[Boatanchors] newbie question

[rbethman]

John sort of brushed it, Al came in with multiple ideas and solutions.

I came up with a Tektronix 5440 oscilloscope.  I paid a BIG $100 for a 
working mainframe, and scrounged up the necessary plug-ins that go up to 
25Mc.

I could chase after one that goes into the 100s of Mc, but have yet 
found a need.

There are very reasonable probes that will work up to 100MC available on 
E-bay.  Yes - they are Chinese.  I've bought two pairs over the last 
couple of years.   They work just fine!  I ended up getting a second 
pair due to a curious granddaughter whom lost the last little piece that 
goes on the end.

They go for around $12 to $15 a pair, and are said to be for 100MC. I do 
NOT doubt that one bit.  I've certainly used them on a Digital Frequency 
Synthesizer close to that frequency, and have had no issues or problems.

So this piece of equipment, while not an absolute necessity, eventually 
becomes something you may want.

It can be a real help in the middle of a circuit, and you connect it in 
and find why that radio just didn't sound right.  You discover that the 
wave form of a stage is distorted.  It makes it easier to find where 
that issue begins.

Bob - N0DGN