Does it matter where oscilloscope probes are made?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the quality and reliability of oscilloscope probes, particularly those available for purchase online, and whether the country of manufacture influences their performance. Participants explore the implications of sourcing probes from China and share experiences regarding probe quality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the quality of oscilloscope probes made in China, questioning if the country of manufacture is indicative of performance.
  • Others argue that the quality cannot solely be determined by the manufacturing location and suggest evaluating probes based on user reviews and experiences.
  • One participant mentions that their test equipment from China has worked well, indicating that performance may not be tied to the country of origin.
  • There is a suggestion that higher quality probes may be found from reputable brands like Tektronix, which typically come at a higher price point.
  • Participants discuss methods to assess probe quality, such as testing with a square wave signal and evaluating the build quality through hands-on experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the country of manufacture affects probe quality. Multiple viewpoints exist regarding the evaluation of probe performance and reliability.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific criteria for measuring "good quality" and the dependence on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence rather than standardized testing or reviews.

recliningpanda
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I'm looking at purchasing some oscilloscope probes off amazon but it says that they're made in China. I know that all our electronics are from there, but it does it matter with probes? Are they all from there mostly?

Anyone know where I can get good quality probes from? Or should the ones off amazon suffice?

The probes in question are https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RIYKPQ/?tag=pfamazon01-20.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
It does matter but I don't think you can tell anything from the country of manufacture.
How would you measure "good quality"?
 
Well based on a number of reviews and what people's experiences have been with it, whether it fulfills its features and expected operation.

Does anyone know if all oscilloscope probes are from China? Otherwise I'd expect them to be expensive if from a Western country.
 
They'll be fine, were was your oscilloscope made? All of my test gear is Chinese and it all works perfectly,but beware the Chinglish manuals! lol..:-p
 
I'd say they'll probably be fine.

If you want the best go to Tektronix and be prepared to pay.

I buy good quality industrial parts here, and they carry o'scope probes.
http://www.digikey.com/scripts/dkse...wproducts=0&ptm=0&fid=0&quantity=0&PV183=4478

I bought some very inexpensive probes here and was pleasantly surprised:
http://www.mpja.com/Oscilloscopes-Probes/products/502/

i can't tell you a thing about the Amazon probes - try to find who made them and check mfr's site.
Here's Digikeys' supplier: http://testproductsintl.com/
and his 'scope probe page: http://testproductsintl.com/products/oscilloscopeProbes/TAW%20Differential%20Probes.pdf

Enjoy your research !
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Simon Bridge said:
It does matter but I don't think you can tell anything from the country of manufacture.
How would you measure "good quality"?

A good way is to look at a square wave calibrating waveform (from the scope, possibly). And it's fairly easy to judge build quality by hooking it on an appropriate pin and see how reliably it stays on. But you have to have it in your hand to judge; they all come 'highly recommended', according to the ads!
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
5K
Replies
12
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 118 ·
4
Replies
118
Views
11K