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Handheld Scope Oscilloscope Recommendations

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Wild_Bill

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Jul 9, 2008, 9:01:22 AM7/9/08
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Hi, I've been looking at some new low-cost handheld scopes, but would like
to know of some models (under $1000US) that various users would recommend
for various reasons, not just low cost.

I'm in the US, and I don't need a rugged model for everyday service/repair
shop-type use. I already have bench-type scopes, but I'd like to have one
that I can use at my desk for quick checks in small, and generally
low-voltage devices.

I'd like to find one that is portable, battery operated, and one that every
feature isn't microprocessor controlled (ones with real switches and fewer
menus).

I'm familiar with the concept of "you only get what you pay for", and I may
need to buy more than one to eventually attain the one that is most suitable
to me.

Cheers,
WB
.........
metalworking projects
www.kwagmire.com/metal_proj.html

John Hudak

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Jul 9, 2008, 5:01:28 PM7/9/08
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Well, you don't say anything about the number of channels you want or
the frequency range...and....


"I'd like to find one that is portable, battery operated, and one that
> every feature isn't microprocessor controlled (ones with real switches
> and fewer menus)."

This pretty much limits what you can get....why do you think the scopes
are small, light weight, and high functionality?

I have used both the Fluke scopemeters (models from 1998-2002) and
Tektronix TDS 1000/2000. The Teks have a few more knobs than the
scopemeters. The thing I liked about the tek's was in triggering the
trace. It felt easier and much like using benchtop scopes. It took me
a while to get used to the Fluke scopemeter triggering, but once I
learned how to get better stability in triggering using a different
approach, I am fine using them. I personally own a Fluke scopemeter
190B and am quite happy with it. I suggest you look around for a good
used one for more bang to your buck.
If you really don't want a micro in your scope, Sony/Tektronix used to
make a 10 and 20 MhZ battery model that was pretty basic, but thats
about 15 yrs ago. I think you can get a battery pack for a 465B.....j/k
Good luck
John

Allodoxaphobia

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Jul 9, 2008, 5:22:45 PM7/9/08
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On Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:01:28 -0400, John Hudak wrote:
> Wild_Bill wrote:
>> Hi, I've been looking at some new low-cost handheld scopes, but would
>> like to know of some models (under $1000US) that various users would
>> recommend for various reasons, not just low cost.
>>
>> I'm in the US, and I don't need a rugged model for everyday
>> service/repair shop-type use. I already have bench-type scopes, but I'd
>> like to have one that I can use at my desk for quick checks in small,
>> and generally low-voltage devices.
>>
>> I'd like to find one that is portable, battery operated, and one that
>> every feature isn't microprocessor controlled (ones with real switches
>> and fewer menus).
>>
>> I'm familiar with the concept of "you only get what you pay for", and I
>> may need to buy more than one to eventually attain the one that is most
>> suitable to me.
>
> Well, you don't say anything about the number of channels you want or
> the frequency range...and....

Yup. With the specs provided by the OP, this pretty well fits the
bill:
http://www.twenga.co.uk/offer/0208558557.html

Charles

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Jul 9, 2008, 7:32:34 PM7/9/08
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> Yup. With the specs provided by the OP, this pretty well fits the
> bill:

A kit of parts?


Wild_Bill

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Jul 10, 2008, 2:06:42 PM7/10/08
to
Hi John, I appreciate you taking the time to reply.. your response is
precisely the sort of info I was seeking, actual experience with specific
brands/models.

I've looked at numerous big name-brand used models on eBay, and I may end up
getting a Fluke or Tek if I have some confidence in the seller that the unit
is in good working condition.
It seems to me that buying one without a full compliment of accessories
could be a bad idea.

A friend has a Tek 200 series miniscope, and while they're really cute, the
display is really small, and I assume many/most of those would require
repairs (many of them being over 20 years old).

Cheers,
WB
.........
metalworking projects
www.kwagmire.com/metal_proj.html


"John Hudak" <jhu...@sei.cmu.edu> wrote in message
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