John,
Since this will be your first and only scope, for a while, try to
get a scope from a seller willing to say it was thoroughly checked
out. Most eBay scopes have problems - great for me, since I like
fixing them. Bad for you. And these scopes have many functions
that you will eventually want to learn to use. A scope shown
displaying a signal may still have many problems.
A scope guaranteed to be in decent condition will probably (SWAG
alert) cost 50% to 100% more than a scope that "powers up and
displays a signal". Fixer-upper/parts scopes are for fools like me.
Unless you are dealing with freqs over 50 MHz, most the old Tek
analog scopes will do you well. Larger screens are nice, but not as
important for you as guaranteed workability. Newer scopes will
usually have fewer aging problems and larger screens, but their
prices go up rapidly while actually providing few new operational
features.
In other words, I would place condition above the actual model type
for your purposes.
Good luck.
-Howard
--- In TekScopes@..., "John" <NYCSPIRIT@R...> wrote:
I am looking for a good reliable used Tek scope to learn on and
use
for amateur radio repairs. I see many up for sale on eBay and
would
welcome any advice on which I should consider, and which should be
avoided due to common problems, or inavailability of parts. I
would
like to spend up to $200, but would possibly consider going as
high
as $350 if there is a compelling reason to do so. Thanks in
advance
for your advice and counsel.
John
