HP 1201A oscilloscope

[k-man]

I'm looking for an oscilloscope. Does anyone know if an HP 1201A is any good?

[Phil_S]

According to what I find, it is a dual trace 500KHz scope made c. 1970. That's a little on the low side for band width even for what we do. I'd look for at least 10MHz, and preferably 20MHz -- this range is probably considered obsolete by today's standards, but it plenty good for analog tube amp work. There ought to be plenty to choose from at relatively low prices.

OTOH, if the price is right, and it doesn't need any TLC, it might do. What is the asking price? This one ought to be almost free because because it is only 500KHz.

[Jim Mason]

Also, I believe the 1201A is a storage scope so make sure the CRT face isn't burned. Any scope is better than no scope, but I'm sure you can find something better.

Jim

[k-man]

He's asking $50. He claims it works.

[ToneMerc]

Here's another option, eBay is littered with fair priced scopes that work and are more than adequate for guitar amp stuff. Now 3-4 years ago I snagged a Leader 514A w manual minus probes for just shy of $71 shipped and it's still kicking.

TM

[k-man]

Thanks for the advice guys. I passed and will keep my eyes out for something better.

[Phil_S]

IMO $50 is too much for the HP. I was thinking $10-15 is about it. I got a BK 1472C (2 channel, 15MHz) for less than that, including shipping. I bought the $10 probes from Hong Kong. The whole thing is just fine for amateur analog guitar amp work.

I second Tone Merc. You'll want to haunt eBay for a while to learn the market. Don't overpay. I'd set a ceiling, including shipping, of no more than $75. I am pretty sure you can do it for $50 if your are patient.

This is the sort of auction that you may want to gamble on -- operating condition unknown but it is a clean piece and cheap as dirt: http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-BK-PREC ... 3f100cacd5

Here's a maybe: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEKTRONIX-5113- ... 2eb90791b4

Much nicer: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hitachi-Oscillo ... 256932a351

Do your homework before you bid. There is always another.

Here is a brand new one that appears to be good enough. I don't know anything about the product. The point is, don't get too close to this price when you are buying used because you could get stuck with a loser. IMO, the retail price on this one is under $300, making the reasonable upper limit for an eBait purchase in the range of $100-$150. http://www.tequipment.net/OWONEDU5022.html

I don't think I'd consider computer add on products to turn your PC into a scope because of the voltages we deal with.

Good luck.

[NickC]

I got a used Tektronix 485 with probes, that had been recently calibrated, off eBay. It arrived in fine shape and has proved to be a good value. I later acquired a Tektronix function generator to use with the scope, also from eBay.

The 485 is the end-of-line high-end analog scopes from Tektronix. I am told it is far easier to service than the new digital scopes. I have full documentation on it, in scanned PDFs on a CD I obtained from a service center in Greece.

[mike9]

A retired fellow just north of me has a Tektronics 561A 10mhz dual trace scope for $40 cash and carry. Bell let him have all his test equipment when he retired and it's in very good condition. I think I'll snag it.