Oscilloscopes for tube amp troubleshooting

[Koolaide]

I have an older scope, that I would like to use for troubuleshooting on tube amps.

I think I understand the basic functions for measuing voltage and viewing waves, but don't really have any practical experience using a scope.

From what I have reseached, I need a 10x probe to handle the voltage present in tube amps. With the 10x probe would be alble to measure DC voltage and AC signal safely. Is this correct?

Does anyone here recommend a specific brand or type of probe? Any information about subject would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

[Phil_S]

For what we do, inexpensive probles from eBay, probably made in China, should do the job very nicely. Don't blow big money on them. You'll need a 10X probe because amp voltages are too high with a 1x.

Example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Pair-X10-X1 ... 5d4ce73c7d

[mjtripper]

I use a 10x for looking at voltages and a 1x for looking at the actual audio waveform.

[LOUDthud]

Many X10 probes have voltage ratings of 400V or less. You are ok for most tube circuits except the plates of the output tubes when a signal is present. Finding the rating of a used probe may be difficult. When you damage a probe, it probably can't be repaired for less than the cost of a new one.

Scopes also have limitations on input voltage. If you damage the input to a scope, finding the replacement part$ might not be easy.

[xtian]

If you are scoping AC signal on high-voltage plates, you just use a properly rated cap (i.e., 0.1uF 600v) between your probe and the signal.

[Aurora]

You got to be aware of max ratings, both for the probe and the channel input. Many cheaper scopes have 40-50V max channel input, which goes up by 10 with a 10x probe.....
100x probes are what I'd use, but new ones aren't cheap ( not very expensive, though )- but sometimes pops up on ebay....