Oscilloscope

Question

I was wanting an Oscilloscope but they are very expensive. Would it be possible to get one under 50 dollars that is at least decent? If so…how and where? Thanks!

dougw · Answer

You can get a 200KHz scope for $27... Probably most useful if you are looking at audio frequencies or sensor signals.

Or a 100 MHz scope for $73...but still just 1 channel.

I have not tried either one. Read the specs to see if they are suitable for your needs.

I have a DS213 which has more channels, which I like because it is very portable, but it is a bit more expensive.

scottiebabe · Answer

If your willing spend a little bit more you may want to consider the USB scope recently presented on E14: Workbench Wednesdays 38: Which Oscilloscope Form Factor Is Best For Me?

Which features the MP720016 US PC USB Oscilloscope:

https://canada.newark.com/multicomp-pro/mp720016-us/pc-based-osc-2-ch-25mhz-100msps/dp/10AH2399

jw0752 · Answer

Hi Doug,

I have built several of these kits and they work very well. They even have a measurement array that will print on the screen with a dozen or so of the most common measurement parameters.

Here is a posting I did on building one a while back:

https://www.element14.com/community/people/jw0752/blog/2017/04/25/building-the-dso-shell-15001k-oscilloscope?sr=search&searchId=42926c9d-064e-43ed-8171-ff0326af0f21&searchIndex=0

John

michaelkellett · Answer

To give you good advice I really need to know what you want to do with an oscilloscope and where you are (country).

In the US and Europe there is a good chance of getting a second hand scope, although the $50 is very tight.

There is a 20MHz scope on Ebay (UK) right now for £30.

The alternative is you may be able to get one for free - a lot of old gear at sub £100 value just gets thrown out.

My Gould dual channel 20MHz scope came from a skip !

Some of the cheap new stuff is very poor indeed.

The cheapest I would recomend is the Picoscope 2204A at £105.

MK

Jan Cumps · Answer

Under 200 € will be hard. I worked with this one: 31075693107569 with balearicdynamics

It works well. Just over 200.

You may find second hand analogue ones for 50 € but expect age problems such as bad contacts in switches and potentiometers; overaged electrolyte capacitors...

electronicslearner101 · Answer

Thank you guys so much for your responses. And I am pretty experienced in electronics as I have been working in the field of electronics as a hobby and learning opportunity for the future. So Jan Cumps, thanks for the response and I have already purchased the 1 channel 100MHz Oscilloscope. Thanks!

Jan Cumps · Answer

michaelkellett wrote:

Here's one on Ebay (UK) now:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154481466052?mkevt=1&mkpid=2&emsid=e112358.m43.l1123&mkcid=8&bu=43464259003&osub=-1%7E1&segna…

MK

If electronicslearner101 was experienced in electronics, this could be a good idea.

But most of the times, if you don't know electronics (and his user name indicates that that is the case), buying an old analog scope leads to disappointment. If they survive the expensive shipment.

kmikemoo · Answer

I would also lean towards the $30 oscilloscope as a starter. This leaves some budget for a function generator. If you plan on looking at anything with mains voltage, you'll need to double your budget. I agree with scottiebabe (Scott Stobbe) that the Multicomp Pro MP720016 is a great choice. It comes with a 1x/10x probe that allows you to work on higher voltage circuits.

Oscilloscope

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