[time-nuts] A little quick advice, please

[Bob Camp]

Hi

Buying brand new or previously owned?

There's a *big* difference there and for home use, previously owned is the only way to go. 

A "real" scope is easier to float from ground, and the controls make more sense. The knobs and switches really do help you make quick and accurate measurements. The PC scope is terrific for saving plots and post processing. The "real" scope likely will have wider bandwidth and better probes than the PC version. The PC version will indeed have a bigger display. 

If all you need is sound card audio rate stuff, go with the PC version. It's essentially free. Calibration will be a bit messy, but it's a lot of bang for the buck. I'm guessing you need something a bit faster than audio. 

My vote goes to the real scope. It will still be running decades after the PC version is un-usable. If you get the right one, it can be a "once a lifetime" sort of buy. The PC version is likely a "once every couple of years" sort of thing.

Bob


On Oct 31, 2010, at 9:35 AM, William H. Fite wrote:

> 'morning, folks,
> 
> I was just on a verge of purchasing a Tek TDS1012 scope when a friend
> suggested that I could save a chunk of change by buying a BitScope. Although
> I've been aware of PC scopes, I never really looked into them.  The specs
> look pretty good (the fact that I was looking at an entry-level Tek will
> give you some idea of my needs).
> 
> Anyone have any experience with BitScope or other of the low-end PC scopes?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Bill
> 
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