Hey all,
I have an old B&K Precision 20 MHz dual-trace analog scope that works fine for what it does but I've been thinking of getting a newer digital model to make enhanced measurements and take some of the guesswork out of the waveforms I'm measuring.
In tweaking/troubleshooting tube amps, would you suggest to just stick with the old analog B&K or if you would prefer to use a digital scope, what brands might you suggest? I've seen some on Amazon in the $300 range that seem legit and would probably work for lil ol' me but I'd be happy to hear anyone's thoughts about some selections or features I should consider.
Thanks!
Oscilloscope Selections?
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
Siglent and Rigol are popular. I have the Siglent SDS1202X-E.
If your B&K Precision 20 MHz dual-trace analog scope is the most sophisticated scope you have ever used then you'll be in for quite a learning curve. But it's fun.
If your B&K Precision 20 MHz dual-trace analog scope is the most sophisticated scope you have ever used then you'll be in for quite a learning curve. But it's fun.
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
Ah, yeah... I just turned it on recently, the first time it's seen power in more years than I care to count. Seen some videos on some of the newer stuff and I did feel a little drool come out of my mouth. I'm sure it's worth it, though!
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pompeiisneaks
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Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
Agreed with Sluckey. I too have a modern one, I got a rigol, I've also got siglent gear as well. both are well made for the price point.
~Phil
~Phil
tUber Nerd!
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
You can buy the Siglent SDS 1104X-E and hack it to 1204 specs in less than 15min. I got one of those and the signal generator module for Christmas from my wife. It's a nice benchtop replacement for my ancient and giant Tektronix
Sean Chaney
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pompeiisneaks
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Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
There's also a very easy hack for the rigol called riglol to get it up to top features.
~Phil
tUber Nerd!
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
How are you gents "hacking" these scopes? I understand they are more software driven now so I would presume that someone has exploited something to upgrade it?
Or would you have to kill me if you told me?
Still browsing the selections suggested, although the one Sluckey mentioned seems to fit the bill for myself.
Or would you have to kill me if you told me?
Still browsing the selections suggested, although the one Sluckey mentioned seems to fit the bill for myself.
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
This is the one I followed: https://www.makermatrix.com/blog/hackin ... illoscope/
Sean Chaney
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pompeiisneaks
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Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
Here's the rigol 'riglol'
http://gotroot.ca/rigol/riglol/
and yes it's a software thing. The hardware is identical from all their models in a specific range, and you can even pay to upgrade them officially if you want. I for one am not that rich and do it as a hobby, so I'm naughty... If I were running a business I'd 100% pay for the right licensing etc.
AS for the companies and using software, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to put the same hardware in all of them, and then software lock some features in 'lower' models that can be upgraded later. buying 10,000 component x is cheaper than guesstimating how many of model X Y and Z you'll sell and attempting to buy the different components for hardware tweaking per model number. The concept of 'jelly bean' components nowadays makes this even more cost effective for companies.
~Phil
http://gotroot.ca/rigol/riglol/
and yes it's a software thing. The hardware is identical from all their models in a specific range, and you can even pay to upgrade them officially if you want. I for one am not that rich and do it as a hobby, so I'm naughty... If I were running a business I'd 100% pay for the right licensing etc.
AS for the companies and using software, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to put the same hardware in all of them, and then software lock some features in 'lower' models that can be upgraded later. buying 10,000 component x is cheaper than guesstimating how many of model X Y and Z you'll sell and attempting to buy the different components for hardware tweaking per model number. The concept of 'jelly bean' components nowadays makes this even more cost effective for companies.
~Phil
tUber Nerd!
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
I have a Rigol DS2072A which is a 70mHz, 2-channel DSO with lots of features. I was able to download a firmware hack that even the developer warned could turn it into a brick when the hack was first released, but I took the chance. It wasn't successful at getting the top speed, if I recall, 300mHz, but it did bump it up to 200 or 225mHz. No other features were part of the hack, so the scope functions the same.
I think 70mHz is way more than needed for tube amp work, but it's nice to have for solid state work which I also do, and is useful for some aspects of troubleshooting tube circuits. One observation I can share is that it is often much easier to use one of my analog scopes because they redraw the screen quickly, have analog, panel-mount switches, buttons, etc., and don't require coursing through menus.
One unexpected downside of my DSO is the built in SMPS makes a huge amount of ultrasonic hash noise. So bad that our Jack Russell developed a terrible fear when I was using it for hours one day to repair an audio amp. She was hearing the ultrasound, and together with the menu button beeps, she now has permanent panic when she hears any equipment that beeps, even without the ultrasound. I discovered the noise by using one of my bat detectors and watching my dog's response as I moved her around the 'scope. So, back to my Tektronix these days!
I think 70mHz is way more than needed for tube amp work, but it's nice to have for solid state work which I also do, and is useful for some aspects of troubleshooting tube circuits. One observation I can share is that it is often much easier to use one of my analog scopes because they redraw the screen quickly, have analog, panel-mount switches, buttons, etc., and don't require coursing through menus.
One unexpected downside of my DSO is the built in SMPS makes a huge amount of ultrasonic hash noise. So bad that our Jack Russell developed a terrible fear when I was using it for hours one day to repair an audio amp. She was hearing the ultrasound, and together with the menu button beeps, she now has permanent panic when she hears any equipment that beeps, even without the ultrasound. I discovered the noise by using one of my bat detectors and watching my dog's response as I moved her around the 'scope. So, back to my Tektronix these days!
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
Holy moly, that is crazy!
I guess I need some education on newer scopes, but how is it generating that noise? Is yours a signal generator as well?
I guess I need some education on newer scopes, but how is it generating that noise? Is yours a signal generator as well?
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
No, it's actually the switch mode power supply. Really loud ultrasound. I didn't bother actually recording it, but I should do so and post the sound file.
Fortunately, I've got 3 different Tek analog scopes, but whenever I start putting test equipment on the table to start working, the poor dog goes into stress mode. Our other dog doesn't care at all, despite having even better hearing.
Fortunately, I've got 3 different Tek analog scopes, but whenever I start putting test equipment on the table to start working, the poor dog goes into stress mode. Our other dog doesn't care at all, despite having even better hearing.
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
I've liked my Rigol DS1054z so far and have no complaints. I rigloled it as well. I actually solid my old Tek recently because I used it so infrequently with the Rigol around.
If you don't mind being attached to a laptop or PC the Digilent Analog discovery is another great option. It's a combination scope/waveform gen and about dozen other things. You can use it as a spectrum analyzer that is much better than the FFT available on most cheap scopes.
If you don't mind being attached to a laptop or PC the Digilent Analog discovery is another great option. It's a combination scope/waveform gen and about dozen other things. You can use it as a spectrum analyzer that is much better than the FFT available on most cheap scopes.
https://tfrelectronics.com/
https://oshpark.com/profiles/TFRelectronics
https://oshpark.com/profiles/TFRelectronics
Re: Oscilloscope Selections?
Happened to come across this little tyke while surfing through Amazon:
FINSRI 7" Screen 2 CH 100 MHz tablet Oscilloscope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBH5WO9IOMU&t=55s
Seemed like a small but usable scope for the amateur/novice/hobbyist such as myself and for $150 US, it's almost disposable!
Should be delivered tomorrow and then the fun begins!
FINSRI 7" Screen 2 CH 100 MHz tablet Oscilloscope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBH5WO9IOMU&t=55s
Seemed like a small but usable scope for the amateur/novice/hobbyist such as myself and for $150 US, it's almost disposable!
Should be delivered tomorrow and then the fun begins!