Tektronix TAS 465

[NO_H2O]

Thinking of picking up my first oscilloscope. I have been looking on EBay and Craigslist. I found a Tektronix TAS 465 on Craigslist with an asking price of $100. The seller does not know anything about scopes and got it from a storage unit he bought. He says it powers up and self tests ok. He also said there is "a bag of wires" with it.
As this would be my first scope, I don't know much about what to look for. But I want to start learning how to use one.
Any tips would be great. I plan to go check it out this weekend.

[pompeiisneaks]

In general everything tektronix is pretty high quality from what I've seen.  I'd be wary of buying from someone that has no idea what they've got and dont' test it, unless it's an incredible deal.  Have you looked on ebay for other of the same scope for their price? if you can at least get a probe on each input and connect it to the test point on the scope and get a good square wave, that's probably enough to ensure it's okay enough. 

~Phil

[jjasilli]

Ditto.  For a 1st scope consider:  1) manual (or before buying make sure you can get a manual online); 2) comes with probes; 3.  guaranteed working condition. 

[NO_H2O]

eBay completed TAS 465's from $180 to $345 for ones that have actually sold. I have found the operating and service manuals downloadable online. But I have read on the EEV blog that there are a far amount of one-off parts that can prove hard to find. I would have to see the cal square wave on both channels.
I have been looking at eBay a good bit. Some of the shipping quotes I have seen are out there. There is a seller that has BK Precision 2125A's that they say they will stand behind for $84 shipped.

[jjasilli]

Some years ago I got from eBay a used Protek 20MHz dual trace scope with probes, manual & guarantee for about $90.  It works fine.  There are a number of good brands in this price range.  Tektronix is a fine brand, but expect to pay at least 2X more, as your price quotes bear-out.  If you decide to go the used Tektronix route, I suggest not to rely merely on the name brand, but make sure to get a guaranteed working unit.


EDIT: I found it very difficult & frustrating to learn to use a scope, basically by touch & feel in the dark and with a lot of help from this forum.  If faced with a malfunctioning unit, I may not have survived 

[sluckey]

...I found a Tektronix TAS 465 on Craigslist with an asking price of $100.... I plan to go check it out this weekend.

Did you get this scope?

[NO_H2O]

Well my surgery planned for the 21st got a bit complicated and I am still in the hospital. I hope to be home soon. I will have to see what the market has to offer when I get home.

[PRR]

> my surgery

Oy!! Stop hanging with the nurses! Get well and get out!

[NO_H2O]

I have been home for a couple days. Caught up on some sleep and doing well. Good to be home and getting back to normal.