I am road-testing the Tektronix MDO3054 oscilloscope. My plan is to write a number of informal blog posts over the next few weeks to discuss various aspects and then write a final review after I've had enough time to properly evaluate.
This means a bit more work for myself, but it also gives everyone a chance to follow my progress and to ask questions along the way.
Let's start off with a quick glance at the unit. It arrived only this week after delays in customs:
The box was massive, I've put a Raspberry Pi (not included) next to it for comparison.
Inside the box was a large box plus a few smaller packages. The box containing the oscilloscope was nicely protected by the outer box.
Box Contents
Of course I immediately opened the largest box and was greeted by a myriad of accessories.
Besides the oscilloscope, the box included:
- 4 x 500MHz 10x probes (more on these later) + spare probe tips
- 16-channel digital probes + grabbers
- N to BNC adapter (for the RF input)
- standard US IEC power lead (as this is a US unit)
- Accessory bag (misspelt as "accessary")
- Calibration certificate
- Printed(!) installation guide + documentation on CD
- Modules for arbitrary/function generator (MDO3AFG), logic analyzer (MDO3MSO), and spectrum analyser upgrade (MDO3SA) - these options were pre-installed on the unit.
The smaller boxes contained additional modules to enable the MDO3PWR and MDO3EMBD options, for power analysis and I2C/SPI decoding respectively. These normally do not come standard with the scope, but are sold as add-ons.
The unit shipped with 2 power leads: A US cable was inside the box with the scope and a second IEC power cord with a European plug was included in a separate box. I'm based in New Zealand, so neither are of interest to me. Luckily I have a stockpile of these cables with the right mains plug.
More to come....stay tuned....