looking for a Oscilloscope

[Grogan]

I am good at the work I do. I have mastered it damm good. Was thinking of getting an Oscilloscope to measure modulation and watch and learn about audio. I may never have the Time or Ambition to become a teck but I am interested in Basic electronics and monitoring the out-Put of my Radio. Was looking at new and old and I see that I can Buy a good rated scope new for 300 to 400 range also see some used but they are a crap shoot for me because I couldn't tell you If it works or doesn't..looking at for exaple Amazon product ASIN B001VKCJ0M any suguestions on new for a great price.

 

[sp5it]

Best bang for a buck is DS1054Z and modification

 

[LeapFrog]

I am good at the work I do. I have mastered it damm good. Was thinking of getting an Oscilloscope to measure modulation and watch and learn about audio. I may never have the Time or Ambition to become a teck but I am interested in Basic electronics and monitoring the out-Put of my Radio. Was looking at new and old and I see that I can Buy a good rated scope new for 300 to 400 range also see some used but they are a crap shoot for me because I couldn't tell you If it works or doesn't..looking at for exaple Amazon product ASIN B001VKCJ0M any suguestions on new for a great price.

Digital or Analog?
I've been told the older analog 'scopes are best for viewing modulation.
I can't complain with my old Tektronix ($100 eBay special) after changing a burnt capacitor + resistor it runs like a top (I wouldn't dare try this type of repair on an SMD 'scope, yet)!

I see you would like a recommendation for a new 'scope; IMHO sp5it recommended a very nice unit!

Best Regards
-LeapFrog

 

[Grogan]

Best bang for a buck is DS1054Z and modification

Very nice looking at the mods now and WoW thanks.

 

[Grogan]

At this time If I buy used I would have to pay if it needed repairs. But If something was available Iocal I may look.

 

[Sonar]

Digital or Analog?
I've been told the older analog 'scopes are best for viewing modulation.
I can't complain with my old Tektronix ($100 eBay special) after changing a burnt capacitor + resistor it runs like a top (I wouldn't dare try this type of repair on an SMD 'scope, yet)!

I see you would like a recommendation for a new 'scope; IMHO sp5it recommended a very nice unit!

Best Regards
-LeapFrog

Out of couriosity. Would the scope you've mentioned and use, be the type that is used by stations setup with an mmm or similar? You know the EQ, studio mic etc etc. I was wondering what type of scope these guys use. Thanks 73

 

[543_Dallas]

If you're only interested in measuring AM modulation look into an REA modulation monitor.

http://www.radioassociates.com/

 

[LeapFrog]

Out of couriosity. Would the scope you've mentioned and use, be the type that is used by stations setup with an mmm or similar? You know the EQ, studio mic etc etc. I was wondering what type of scope these guys use. Thanks 73

Sure, many many people use the older analog scopes for station monitors (and repairs), as far as MMM's setup IDK, look at this clip and see what you think, his scope looks newer; maybe it has a "digital back-end and analog front end" the sample "looks analog" to me but I'm not an expert. Tektronix 454, 465, 475, 2213, 2245, 2236, and many more; some even had options for built-in volt/ohm meters and freq. counters, afaik.

I think the sample looks much better and well defined on an old school CRT 'scope.
.

Here is a digital 'scope.

At this time If I buy used I would have to pay if it needed repairs. But If something was available Iocal I may look.

Yes Indeed, they are very useful for repairs also.

73

 

[ExitThirteen]

I have ran both a digital and analog 'scopes and I much prefer the analog ones over the digital ones. Much like analog VS. digital multimeters, the analog units are more dynamic and show changes in a more "fluid" manner than digital units. If you're wanting to use a 'scope for modulation monitoring and adjustments, go analog. Go for a Tektronix 465 if you're looking for a specific model, you won't be disappointed.


~Cheers~

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

An older model analog 'scope is a good asset to have. I have a Tektronix 465 100MHz scope and a more recently acquired Tektronix TDS360 200MHz digital storage scope. I haven't fully checked the TDS360 out yet but so far it appears to be fine. It has the ability to store a waveform on a floppy diskette. LOL I have yet to completely figure that part out yet but haven't really tried it yet either. I have the full service and user manuals for it but just haven't had the time or inclination to go further yet. I also have a couple other lower bandwidth scopes, a 20MHz one I use for an 80m station monitor and another 50 MHz model of some Japanese manufacturer of which I forget the name of.

 

[Sonar]

If you're only interested in measuring AM modulation look into an REA modulation monitor.

http://www.radioassociates.com/

I have seen many YouTube clips of the REA and I agree with your suggestions. For AM modulation it's an easy and excellent tool but I don't own a computer and have a chance to swap my ft 950 for an almost brand new Stryker 955 with the Asymod "HiFi" board installed. It's set upfor AM as well as HiFi SSB. It was purchased from Asymod set with a 11/2 Watts dead key carrier. He's offering me the rig and an AB KWL 200 watt amp for my 950. I've had the 950 for about 7 months now and haven't used it. I don't have a ticket and thought the Asymod Stryker is something I'd ike to try. The price I paid for the 950 was and is well worth the swap. I just didn't want to make the swap until I understood what the cost of the other items I'd need to run this Asymod Stryker. I found out from my research that my Palomar 300a will work fine on AM and SSB with the Asymod Stryker. There's an interface of some type that's needed to connect the o-scope to the Stryker. I'll check out the prices on that shortly. I delved into the mid fi thing with poor results but it left me with an sm 58 and beringer. Both of which can be used with the Stryker. If I could purchase the proper o-scope for under $200 I think I'm going to do the trade. I need to know what type of scope is needed. Any suggestions on type and model number? I'll be looking on eBay when I Know exactly what I need and the one I should be looking for. Thanks. 73

 

[543_Dallas]

I have seen many YouTube clips of the REA and I agree with your suggestions. For AM modulation it's an easy and excellent tool but I don't own a computer and have a chance to swap my ft 950 for an almost brand new Stryker 955 with the Asymod "HiFi" board installed. It's set upfor AM as well as HiFi SSB. It was purchased from Asymod set with a 11/2 Watts dead key carrier. He's offering me the rig and an AB KWL 200 watt amp for my 950. I've had the 950 for about 7 months now and haven't used it. I don't have a ticket and thought the Asymod Stryker is something I'd ike to try. The price I paid for the 950 was and is well worth the swap. I just didn't want to make the swap until I understood what the cost of the other items I'd need to run this Asymod Stryker. I found out from my research that my Palomar 300a will work fine on AM and SSB with the Asymod Stryker. There's an interface of some type that's needed to connect the o-scope to the Stryker. I'll check out the prices on that shortly. I delved into the mid fi thing with poor results but it left me with an sm 58 and beringer. Both of which can be used with the Stryker. If I could purchase the proper o-scope for under $200 I think I'm going to do the trade. I need to know what type of scope is needed. Any suggestions on type and model number? I'll be looking on eBay when I Know exactly what I need and the one I should be looking for. Thanks. 73

My scope is a JDR instruments model 3500. I paid less than $50 for it and it works. Anything 100 mhz would be nice to have but for measuring modulation on the CB 20 to 30 mhz is fine. Something cheap and functional is all you need.

The pickup can be made out of a small project box. It only takes a few wraps like this for low power. Some guys wrap wire around the outside of the coax but this is a better way.



Here is the one I installed in my final amplifier. Just a bnc connector and a piece of blue wire around the output.

I agree with exit13. Analog over digital. Maybe the more expensive modern scopes are better but for our use an old analog unit is the way to go. The 300a should be fine. The 955 is a high power radio but the idea with the asymod board is to give everything plenty of headroom. Don't be afraid to turn the power down. Quality vs quantity.

 

[LeapFrog]

My scope is a JDR instruments model 3500. I paid less than $50 for it and it works. Anything 100 mhz would be nice to have but for measuring modulation on the CB 20 to 30 mhz is fine. Something cheap and functional is all you need.

The pickup can be made out of a small project box...
Just a bnc connector and a piece of blue wire around the output...
I agree with exit13. Analog over digital. Maybe the more expensive modern scopes are better but for our use an old analog unit is the way to go... Don't be afraid to turn the power down. Quality vs quantity.

543 I agree with you on everything you said 100%, minus the bold part; I would recommend a 50 MHz minimum bandwidth scope for sampling a 27 MHz signal (based on what I've read and seen on the net).
I never tried with a scope less than 75 MHz so I can't say from experience what would happen but I vaguely remember something about a sample rate (I forget exactly what) being said on a "Ham Nation" episode.

The closer you get to the frequency limits/bandwidth of the device your sample will not be as accurate, if I remembered what they were talking about. Apparently not lol, because my memory is shot.

 

[543_Dallas]

543 I agree with you on everything you said 100%, minus the bold part; I would recommend a 50 MHz minimum bandwidth scope for sampling a 27 MHz signal (based on what I've read and seen on the net). I never tried with a scope less than 75 MHz so I can't say from experience what would happen but I vaguely remember something about a sample rate (I forget exactly what) being said on a "Ham Nation" episode.

Lots of experts on the internet.

 

[LeapFrog]

Lots of experts on the internet.

Lol right on, and obviously I am no expert!
Just trying to be helpful here, and in case i'm flat out wrong, having a little extra headroom for if he decides that he wants to sample a VHF signal in the future, well that would be a plus also.

Grogan,
I'd say grab a 60 MHz (or up) 'scope for your initial purchase, something solid-state; ideally the higher bandwidth you can afford at the time, the better off you'd be down the road!
At the end of the day, if it works and suits your needs, that's all that counts.

Best Regards
-LeapFrog