----- Original Message ----- From: Dave Dribin > Would an analog scope, like the Tek 465, be useful for a serial > digital signal, like the PS/2 port on a PC? I guess I'm asking, would > a used Tek 465 or a used TDS 210 be a better buy for a > beginner/hobbyist doing some PC integration projects? From the looks > of it, a used TDS 210 goes for about 3 times a used Tek 465, but if > it's 3 times as useful, I may consider it. Well, I'd say yes. For doing embedded work digital scopes are a huge help. I got a used TDS 320 off of Ebay a while back for $350; it's in rough shape, but very usable --nice to have a "real" digital scope at home. We've got TDS-420's at work that we use all the time. We also have a TEK 465, but use the TDS's more often, however there are times when you can't see whats really going on with older digital scopes like we have. The digital phosphor scopes are nicer, but are still going for $$$. These seem to do the trick for now. Before that, at home I used a RadioShack Probescope (aka OzziFox) that I got when RS was closing them out ~$28. --Its a little cumbersome, but you could use it when a proper scope wasen't available. Also, the thing is darn portable. These are offered up all the time on Ebay. Anyway, if you're just tinkering at home, and can wait, maybe you could shop around and see whats available. If you get paid to tinker, I doubt you'd go wrong going for the TDS210. My old instructor used to say something like "You never regret having the proper tools, but you can often regret not having them." :') -Dal -- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic: [PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads