How are the Instek DSOs, in particular the "portables" like GDS-2064, in comparison to comparable Tek 'scopes like the TDS2004B? Tek has always had a good reputation, but the Instek is considerably cheaper. Is it the name you're paying for, or are the Tektronix models really that much better (reliability, performance, etc)?
Don't know but I currently have the "pleasure" to use a newer low end Tek scope (TDS220 or something like that) at a client. To say it mildly, I am not enthused. The probes that came with it are a joke compared to the Tek probes in my lab and the knobs and buttons feel loose and cheap.
Ok, I am a bit biased here because I don't like digital scopes much but on this thing I am always afraid something will break off if I touch it.
-- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com
(My thoughts as well. The TDS I recently tried to use had the look, feel and build quality of a kid's toy. Must have cost 'em tuppence to manufacture).
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It also has a really sluggish frame rate. Can drive you nuts when chasing noise. Bottomline I suggested to buy a "real" scope, maybe a nicely refurbed Tektronix 2465. Something that works.
-- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com
My favorite scope. :)
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The current run of Tektronix products feel to me like kids' toys (and badly made ones at that) compared to their older stuff.
If I were shopping for a new 'scope, and had the bucks to burn, I'd check in with LeCroy (the WaveRunner series) before I'd even glance at current Tek stuff.
Keep the peace(es).
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At this end of the market they are all pretty much the same in terms of performance and build quality, be it Tek, Agilent (actually a rebadged Rigol), Instek et.al Buy based on a) price, and b) what spec/feature is most important to you.
The Instek/Goodwill GDS-2064 has 25K sample memory, that's pretty good, the Tek only has a pathetic 2.5KB.
Dave :)
Anyone looking for a decent scope should check out Agilent's current range - I've not used the lower-end 3000 series, but the 6000s are fantastic. Anyone used to an analogue scope will feel right at home with one. LeCroy run on Windows and have a hard disk inside - Don't think I need to say any more....
In my opinion, they are not that bad. The Instek scope that I have is the same price as a laptop, and it can also do image and video capture like this:
"The video shows the voltage spikes at the NO terminal of a CMOS SPDT during switching transitions."
However, in terms of the waveform displays, I seem to prefer the TDS3000B scopes that we have at school. The bad thing is that those do not have USB connections and still rely on floppy discs.
The Instek scope that I have feels like a toy also, but I don't mind its performance since it is just a starter scope. I am thinking of getting an analog scope as soon as I can save up some money.... or request more student aid. Hahaha.
I've been leaning towards the Instek. I don't like that it's twice as thick as the Tek, but I also don't like the Tek's smaller memory. Which model do you have? Is the frame rate very sluggish? How is the responsiveness and feel of the knobs and switches?
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