Oscilloscope for scope noob on a budget

[Beedoola]

I'm realizing it would be handy to have an oscilloscope around for testing. I'm looking on craigslist and see a few for around $100. What should I be looking for in terms of specs and abilities for a scope? I'd be using it for things pedal, amp and synth based. Rarely with synths, but should a situation arise where I might need it, I'd like to have something capable of troubleshooting any gear I come across.

There are some EZ and Tektronix ones for $100-150. I'm sure I could talk them down a bit.

Thanks.

[john_p_wi]

For 100 bucks or so, you should be able to find a decent analog CRO (cathode ray (tube) oscilloscope).  Probably won't include probes - no biggy - Amazon has 1 - 10x probes for less than 20 dollars for 2.  If you are going to probe around tube amps get a set of 100x probes.  As the CRO scopes are older, just make sure that it is in working condition before buying it.  The scopes have a "test signal" on the front, most likely a 5v square wave for adjusting the probe compensation pot, just note that the square will look like a series of dashes on analog scopes.

As you are dealing with audio, almost anything made in the last 40 years will work (20 Mhz and above).  I love the older Tek scopes and my favorite is a 2230 analog scope (100 Mhz) with digital storage.  Bright and fast display with simplicity of use.  There should be a lot of 22XX series Teks' out there in great shape, ready for a second life.  I also have a Leader and Hitachi scope, the Tek is may favorite and is a proven and known brand.

Just remember that the ground clip on the probe is "earth ground".  For example, don't clip the ground clip to a power rail...

If you have any specific questions, just ask.

John

[alanp]

Also, if you're wanting to do measurements with it to get hard numbers (frequency, for example), bear in mind that it's a bit more annoying to do this with pure analog scopes.

[john_p_wi]

Some scopes like this Leader have a channel out, it is very simple to connect a DMM to the scope and use it as a frequency meter.

Of course it may not work for high frequencies...

[EBRAddict]

Don't rule out eBay, I snagged a  used 100Mhz Tektronix for $170 shipped.

[BillyBoy]

If you qualify for student pricing, then this might get close to your price range:  http://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-100msps-usb-oscilloscope-logic-analyzer/. 

I'm a scope noob myself, and infrequent user, but this one works pretty well for me.  Plus I didn't have to also buy a signal generator I was looking for at the time.  I run it on my laptop.