99$ scope

[Andy Le Blanc]

I was looking up scopes thinking of the tools
that would need for a series of beginners
circuits and found this.

www.adafruit.com

Vert cute.

[xtian]

That is very cool. Here's the direct link: https://www.adafruit.com/product/468

[didit]

I've a DSO Quad, bought 5 years ago. Only occasional uses for it. Found it quite useful when I did. Mid '90s Hitachi now just collects dust.

Best .. Ian

[romberg]

It is kinda cool. If it was only used for low voltage (battery powered) circuits it would be fine. However this is a guitar amp forum.

The device says right in the manual 100V DC max. And it has no earth ground. So, it is a differential scope. The common probe is implied to be connected to the metal case of the unit. So, one would need to be very very careful about what parts of a tube amp circuit this was hooked up to. Personally I would not be comfortable with those "probes" around the kinds of voltages inside a guitar amp.

There are some very affordable scopes around now days. For a beginner I think I would steer them towards something like a Rigol 1052E (which gets good reviews). The difference in price is not all that much in the grand scheme of things and the extra money buys you a scope more suitable for voltages in a guitar amp.

Mike

[didit]

10x probe & no issues poking 'round in 500-600V circuits. Try it .. you might like it.

[Andy Le Blanc]

Wouldn't be using it on hi volts... To observe ac signal.
A blocking cap can be used to view ac ripple on a dc supply.
About the same as using a software scope on a computer.
I got lucky and inherited a Tektronix 2232 after cooking a B&C
on hi V thinking it was within its ratings... I proceed with better
Forethought now.

Its an affordable price point for beginner.