Hello Ben! You do NOT need an oscilloscope to build and align your K2! A digital multimeter is all you need, and one could get away with building a K2 without even that.
Still, an oscilloscope is a wonderful tool to have around the shop. If I had to give up all my instruments save one, the one instrument I'd keep would be my oscilloscope. As you know an oscilloscope can do anything almost any other instrument can do and more besides. You're an O.T. like me. The new oscilloscopes are digital. They quantize analog signals and process streams of digital data. Like all digital systems, they have advantages and disadvantages based on how well the digitizing process replicates the analog signal being studied. Personally, I like an analog scope best. The frequency response should be at least 5 or 10 times the highest frequency signal you will observe, in order to see artifacts on the signal accurately. That means something in the range of 200 MHz for someone working on high-frequency equipment. Dual trace capability is also extremely handy for certain things. But I'd take a 200 MHz single trace scope over a 50 MHz or lower dual trace scope any day for sheer usefulness and value. I have a Hewlett-Packard 1740A scope that I picked up used. It's only a 100 MHz scope, but it's a rugged, reliable, analog dual trace scope. I suspect it'll be quite a while before it's retired from the central position on my bench. And if some 'sexy' digital-damsel gets added to the bench to do things the trusty 1740 can't, I suspect she'll have to share the workbench with the 1740 who will still be called upon when I want to see an analog signal without its being processed and replicated on a digitized display. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of OH7PS Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2005 11:12 PM To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Oscilloscope Hi I will pretty soon start to solder my K2 and wondering if an oscilloscope would be handy to have. What should I take in consideration choosing one: 50-100-200 MHz modell or is that relevant? Whast is must for rf- measurements? It's been now nearly 30 years since I've touched a scope. (Maritime institute - Sparks) 73's Ben OH7PS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
