RF Voltage Measurements

Depends on the make, I suppose. My 1-GHz TDS820 definitely has less in the way of edge artifacts than the 7704B. For slower stuff, I usually use a 2465B, which has no discernible edge artifacts at all.

Cheers,

Phil Hobbs

That is an interesting tidbit I didn't know. Thanks for the info.

John

That 2465 is a mighty fine scope from the golden days at Tektronix. I was never really happy with its knobs and stuff, lost the delayed trigger clutch a couple of times only to discover that it consists of a chintzy sliver of plastic operating a far too stiff slide switch. But numerous times when I found clients who only had DSOs I recommended that they'd bid on at least one 2465. Which they did, and then it was as if someone had turned the lights on. "Oh man, we never knew this nasty stuff was riding on the signal..."

Did they really repeat model numbers? I've got a 7704A here but it's one of the classic mainframes. Back from when they still used more robust knobs.

It's a TDS7704B, not just a 7704B. If they went to 5-digit numbers, all the Agilent-haters would get hives.

Cheers,

Phil Hobbs

Oh yeah, the 7704 out here sits next to a 54110. They haven't gotten into any serious fights. Yet. The 7704 has that evil blueish glow at night when it's all dark, who knows what it's thinking ...

On Sat, 24 May 2008 13:11:16 -0700, Joerg wrote: ...

Good to know people are pleased with this model. A couple of days ago I bought a 2465A myself.

My first measurements were measuring a RF generator (1-180MHz). The results of the Tek using its 50 ohm input were compared with my old HP8557A SA that might have seen its last calibration a decade ago. To my surprise the two agreed very well. I levelled the HP to the Tek with a 100Mhz signal and on on the rest of the range the readings were max 0.3dB different. And on average 0.11dB, cool.

Cheers,

Joop

Congrats. You can't really go wrong with a 2465 in good condition.

When the HP and the Tek start to snarl and growl at each other, move them apart a bit :-)

On Sun, 25 May 2008 08:19:08 -0700, Joerg wrote: ...

I'll keep them at appropriate distance. If they behave like sled dogs, the best results are probably when the pack can compete a little ;-)

Joop