buying the best oscilloscope

[pese]

@jas-bir  @all

use first, not the best, use, the simplest to "learn"
and is USEFULLY for most aplication, the the guys
here working with.

Use an Software Scope.
(Free download to finf with google)

That work over the soundcard.

If you "search for software", than look also
for Frequency generator (via soundcard)

Gustav Pese

[TinselKoala]

I agree, and I disagree. As usual.
An oscilloscope (or two, or three...) is an absolute must for anybody looking at electronic "free energy" or any interesting electronics projects.
Pese is right that the pc-based soundcard software scopes are a great way to learn how to use the scope. But I do lots of stuff that I don't want anywhere near my computer, so I use a cheap stand-alone, bullet-proof, 10 Mhz (but fast rise time) dual beam Philips 3233 (not the 3232 below) which has discrete transistors all in sockets, no ICs...so if something blows it is easy to fix.
Dual is essential--dual trace is good but dual beam is better. I prefer analog but good fast analog scopes are expensive and hard to find.
Digital scopes are really nice because they usually have math functions--so you can multiply traces and integrate over time. This is how you determine power with an oscilloscope. If you use the analog scopes you can trace the trace on tracing paper, cut it out and weigh it, to do the integration.

You can't be too rich or too thin--or have too many oscilloscopes.

[jas_bir77]

@ all
thanks a lot to all of you.
now after reading your posts i think i would first try my hands on the idea of using the sound card till the time i am able to understand what i am doing actully (since i am electronics + engenering illiterate)
thanks a ton, guys

[turbo]

Hi 

I have used my Laptop soundcard as scope, and i blew it.
Please be carefull with that.
Another disadvantage is that it only goes up to 20.000 Hz or so.

I also have a digital Pc- scope, but i do not use it much because i am too affraid to destroy the input.
CRT scopes are the best, mine can take up to 600 volts without a problem.
It's all tube's inside and it consumes 840 Watts quite much for a scope.

Marco.

[TinselKoala]

Hi 

I have used my Laptop soundcard as scope, and i blew it.
Please be carefull with that.
Another disadvantage is that it only goes up to 20.000 Hz or so.

I also have a digital Pc- scope, but i do not use it much because i am too affraid to destroy the input.
CRT scopes are the best, mine can take up to 600 volts without a problem.
It's all tube's inside and it consumes 840 Watts quite much for a scope.

Marco.

See there!
It probably keeps you warm in the winter too.
Up with analog oscilloscopes!!