which oscilloscope?

[JW]

For that, your best tool is a protocol analyzer. If you want to use a
hardware-based protocol analyzer, consider renting one until your
project is up and running.

You can buy used ones pretty cheap, might even be cheaper than renting:
http://www.used-line.com/c6324552s108-HP_Agilent_4951C.htm

 

[rickman]

Not having to think or jump through hoops to trigger at the right
point can save a lot of time. That is where a big buffer comes in
handy. Also being able to zoom in at a 'problem spot' without having
to re-capture data saves a lot of time and hassle. I do a lot of
checking on FPGA designs using a 2M point logic analyzer. One
acquisition usually gives me all the data I need to verify the design.

But a logic analyzer is not a scope. It is pretty rare that I need
this sort of buffer for an analog waveform. It is a trade off between
features you actually need and ones that you will use once in a blue
moon.

In fact, I don't feel the need for a 4 input scope anymore. But what
I do want is a scope that can work with a logic analyzer. It has been
awhile, but I seem to recall analog scopes that have a trigger output
on the back which can be used to trigger other devices.

My customer buys PC attached devices. He is very happy with their
Intronix logic analyzer. But they have a PC attached scope that he
was having trouble figuring out the triggering. I might ask to borrow
the scope and see if I can make it work for me.

Rick

 

[Scott Seidman]

But a logic analyzer is not a scope. It is pretty rare that I need
this sort of buffer for an analog waveform. It is a trade off between
features you actually need and ones that you will use once in a blue
moon.

In fact, I don't feel the need for a 4 input scope anymore. But what
I do want is a scope that can work with a logic analyzer. It has been
awhile, but I seem to recall analog scopes that have a trigger output
on the back which can be used to trigger other devices.

My customer buys PC attached devices. He is very happy with their
Intronix logic analyzer. But they have a PC attached scope that he
was having trouble figuring out the triggering. I might ask to borrow
the scope and see if I can make it work for me.

Rick

The Z-input also seems to have disappeared from modern scopes. and I miss
it.

 

[Jan Panteltje]

The Z-input also seems to have disappeared from modern scopes. and I miss
it.

Yes, very valuable:
http://panteltje.com/panteltje/scope_tv/index.html

 

[Blarp]

The Z-input also seems to have disappeared from modern scopes. and I miss
it.

I want the Y-output back.

To connect an audio amp to.

(it is simply amazing what can be measured by ear! Just sensing e.g. a
adress line will make "audible" the software flow in a CPU board.)

My old analog hobby scope has one. And I dearly miss it on the office
LeCroy.

 

[rickman]

This week I'm finishing up the firmware for a 4-channel arbitrary
waveform generator, so a 4-channel scope is perfect.

Next week, I start on the 8-channel version...

John

What can you do with a 4 channel scope that you can't do with a 2
channel one by moving the probe, when testing a 4 channel AWG? This
looks to me like the perfect example of why you don't need 4
channels.

Rick