guarantees a
static screen image for both channels, even at different frequencies. The
TV-V and TV-H operating modes allow triggering of video signals. The XY mode
is useful for the 4 quadrant characteristic curve. A 50 W output (channel I)
is available for the connection of frequency meters."

- 30Mhz are ok for a hobbyist?

Yes, that will be perfectly adequate for a hobbyist.

-Does the scope include any probes or I have to buy it apart. Cheap chinese
probes from Ebay are ok?

It should include probes, if not then I would get them to include them
at no charge. otherwise take your money elsewhere.

-Any additional avise?

Buying a brand new 20-30MHz analog scope is generally not the best
value for money these days, but it's a safe way to do it.
Much better value can be had with a 2nd hand or reconditioned unit.
But if you go this route ensure you get one that is fully tested and
guaranteed working.
Do some more shopping around, EUR$319 sounds a bit pricey. Even in
Australia (which is generally more expensive than the rest of the
world for this stuff) you can buy a brand new dual trace 20MHz scope
for a fair bit less than that.
You'll get a larger range if you look for 20MHz units. 20MHz is good
enough for hobbyist use too.

Dave.

 

[Joerg]

Hello!

I wish to buy my first oscilloscope (for hobbyist). I have search some
information in the Internet, but I still have some doubts:

-I live away of the large towns and I have to buy it from an internet store,
from inside the European Union (to avoid import taxes). I have this one in
mind:

From german store www.conrad.com, a VoltCraft 30 MHz oscilloscope 630

"Professional two-channel oscilloscope for service, laboratory, training and
DIY use. Outstanding in its class due to its reliability, technical
equipment and price. Clear, conveniently laid out operating elements. Even
the smallest signals can easily be read off on the 8 x 10 cm rectangular
screen. The max. vertical deflection of 1mV/cm means that even small signals
can be measured. The highly sensitive alternating triggering guarantees a
static screen image for both channels, even at different frequencies. The
TV-V and TV-H operating modes allow triggering of video signals. The XY mode
is useful for the 4 quadrant characteristic curve. A 50 W output (channel I)
is available for the connection of frequency meters."

- 30Mhz are ok for a hobbyist?

-Does the scope include any probes or I have to buy it apart. Cheap chinese
probes from Ebay are ok?

-Any additional avise?

Thanks
João Silva
Portugal

Check this out:
http://pt.farnell.com/4283946/test-equipment/product.us0?sku=GW-INSTEK-GOS-620-TENMA

They have only one left, looks like it'll be discontinued. But at 200
Euros you almost can't go wrong if a simple low bandwidth analog scope
is enough. Ships from the UK and says "Código classificação fiscal:
90302010", not sure if there are still import tariffs within the EU.

 

[Michael Kamper]

Hallo Joerg,

Check this out:
http://pt.farnell.com/4283946/test-equipment/product.us0?sku=GW-INSTEK-GOS-620-TENMA

They have only one left, looks like it'll be discontinued. But at 200
Euros

Here in Germany it shows 292 Euro. Is there a discount for the USA? ;-)
For that money you can get a used scope with 3 times more bandwidth and
lot's of fancy trigger options.

Regards
Michael

 

[Joerg]

Hallo Joerg,


Here in Germany it shows 292 Euro. Is there a discount for the USA? ;-)
For that money you can get a used scope with 3 times more bandwidth and
lot's of fancy trigger options.

Well, yeah, but Farnell-Portugal had it on clearance for 200 Euros, not
sure if it's still there. Used you can always get a better deal, I
bought some stuff at liquidations and such. But not everyone is
comfortable doing that because you basically buy "as is".

 

[silva]

Here in Germany it shows 292 Euro. Is there a discount for the USA? ;-)
For that money you can get a used scope with 3 times more bandwidth and
lot's of fancy trigger options.

The price at the bottom of the page is the price for an "alternative
product"

 

[Joerg]

The price at the bottom of the page is the price for an "alternative
product"

Yes, the GOS-620 price would be to the right of the last scope on this page:
http://pt.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=4364+500005+1002079

Euro 200,60. I am quite happy with Instek, got their flagship scope
GDS-2204. The knobs and buttons somehow feel more robust than on similar
Tektronix scopes and so far the performance is great. But this is a fast
digital scope, very different ballgame. I don't know their analog scopes.

 

[Michael Kamper]

Hallo silva,

The price at the bottom of the page is the price for an "alternative
product"

Thanks! I was just looking for Euro signs ;-)

Regards
Michael

 

[silva]

Check this out:

http://pt.farnell.com/4283946/test-equipment/product.us0?sku=GW-INSTEK-GOS-620-TENMA

They have only one left, looks like it'll be discontinued. But at 200
Euros you almost can't go wrong if a simple low bandwidth analog scope is
enough. Ships from the UK and says "Código classificação fiscal:
90302010", not sure if there are still import tariffs within the EU.

I've noted just now: the price is exclusive of VAT :-( Them, to Portugal is
200+21% of VAT, thats's aprox. 242 EUR.

 

[Joerg]

I've noted just now: the price is exclusive of VAT :-( Them, to Portugal is
200+21% of VAT, thats's aprox. 242 EUR.

That's a high VAT you guys have to pay. I just tried and it said:

Subtotal: 200,60 €
Portes: A confirmar
IVA: 0,00 €
Total: 200,60 €

Didn't go any further because I don't want to buy it. Probably they
calculate VAT after entering the address. I thought they had to show the
prices including VAT, at least that used to be the law when I lived in
Germany.

Anyhow, I don't know if you can buy a new scope for less than that
anywhere. Another option might be to ask at the local ham radio club or
look in the "For Sale" section of their newspaper.

 

[David L. Jones]

That's a high VAT you guys have to pay. I just tried and it said:

Subtotal: 200,60 EURO
Portes: A confirmar
IVA: 0,00 EURO
Total: 200,60 EURO

Didn't go any further because I don't want to buy it. Probably they
calculate VAT after entering the address. I thought they had to show the
prices including VAT, at least that used to be the law when I lived in
Germany.

Anyhow, I don't know if you can buy a new scope for less than that
anywhere.

Looks like you can:
http://www.komerci.de/shop/product_info.php?language=en&products_id=301
First hit on Froogle.de

Dave.

 

[Joerg]

Looks like you can:
http://www.komerci.de/shop/product_info.php?language=en&products_id=301
First hit on Froogle.de

Wow, indeed, says it even includes tax. I've never heard of the brand
Sako though.

 

[David L. Jones]

Wow, indeed, says it even includes tax. I've never heard of the brand
Sako though.

Me neither. I guess you just take your chances with all these no-
namers.

Dave.

 

[Jean-Yves]

Me neither. I guess you just take your chances with all these no-
namers.

Dave.

I just think you'd better buy a known brand used scope for that price...
just my opinion...

 

[David L. Jones]

I just think you'd better buy a known brand used scope for that price...
just my opinion...

For more experienced users, definitely, but for a beginner it's not an
easy decision.
A new scope will be 100% guaranteed working and in spec, and has a
year or more warranty on it if something goes wrong.
Second hand scopes on the other hand are a lucky-dip, you just don't
really know what you are going to get. A "Tested and working" Ebay
unit isn't always as claimed. You can get ones that have been
professionally tested and calibrated, but they cost a lot more.

Dave.

 

[Joerg]

For more experienced users, definitely, but for a beginner it's not an
easy decision.
A new scope will be 100% guaranteed working and in spec, and has a
year or more warranty on it if something goes wrong.
Second hand scopes on the other hand are a lucky-dip, you just don't
really know what you are going to get. A "Tested and working" Ebay
unit isn't always as claimed. You can get ones that have been
professionally tested and calibrated, but they cost a lot more.

Then there are places for used stuff where they give you a little more
security with used stuff. Such as Singer oder Flugversand Buescher in
Germany. Of course, there you also pay more.

 

[Peter273]

Personally, I'd go for a Rigol, to be more specific a Rigol DS1042CD or a
DS1062CD
http://www.rigolna.com

They are in fact rebranded to be "agilent", I believe they are the agilent
6000 series without the price tag and more standard options

cheerz