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A few questions about used scopes - updated

post #1 of 4
3/16/10 at 1:29pm
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone,

I've been into DIY for a while now, and I feel like I could use a scope for making measurements of some of the things I build, troubleshooting others, and also for the fun and learning experience.

I'm an EE student, and have had a few encounters with scopes (Agilent 54621A dual-channels 60MHz) at the university.

I've looked in the used ads in my country, and the only thing I've found for a reasonable price, is a GW GOS-522B scope the manufacturer's web-site states it was launched in 1985). Its a dual-channel 20MHz scope, and he wants just over 200$ for it. BTW, I tried looking through eBay, but shipping to my country is 150$ easy.

I would like to ask a few questions:
1- Does anyone know this scope/manufacturer and can tell me if its any good?
2- Is 20MHz enough for audio related products? I know audio signals are much lower, but if for example I would like to test an amplifier for oscillations, will it suffice?
3- I could not find the data sheet for this scope, and the owner doesn't have it either, any idea where I could find it? I would like to know a bit more about its abilities, and voltage resolution.

BTW, this is all I could find about it:
GW GOS-522 Oscilloscope

Thank you guys.

See updates in the 4th message
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post #2 of 4
3/16/10 at 8:23pm
Regarding bandwidth:

Some people will say that you need 100MHz to check for oscillation, but is it worthwhile spending budget x3 or x4 just for that facility? How often do things oscillate? Often oscillation can be determined by components overheating or by unexpected poor subjective performance, etc..

If oscillation checking is not a priority then 20 MHz should be fine. Also remember that 20MHz is likely the -3dB point, so it will respond above 20MHz but at lower sensitivity.

I have not used a GOS-522, however I used to work for a company that had several GwInstek 'scopes and they were fine.
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post #3 of 4
3/17/10 at 3:53am
Thread Starter 
Thank you. If anyone has any other thoughts, please share.
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post #4 of 4
3/17/10 at 4:49pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Guys,

I've been able to find a few more items locally. One is the Agilent 54622 which I want very much, but at 800$ its a bit too much for me at the moment.

There are two other options:
Tectronix 2235 for 400$
Tectronix 2246 for 550$

I'm unfamiliar with these units, any thoughts about them? How do they compare to the Agilent (which I'm familiar with, so it'll give me an estimate).

And one more question. These of you who use scopes, how important would you say is the capability of a scope to measure things like Vmax, Vrms, frequency etc?

Thank you all once more.
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