Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: Tone Junkie on February 27, 2017, 01:19:42 am
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Tired of tracing issues thru my test amp.Time to step up and finally get one any recommendations. Having read a lot from you guys I know, or I think any way I need 100HRZ with test probes . Theirs a lot on fleabay but a little point in any direction would be much appriciated.
Bill
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Any scope under a hundred pounds :laugh:
what uses do you envision, just troubleshooting amps?, maybe digital equipment?, do you want to "spec" out things? look at complex timing circuits?
2 channel with 1 regular and 1 HV probe is a start, anything beyond that is a bonus, make sure you can find, get/find the operators manual for whatever you decide.
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2 Channel to me is very nice. I had a Tek on loan and then was offered a 2440 Tektronics for a very nice price. You really do not need one this expensive. I have a frined with a 2 channel Iwatsu that he got for $70. It is a Iwatsu ss-5705.
Ebay link for one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/172429235502?vectorid=229466&item=172429235502&rmvSB=true (http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/172429235502?vectorid=229466&item=172429235502&rmvSB=true)
Does more than he needs, much more.
It will change your life troubleshooting. I cannot imaging not having one now, but the one I got has a LOT of bells and whistles. Don't get me wrong, as I learn to use them they are of benefit, but I never really use anything on a Tube the Iwatsu cannot do and do very well. What I would look for is one that recognizes a 10x probe and adjusts to the probe. This is only a problem with DC coupled.
And of course, you can shop here for some nice used test gear.
http://www.theoscilloscopeshop.com/iwatsu-oscilloscopes.html (http://www.theoscilloscopeshop.com/iwatsu-oscilloscopes.html)
BTW, Iwatsu is not a cheap brand per say and seem to be well made.
Good luck on your search Bill.
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Thanks gentleman . I just want to trouble shoot amps nothing complex . but when tracing a noise its mighty nice to zoom in on it quickly.
Bill
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tracing a noise its mighty nice to zoom in on it quickly.
Unless it's everywhere! :icon_biggrin:
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tracing a noise its mighty nice to zoom in on it quickly.
Unless it's everywhere! :icon_biggrin:
If it is everywhere, then you just start over.
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I bought an Owon from selig in new york. The shipping and customer service from Selig was fantastic.
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then you just start over.
but won't you windup where you started? :icon_biggrin:
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then you just start over.
but won't you windup where you started? :icon_biggrin:
only if insanity prevails... :help:
--pete
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IMHO, 450KC (0.5MHz) is plenty for most audio and ALL tube guitar amp work.
Simplicity and practicality are MUCH more important. A well-loved beast from 1963 may be fine if you have the space. (OTOH a sick old 'scope is a bigger debugging job than any guitar amp.) Decently-made asian LCD jobs are now well under $300 new with probes and manual, and far smaller than CRT. I've had good service from an early hand-held with only 50KHz and 64-level display.
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low cost current production 20MHz CRT types are still available. IMO analog and CRT display are best for audio work.
click me. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/gos-622g-GW-instek-20MHz-Analog-Oscilliscope-NEW-IN-THE-BOX-/371844480147)
--pete
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This is a decent deal:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tenma-Test-Equipment-72-3060-20MHz-Oscilloscope-2-/322437821507 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tenma-Test-Equipment-72-3060-20MHz-Oscilloscope-2-/322437821507)
EDIT: when I calculated shipping it came to $67 dollars which is pretty jacked up and false, so be careful before hitting the 'buy it now'
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It's got a built in sig gen too! :thumbsup:
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What do I need to know about probes and buying them.
Thanks Bill
I really like that new one Pete.
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I guess I didn't read far enough that one comes with them.
Thanks guys you have been a huge help as usual.
Bill
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I pulled the trigger on the new instek cant wait to get it.
Bill
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Bill,
I have some very expensive ones, but after I saw this video I put my expensive ones away and only use them when needed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBdA0KVct9g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBdA0KVct9g)
In the video he shows the difference between $9 probes and $450 probes. For amp work the $9 work just dandy. I will say the calibration is not as stable, but that is so easy to do and should be done anyway before using the probes.
I purchased a nice variety of different connectors from aliexpress.com, check them against nice ones I have and they will pick up a very minimum amount of noise. For the price of these things it is difficult not to get them.
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Thanks Ed Good to know.
Bill
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I pulled the trigger on the new instek cant wait to get it.
Bill
nice, congrats :)