fmena
Junior Member
I'm ashamed to admit it, but I have been sitting on a oscilloscope (Tektronix 745D 500Mhz DPO) for quite some time and have used it very little. Now that I am semi-retired, I have a lot more time and wish to use it for fault finding for DIY tube based amps under 15 watts (both push pull and SET). I don't have any other test equipment other than a Fluke digital multi meter, but figure a function generator (presently looking at a B&K 4003a function generator) and isolation transformer would be the next items I should look at. Would this be a good start to get a function generator and isolation transformer? Has anyone used downloaded software for a function generator instead (what software worked for you)?
I presently have 2 probes :100Mhz probe and a 10x 500Mhz probe. These came with the scope when originally I got it. Would you recommend other probes ? From my limited reading I am unsure of what a differential probe is and if I should look into getting one. I've read you can get away without using an isolation transformer if you have a differential probe.... not sure about this.
My goal is to learn more about how to fault find in tube amps. Eventually I would like to use a distortion analyzer ... but that is for another day down the road. If you have some suggestion(s) I would welcome your response(s) as to what test equipment would be most useful or what you have found most useful. I realize everyone's situation is different and my needs might be different from yours. I have lots of learning ahead of me.
Thanks
Frank M
I presently have 2 probes :100Mhz probe and a 10x 500Mhz probe. These came with the scope when originally I got it. Would you recommend other probes ? From my limited reading I am unsure of what a differential probe is and if I should look into getting one. I've read you can get away without using an isolation transformer if you have a differential probe.... not sure about this.
My goal is to learn more about how to fault find in tube amps. Eventually I would like to use a distortion analyzer ... but that is for another day down the road. If you have some suggestion(s) I would welcome your response(s) as to what test equipment would be most useful or what you have found most useful. I realize everyone's situation is different and my needs might be different from yours. I have lots of learning ahead of me.
Thanks
Frank M