When it comes to the diagnostic tools I use for many of my projects, troubleshooting, and repairs, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on equipment to feed what amounts to a personal hobby. Also, a vast majority of the hardware I'm working with is simple and low-powered. So, I decided early on to just get what I thought would work for my very simple and basic needs, and not break the bank. I would expand outward and upward if the need ever arises. Keeping in mind, when I decided to invest in these tools, I was only using a old multimeter and logic probe for most of my needs. So, all of this was a step up for me.
Below are the tools I personally purchased and use for a vast majority of my technical needs, and I'm very happy with the results I got from each tool. They're all inexpensive, perform exactly as I expected, and have made my life much easier by saving time and headaches. I will try to include links to the specific tools if I'm able to do so. So, let's get right into it!
This will not be a full detailed review of the Hantek 6022BE, there are plenty of those floating around online, and I suggest checking them out if you’re truly interested in using this scope. I will link to a few videos showing this scope being used, as well as a couple good written reviews on it. These are just my general thoughts on it and why I bought it.
By far, the best video I have found of the 6022BE in action is on Adrian’s Digital Basement (linked below), where he shows it being used to diagnose a Commodore 64, there are actually two videos using the scope, but I prefer the second video because he discovered the OpenHantek software, something I will swing back to in just a moment. I highly suggest watching Adrian’s videos, I’ll have them linked at the bottom of this post.
So, in a nutshell, why did I chose this scope? Like I said above, I wanted something to make troubleshooting simple micro-controller powered circuits (like the AtTiny85 and Mega328) and 70’s and 80’s era home computers (Commodore/Tandy), or modern retro homebrew computers (like the Z80-MBC2). This tool doesn't get a lot of daily use, but is very nice to have on hand, just in case. I spent a lot of time reading tons of reviews on the Hantek 6022BE, and quickly realized it would work perfectly for my needs.
If you decide to buy this scope, the very first thing you want to do is ditch the Official Hantek software, it’s complete crap, it works, but just barely. I highly suggest using OpenHantek instead, it's an open source alternative that works considerably better, has more features, and is actively maintained. You’ll see this as well if you watch Adrian’s videos. It also works perfectly with Ubuntu, the Linux distro I use on my bench computer.
OpenHantek Homepage: https://github.com/OpenHantek/OpenHantek6022
Next, make sure you know it’s limitations. These USB scopes are cheap for a reason, triggering is not nearly as good because it’s done in software, not hardware. They’re not as fast as a “real” desktop scope, but they’re also vastly less expensive. Temper your expectations and know what you’re buying. If you’re used to using much more expensive scopes, it’s definitely going to feel like a big step down, but if you’re coming from nothing or just using a logic probe, these are a nice step up and good enough for many uses.
Lastly, most people don’t realize that the USB ports on modern computers are NOT isolated from mains earth or neutral. Meaning if you screw up grounding the scope and send current back through it, you could end up damaging your PC. Just use a bit of caution and know what you’re doing, and you’ll likely be fine. However, we're all prone to mistakes from time to time , so I took the extra step of moving my troubleshooting software to a designated “Bench Computer” that you can read about here.
It’s a much cheaper alternative to using my much more
expensive daily driver desktop, so in the highly unlikely chance I
did screw something up at some point in the future, the worst that
would happen is I fry a $50 computer vs several hundred dollars of
potential damage to my desktop. Plus, I find having a dedicated bench
test computer much more convenient since all my tools can be in one place, my workbench.
Overall, I think this Hantek scope is a great deal for around $60 if you can find one. As of writing this, they seem to be harder to find at that price point. Still, If you’re in the market for a cheap scope for occasional use, and it will work for your needs, then the Hantek 6022BE should be on your short list for consideration.
Hantek 6022BE USB Digital Oscilloscope: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Hantek+6022BE
The Hantek 6022BE In Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyFeBAcg7ls
Hantek 6022BE Review #1: https://hackaday.com/2022/02/26/60-pc-oscilloscope-review/
Hantek 6022BE Review #2: https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/best-usb-oscilloscope-for-makers-and-hobbyists/
For many of the individual common components I use in builds and repairs, like resistors, diodes, capacitors, crystal oscillators, etc., I like to use a simple component tester alongside a simple crystal oscillator tester, just to save time. Neither of these are required, especially if you already have an oscilloscope and a decent multimeter, but they're handy to have and easy to use.
I've linked to a couple Amazon searches for there tools, as well as the specific DIY crystal oscillator tester kit I use. The specific component tester I bought is no longer available, but there are many clones just like it, and they all work basically the same. The component tester is just another variation of a design that's been around for a long time now. These testers do have their limitations, such as not reliably reading capacitors under 25uF, but work great when you want to check new parts on the fly, something I do a lot. Many of these can be found for around $20 to $30 or so on Amazon.
I decided to go with a DIY kit for my crystal oscillator tester becasue I just felt like building something at the time, however, you there are several completed ones available as well. Again, they have their limitations, but don't cost much and work great for a majority of the projects I would be working on.
Component Testers: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Component+tester
Crystal Oscillator Tester DIY Kit: https://amzn.to/4hYIQPH
Crystal Oscillator Testers: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=crystal+oscillator+tester
Beyond these few "specialty" tools, I really only use an inexpensive but accurate Kaiweets multimeter and simple ATX Power Supply Tester on a regular basis. I've had really good luck with Kaiweets products in general. These tools allow me to quickly test a majority of the things I would ever want to inspect, build, or repair. While I do own an old logic probe and a more modern logic analyzer, they rarely ever get used.
Kaiweets Multimeters: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Kaiweets+Multimeter
ATX Power Supply Testers: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ATX+Power+Supply+Tester
The whole point of this page is to show that you don't need a host of expensive tools to work on projects like mine or retro computers. Everything on this page cost me around $120 in total and has worked flawlessly in the couple years I've been using them.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my little blog, and happy tinkering!
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