Looking to pick up an oscilloscope, opinions wanted...

Hi there all! I've been looking at possibly purchasing a reasonably priced but feature sufficient oscilloscope lately and wanted to know what the tech gurus out there recommend. Also, I'm quite confused about the MHz rating on the multitude of makes and models out there. Basically, what's gonna be the major difference between a 10MHz model and say a 100MHz model.

I'm really just looking to diagnose problems with logic chips etc on your typical, every day Coin-Op PCB. Hrmm, that may be kinda broad I guess, lets just say MVS hardware to cater to the middle ground

Would it be wise to get a multi channel model or would a single channel unit be fine for most trouble shooting?

Any suggestions and clarification would be great…

Cheers!!

A basic 10 Meg single channel scope would do for most applications. Similar to this DSE model, it seems reasonably priced.



http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4483dd1c05fd52122741c0a87f9c06ec/Product/View/Q1803

Sure the 20 Meg dual channel would give you flexability, but at $400 from DSE (weactually resell that model, they are not bad), maybe a bit pricy for a hobby scope. Im using a Leader 40 Meg scope, but hardly ever need to crank it up to the higher frequency range (mostly used for audio visual sevicing) If you wanted to check say that a 20 Meg xtal oscillator was running, the 10 Meg scope would indicate that, you would not be able to look at each cycle (they would apear too close together) but it would confirm that the wave form was present.

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Thanks loads for that Toddy!! You really do seem to be a real deal bottomless well of knowledge on this sorta thing

Oh one thing, Do you think it would be worth getting one of these hotted up Probes?

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4483dd1c05fd52122741c0a87f9c06ec/Product/View/Q1247

I'm thinking of grabbing one of the little 10MHz single channel scopes, would the nicer probe be of any benefit on this unit?

Thanks again mate!

The probe that comes with the scope looks fine, I wouldnt bother.

Shop around for a used scope & see what you can find...

In Dallas we have shops that sell used gear and we also have the First Saturday computer/electronics flea market. I picked up a Gould 100MHz Dual-Trace Digital Storage oscilloscope (with plotter!) for $100.

With most current games operating with clocks in excess of 10MHz, I'd recommed you get a higher speed scope if you can. Check with some of your local amateur radio operators as they will know where you can find good deals on test equipment.

RJ

Scopes are not cheap and unless you do ALOT of repairs that require the use of one you will never make use of such a huge investment. But like everyone keep saying go second hand single channel.

I hope you will never need the use of a spectrum analyzer because the price tag on that will give you a heart attack

channelmaniac said:

Shop around for a used scope & see what you can find...

I picked up a Gould 100MHz Dual-Trace Digital Storage oscilloscope (with plotter!) for $100.

RJ

Click to expand...

Wow, what a steal

channelmaniac said:

Shop around for a used scope & see what you can find...

In Dallas we have shops that sell used gear and we also have the First Saturday computer/electronics flea market. I picked up a Gould 100MHz Dual-Trace Digital Storage oscilloscope (with plotter!) for $100.

With most current games operating with clocks in excess of 10MHz, I'd recommed you get a higher speed scope if you can. Check with some of your local amateur radio operators as they will know where you can find good deals on test equipment.

RJ

Click to expand...

Hrmm...lots ta think about there. I'll chew and digest those juice tid bits over the next few days before making the plunge me thinks.

Would be nice to pick up a used higher spec unit at a good price. I'll keep my feelers out for one.

Thanks again fellas!!