Looking for O-scope suggestions / reviews

[Byte_Butcher]

Thanks Norm, I was tempted by the digital/analog 2522C. Just couldn't quite squeeze $1200 out of my wallet. I was tempted also by the (full digital) Agilent 1002A, which was also $1200.

But it's a done deal now. I read the users manuals and whatever reviews I could locate for every scope I could find for < $1200 USD.
Agilent, Owon, Rigol, Techtronics, and B&K all had offerings that tempted me

In the end I decided to go with the B&K 2534 for $719.
When it gets here, I'll give a full report.

Thanks to everyone for your input!


steve

[Byte_Butcher]

The UPS man brought me a pile of new toys last week.
Got myself a Fluke 287 "True RMS" voltmeter, which so far I think I'm gonna like a lot but I need more time to play with it and learn all of it's features.

I also got a Aven "Digital Mighty Scope", in hopes that it would help me see some of those SMD parts I work with. It's a neat item. The software is a little quirky but it's OK. I think it will be a handy tool. Even with a 10x loupe it's tough for me to read the numbers on a 0603 resistor, but the mighty scope makes it REAL easy. Here's a screen shot of the thing at near max magnification.
http://www.weirdstuffwemake.com/swee...closeup_01.jpg
You can sure see those tiny little solder balls around the pins. That board needs a good scrubbing! The resistor in the lower right corner is 0603 and I can actually read the value. Woohoo!
Kind of pricey at nearly $200 but I think it'll be a handy tool.

The 3rd item is my new B&K 2534 O-scope.
I'm afraid I'm not very happy about it so far, but in the spirit of fairness I'm going to contact B&K and give them a chance to redeem themselves before I post my review. We'll see how it goes.

Mmm. my work bench has that New Equipment Smell. I love it.

steve

[Byte_Butcher]

I'm unimpressed. The LCD screen is all filthy dirty on the backside of the glass, the cooling fan howls when it's cold, and the controls just don't really work very well.

Here's my review...
http://www.weirdstuffwemake.com/swee...anewscope.html

I haven't got any response to my email to B&K a few days ago. (??WTF??)
Digikey was good enough to respond though and sent me an RMA number so I can send this junk back.

The search for a decent scope continues. I don't know whether to drop my price range and try one of the REALLY cheap chinese scopes (I've really had my fill of cheap chinese trash), or up my price range and try and find something more... professional.

But the B&K didn't cut it so now I have to start all over again. Sigh...


steve

[WOZZY-2010]

Kind of new are USB scopes which display on your PC or Laptop.
It's a small box that has BNCs for your input probes, and a USB connection to your PC for Power Setup and display.
Some of them seem to be fairly inexpensive.

Most are bundled with software, which to me is what really determines it's functionality.
Some have Basic display capability, and you purchase add on modules.
I've never tried one in practice, but it might be a nice alternative.

Has anyone evaluated one of these devices?
Certainly the brainpower exists in this forum to develop one?

[Byte_Butcher]

I've looked at USB scopes, and I actually borrowed one for a few days a couple of years ago, but I didn't really like it well enough to buy one.

My biggest complaint is that my computer is busy enough already. When I'm working, I've often got schematics and PCB layouts open on screen, maybe a data sheet or 2, Microcode Studio, and who knows what else.
My computer is BUSY and there just ain't room on screen for it to play 'scope too...

If I had a spare laptop laying around, that might be different.

Besides, I like my scope to be "self contained" so it's easily portable.
It's a neat concept, and I'm sure a lot of folks love 'em, but I think they just don't suit my work style.

steve