Protek Oscilloscopes

[Rylos]

Hi all,

So are the Protek oscilloscopes any good? Anyone have any experiences they'd
like to share? Or should I just save my money for a tektronix or HP? Thanks.

-Dave

 

[TekMan]

Hi all,

So are the Protek oscilloscopes any good? Anyone have any experiences they'd
like to share? Or should I just save my money for a tektronix or HP? Thanks.

-Dave

You did not mention what your specs for the scope are (banwith,
storage yes/no, portability, etc.) - so this is what is necessary to
know to give a more precise proposal.

So I say what I would do: Before buying a Protek, I'd rather pay for a
used good condition Tektronix 465 or 2235/2235A. But that's my
personal view

come back to the group with more infos about what you are using the
scope for, so the answer might get more preciese.

hth,
Andreas

 

[Rylos]

Mostly for digital timing of pulse and clock frequencies up to 20Mhz and
viewing synchronous and asynchronous serial data, byte sized packets. Also
use for viewing output waveforms of boost and buck converters and small
transducer frequencies of just a few mV p-p both from the device and at the
output stage of an amplifier. Storage not necessary and would prefer a
benchtop model. Multiplication of waveforms would be nice for VI product to
get an average value but I know this would mean a high dollar DSO.

I have been strongly considering a used Tek analog such as the ones I've
used at the local University, they have some old Tek 2225's that I'm hoping
they might auction off. I do see them from time to time used online.

Other than those specifics I would just use it to view various waveform from
things like timers, charge and discharge cycles of capacitors and general
purpose stuff like that.

 

[CFoley1064]

Subject: Protek Oscilloscopes

From: "Rylos" unknown
Date: 9/16/2004 9:32 PM Central Daylight Time
Message-id: <[email protected]>

Hi all,

So are the Protek oscilloscopes any good? Anyone have any experiences they'd
like to share? Or should I just save my money for a tektronix or HP? Thanks.

-Dave

Congratulations on taking the big step. I'd get a used Tektronix 465, but
either one is far better than none.

Just get what you're comfortable with. If you're a newbie, eventually you'll
have enough confidence in your skill to open up a scope and fix it if something
goes wrong. The old Tek 465s were great scopes, and are eminently repairable.
Until then, a new one might make you more comfortable, in which case the Protek
is OK. I haven't heard anything about reliability issues on these, although I
don't have one. You do get a warrantee if something goes wrong.

Good luck
Chris

 

[David L. Jones]

Mostly for digital timing of pulse and clock frequencies up to 20Mhz and
viewing synchronous and asynchronous serial data, byte sized packets. Also
use for viewing output waveforms of boost and buck converters and small
transducer frequencies of just a few mV p-p both from the device and at the
output stage of an amplifier. Storage not necessary and would prefer a
benchtop model. Multiplication of waveforms would be nice for VI product to
get an average value but I know this would mean a high dollar DSO.

I have been strongly considering a used Tek analog such as the ones I've
used at the local University, they have some old Tek 2225's that I'm hoping
they might auction off. I do see them from time to time used online.

Other than those specifics I would just use it to view various waveform from
things like timers, charge and discharge cycles of capacitors and general
purpose stuff like that.

For 20MHz digital work you'll need at least a 100MHz scope to be able
to view rise and fall times and detail etc

The Protek ones are OK as far as new scopes go, but new scopes are
very poor value compared with a good second hand scope like a Tek. It
might be worthwhile paying a bit extra to get a properly reconditioned
unit that has been calibrated and checked etc. If you buy a second
hand one on eBay then you take your chances.

For viewing your actual data packets you'll need a digital scope.
Extremely handy when you can look at the individual bits to see whats
happening.
In fact it may be wise to consider two scope, despending on your
budget of course. A nice 100MHz analog for your serious analog and
real-time work, and an old clunker DSO (plenty of old HP ones around
on eBay for a few hundred bucks) for checking data packets with. A DSO
is also very useful for discharge curve checking.

Dave

 

[TekMan]

Mostly for digital timing of pulse and clock frequencies up to 20Mhz and
viewing synchronous and asynchronous serial data, byte sized packets. Also
use for viewing output waveforms of boost and buck converters and small
transducer frequencies of just a few mV p-p both from the device and at the
output stage of an amplifier. Storage not necessary and would prefer a
benchtop model. Multiplication of waveforms would be nice for VI product to
get an average value but I know this would mean a high dollar DSO.

I have been strongly considering a used Tek analog such as the ones I've
used at the local University, they have some old Tek 2225's that I'm hoping
they might auction off. I do see them from time to time used online.

Other than those specifics I would just use it to view various waveform from
things like timers, charge and discharge cycles of capacitors and general
purpose stuff like that.

okay, wit htthese infos I'd say stay with a Tek465 or 475. Or a Tek
2235. All 100MHz or higher analog.

Philips made few analog scopes with integrated anlogue multiplier
(especially for VI work applications). But that's in the 1975 to 1980,
so these units are really old now. I would not recommend to check the
used market for this, it's not worth the money.

The 2225 from university are nice 50 MHz scopes. Not built to the
durability a 465 or 2235 has been, but at least the work
satisfactorily. Tektronix had to serve the low-price end market with
these 2225, so that's the reason for the quality (or lack there of).
As the other postes say: for a 20 MHz digital signal, there is
considerabel aberration on the signal edges with a 50 MHz scope -- so
be aware of this.
If you can get these scopes cheap (80 to 120 $), in working condition,
then go for 'em. But keep in mind that a good 465 is also in the same
price region.


hth,
Andreas