Hi, I'm pulling my hair out trying to decide which would be the "best" scope for me as far as reliability, value, usability, etc etc.... I'm just looking for a general purpose bench scope so I know any of these in this list would work fine just want to know if any are more desirable then others.

Here is my list of candidates all are Tektronix scopes:

2236 Used
2336YA Used
2246 Brand new old stock!
475A Brand new old stock!
TAS475 Brand new!
TDS410A Used

Well there you go! Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks!!!

 

I have 475A and I love it.

__________________
/felis

http://www.circuitsathome.com

 

It depends upon whether you want an analog or digital oscilloscope since some on your list are analog and some are digital.

Analog scopes are good for low level, low noise analog signals in particular.

Digital scopes have additional features such as built-in waveform measurements, infinite storage time of a waveform, storage of more than one waveform, and easy single-shot waveform capture. Their disadvantages include possibly higher noise level when looking at low level analog signals. and possible alias effects (phantom low frequency signals) when observing high frequency signals at slow sweep speeds.

I prefer digital scopes due to their added features, but it all depends on your needs and preferences.

__________________
Carl
Curmudgeon Elektroniker

 

Will I ended up buying the Tektronix TDS410A! I hope I did OK... Does anyone have any opinions on that model? Also what would be my best bet as a far as a good set of probes for this unit?

Thanks!

 

That scope looks like a good model.

Don't know about particular probe manufacturers (Tektronix is probably the best, but also quite expensive) but I suggest a probe with about a 200MHz BW, and 1X and 10X settings.

The 1X 10X settings allows you to use a 10X setting, which gives a 10MΩ, low capacitance input for high frequency signals but with a 10 times reduction in sensitivity, or 1X setting which gives a 1MΩ, higher capacitance input for low frequency signals with full sensitivity.

An example is Circuit Specialists Inc. - 200 MHz 1X/10X Oscilloscope Probe (5806A).

But the above probe does not have a readout actuator so that the vertical sensitivity indication is automatically changed with the probe sensitivity setting, which I believe your oscilloscope can detect.

An example with readout is Circuit Specialists Inc. - 250MHz Scope Probe Set w Readout Function, Isolated BNC (HP-9258R), but that's only a 10X unit. Haven't found a low cost unit with both 1X, 10X and readout.

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Carl
Curmudgeon Elektroniker

 

I just purchased a set of probes that also don't have the vertical sensitivity indication pin....? Will they still work with this unit or should I try to return them?

Thanks!

 

They will work fine. You just have to remember that the sensitivity is 10X less than the oscilloscope setting when using a 10X probe (i.e. if the scope setting is 100mV/div your actual sensitivity is 1V/div).

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Carl
Curmudgeon Elektroniker

 

Which Tektronix part numbers should I be looking for that will have the switchable 1x and 10x switch AND have the readout pin that will work properly with my new scope. I just want one good set of "all purpose" probes and I'm fine buying original parts.

Thanks for your help!!

 

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