Buy Oscilloscope | Tips for PWM Signals up to 20kHz

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an oscilloscope suitable for observing PWM signals with frequencies up to 20 kHz. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding different types of oscilloscopes, including analog and digital models, and offer advice on where to find them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on parameters to consider when purchasing an oscilloscope for PWM signals up to 20 kHz.
  • Another participant suggests looking for older, inexpensive analog oscilloscopes at surplus stores, questioning the necessity of a digital scope.
  • A participant shares their positive experience purchasing an old HP oscilloscope from eBay, highlighting the quality of HP's products in the past.
  • Discussion includes personal anecdotes about the participants' backgrounds in electronics and their preferences for analog scopes over digital ones, particularly for general use.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of frequency response in choosing an oscilloscope and expresses satisfaction with their Tek 465 model.
  • Another participant mentions the longevity of older models due to their discrete components, suggesting they can be passed down through generations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying preferences for analog versus digital oscilloscopes, with some advocating for analog models while others do not dismiss the value of digital scopes. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best type of oscilloscope to purchase.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and historical context regarding the development of oscilloscopes, which may influence their preferences and recommendations. There is no resolution on the best choice of oscilloscope based on the specific needs outlined.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in purchasing an oscilloscope for electronics work, particularly those focused on PWM signal analysis, as well as those seeking advice on vintage equipment.

hisham.i
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I want to buy an oscilloscope, but i don't have enough information on what parameters i have to look for in order to buy good one that will be fine for my work.

I want to be able to see pwm signals with frequency up to 10 or 20khz.

I see one in this link:
http://www.rigolna.com/products/digital-oscilloscopes/ds1000e/ds1052e/
 
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Go to surplus store. There are a lot of good old scope very very cheap. Depend on what do you use it for, do you need digital scope? I think you can get a really good analog scope dirt cheap.
 
yungman said:
Go to surplus store. There are a lot of good old scope very very cheap. Depend on what do you use it for, do you need digital scope? I think you can get a really good analog scope dirt cheap.

Ebay is where i got my old H-P180.

In late sixties HP was trying to compete with Tektronix and made some excellent scopes.

Any HAM Radio fest would be a good place too. Hams are friendly and will give advice.

old jim
 
jim hardy said:
Ebay is where i got my old H-P180.

In late sixties HP was trying to compete with Tektronix and made some excellent scopes.

Any HAM Radio fest would be a good place too. Hams are friendly and will give advice.

old jim

Hi Jim,

I think me and you are two old timers here! Sounds like you've been in EE field for a long time like me. From your post, you are like me that don't like simulation unless have to. I believe you get a lot more insight not using simulation. I never find an instance other than in RF I need to use simulation. My original major was Chemistry and I don't have a day in school in analog electronics in my life. Electronics is just my passion. I started out modifying guitar amplifiers in the 70s and got so deep into it that I quit music and went full bore into EE. I gain knowledge by switching to totally different jobs and study along the way. Actually I really did not start serious studying until 10 years ago. I realize my passion is still electronics after all these year working and designing.

In the pass 10 years, I concentrate on RF, tx lines, distribute element circuits. I stop working 6 years ago and I really button down, starting with Calculus II all the way to PDE. Study EM and now antenna. I am making up loss time in my old age. I still average two to three hours a day 6 days a week in studying. Last two or three days, I've been lazy, rather talk here than study!

Back to scope, I see nothing wrong with getting an analog scope. I care about the frequency response more than anything else...of cause I am very cheap also! I only have a Tek 465 100MHz scope. THat's plenty for me to monkey on some guitar amplifiers now a days. Anything more, I might as well go back to work.
 
I prefer analog scope for everything except event capture.
I was able to find manuals for the old HP, and it's all discrete components so i should be able to pass it along to my grandchildren.

TEK 465 is a fine scope was our workhorse in 70's, sure wish i had one!

""Last two or three days, I've been lazy, rather talk here than study!""

That's part of what us old timers do -
if you haven't already done so, watch movie "Secondhand Lions". (It's in $5 pile at Walmart.) Robert Duval and Michael Caine play two delightful characters looking for meaning in old age.

old jim
 

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