I have used O-scopes before but not since the mid 90's. I see they are very different now. I would like recommendations for a nice one but it does not have to be top of the line or anything. I have no plans to work with RF or anything like that. I just want to do sensors and controlling equipment etc. Are the ones that go into a computer very good or is a stand alone recommended? I don't mind buying used either.
Thank You
I would recommend stand alone.
It depends on your budget but with most electronics nowadays a new one is likely to be cheaper and have more features than a second hand one.
See this thread for a recent discussion:-
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=267282.15;topicseen
There is a lot of choice, cheap and expensive.
What is your budget ?
When you want to measure the communication between an Arduino and a sensor, connected with SPI, you need a fast scope.
If you also have long wires, and you want to measure the noise and bouncing of the signal, you need an even better one.
I recommend a scope with usb, that makes it easier to upload a screendump to this forum 
A logic analyzer can be very useful in the Arduino world: What kind of oscilloscope should I buy? - General Electronics - Arduino Forum
I will look at these links. I was looking for something around 100$ if it was suitable. However, I could pay up to 200$ to get something that was worth it, or necessary etc.
I was looking for something around 100$ if it was suitable.
I don't think you will get much for that.
I just bought one of these which I would say is pretty much entry level.
The short time I've had it, I've been quite impressed. I used it to unravel the 38k signal from an IR remote for example. It has storage to flash drive. It comes with PC s'ware so you can see the output on the PC and even drive the 'scope from a PC screen mimic of the 'scope front panel. It has PictBridge, so if your printer has PictBridge you can print direct without having to go thru Word or Paint.
Suits my needs as a hobyist, and I reckon should see my daughter thru undergrad.
I have been watching video's of scopes and logic analyzers. I don't plan to do much with high freq or digital communications. I plan to mostly do analog stuff as well as on or off control type applications. I think the scope is what I want. I imagine even the lowest level model can look at AC sine waves and such? EBay is full of old used scopes for cheap. Just need to have an idea how to tell a high end one from a low end one etc.
Thank You
jarrod0987:
EBay is full of old used scopes for cheap. Just need to have an idea how to tell a high end one from a low end one etc.
For $100? That makes it very simple: If you can afford it, it's not high end.
Looks like 200$ is more realistic. How about something like this?
2 channels is probably fine for me. What is a good speed scope for a beginner. No plans to work with RF or high freq any time soon.
Thank You
2 analog channels ? They are probably in your computer. Use Audacity to record the audio input signal.
Some computers do 96kHz sampling rate, some 192kHz.
jarrod0987:
Looks like 200$ is more realistic. How about something like this?
Looks OK to me...
I am using an MSO28 2 channel 60MHz USB cost around 200$US with logic analyser and is suitable for Arduino use, transistor curves and low voltage use, the differential probe costs more than the scope but not needed for general waveform displays. It works for me can't afford a TEK at 30,000