1. Topics
  2. Opinion on 'scope selection

Opinion on 'scope selection

druid_noibn
 

An opinion please. A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A. His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
Harvey White
 

I'd ask myself the following questions:

1) what bandwidth do you want (higher can be better, but has more fussy circuitry)?

2) what are you doing with it?  RF?  Audio?  Digital? LF work? Restoration work?

3) How digital do you want to be? that includes controls and interface.

4) How repairable do you want it to be, special parts particularly.

5) how many channels do you need/want?

6) what shape is it in, and how fixable is it?

7) do you have a parts donor?


Harvey

On 2/25/2022 10:38 AM, druid_noibn via groups.io wrote:
An opinion please. A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A. His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
Dave Voorhis
 

Speaking as a collector, with a collection that started in 2016 with a 475 (I'm not counting a forgettable modern DSO) and has since grown to twenty oscilloscopes and curve tracers, I suggest attempting to obtain all of them. 😊

But assuming only one...

It depends on you, what you want do to with a 'scope, and what you're comfortable maintaining.

For easy repairability, totally manual operation and relatively low bandwidth (maximum 50mhz) I'd go with the 453.

For maximum bandwidth and some measurement capabilities, but perhaps more difficult repair, go with the 2465A. The 2445, 2465 and 2445B are essentially equivalent but lower bandwidth. The 2465A is 400mhz.

I know nothing about the THS730A. That's a newer, portable digital 'scope. Probably the most in-build automated capability, but perhaps most difficult to do-it-yourself repair if it needs it, and not everyone likes driving digital 'scopes.

The others kind of fall in between, I guess. The 2236 has a built-in counter and digital multimeter, which is nifty. The 2246 is analog with some measurement features. The 465B is like an updated 453.

Tough choice!

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of druid_noibn via groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 15:38
To: TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

An opinion please. A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A. His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
n4buq
 

I have several scopes including a 453 and a 465B. I like both but if it came down to only keeping one, I'd keep the 465B.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Voorhis" <voorhis@...>
To: "tekscopes" <TekScopes@groups.io>
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 10:06:30 AM
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection
Speaking as a collector, with a collection that started in 2016 with a 475 (I'm
not counting a forgettable modern DSO) and has since grown to twenty
oscilloscopes and curve tracers, I suggest attempting to obtain all of them. 😊

But assuming only one...

It depends on you, what you want do to with a 'scope, and what you're
comfortable maintaining.

For easy repairability, totally manual operation and relatively low bandwidth
(maximum 50mhz) I'd go with the 453.

For maximum bandwidth and some measurement capabilities, but perhaps more
difficult repair, go with the 2465A. The 2445, 2465 and 2445B are essentially
equivalent but lower bandwidth. The 2465A is 400mhz.

I know nothing about the THS730A. That's a newer, portable digital 'scope.
Probably the most in-build automated capability, but perhaps most difficult to
do-it-yourself repair if it needs it, and not everyone likes driving digital
'scopes.

The others kind of fall in between, I guess. The 2236 has a built-in counter and
digital multimeter, which is nifty. The 2246 is analog with some measurement
features. The 465B is like an updated 453.

Tough choice!

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of druid_noibn via
groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 15:38
To: TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

An opinion please. A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes:
453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A. His plan is to
sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have
not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be
a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
satbeginner
 

2465A (= 4ch, 350MHz) would be my choice.
druid_noibn
 

Hi Harvey,
Many thanks for the comments/questions. 

As a hobbyist, "all of the above" <smile> - that said, you raise excellent points.  I am concerned a bit about repairing - I did instrument repairs for some decades, which only tells me that one needs to source viable parts.

I'll have to hook each up and cook them a bit to see which one looks most viable.

Again, THANKS!
John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 10:58:51 AM EST, Harvey White <madyn@...> wrote:

I'd ask myself the following questions:

1) what bandwidth do you want (higher can be better, but has more fussy
circuitry)?

2) what are you doing with it?  RF?  Audio?  Digital? LF work?
Restoration work?

3) How digital do you want to be? that includes controls and interface.

4) How repairable do you want it to be, special parts particularly.

5) how many channels do you need/want?

6) what shape is it in, and how fixable is it?

7) do you have a parts donor?


Harvey



On 2/25/2022 10:38 AM, druid_noibn via groups.io wrote:
An opinion please.  A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A.  His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
druid_noibn
 

Hi Dave,
I used a 453 some years back - it was a really nice 'scope back then.  I could like acquire all of the items, but the lady of the house is not keen on that. 

I'll have to run each of the units but I will look at the 2465A more closely - thank you.

The THS is rather nice looking - and appears to be working well (needs a battery)...and I can see a "need" for field work, although I haven't been out in the filed for some time.

Yes, the counters and multi-meters are attractive - don't have much experience using the integrated ones.

Will look the units over - Thank You.
John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:06:39 AM EST, Dave Voorhis <voorhis@...> wrote:

Speaking as a collector, with a collection that started in 2016 with a 475 (I'm not counting a forgettable modern DSO) and has since grown to twenty oscilloscopes and curve tracers, I suggest attempting to obtain all of them. 😊

But assuming only one... 

It depends on you, what you want do to with a 'scope, and what you're comfortable maintaining.

For easy repairability, totally manual operation and relatively low bandwidth (maximum 50mhz) I'd go with the 453.

For maximum bandwidth and some measurement capabilities, but perhaps more difficult repair, go with the 2465A. The 2445, 2465 and 2445B are essentially equivalent but lower bandwidth. The 2465A is 400mhz.

I know nothing about the THS730A. That's a newer, portable digital 'scope. Probably the most in-build automated capability, but perhaps most difficult to do-it-yourself repair if it needs it, and not everyone likes driving digital 'scopes.

The others kind of fall in between, I guess. The 2236 has a built-in counter and digital multimeter, which is nifty. The 2246 is analog with some measurement features. The 465B is like an updated 453.

Tough choice!

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of druid_noibn via groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 15:38
To: TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

An opinion please.  A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A.  His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement. 

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
druid_noibn
 

Hi Barry,
Very good - I'll take closer look at the 465B - easier to get parts as well, I believe.

Thanks and kind regards,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:17:46 AM EST, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

I have several scopes including a 453 and a 465B.  I like both but if it came down to only keeping one, I'd keep the 465B.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Voorhis" <voorhis@...>
To: "tekscopes" <TekScopes@groups.io>
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 10:06:30 AM
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection
Speaking as a collector, with a collection that started in 2016 with a 475 (I'm
not counting a forgettable modern DSO) and has since grown to twenty
oscilloscopes and curve tracers, I suggest attempting to obtain all of them. 😊

But assuming only one...

It depends on you, what you want do to with a 'scope, and what you're
comfortable maintaining.

For easy repairability, totally manual operation and relatively low bandwidth
(maximum 50mhz) I'd go with the 453.

For maximum bandwidth and some measurement capabilities, but perhaps more
difficult repair, go with the 2465A. The 2445, 2465 and 2445B are essentially
equivalent but lower bandwidth. The 2465A is 400mhz.

I know nothing about the THS730A. That's a newer, portable digital 'scope.
Probably the most in-build automated capability, but perhaps most difficult to
do-it-yourself repair if it needs it, and not everyone likes driving digital
'scopes.

The others kind of fall in between, I guess. The 2236 has a built-in counter and
digital multimeter, which is nifty. The 2246 is analog with some measurement
features. The 465B is like an updated 453.

Tough choice!

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of druid_noibn via
groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 15:38
To: TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

An opinion please.  A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes:
453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A.  His plan is to
sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have
not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be
a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
druid_noibn
 

Hi David,
Good points - a field 'scope and take a god look at the 2465A

Thanks,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:23:31 AM EST, David Templeton <vexorg.calibra@...> wrote:

The THS730 is the handheld digital. They are proper scopes, not like the scopemeter , but it does have a very old style mono lcd that is slow to update. The size is nice if you need truly portable as it’s easy to hold in one hand, like a clipboard.

2465A would be my choice out of the rest

David

On 25 Feb 2022, at 16:06, Dave Voorhis <voorhis@...> wrote:

Speaking as a collector, with a collection that started in 2016 with a 475 (I'm not counting a forgettable modern DSO) and has since grown to twenty oscilloscopes and curve tracers, I suggest attempting to obtain all of them. 😊

But assuming only one... 

It depends on you, what you want do to with a 'scope, and what you're comfortable maintaining.

For easy repairability, totally manual operation and relatively low bandwidth (maximum 50mhz) I'd go with the 453.

For maximum bandwidth and some measurement capabilities, but perhaps more difficult repair, go with the 2465A. The 2445, 2465 and 2445B are essentially equivalent but lower bandwidth. The 2465A is 400mhz.

I know nothing about the THS730A. That's a newer, portable digital 'scope. Probably the most in-build automated capability, but perhaps most difficult to do-it-yourself repair if it needs it, and not everyone likes driving digital 'scopes.

The others kind of fall in between, I guess. The 2236 has a built-in counter and digital multimeter, which is nifty. The 2246 is analog with some measurement features. The 465B is like an updated 453.

Tough choice!

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of druid_noibn via groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 15:38
To: TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

An opinion please.  A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A.  His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have retirement. 

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John   










druid_noibn
 

Hi,
It seems that there is a preference for the 2465A - I'll get that one warmed upi soon.
Thanks,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:25:14 AM EST, satbeginner <castellcorunas@...> wrote:

2465A (= 4ch, 350MHz) would be my choice.
David C. Partridge
 

From the point of view of ease of repair, the 465B wins.

D.

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of druid_noibn via groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 16:56
To: tekscopes@groups.io; TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

Hi,
It seems that there is a preference for the 2465A - I'll get that one warmed upi soon.
Thanks,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:25:14 AM EST, satbeginner <castellcorunas@...> wrote:

2465A (= 4ch, 350MHz) would be my choice.
Paul Amaranth
 

The 453 is easy to repair too, although the screen is small. Nice selection to choose from and most have good service manuals available.

Try to get at least 2. You need a scope to fix a scope :-)

On February 25, 2022 12:13:57 PM EST, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@...> wrote:
From the point of view of ease of repair, the 465B wins.

D.

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of
druid_noibn via groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 16:56
To: tekscopes@groups.io; TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

Hi,
It seems that there is a preference for the 2465A - I'll get that one
warmed upi soon.
Thanks,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:25:14 AM EST, satbeginner
<castellcorunas@...> wrote:

2465A (= 4ch, 350MHz) would be my choice.


















!DSPAM:62190e63113268432110409!
--
Sent from Open Mail on Android.
Siggi
 

I have a few scopes in my lab, including a 485, 7834, 2430, 2465, 2467 with
CTT, TDS784D and a HP54622D. My first go-to is always the 2467 because it's
very very usable and usually more than capable. It's only when I run out of
"slow" that I go to a digital scope (the HP), or if I run out of fast I go
to the TDS784D scope.
You should definitely go have a twiddle of all the scopes on offer, and you
might want to listen to them as well. You may find that the 2465 is more
suitable for a quiet lab than the 2465A, because the former has that
wonderful impeller fan, while the latter has a "computer" box fan.
On the whole, I'd probably go for the 2465 or the 2465A, though the THS730A
is interesting in its own right, as it has two isolated channels. Assuming
it comes with suitable probes, this can be a nice feature to have on
occasion.

On Fri, Feb 25, 2022 at 10:38 AM druid_noibn via groups.io <druid_noibn=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

An opinion please. A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek
scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A.
His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have
retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I
have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which
would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
n4buq
 

Does the 2465 or 2465A have the leaky SMD caps on the A5 board? I can't remember which models in that line have that issue.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Siggi via groups.io" <siggi@...>
To: "tekscopes" <TekScopes@groups.io>
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 11:53:49 AM
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection
I have a few scopes in my lab, including a 485, 7834, 2430, 2465, 2467 with
CTT, TDS784D and a HP54622D. My first go-to is always the 2467 because it's
very very usable and usually more than capable. It's only when I run out of
"slow" that I go to a digital scope (the HP), or if I run out of fast I go
to the TDS784D scope.
You should definitely go have a twiddle of all the scopes on offer, and you
might want to listen to them as well. You may find that the 2465 is more
suitable for a quiet lab than the 2465A, because the former has that
wonderful impeller fan, while the latter has a "computer" box fan.
On the whole, I'd probably go for the 2465 or the 2465A, though the THS730A
is interesting in its own right, as it has two isolated channels. Assuming
it comes with suitable probes, this can be a nice feature to have on
occasion.

On Fri, Feb 25, 2022 at 10:38 AM druid_noibn via groups.io <druid_noibn=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

An opinion please. A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek
scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A.
His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have
retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I
have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which
would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
Jeff Dutky
 

Barry,

The 2465 definitely does NOT have the leaky SMD caps, as it's all through-hole components. I think that the 2465A is also safe from the SMD caps on the A5 board, but I'm not certain of that.

There was a definitive message on this topic a few months ago, possibly in a thread that you participated in, but I can't seem to find it at the moment.

-- Jeff Dutky
n4buq
 

Jeff,

I have a 2456B and I had to do the SMD repairs on it. I just wasn't sure about the 2465 and/or 2465A.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Dutky" <jeff.dutky@...>
To: "tekscopes" <TekScopes@groups.io>
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 1:38:51 PM
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection
Barry,

The 2465 definitely does NOT have the leaky SMD caps, as it's all through-hole
components. I think that the 2465A is also safe from the SMD caps on the A5
board, but I'm not certain of that.

There was a definitive message on this topic a few months ago, possibly in a
thread that you participated in, but I can't seem to find it at the moment.

-- Jeff Dutky
druid_noibn
 

Hi D.
Good point - thanks.
John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 12:14:07 PM EST, David C. Partridge <david.partridge@...> wrote:

From the point of view of ease of repair, the 465B wins.

D.

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of druid_noibn via groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 16:56
To: tekscopes@groups.io; TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

Hi,
It seems that there is a preference for the 2465A - I'll get that one warmed upi soon.
Thanks,John

    On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:25:14 AM EST, satbeginner <castellcorunas@...> wrote: 

2465A (= 4ch, 350MHz) would be my choice.
druid_noibn
 

Hi Paul,
Good points - yes the 453 looks to be a bit easier on the repair side, and I de recall which end of a soldering iron to pick up.  Even better, two scopes...for repair and a back-up....my wife will kill me.

Kind regards,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 12:44:57 PM EST, Paul Amaranth <paul@...> wrote:

The 453 is easy to repair too, although the screen is small.  Nice selection to choose from and most have good service manuals available.

Try to get at least 2.  You need a scope to fix a scope :-)

On February 25, 2022 12:13:57 PM EST, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@...> wrote:
From the point of view of ease of repair, the 465B wins.

D.

-----Original Message-----
From: TekScopes@groups.io <TekScopes@groups.io> On Behalf Of
druid_noibn via groups.io
Sent: 25 February 2022 16:56
To: tekscopes@groups.io; TekScopes@groups.io
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Opinion on 'scope selection

Hi,
It seems that there is a preference for the 2465A - I'll get that one
warmed upi soon.
Thanks,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 11:25:14 AM EST, satbeginner
<castellcorunas@...> wrote: 

2465A (= 4ch, 350MHz) would be my choice.





 












!DSPAM:62190e63113268432110409!
--
Sent from Open Mail on Android.
druid_noibn
 

Hi,
Again - good points to think about - I'm not one to worry too much regarding noise - my wife says I'm deaf, but it's more that I come from a large family. 

I must admit to wanting to keep a THS730A as a back-up and lean towards the 2465/2465A after checking the items out.

Kind regards,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 12:54:10 PM EST, Siggi via groups.io <siggi@...> wrote:

I have a few scopes in my lab, including a 485, 7834, 2430, 2465, 2467 with
CTT, TDS784D and a HP54622D. My first go-to is always the 2467 because it's
very very usable and usually more than capable. It's only when I run out of
"slow" that I go to a digital scope (the HP), or if I run out of fast I go
to the TDS784D scope.
You should definitely go have a twiddle of all the scopes on offer, and you
might want to listen to them as well. You may find that the 2465 is more
suitable for a quiet lab than the 2465A, because the former has that
wonderful impeller fan, while the latter has a "computer" box fan.
On the whole, I'd probably go for the 2465 or the 2465A, though the THS730A
is interesting in its own right, as it has two isolated channels. Assuming
it comes with suitable probes, this can be a nice feature to have on
occasion.

On Fri, Feb 25, 2022 at 10:38 AM druid_noibn via groups.io <druid_noibn=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

An opinion please.  A friend is offing me a choice of one of his Tek
scopes: 453, 465B, 2236, 2246, 2445, 2445B, 2465, 2465A, and a THS730A.
His plan is to sell-off the inventory…he has a lot of “stuff” and we have
retirement.

We all know that a working “A” is far better than a non-working “B” and I
have not evaluated the items yet but would like an opinion or two on which
would be a “preferred” for an experienced hobbyist.

Kind regards,
John
druid_noibn
 

Hi Jeff, et al.,
Thanks for heads-up - I'll look into it!

Kind regards,John

On Friday, February 25, 2022, 02:38:59 PM EST, Jeff Dutky <jeff.dutky@...> wrote:

Barry,

The 2465 definitely does NOT have the leaky SMD caps, as it's all through-hole components. I think that the 2465A is also safe from the SMD caps on the A5 board, but I'm not certain of that.

There was a definitive message on this topic a few months ago, possibly in a thread that you participated in, but I can't seem to find it at the moment.

-- Jeff Dutky
1 - 20 of 33