[TenTec] OT: Scopes

[Mike Bryce]

russell,

Jerry is right. Let me toss in a few words here.

Depending on what you're planning to do with the scope, you can use a cheaper 20 mhz to 40 mhz scope with great success and a lot less money.

What Scott has been troubleshooting, doesn't require a high bandwidth 'scope.

Take a look at the old tektronics main frame 'scopes. They're as big as an SUV and just about as heavy. They go for $20ish dollars. Then you need the plug ins, a sweep and a vertical amp. Last ones I got were about $10ish bucks each. All from ebay. Watch the prices as they vary a lot.

An old B&K 40 mhz scope about $40.

The HP8640 is a great generator. Got one on my bench. However be very cautious as the plastic/nylon gears break inside. There are NO replacements. Ask the seller this before you plop your money down.

For the money, a 'scope is the best investment any ham can make. From troubleshooting a Omni D to adjusting the output of your amp, it's a wise use of money

Mike, wb8vge




On Feb 18, 2012, at 2:34 PM, Jerry Haigwood wrote:

> Russell,
>    If you look around, you can find a 50-60MHz scope for $150-200 in good
> working shape.  It may not have a good set of probes and they will cost you
> maybe $25.  50MHz is the minimum scope I would buy.  I have a Tektronics
> 60MHz dual channel delay sweep analog scope and some HP probes.  I have used
> it for many years working on my gear.  I bought it used about 20 years ago
> for $150.  Unfortunately the prices have not gone down!  If you plan to
> repair your own equipment, you would also need a good stable RF generator
> with a calibrated output level.  There are several military surplus
> generators available.  One of the nicest used generators is the HP8640.
> They sell for about $400-600 in good shape. It has a digital readout, is
> very stable and has a calibrated adjustable output level.  It covers up to
> 512MHz.  BTW, I don't own one of these yet.  I currently use an old HP606
> analog generator that covers up to 65MHz.  It is big, bulky, heavy, and ugly
> but it does work! ;-)
> Jerry W5JH
>