Signal tracer or Oscilloscope?

[willne1]

I have acces to an Oscope but not a signal tracer. Would I be better off learning how to use a scope or should I get a signal tracer for trouble shooting an amp? I have no experience with either one so far. I do know about the dangers of working with tube gear.

Thanks

 

[tom_tm]

I have a scope, but heck would I love a signal tracer too. Get both!

 

[gadget73]

You can trace signal with a scope, but you can't scope things with a signal tracer. Both are handy tools though, the tracer is a lot easier and faster to use.

 

[willne1]

Thanks Guys!

 

[tom_tm]

Also @willne1 if you're good with a soldering iron, there is always the DIY way (my preferred method!)

http://www.pasttimesradio.co.uk/build/diyradio.html

 

[arts]

If you look around,the Heathkit IT-12 can usually be had for small money. Great little gadget,and I use mine regularly.
You wouldn't believe just how useful and how often you will use a signal tracer until you have one.

 

[ConradH]

Signal tracers are every bit as useful as they ever were, but not very popular these days. Still, given a choice, you can do way more with a scope.

 

[tom_tm]

Or of course clone the Heathkit? https://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=320004

 

[Chip Chester]

The radio fix-it guys where I used to work (decades ago) used a thing called a Huntron Tracker. Kind of a cross between a scope and a signal injector. Usually meant to be used on unpowered gear, it would display different shapes based on whether certain types of components in the circuit under test were faulty or not. Really shined when you had a working example to compare with (like a non-defective side of a stereo amp.) I think they're still around, or things like them are...

I do a lot of signal sniffing in audio land by using a little Radio Shack battery powered speaker amp and the end of an RCA jack.

 

[ConradH]

The trackers are still around but can be stupidly expensive. If you can get a deal on one, they're very useful, given a certain amount of understanding and practice. IMO, they're not a beginner's tool.