Had to choose between a used Tektronix scope and a cheap new one for my bench

Last month I was setting up my home workbench and needed an oscilloscope. I could get a used Tektronix 2246 for 150 bucks from a guy retiring, or a brand new no-name one for 120 off Amazon. I went with the Tektronix figuring it would last. Its been three weeks and the CRT is a little dim but it works great for troubleshooting flight control boxes. Has anyone else had luck buying older test gear instead of new stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

carter.mila18d ago

Actually, that 2246 doesn't have a CRT, it uses a liquid crystal display instead.

jakel2518d ago

Right, "liquid crystal display" is the key. Flat panels were a game changer for those early 2000s monitors because they saved so much desk space compared to the old tube sets.

stella_scott9618d ago

Nah, the 2246 definitely uses a CRT, I had one in college. Those things are tanks though, the dimness is normal for their age. You can actually fix it if you want to crack it open and tweak the focus and brightness pots. My buddy ran one for years on his boat bench and it never quit on him.