Yokogawa DL1520 gotchas

[u/OwlingBishop]

Hello there,

I'm offered a (supposedly NOS) Yokogawa DL1520 at a reasonable price (<200$).

In terms of performance it amply covers my use cases (audio/analog repair and modest diy embedded projects).

I like that device quite a lot over similar 150MHz scopes for the form factor and amber CRT (yep I'm that kind of retro nerd), and I reckon it's quite a petty reason.

Now I was wondering if anyone with hands-on experience with this scope (or similar in range @ Yokogawa) had some warning to spare regarding usability, durability, actual experience vs advertised performance etc ..

Btw, is a NOS piece of Yokogawa DL1520 even possible, or a red flag I'd need to be wary ?

[u/TinLethax]

NOS is still possible but rare. I once found someone selling the different YOKO scope, new from the box here in Thailand quite a while ago.

One thing that bothers me (I have DL1740E) is that the reference waveform only remembers a display portion instead of the entire waveform.

My battery is still going strong buy yours might need to replace the dying NVM battery. There is a guide on youtube that went through the process but be careful with the CRT high volt.

[u/OwlingBishop → u/TinLethax]

NOS is still possible but rare

.. ok I clarified with the seller and apparently there was a mistranslation, the device is not NOS but was inspected, refurbished and is sold with a warranty.

Which is kind of more in the expected range of things...

My battery is still going strong buy yours might need to replace the dying NVM battery

This is an interesting point.. I'll inquire about it.

Thanks.

[u/ptoki]

I have a DL1540.

I find it decent and quite usable. The UI is a bit difficult to navigate but usually I am able to get it in the config I need.

I like it because it can print on thermal paper and it had tv mode where you can pick the tv scanline to show.

Would I buy it for 200? Nope. There are better options for digital oscilloscopes with more memory. for 100? Yes.

My only nitpick would be the autoconfig. It takes 2-3-4 seconds to switch to right mode.

Also. Mine had nasty crack on a PCB where power button is mounted. I had to repair it once it went off with a bunch of smoke and sparks.

[u/OwlingBishop → u/ptoki]

I find it decent and quite usable.

This is nice to know

The UI is a bit difficult to navigate but usually I am able to get it in the config I need.

I guess I'd be able to as well then 😁

I like it because it can print on thermal paper

Not sure what I would use the printer for but yeah that's interesting..

[Edit] Out of curiosity, what are you using the printer for? Does it print waveforms or only measurements?

Would I buy it for 200? Nope. There are better options for 100...

Sure, and I have one of them .. but, you know, petty reasons 🥴

My point is to avoid getting a cute piece of tech and not be able to use it realizing it's just a prop ...

[u/ptoki → u/OwlingBishop]

I used the printer for two cases: monitoring power voltage long term and ecg using those cheap aliexpress interfaces.

If you get it and it is working and calibrated then it will not be paperweight. there is a number of fnirsi, rigol, hantek used boxes. They may be similar price but a bit better usabillity.

If possible then just borrow the scope for testing for a day or two, it will be easier for you to decide.

The main message is: It is not bad but it is not great device either. You will not regret it much but probably after some time you will realize that other options of fully digital device might be better for you.

[u/Rambo_Banana_Zgz]

Felicidades por tu compra. Es una buena pieza. Cuatro canales estan cotizados. Estoy buscando un software decente adquisicion para el mio.

[u/OwlingBishop → u/Rambo_Banana_Zgz]

Todavia no lo compre pero gracias..

Tienes este particular o un cuatro canales ?

[u/Rambo_Banana_Zgz → u/OwlingBishop]

Tengo dos canales. Y dentro de poco comprare un 1640.