Inexpensive Oscilloscope

[Anonymous]

Does anybody even make these anymore? The question someone asked in one of the other forum questions about AC meters and DCC waveforms got me wondering. . . It would be a handy instrument to have.

[bcammack]

About the cheapest thing I could find besides haunting the bargain bins of your local electronic surplus outlet is an interface board to go in your PC along with the necessary software to use it for a digital o'scope.

http://store.yahoo.com/webtronics/pcbasdigstor.html

B&K used to make a single trace analog benchtop model that was good to about about 50 or 100 KHz. Nothing fancy but you could see waveforms with it. I've got to think that one in working order would cost less than $100 anymore as they're useless for computer troubleshooting. Too slow. [:)]

Personally, I'd love to get my hands on an old Tectronix 465 dual-trace, but I think they're still going for > $500 in working order. Check out eBay, too.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Brett, I checked out your link and that card looks good except, if I'm interpreting the specs correctly, the input is limited to 5v. Is that how you interpret it? Also, where could I get probes for it, any ideas?

I remember the old Tektonix 465 also, that was a long time ago! I don't suppose Tektronix is even in business anymore.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: I don't suppose Tektronix is even in business anymore.

See: http://www.tek.com/

QUOTE: good except, if I'm interpreting the specs correctly, the input is limited to 5v.

Just build a voltage divider, can be a couple of resistors or an op amp.

[jrbarney]

I, for one, am glad that no one thought to suggest using Lissajous (sp.?) figures for track plans. [:)]
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[Anonymous]

The best way to get a cheap but good scope is to buy an used Tektronix scope on eBay:
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?query=tektronix+465&catref=C3&socolumnlayout=1&from=R10&sacategory=4676&BasicSearch=

Daniel Lang

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the help guys, I appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

If you can live with very low bandwidth (240 samples/sec) DataQ sells a data acquisition starter kit for $25. 4 channels, 10 bit, +/-10v, serial port, software included. www.dataq.com What a deal!

I lucked out a few years ago and found a Tek 465 at a yard sale for $50 - works great. New probes cost me more than that.

Yes, Tektronix is still going strong, and the new scopes are orders of magnitude better than the old ones.

[kmalgren]

I found mine on E-Bay. There are several available in many different price ranges. [:)]