Analogue 'scope recommendations

[Bonky]

Newbie here.

I'm looking for a 'scope - but I know nothing about them. I would like to use it for mending FM/AM radios.

Someone on Ebay is getting rid of her husband's collection.

A few are here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1311.R1.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.Xanalogue+osci.TRS0&_nkw=analogue+oscilloscope&_sacat=0

Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Richard.

[Terry]

Are you sure that link is right? It certainly doesn't relate to any one person's collection - it's a random selection from a variety of vendors, many in the Far East.

Apart from its use with a sweep generator for FM IF alignment, I can't think of any real need for a scope for radio repairs as the loudspeaker/audio output is also a built-in monitor - simply start at the output and work backwards from there.

From your posts so far, it looks as if your prime need at the moment is for a decent signal generator rather than an oscilloscope.

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
I agree with Terry, none of the listed items look like someone's collection, id assume that you've posted the wrong link?
Are you still sending me the Hacker? Remember I did say I'd keep your thread alive with the work done and the way the fault finding is carried out, I'll also be doing some You Tube clips to compliment what is posted here.

[Bonky]

Hi.
I agree with Terry, none of the listed items look like someone's collection, id assume that you've posted the wrong link?
Are you still sending me the Hacker? Remember I did say I'd keep your thread alive with the work done and the way the fault finding is carried out, I'll also be doing some You Tube clips to compliment what is posted here.

Trevor,
Thanks and apologies. The Hacker was meant to be collected on Monday, then Wednesday, then today and now tomorrow. No explanation given after my strongly worded complaint.

see: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tektronix-Tel...EBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649


'over 200 'scopes in the collection"....

I'm sure you're right ..a sig gen would be better...but I was hoping for a gift horse...

BW

Richard

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
Good scope Richard. There are plenty of decent scopes around. Hameg, Hitachi and Telequipment are simple and good. Don't go over the top with storage scopes as they are more expensive and not necessary in Radio & TV servicing.

[Mark Hennessy]

Don't buy that 'scope. The Telequipment DM64 is a dog of a 'scope to work on. Ask Sam ("Boater Sam" on here) - we spent a day together fixing one once upon a time.

Older 'scopes like that will need periodic TLC to keep them alive. That in itself can be a satisfying hobby for those of us with plenty of experience, but right now, you need a working tool, not another project.

I'd get something much newer - preferably from the '80s or '90s. There are lots of good brands, but for someone in your position, I'd be thinking about Hameg, Hitachi or Philips. I'd avoid Tek, as you'd pay quite a premium for the name and end up with a 'scope with more features that you'd need - and it would be hard to repair. In terms of spec, you want dual channel, 20MHz unit. Some analogue 'scopes have a dual timebase - especially those with a wider bandwidth - but I suggest that you avoid those as they add a whole bunch of controls to misadjust. Also, going to a wider bandwidth means a greater knowledge of probing techniques is needed. One step at a time...

As has been said, I trust a signal generator is still towards the top of your list. However, for a beginner who wishes to learn electronics, I'd argue that a 'scope is vitally important, and given that the radio is off to Trevor for repair, that nudges the 'scope ahead of the sig gen IMHO. Your existing generator will be fine for getting to grips with the basics.

Don't forget that you'll need probes. The Chinese eBay specials are fine, but expect them to fall apart after a couple of years. Not a problem at that price point.

[Bonky]

Thanks Mark; much appreciated.

BW
Richard

[ppppenguin]

Agree totally with Mark's comments about scopes. Unless you're a testgear enthusiast a scope is just another tool, albeit a very powerful one. You don't want to be mending it, especially as fixing a scope often needs another scope. How do you think I know this Many years ago when I had my first scopes, buying a decent one was a budget buster for most enthusiasts. Now you can get secondhand Hamegs etc for almost pocket money prices (sub £50, often seen them at Harpenden for £20) anyone can own a good and usable instrument.

There are 2 camps as to the usefulness of scopes in radio and TV mending. Many guys who were in the service trade would have used one rarely if at all until colour TV and VCRs arrived. People like me with an electronics design background have them front and centre on the bench. Using them is a bit like breathing - it's automatic and essential.

[peter scott]

I'm not adding much to this but fully agree about not buying a Telequipment of that vintage. I gave up trying to repair an EHT fault on mine. I can't understand how you are meant to access the parts without totally dismantling the thing which is incredible!

As to the use of a 'scope I agree that you probably don't need it for a lot of fault finding but it will give you a much better understanding of the operation of circuits and it's well worth having one for this reason.

Peter

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
I must bow to the superior knowledge of the DM64, to be fair I've only come across one which was as reliable as any other scope, just the same with anything you get good and bad. I have to say that the Hitachi scopes that I use are very reliable and would have no quibble in recommending them.