O-scope
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unfiltered37
- Posts: 645
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:28 pm
O-scope
Can anyone recommend a good oscilloscope? I need one for tape head azimuth adjustment, and maybe other uses. I have no idea what to look for.
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Kevin Lightner
- Posts: 1587
- Joined: Sat Jan 15, 2005 5:20 pm
- Location: Wrightwood
Re: O-scope
Tape head adjustments can use just about any scope available.
One doesn't need many features for this and the scope can be as low as a 5 or 10mhz bandwidth.
You're simply trying to adjust the output waveform to be as true as what you're sending it.
A square wave is usually preferred in this case.
If you need a scope to do digital troubleshooting, compare things, capture quick pulses or perform phase adjustments you'll then need a better scope with dual traces and good bandwidth.
I prefer Tektronix scopes, but there's many others out there.
Finally, don't skimp on using the correct probe(s.)
They are more important than you might think.
A straight connection, say from a 1/4" to the BNC on the scope is useful for many things, but can introduce capacitance that can skew or alter your waveform, especially if it has edges.
I use straight connections only for DC work like offset adjustments.
If viewing a waveform or troubleshooting, use the proper probe recommended for your scope.
One doesn't need many features for this and the scope can be as low as a 5 or 10mhz bandwidth.
You're simply trying to adjust the output waveform to be as true as what you're sending it.
A square wave is usually preferred in this case.
If you need a scope to do digital troubleshooting, compare things, capture quick pulses or perform phase adjustments you'll then need a better scope with dual traces and good bandwidth.
I prefer Tektronix scopes, but there's many others out there.
Finally, don't skimp on using the correct probe(s.)
They are more important than you might think.
A straight connection, say from a 1/4" to the BNC on the scope is useful for many things, but can introduce capacitance that can skew or alter your waveform, especially if it has edges.
I use straight connections only for DC work like offset adjustments.
If viewing a waveform or troubleshooting, use the proper probe recommended for your scope.
Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime. - R. Pupkin
Re: O-scope
What brand/model is recommended if I were just looking for a dual lead scope for measuring/viewing and comparing waveforms of DC voltages used in analog synths? I know you said Tektronics, Kevin but is there a basic model released in the 80's that is a available on eBay for a hundred or a few hundred dollars?
I have a probe that I use for DC circuit board now (Oszifox) and it's good for logic/board work on my circa 1980 electronics (primarily 1st generation Pinball machine CPU boards) but I suppose for calibration purposes accuracy is important?
Thanks.
I have a probe that I use for DC circuit board now (Oszifox) and it's good for logic/board work on my circa 1980 electronics (primarily 1st generation Pinball machine CPU boards) but I suppose for calibration purposes accuracy is important?
Thanks.
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