[sdiy] scope aging

[Scott Gravenhorst]

AFAIK, the most significant factor with aging of electronics is
electrolytic and tantalum capacitors.  There is no way to accurately
predict when they will fail.  Used equipment is always a gamble which is
one reason why the price is lower, however it's possible to get a "golden"
one.  The way the equipment was treated by the previous owner is the other
major factor.  I wouldn't buy a scope that was used by field service
personnel, unless they _owned_ the scope themselves.  I worked as field
engineer among a staff of 40+, scopes were often poorly stored in cars
(slamming around in the back of a station wagon is poor care).  Our scopes
were company property and were often mistreated (not mine, I actually
wanted to fix computers and the scope was my primary tool).  I remember a
few that were sent back for repair for various mishaps such as falling
down a flight of stairs.  Bench scopes would be a much better choice over
field service used scopes.

Fernando de Izuzquiza <fdi at ran.es> wrote:
>Hi all,
>
>I'm looking for a second hand scope (wich is pretty damn difficult here 
>in Spain)
>I've find two: a Hameg HM203-6 (250 euro now, ebay, in my city) and a 
>Telequipment D1016 (60 euro now, ebay in France, but no problem to pick 
>up). Both dual trace 20MHz.
> From an info I found the Hameg could be from 18 years ago (true?) and I 
>don't know about the D1016.
>I see both units were very common years ago, since I've found many on 
>the net.
>
>Any opinions on them both?
>Anyone knows more or less the estimate age for a D1016?
>And, can aging be a bad factor? I read in current Oscilloscope thread 
>that screen is quite sensitive to age...
>That D1016 is quite cheap but may be the Hameg is a better device and 
>may be a better deal...? I need some advice please.
>
>I'm just trying to avoid buying a new one for 400-500 euro. I want it 
>to monitorize synth signals and, when I know how to =:), component 
>test/selection (with the Hameg) or other duties.
>I know 5-10MHz is enough, but those oldy ones are located mainly in the 
>US of A and shipping to Spain will be expensive and not very safe at 
>all, I guess... I find some in UK, but they wont ship to Spain, and 
>again I don't think is a good idea to ship it, I'm I right?
>
>Thank you guys,
>
>Fernando
>
>
>f
>*
>

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-- Scott Gravenhorst | LegoManiac / Lego Trains / RIS 1.5
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