As an example, I picked up a HP 275 MHz scope in perfect working
condition at a Hamfest (Ham radio swap meet) for only $250.  I turned
down the cheaper ones (rangeing from $50 - $100) because I deal
with mine daily

Peter L. Peres wrote:

> On Tue, 19 May 1998, Mike DeMetz wrote:
>
> > > aha! I have taken my DMM back to the shop and demanded they fit the scope
> > > button back on it :-)
> > >
> > > Seriously, I cannot afford a full scope, has anybody got any recommendatio
ns
> > > of a cheap PC based scope system ( I can see VIPS and PICO in a catalogue
> > > here.... )
> > >
> > Tech America has a handheld LCD scope/meter for $199. Only good up to
> > 5Mhz(steady signal).
>        ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> And this makes it unsuitable for serial digital troubleshooting unless
> special signals are generated for testing. A poor man's digital analyzer
> would do it, but a real scope is more versatile.
>
> My advice (been there): Haunt your local ham club or school and find out
> when the next garden/garage sale is on. Then, pick up a reasonable 'old'
> scope for $100 or less. You should be able to net a Hameg or whatever 2 x
> 20 MHz (perhaps valved - although better not) this way.  Insist on
> checking it out on the spot, you should get the scan line on the screen,
> don't take it otherwise.
>
> Peter