Hi all,
I am thinking of getting me a new O'scope. As some might know I'm still using my trusty old scope I got in used condition around 1986, when it was already old....
http://www.6502.org/users/andre/petindex/imgs/osci.jpg
So it's time for a change.
Now my question is, what would be good features for a new scope? I guess from all the features I'd feel like in hacker's heaven, but it has to fit my purse too, so I have to do some priority-based selection process...
These features I think are required:
- 2 channels + (external) trigger channel
- external / internal trigger, one-shot mode (sample & hold)
- high bandwidth, like 100MHz (my 65816 already has a 50MHz oscillator which is not really showing on my current scope)
- AC/DC coupling, must be allowed to scope stuff connected to mains line
- digital scope: 1GS/s (1 Giga samples per second)
- USB connection to PC to send screenshots/samples to the PC (Linux driver preferred, operation independent from USB is a must)
- basic signal operations (add, substract the two channels)
These features are optional:
- X/Y mode
- cursors for measurements
- "accumulation mode" - not sure if this exists, continuously sample on a trigger, and add the signal to the ones already on screen (to detect glitches of say 1 in 100.000 cycles where the line looks different)
- decode and trigger on busses like I2C, SPI, RS232
- more complex operations, like FFT (= spectrum analyzer)
Some questions I have after looking at some spec sheets:
- kpts = kilo points per second? means what?
- sample memory 25kpts vs. 1Mpts? (25kpts with 1GS/s would mean samples for 25us - ok for me if I take 25 6502 cycles at 1MHz ... Makes me think about zoom into the timebase though)
- usability? Any experiences you want to share?
- cooling fan? best avoided I think
- what about delayed trigger? Do you think this is important?
- LabView?
But after all, total cost should be <1000€, the lower the better - depending on the features.
Maybe you can share some experience with me here.
Many thanks in advance
André