Buying an Oscilloscope
If your need is to repair, design or to manufacture electronic equipment, then the oscilloscope is a necessary piece of equipment. For those that do not know how to use an oscilloscope, it is a device or a scope that creates a visible two dimensional graph of one or more electrical potential differences. These uses of oscilloscope measurements allow engineers to effectively measure and then manage electrical output. Consider the oscilloscope to be a camera that doesn't take photos but captures signal images that can then be looked at and interpreted.
There are several things to consider when it comes to the purchase of an oscilloscope though. For many individuals, these products will indefinitely alter their ability to perform accurately so it is important that the proper, most accurate devices be used to do so. So, when it comes to oscilloscopes, you?ll want to consider the following elements:
Bandwidth
Rise Time
Sample rate
Waveform Capture Rate
Record Length
Vertical Sensitivity
Sweep Speed
Gain Accuracy
Triggering Capabilities
Effective Bits
Horizontal Accuracy
Resolution
Frequency Response
The comparison of these elements in the oscilloscope will mean several things. First, the more advanced the technology, the more accurate, easy to use and the more reliable the usb oscilloscope device will be. These features each have various abilities and they each can make a significant difference in the quality of information that is provided. Yet, we do have to consider that the oscilloscope has several very high tech features which can make digital storage oscilloscopes expensive. Lesser expensive options are available in used oscilloscope but the proper balance of features and price will undoubtedly deliver the best possible product for you.
According to the research firm Frost & Sullivan, the estimated size of the North American used test and measurement equipment market was $446.4 million in 2004 and is estimated to grow to $654.5 million by 2011. For over 50 years, companies and governments have procured used test and measurement instruments in order to realize a number of benefits including the need to:
- reduce equipment acquisition costs,
- replace discontinued testing instruments,
- circumvent lengthy new product delivery times, and
- conform to legacy standards and specifications.
Although there are many considerations when purchasing used test and measurement instruments, the quality of the instrument and reliability of the vendor should be at the top of the list. Used test equipment pc based oscilloscope vendors deploy a number of bywords that represent the equipment they sell, including "refurbished", "remarketed", "reconditioned", "rebuilt" and, the obvious, "used".
"Used" or "Remarketed" equipment often describes products sold with an "as-is" supposition. You might purchase used tektronix equipment from an end-user organization or auction company that is selling surplus assets. Products sold as "used" should be priced at the lower scale of the market spectrum and it is not uncommon for quality issues to arise with "used" equipment. It is likely that the instruments have not been tested and have an uncertain history. It is only prudent to purchase "Used" equipment if you have the in-house repair and calibration facilities/expertise and are able to procure the item at a cost low enough that the added expense of repair and calibration remains to be a positive, economical outcome.
"Refurbished and Reconditioned" are akin and are the most common presentment of used equipment from equipment dealers. Refurbished equipment is fully tested and calibrated to NIST standards to assure that they meet the original manufacturers' specifications. Refurbished equipment should come with all standard accessories and operating manuals. Malfunctioning internal components will have been replaced or repaired and the product will have been cosmetically cared for including painting and the replacing of face plates, button and knobs. Refurbished equipment is typically sold with a 30-90 day parts/labor warranty and is priced in the middle to high-end of the market spectrum.
Finally, some vendors advertised "Rebuilt" test equipment. Many instrument options are field-installable and can be built-to-order according to the customer's requirements. Some products can even be converted from one generation or version to the next by adding various components. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing rebuilt equipment and, in fact, if you can not find the exact product configuration you are sourcing, you should ask qualified vendors about the possibility adding those options. As with used and refurbished equipment, always exercise caution in choosing a vendor. Assure that the vendor is qualified or uses a qualified electronics laboratory to repair, calibrate and rebuild the products you seek.
Purchasing used, refurbished or rebuilt electronic test equipment is a great way for organizations to save 30-70% on their asset acquisition costs. Warranties and guarantees from used test equipment vendors are formidable. In select product groups, the original equipment manufacturers offer extended warranties in partnership with the vendors that are the selling those products.
Oscilloscope demo
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BK Precision Oscilloscope,Dual Trace, 2120B, 30 MHz, 2 Chan Sale Price: $395.00  |
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B+K Precision's model 2120B is a dual trace oscilloscope that offers high performance at a low price. Most competitor's entry level oscilloscopes have a 20 MHz bandwidth, while B+K Precision's models 2120B has a bandwidth of 30 MHz... |
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BK Precision Oscilloscope, Analog, 2190B, 100 MHz, 2 Chan List Price: $1,599.00 Sale Price: $1,195.00 |
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B+K Precision Model 2190B is one of the most economical 100 MHz analog oscilloscopes on the market, yet it has all of the high performance features needed for most applications, including delayed time base, bandwidth limiter, and Y axis output... |
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Hand Held Digital Oscilloscope-10MHz Sale Price: $174.00 |
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Weve all seen different models of portable scopes, meters, and scope/meters. Weve also seen the price tag! Unless you were a field tech with a good sized test equipment budget, they were out of the question... |
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USB 2 Channel PC Oscilloscope Sale Price: $369.95 |
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This versatile and powerful 'scope harnesses the power of your pc or laptop to drive its software, eliminating the need for bulky stand-alone oscilloscopes, analyzers, and transient recorders! Just attach it to your laptop for easy troubleshooting readings in the field, or set it up on your workbench at home or the office... |
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BK Precision 25 MHz Digital Storage Oscilloscope Sale Price: $499.00 |
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Delivers essential features and reliable performance at an economical price. Analog style knobs and controls combine with Autoset functions make oscilloscope easy-to-use. Advanced triggering, automatic measurements and FFT functions allow debugging of circuits... |
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Velleman HPS40 - 12MHz Personal Scope 40MS/s Sale Price: $238.00 |
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Both novices and professional users will admire the fast and fully automatic setup function, allowing them to perform measurements without physically touching the unit. Low noise, high sensitivity, modest weight, a backlit LCD and a choice between regular batteries or rechargeable ones make this unit indispensable. |
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Tektronix Digital Oscilloscope, 100 MHz, 2 Ch, Color, TDS2012B List Price: $1,610.00 Sale Price: $1,610.00 |
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Features: Color LCD Display Assigns a different color for each trace and its related readouts so viewing complex signals on multiple channels is easier. Simple User Interface Classic analog-style controls give you instant front-panel access to functions you use most... |
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Tektronix Digital Oscilloscope 200 MHz, 4 Channel, TDS2024B List Price: $2,410.00 Sale Price: $2,410.00 |
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Features: Color LCD Display Assigns a different color for each trace and its related readouts so viewing complex signals on multiple channels is easier. Simple User Interface Classic analog-style controls give you instant front-panel access to functions you use most... |
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Fluke 123/003 Scopemeter Oscilloscope,20 MHz, 2 Channel List Price: $1,353.00 Sale Price: $1,190.00 |
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The compact Scopemeter 123 is the rugged solution for industrial troubleshooting and installation applications. It's a truly integrated test tool, with oscilloscope, multimeter and 'paperless' recorder in one affordable, easy-to-use instrument... |
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Compare
Compare
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Tektronix 5223 Digitizing Oscilloscope 5B25N Digitizer $24.99 |
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Two Oscilloscope Scope Clip Probe 100MHz Tektronix HP $14.99 |
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New Two Oscilloscope Scope Clip Probe 100MHz Kit $14.50 |
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Tektronix 2215A 60Mhz Analog Oscilloscope $599.00 |
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400 MHz Passive Oscilloscope Probe, Made in Japan, NEW! $79.95 |
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Oscilloscope cable : Pomona 2249-C-120, brand new $10.00 |
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TEKTRONIX TDS340 TDS 340 100MHz 500Ms/s OSCILLOSCOPE $420.00 |
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Two Oscilloscope Scope Clip Probe 100MHz Tektronix HP $9.99 |
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Tektronix 485 Oscilloscope,manual, screen guards &more! $475.00 |
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NEWBOX APS230 2CH HANDHELD DIGITAL STORAGE OSCILLOSCOPE $589.00 |
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LECROY LC LC584AL 1 GHZ 4ch color digital OSCILLOSCOPE $3,780.00 |
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1Pair Oscilloscope 100MHz Clip Probes Oscope cable NEW $0.99 |
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Handheld Digital Oscilloscope with 3" color LCD display $199.99 |
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Lecroy WaveMaster 8500 Oscilloscope 5Ghz, 4-Channel $7,500.00 |
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7904 Tektronix Oscilloscope $275.00 |
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TEKTRONIX TDS 540A 500MHz OSCILLOSCOPE w Opt 1F $1,248.00 |
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HP 10014A 10X Oscilloscope Probe 275 MHz FREE SHP US48 $39.95 |
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Hp 54602B 4 Ch 150 MHz OSCILLOSCOPE OSCOPE w 54657a $325.00 |
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TEKTRONIX 7904 OSCILLOSCOPE w PLUG-INS Option 2 $275.00 |
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Tektronix Oscilloscope Probe Power Supply 1101A pwrs up $19.99 |
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Two Oscilloscope Scope Clip Probe 100MHz Tektronix HP $14.99 |
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USB PC OSCILLOSCOPE $109.99 |
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Lot: Tek TDS3000B Series Oscilloscope Manual & Software $20.00 |
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Tektronix TDS 210 Digital Oscilloscope + 2 Probes $400.00 |
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Tektronix 2235 100 MHz 2 channel oscilloscope $90.00 |
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Tektronix 475 Oscilloscope multi meter, manual, probe $142.50 |
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Agilent 54820A Infiniium Oscilloscope + Tektronix Probe $2,649.00 |
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HP 5411OD Digitizing Oscilloscope - Nice! $625.00 |
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National VP5256A Oscilloscope (C3) $62.50 |
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HP 54501 A 100 MHz Digitizing Oscilloscope - Nice! $425.00 |
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BK Precision 15MHz 2 Channel Oscilloscope Model 1472C $12.50 |
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Tektronix TDS520D Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes $2,699.00 |
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PC USB Oscilloscope / Logic analyzer of UART, SPI, I2C, $169.50 |
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Hitachi Oscilloscope V-423 40-MHz $115.00 |
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LeCroy LC534AM - Digital Storage Oscilloscope 4Ch 1GHz $1,899.99 |
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“Are you looking for a spectrum analyzer that is just limited to frequencies below 20 Hz? If so, do you want something like a 1 Hz resolution? There would be a little more than 1 second of delay for this implementation.
As the software is written now, the bins are spaced about 19 Hz apart from one another. Finer resolution would require more samples which would, in turn, cause a noticeable delay between the input and what is seen on the LCD.”
BrianNelson123
2 Feb 10 at 8:08 pm