Post by thread:[EE] Logic scope? Digital oscilloscope?

While looking around for a digital oscilloscope, I found a Tektronix TLS 216 Logic Scope on eBay. By the looks of it, it's a 16 channel digital oscilloscope (not unlike the TDS 1000/2000 series?) combined with the capabilities of a logic analyzer. It's on the very-high-end of my budget but I wouldn't mind spending so much if it will serve me well and last for some time. A few questions: Is this unsuitable for a serious electronics student/hobbyist? Could it be used as an oscilloscope? Is it a viable replacement? Would I be better off with a regular 2/4 channel scope? If so, would a new scope be better than a used scope in the same price range? (ie. TDS 1002 vs. TDS 224) I'm also looking at a Tektronix TDS 224 (4 channel) on eBay -- I have read good things about the 200 series in general so that would definitely be my second choice. Any ideas on what I can expect to pay for this? I'd really like to make the right decision when spending this much but I find it hard to research specific oscilloscope models as most search queries are flooded with test equipment resellers' pages and generic descriptions. I am open to any suggestions. Thanks / James (I've already got an analog HP 1740A, but it's not in the best condition, takes up way too much precious workbench space and I can't capture the waveforms without photographing it)

I think the TLS216 is very good, but the active probes are expensive to replace, when and if they need it. And I believe there are two channels that act as oscilloscopes and they are limited in input voltage. But I can't say this for sure because it's been a while since I've used one. In my opinion, you'd be better served with the TDS224. It's smaller, light weight, very portable (about the size of a lunchbox), and as scopes go, relative inexpensive. I use several of the TDS200 series nearly every day, and I wouldn't know what to do without them. Bottom line from my perspective is don't sepnd the money on the TLS216. Get the TDS224 instead. I think you'll be happy, and won't regret it. Hope this helps you out. Regards, Jim {Quote hidden}> While looking around for a digital oscilloscope, I found a Tektronix > TLS 216 Logic Scope on eBay. By the looks of it, it's a 16 channel > digital oscilloscope (not unlike the TDS 1000/2000 series?) combined > with the capabilities of a logic analyzer. It's on the very-high-end of > my budget but I wouldn't mind spending so much if it will serve me well > and last for some time. > > A few questions: > > Is this unsuitable for a serious electronics student/hobbyist? > Could it be used as an oscilloscope? Is it a viable replacement? > Would I be better off with a regular 2/4 channel scope? > If so, would a new scope be better than a used scope in the same price > range? (ie. TDS 1002 vs. TDS 224) > > I'm also looking at a Tektronix TDS 224 (4 channel) on eBay -- I have > read good things about the 200 series in general so that would > definitely be my second choice. Any ideas on what I can expect to pay > for this? > > I'd really like to make the right decision when spending this much but > I find it hard to research specific oscilloscope models as most search > queries are flooded with test equipment resellers' pages and generic > descriptions. I am open to any suggestions. > > Thanks / James > > > (I've already got an analog HP 1740A, but it's not in the best > condition, takes up way too much precious workbench space and I can't > capture the waveforms without photographing it) > > --