Greetings form tonequester.
I am wanting to read millivolts a.c., in the range of 100 millivolts-2.0 volts. I plan to purchase a millivoltmeter, but the prices and selection are problematic so far. Millivoltmeters do not seem to be the most popular of test instruments. So, I am wondering if there would be a circuit that one could build, which would allow for reading say : 100mv as 100 v, with my dmm. Perhaps something "like" the 10x probes used with oscilloscopes. It also might be an op amp based circuit, that actually boosts the millivoltage to voltage. Any opinions ,concerns, or advice is greatly appreciated. As well as any schematics that might be oiut there. I have tried to google this, but so far have not evidently used the right search criteria, as I have had zero luck.
At last, I do realize that such a circuit may not be feasible do to accuracy concerns, or for some other reason I am not aware of. If so, please pardon my lack of knowledge in this area.
I am wanting to read millivolts a.c., in the range of 100 millivolts-2.0 volts. I plan to purchase a millivoltmeter, but the prices and selection are problematic so far. Millivoltmeters do not seem to be the most popular of test instruments. So, I am wondering if there would be a circuit that one could build, which would allow for reading say : 100mv as 100 v, with my dmm. Perhaps something "like" the 10x probes used with oscilloscopes. It also might be an op amp based circuit, that actually boosts the millivoltage to voltage. Any opinions ,concerns, or advice is greatly appreciated. As well as any schematics that might be oiut there. I have tried to google this, but so far have not evidently used the right search criteria, as I have had zero luck.
At last, I do realize that such a circuit may not be feasible do to accuracy concerns, or for some other reason I am not aware of. If so, please pardon my lack of knowledge in this area.
A DMM with a Vac scale going to 199.9mVac is very good for measuring low voltages.
These will also have scales of 1.999Vac, 19.99Vac and 199.9Vac. The highest scale may go to ~500Vac or what is specified in the instruction manual.
If all those scales are repeated for Vdc, then you have a very useful instrument.
This standard with about 0.5% accuracy on the DC scales and about 1% accuracy on the AC scales can be bought new for <$10
These will also have scales of 1.999Vac, 19.99Vac and 199.9Vac. The highest scale may go to ~500Vac or what is specified in the instruction manual.
If all those scales are repeated for Vdc, then you have a very useful instrument.
This standard with about 0.5% accuracy on the DC scales and about 1% accuracy on the AC scales can be bought new for <$10
I've just been using my DMM, but this is a project I've been gathering parts for. You could, as you said, just amplify the voltage into a usable range, but there are actually quite a few diy circuits to choose from. Elektor of January 1990 had a discrete unit. Rod Elliott also uses a discrete design for his Project 18 mV meter. Op amp-based circuits shouldn't be too hard to find.
Greetings to all, tonequester here.
I wish to thank AndrewT, Frex, and sofaspud for your replies. I really appreciate each suggestion. AndrewT, I'm saving my pennies for a good DMM, and while I am NOT convinced that I need a Fluke, I have been considering a DMM that also has LC, and fq capabilities which drive the price up considerably. However, I have been blind to the fact that I can get what you described for around $10.00. I will be checking my catalogs, and online tonight !
Frex and sofaspud. I am going to check out each one of your DIY links as well. I need to learn about every conceivable, useful, DIY electronics project that I can. It's not only a budget thing, and it definitely is, but I am studying to get C.E.T.a certification as well, so anything that I can learn, CAN'T HURT !!!
I have to say that guys like you three are why I joined, and continue to use this forum. There are a few out there...........well, you know. However, the good always "outweigh" the bad in my book. That may be an old volume, but it's all I have.
May all of your projects proceed with complete success ! tonequester out.
I wish to thank AndrewT, Frex, and sofaspud for your replies. I really appreciate each suggestion. AndrewT, I'm saving my pennies for a good DMM, and while I am NOT convinced that I need a Fluke, I have been considering a DMM that also has LC, and fq capabilities which drive the price up considerably. However, I have been blind to the fact that I can get what you described for around $10.00. I will be checking my catalogs, and online tonight !
Frex and sofaspud. I am going to check out each one of your DIY links as well. I need to learn about every conceivable, useful, DIY electronics project that I can. It's not only a budget thing, and it definitely is, but I am studying to get C.E.T.a certification as well, so anything that I can learn, CAN'T HURT !!!
I have to say that guys like you three are why I joined, and continue to use this forum. There are a few out there...........well, you know. However, the good always "outweigh" the bad in my book. That may be an old volume, but it's all I have.
May all of your projects proceed with complete success ! tonequester out.
I too have been working on such a project !!!
Being fed up with your average DMM with their poor resolution and accuracy.
I had decided that it may very well be possible to build some precision measuring equipment on a small budget.
I have built a precision variable HV power supply already, it is documented in these threads.
It is very stable and I can adjust it with better than 1volt accuracy from 0V to 13.5Kv.
But my DMM doesn't provide enough resolution to display it!
It can be found here,
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/plan...tor-insulation-mylar-coating.html#post2848194
and here,
http://www.esldiy.com/index.php?topic=5.msg25#msg25
Lately I have been collecting some Precision opamp's, A/D's and D/A's from Linear Technologies and Analog devices for this project and for revamping the HV supply.
I was planning on using one of my old ISA buss type PC's for the control and display interface, but I have now discovered the world of Microcontrollers from Microchip and the ADUC8xx series form Analog devices as a very viable alternative to the PC.
Although I could still use it as the display I just found a project that uses a single PIC and a few resistors to create video on a VGA CRT type display and I may just go that route!
As well as there are many other SBC's that could be used as well like the Raspberry Pi or just a plain ole' LCD display will suffice.
I also have some of TI's MSP430's and I have seen some really fantastic projects using these as they are very fast as are some of the PIC chips.
Some of the PIC's that are available already have 16 bit and 24 bit A/D and D/A's already built in to them that have great noise and THD spec's.
Not to mention an execution rates of 40MIPS to 70MIPS and can be had in a DIP package to make the design process a little easier to deal with.
It is a long term project and I don't have anything built yet to show as I am just starting to get back into programing at the moment.
Working with VA is what has inspired me to do this type of project as well as a Highspeed DSO project that I had found that was a DIY project using only a few components.
The main problem I have with VA is that I only have a sound card to work with and I can't measure DC voltages with it.
However the proper interface can be built very easily and cheaply.
Reading up on LT's app. notes helps a lot and seeing how they set up their test circuits and what components they use at the end of many if not all of their data sheets is a big help as well.
The LT1001,LT1007,LT105x and LT1468's are just of the ones some to consider mainly the First two for DC measurements.
If you want to Implement a FFT routine for THD measurements, Analog devices has such a lab software that you can download for free as well as a few FFT projects that I have found on the web while searching for stuff.
It is possible to be able to measure into the uV range but noise becomes the overall limiting factor in most cases and I do have such issues just using my scope as well.
But not impossible!!
But to get down to at least 100uV to 10uV resolution is my main goal with a maximum of 5V or 10V in the same range I think can be done very easily.
The ADUC814 from Analog devices is a 8052 based MCU has a 12bit A/D that could do this easily as well as capture data at rates as fast as 240Khz.
Microchip has just released one that is even faster MCU with A/D's at 1msps and has a 16bit mode as well but I forget the exact specs at the moment.
They even have 24 bit ones that are slow but very suitable for DC measuerments.
Some Very Amazing Stuff out there now!!!!
I have been able to reach these types of resolutions on AC signals using VA and my sound card.
I can do this with my scope but it would be great to have some solid numbers to go with it.
In fact I had demonstrated VA being able to pick out triangle wave of a few millivolts buried in the noise and it did put my scope to shame.
That test can be seen here,
The Visual Analyzer VA 2011
Once I get going on this stuff I will surely share with you on what I have done.
Meanwhile good luck with your version of such a project and I hope you see your goals.
I hope that this has given you some ideas to help you with it your measurement system design.
Cheers!!!
jer 🙂
P.S. The few voltage references that I have and tested, are spot on and I now use those to match my resistors with. 🙂
Being fed up with your average DMM with their poor resolution and accuracy.
I had decided that it may very well be possible to build some precision measuring equipment on a small budget.
I have built a precision variable HV power supply already, it is documented in these threads.
It is very stable and I can adjust it with better than 1volt accuracy from 0V to 13.5Kv.
But my DMM doesn't provide enough resolution to display it!
It can be found here,
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/plan...tor-insulation-mylar-coating.html#post2848194
and here,
http://www.esldiy.com/index.php?topic=5.msg25#msg25
Lately I have been collecting some Precision opamp's, A/D's and D/A's from Linear Technologies and Analog devices for this project and for revamping the HV supply.
I was planning on using one of my old ISA buss type PC's for the control and display interface, but I have now discovered the world of Microcontrollers from Microchip and the ADUC8xx series form Analog devices as a very viable alternative to the PC.
Although I could still use it as the display I just found a project that uses a single PIC and a few resistors to create video on a VGA CRT type display and I may just go that route!
As well as there are many other SBC's that could be used as well like the Raspberry Pi or just a plain ole' LCD display will suffice.
I also have some of TI's MSP430's and I have seen some really fantastic projects using these as they are very fast as are some of the PIC chips.
Some of the PIC's that are available already have 16 bit and 24 bit A/D and D/A's already built in to them that have great noise and THD spec's.
Not to mention an execution rates of 40MIPS to 70MIPS and can be had in a DIP package to make the design process a little easier to deal with.
It is a long term project and I don't have anything built yet to show as I am just starting to get back into programing at the moment.
Working with VA is what has inspired me to do this type of project as well as a Highspeed DSO project that I had found that was a DIY project using only a few components.
The main problem I have with VA is that I only have a sound card to work with and I can't measure DC voltages with it.
However the proper interface can be built very easily and cheaply.
Reading up on LT's app. notes helps a lot and seeing how they set up their test circuits and what components they use at the end of many if not all of their data sheets is a big help as well.
The LT1001,LT1007,LT105x and LT1468's are just of the ones some to consider mainly the First two for DC measurements.
If you want to Implement a FFT routine for THD measurements, Analog devices has such a lab software that you can download for free as well as a few FFT projects that I have found on the web while searching for stuff.
It is possible to be able to measure into the uV range but noise becomes the overall limiting factor in most cases and I do have such issues just using my scope as well.
But not impossible!!
But to get down to at least 100uV to 10uV resolution is my main goal with a maximum of 5V or 10V in the same range I think can be done very easily.
The ADUC814 from Analog devices is a 8052 based MCU has a 12bit A/D that could do this easily as well as capture data at rates as fast as 240Khz.
Microchip has just released one that is even faster MCU with A/D's at 1msps and has a 16bit mode as well but I forget the exact specs at the moment.
They even have 24 bit ones that are slow but very suitable for DC measuerments.
Some Very Amazing Stuff out there now!!!!
I have been able to reach these types of resolutions on AC signals using VA and my sound card.
I can do this with my scope but it would be great to have some solid numbers to go with it.
In fact I had demonstrated VA being able to pick out triangle wave of a few millivolts buried in the noise and it did put my scope to shame.
That test can be seen here,
The Visual Analyzer VA 2011
Once I get going on this stuff I will surely share with you on what I have done.
Meanwhile good luck with your version of such a project and I hope you see your goals.
I hope that this has given you some ideas to help you with it your measurement system design.
Cheers!!!
jer 🙂
P.S. The few voltage references that I have and tested, are spot on and I now use those to match my resistors with. 🙂
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I guess I kinda went overboard as I am very excited about this type of subject.
But, you may want to take look at using a LT1007 as a sort of voltage multiplier for such device as 10X or 100X for low voltages with a regular DMM.
You can use some precision resistors that are on one chip such as these,
http://parametric.linear.com/precision_resistor_network
Or there is an chip that is available that has a precision opamp and some precision resistors already on one chip that will allow you to configure it for different gain settings.
I saw a similar project that one used such an opamp as a multiplier to be used with a scope in order for it to be able to display uV levels.
I don't remember if it was in these threads or if it was during a search on the web.
I will see if I had bookmarked the page as I was considering on building it for my scope as the lowest resolution on my graticule is only good for 1mv (or 5mv per division that is divided with 5 marking per division).
jer 🙂
But, you may want to take look at using a LT1007 as a sort of voltage multiplier for such device as 10X or 100X for low voltages with a regular DMM.
You can use some precision resistors that are on one chip such as these,
http://parametric.linear.com/precision_resistor_network
Or there is an chip that is available that has a precision opamp and some precision resistors already on one chip that will allow you to configure it for different gain settings.
I saw a similar project that one used such an opamp as a multiplier to be used with a scope in order for it to be able to display uV levels.
I don't remember if it was in these threads or if it was during a search on the web.
I will see if I had bookmarked the page as I was considering on building it for my scope as the lowest resolution on my graticule is only good for 1mv (or 5mv per division that is divided with 5 marking per division).
jer 🙂
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OK there are a few things I want to address. The first is measuring AC. The big problem with measuring AC is that if you want to do it right, for anything more than a sine wave, you need to do True RMS measuring. Typically this is done with a True RMS-to-DC converter such as the AD637. These converteres add a certain percentage of inaccuracy (typically 0.1-1.0%) which is why the accuracy is so much worse than the DC voltage measurements. While you can use high-speed ADCs to try to get around this it seems that seldom are they as good as the integrated single IC TrueRMS converters. To be honest, I'm not sure why this is but I do know EVERY multimeter I have torn down uses a TrueRMS converter even if they have integrated high speed precision delta-sigma ADCs. It isn't until you get into the higher end units that you start seeing more precise systems. I haven't been lucky enough to tear down anything like a Keithley 2001. The highest end thing I have is a Keithley 199 and it uses a TrueRMS converter IC. This is a 5.5digit 300,000 count multimeter. I understand the Go Fluke fan crowd. They make solid reliable meters but they are seldom the best deal. There are safer ones out there if you need high safety, there are higher precision ones out there and because meters now are almost all digital most are equally reliable. Manufacturers like Agilent, Brymen (sold in the USA as Greenlee), Amprobe, etc. all make compelling stuff depending on the price point and features you want/need. Now don't get me wrong, the Fluke 87-V is great, you don't go this far without being a great meter. Just it has gotten a bit long in the tooth and other meters have started to eclipse it.
As for LC function, at best the function integrated into handheld DMMs is a toy forthe most part. My UT61E handheld DMM actually does a decent job for measuring capacitance at DC/120Hz. That being said, a separate LC meter is a MUCH MUCH MUCH better device. I can't stress this enough. If all you want to do is measure the DC or low freq capacitance to a rough value then these can be OK. But throw anything other than ideal capacitors (ideal meaning Low ESR, Low Dissipation Factor, frequency other than DC or ~100Hz.) and their numbers can start to diverge rather rapidly. A good meter will test at DC, 100Hz, 120Hz, 1kHz, 10Khz, etc. It will give you values like the Q, ESR, Dissipation factor, real capacitance at each freq, etc. Everything I said above applies equally if not more so for the inductance (L) function. A decent quality LCR meter will set you back around $110-250 including proper probes/adapters. The Der EE DE-5000 (often shipped from Japan) is considered a GREAT value right now on EEVBlog forums. It measures everything mentioned above and more plus it does measurements up to 100kHz. This freq used to be the domain of $300+ LCRs. Be careful with it though as the price varies a bit due to the accessories that come with it (some you may find important others not as much). This meter is rebadged as the IET DE-5000 and sold for at least $100 higher due to the IET name. Der EE is the OEM. In all fairness, I am saving up to buy one for myself as I find my Keithley 199 VERY capable as a meter for AC, DC Voltage and Amperage and resistance (well below 0.01% accuracy from what I can tell).
As for LC function, at best the function integrated into handheld DMMs is a toy forthe most part. My UT61E handheld DMM actually does a decent job for measuring capacitance at DC/120Hz. That being said, a separate LC meter is a MUCH MUCH MUCH better device. I can't stress this enough. If all you want to do is measure the DC or low freq capacitance to a rough value then these can be OK. But throw anything other than ideal capacitors (ideal meaning Low ESR, Low Dissipation Factor, frequency other than DC or ~100Hz.) and their numbers can start to diverge rather rapidly. A good meter will test at DC, 100Hz, 120Hz, 1kHz, 10Khz, etc. It will give you values like the Q, ESR, Dissipation factor, real capacitance at each freq, etc. Everything I said above applies equally if not more so for the inductance (L) function. A decent quality LCR meter will set you back around $110-250 including proper probes/adapters. The Der EE DE-5000 (often shipped from Japan) is considered a GREAT value right now on EEVBlog forums. It measures everything mentioned above and more plus it does measurements up to 100kHz. This freq used to be the domain of $300+ LCRs. Be careful with it though as the price varies a bit due to the accessories that come with it (some you may find important others not as much). This meter is rebadged as the IET DE-5000 and sold for at least $100 higher due to the IET name. Der EE is the OEM. In all fairness, I am saving up to buy one for myself as I find my Keithley 199 VERY capable as a meter for AC, DC Voltage and Amperage and resistance (well below 0.01% accuracy from what I can tell).
If you really need Inductance and Frequency measurement, then build or buy specialised test equipment that meets your accuracy requirement.
The add ons, on most DMM, are usually only good enough for a rough indication and this is partly because the test parameters are completely unknown.
eg. hFE is available. They don't tell your the Ib, nor the Ic, nor the Vce applied to the DUT. Without those test parameters the resulting hFE display is useless for most selection criteria.
The add ons, on most DMM, are usually only good enough for a rough indication and this is partly because the test parameters are completely unknown.
eg. hFE is available. They don't tell your the Ib, nor the Ic, nor the Vce applied to the DUT. Without those test parameters the resulting hFE display is useless for most selection criteria.
This project seems to be expanding without limits.
If you have a DMM with a 2V AC range, what I would do is:
Build a battery powered (two 9V batteries) op-amp 10x or 100x instrument amp.
You can calibrate it with a 2V sine-way signal and a resistive dividing network.
Not a true RMS meter? Get an old fashioned CD player with a test tone CD and make a chart.
OK it's won't be as accurate or as easy to use as the above solutions, but it will get you through the day.
If you have a DMM with a 2V AC range, what I would do is:
Build a battery powered (two 9V batteries) op-amp 10x or 100x instrument amp.
You can calibrate it with a 2V sine-way signal and a resistive dividing network.
Not a true RMS meter? Get an old fashioned CD player with a test tone CD and make a chart.
OK it's won't be as accurate or as easy to use as the above solutions, but it will get you through the day.
millivolts o plenty ! Great advice.
Greetings to all from tonequester.
Thanks to : PedroDaGr8, AndrewT, and speedskater for your input and concerns. It's a wealth of information that I will be sorting through and checking out for some time. I truly appreciate your time in replying. It looks like there are multiple ways to achieve the intended task,and I love variety.
Thanks as well to geraldfryjr for sharing your "millivolt" project with the forum. I don't mind anyone being a little "over the top" when they are enthused, and wish to share. I often get that way myself, and I figure that if anybody is too busy to read my posts, they can skip them. I for one read all of the posts on subjects that interest me, and seldom fail to learn something from them. Often( as in your posts case ) I get in over my head to some extent. Even when this happens, I often print the posts off for future reference, as I obtain more knowledge.
May all of YOUR projects be successful ! tonequester out.
Greetings to all from tonequester.
Thanks to : PedroDaGr8, AndrewT, and speedskater for your input and concerns. It's a wealth of information that I will be sorting through and checking out for some time. I truly appreciate your time in replying. It looks like there are multiple ways to achieve the intended task,and I love variety.
Thanks as well to geraldfryjr for sharing your "millivolt" project with the forum. I don't mind anyone being a little "over the top" when they are enthused, and wish to share. I often get that way myself, and I figure that if anybody is too busy to read my posts, they can skip them. I for one read all of the posts on subjects that interest me, and seldom fail to learn something from them. Often( as in your posts case ) I get in over my head to some extent. Even when this happens, I often print the posts off for future reference, as I obtain more knowledge.
May all of YOUR projects be successful ! tonequester out.
Hello!
I'm not sure what your budget is but about 2 months ago I snagged an HP 3456A benchtop multimeter on eBay for only $60. This is a multimeter which is 6.5 digits, meaning it is amazingly accurate and might be a good choice if your looking for accuracy in mV.
Try looking on eBay for things like that, many gems such as that can be found pretty often.
Otherwise I'd say buy a new or used fluke handheld DMM for about $100.
I'm not sure what your budget is but about 2 months ago I snagged an HP 3456A benchtop multimeter on eBay for only $60. This is a multimeter which is 6.5 digits, meaning it is amazingly accurate and might be a good choice if your looking for accuracy in mV.
Try looking on eBay for things like that, many gems such as that can be found pretty often.
Otherwise I'd say buy a new or used fluke handheld DMM for about $100.
Greetings to TheTubeAmper, and thanks for the lead.
I'll check around for an HP 3456A. 60 bucks is a great deal ! Since I AM looking for accuracy in millivolts, 6.5 digits would fit the bill fine. Thanks again for your time in replying.
tonequester out.
I'll check around for an HP 3456A. 60 bucks is a great deal ! Since I AM looking for accuracy in millivolts, 6.5 digits would fit the bill fine. Thanks again for your time in replying.
tonequester out.
The classic analog meter would be the HP 3400 true RMS meter, usually available cheap on the used market. The HP 400 would be an average reading meter, again available used and, IMO, more reliable. These old meters get you down to the mV very easily.
Next, as described above, just put a X10 or X100 opamp circuit on the front end of your meter.
You can also use various pieces of software like Visual Analyser and a sound card, if you make up a front end attenuator.
IMO, true RMS is entirely a red herring. Almost anything you do with accuracy will be done with a sine wave. Any other waveform you won't know enough about to know whether the true RMS is meaningful or not. In the last 40 years of design work I've actually required true RMS maybe twice, and they were very unusual circumstances.
Next, as described above, just put a X10 or X100 opamp circuit on the front end of your meter.
You can also use various pieces of software like Visual Analyser and a sound card, if you make up a front end attenuator.
IMO, true RMS is entirely a red herring. Almost anything you do with accuracy will be done with a sine wave. Any other waveform you won't know enough about to know whether the true RMS is meaningful or not. In the last 40 years of design work I've actually required true RMS maybe twice, and they were very unusual circumstances.
You should be able to find older test gear cheap, and what you need is generally called an "AC voltmeter."
Here is an example:
https://www.fairradio.com/catalog.php?mode=viewitem&item=2735
Don't confuse the test equipment AC voltmeter with the AC voltage panel meter.
Here is an example:
https://www.fairradio.com/catalog.php?mode=viewitem&item=2735
Don't confuse the test equipment AC voltmeter with the AC voltage panel meter.
Greetings Conrad Hoffman, and Enzo.
Thanks for the tips and the link gentlemen. I will check them out. I have determined that going "classic" will be a probability on most test equipment, other than to get both a good DMM and a good analog VOM new. I already had the thought about panel meters, but soon decided that wasn't the way to go, plus they are pricey for what you get.
Let me ask both of you about your recommendations on what would be a good scope for audio applications.I realize that I would need no more than 25mHz bandwidth, but I don't know whether I need analog or digital,..storage capacity,..dual channel,..dual trace,..etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated, and USED in picking my scope. I could kick myself for letting a Beckman 20mHz dig. dual trace-dual channel get away from me 20 years ago( divorce). My plan is to be doing tube amp repair, guitar circuit work, speaker cabs, and some effects in the not so distant future. I understand that there are folks who refurbish older test equipment for reasonable prices.
Thanks again for your replies. I appreciate your taking time to help one who hasn't quite "got there"... YET !
Thanks for the tips and the link gentlemen. I will check them out. I have determined that going "classic" will be a probability on most test equipment, other than to get both a good DMM and a good analog VOM new. I already had the thought about panel meters, but soon decided that wasn't the way to go, plus they are pricey for what you get.
Let me ask both of you about your recommendations on what would be a good scope for audio applications.I realize that I would need no more than 25mHz bandwidth, but I don't know whether I need analog or digital,..storage capacity,..dual channel,..dual trace,..etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated, and USED in picking my scope. I could kick myself for letting a Beckman 20mHz dig. dual trace-dual channel get away from me 20 years ago( divorce). My plan is to be doing tube amp repair, guitar circuit work, speaker cabs, and some effects in the not so distant future. I understand that there are folks who refurbish older test equipment for reasonable prices.
Thanks again for your replies. I appreciate your taking time to help one who hasn't quite "got there"... YET !
A basic dual trace/channel analog CRT oscilloscope should be good enough. Many people in audio just use those.
If you find any cheap Tektronix scopes, don't hesitate to buy one! I have a Tektronix 2235 100MHz dual trace/channel oscilloscope that I got a few years ago which came out of a school and despite that hard life, it still works perfectly fine for me!
I have had my Hitachi V-425 40Mhz for about 30years an is still going strong and still in spec!!
It is good for video and what I mainly got it for as I used to do T.V. repair back then and work on computers and such.
But for today's world I would get definitely get something faster as cpu's were rarely faster than 6mhz back then.
Even if you feel you don't need it, there will always be that one day when you wished you had something faster and the are quite affordable these days.
I prefer on with a analog display even if it does have DSO capability's like the Testronix 2465.
I have seen some quad trace 100Mhz Tektronix 2246 go for as little as $200 to $300 and the 300Mhz Tektronix 2465 with a built in DVM and on screen measuring system for about the same as well !!!
I really want one of those.
I just saw one that is full blown for only $300 and a B version (400Mhz) for only $350 to $400!!!
My Hitachi has a on screen measuring cursor's as well and is something I have grown to not be without!!!
My scope had cost me about $1000 back in the day and it has been good to me but there are some very very good deals on Ebay every time I get on there to look!!!
jer 🙂
P.S. I found a working Tektronix 2465 on there right now that only has a bid of about $55 with only 4 days to go!!!!
It is good for video and what I mainly got it for as I used to do T.V. repair back then and work on computers and such.
But for today's world I would get definitely get something faster as cpu's were rarely faster than 6mhz back then.
Even if you feel you don't need it, there will always be that one day when you wished you had something faster and the are quite affordable these days.
I prefer on with a analog display even if it does have DSO capability's like the Testronix 2465.
I have seen some quad trace 100Mhz Tektronix 2246 go for as little as $200 to $300 and the 300Mhz Tektronix 2465 with a built in DVM and on screen measuring system for about the same as well !!!
I really want one of those.
I just saw one that is full blown for only $300 and a B version (400Mhz) for only $350 to $400!!!
My Hitachi has a on screen measuring cursor's as well and is something I have grown to not be without!!!
My scope had cost me about $1000 back in the day and it has been good to me but there are some very very good deals on Ebay every time I get on there to look!!!
jer 🙂
P.S. I found a working Tektronix 2465 on there right now that only has a bid of about $55 with only 4 days to go!!!!
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Greetings TheTubeAmper and geraldfryjr from tonequester.
Thanks for the advice on scopes concerning requirments and models. I have never done anything on ebay(I'm assuming that is what is suggested), but it looks like I need to get involved there. I've never been a bidding or gambling type, but it seems that sometimes the deals are almost too good to be true there.
I had planned to allow about $300.00 for a scope, although I haven't got it all saved back yet. With Social Security Disability Insurance one has to do these things a little at a time, although I'm in no way complaining. I AM taking notes on all of the good advice I receive here, so I CAN be on the lookout for the kind of deal that I have heard here, and elsewhere.
Although I am much more the musician than the "tech", my dream is to be both to my best ability. The trouble with me is not being poor, but in being impatient. It doesn't matter whether it's guitars and amps, or test equipment and the sense to use it properly, I want it NOW. However, guys like both of you, really give me what I most need right now, besides getting my studies in. That is inspiration, encouragement, and GOOD ADVICE ! I truly get a lot of satisfaction printing off your suggestions and advice. Keeping tabs on this info is like when we were kids and we got the Sears/Wards?Penny's Christmas catalog( really dating myself here). I may not be able to act instantly on such info, but when the money presents itself, I have ready reference to get right on it, and I enjoy just re-reading your comments, because it keeps me "pumped up".
Thanks to TheTubeAmper and geraldfryjr, for being so good as to help me in the advice and encouragement departments.
May YOUR work/play/projects be successful and satisfying. tonequester out.
Thanks for the advice on scopes concerning requirments and models. I have never done anything on ebay(I'm assuming that is what is suggested), but it looks like I need to get involved there. I've never been a bidding or gambling type, but it seems that sometimes the deals are almost too good to be true there.
I had planned to allow about $300.00 for a scope, although I haven't got it all saved back yet. With Social Security Disability Insurance one has to do these things a little at a time, although I'm in no way complaining. I AM taking notes on all of the good advice I receive here, so I CAN be on the lookout for the kind of deal that I have heard here, and elsewhere.
Although I am much more the musician than the "tech", my dream is to be both to my best ability. The trouble with me is not being poor, but in being impatient. It doesn't matter whether it's guitars and amps, or test equipment and the sense to use it properly, I want it NOW. However, guys like both of you, really give me what I most need right now, besides getting my studies in. That is inspiration, encouragement, and GOOD ADVICE ! I truly get a lot of satisfaction printing off your suggestions and advice. Keeping tabs on this info is like when we were kids and we got the Sears/Wards?Penny's Christmas catalog( really dating myself here). I may not be able to act instantly on such info, but when the money presents itself, I have ready reference to get right on it, and I enjoy just re-reading your comments, because it keeps me "pumped up".
Thanks to TheTubeAmper and geraldfryjr, for being so good as to help me in the advice and encouragement departments.
May YOUR work/play/projects be successful and satisfying. tonequester out.
eBay is always a gamble. If you can locate any hamfests in your area they invariably have scopes and test equipment, usually pretty cheap, and you can usually talk to the owner and get some idea of how well the equipment is working. Sometimes you can even plug it in. Main rule is that when you find something you think is what you want, don't hesitate because it will probably be gone as soon as you turn your head away.
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