Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Hameg HM 103 is a discontinued, single-channel analog CRT oscilloscope in the 10 MHz class. It is useful for audio, low-frequency analog repair, education and vintage-test-equipment work, but it has no digital storage, automatic measurements or protocol decoding. Confirm whether you have an original HM 103, HM 103-1 or HM 103-2 before relying on specifications or downloading a manual.
Identify the exact HM 103
“HM 103” is not a sufficiently precise model description. Hameg produced the original HM 103 and later HM 103-1 and HM 103-2 variants, whose dimensions, weight and sensitivity figures differ. Hameg also used the HM 103 designation for a separate vacuum-tube voltmeter.
- Photograph the front panel and rear rating plate.
- Look for a suffix such as -1 or -2.
- Compare the cabinet, control layout and component-tester terminals.
- Check the stated sensitivity. Some earlier references specify 2 mV/div, while the HM 103-2 manual specifies 5 mV/div calibrated and 1 mV/div only with ×5 magnification.
- Make sure the listing is an oscilloscope, not the separate HM 103 vacuum-tube voltmeter.
The Radiomuseum HM 103 entry is useful for identification, but do not merge its earlier-model figures with HM 103-2 data.
HM 103-2 specifications
The following figures are specifically for the HM 103-2 and come from its operating/service manual.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Real-Time Sampling Oscilloscope:Fnirsi oscilloscope has a real-time sampling rate of up to 1GSA/S and an analog bandwidth of 100MHZ * 2. Fnirsi oscilloscope can be triggered by single/normal/automatic, it can be used for both periodic analog signals and aperiodic digital signals
- DDS Function Signal Generator : Chopping output 2.5 VPP, signal frequency steps are 1 HZ, support 14 kinds of function signals and a customizable chopping signal, which can store up to 1000 customized chopping signals
- Easily Measuring : Cursor measurement function, when manually reading amplitude-frequency parameters, you do not need to read the background scale unit and quantity, and you can directly get the peak-to-peak value and frequency without conversion
- Easy to Observe : Equipped with efficiency one-button AUTO, adaptive 25%, 50%, 75% trigger, can display the measured waveform without cumbersome adjustment; the display is equipped with a 7-inch 800*480 resolution LCD screen
- Lissajous Graphic Display & FFT Viewing: Lissajous graphic display function can be used to compare the amplitude, frequency and phase of the two sets of signals. FFT viewing function can roughly estimation of the harmonic content of the signal
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-channel analog CRT oscilloscope |
| Vertical bandwidth | DC–10 MHz at −3 dB; AC to 15 MHz at −6 dB |
| Rise time | Approximately 35 ns |
| Vertical sensitivity | 5 mV/div–5 V/div calibrated; ×5 magnification reaches 1 mV/div |
| Magnified bandwidth | Approximately 3.5 MHz at −3 dB |
| Input | 1 MΩ in parallel with approximately 25 pF; DC, AC or GND coupling |
| Maximum input | 400 V DC plus peak AC; not authorization to probe utility mains directly |
| Timebase | 0.2 µs/div–0.1 s/div, 18 calibrated steps |
| Sweep accuracy | ±5% in calibrated position |
| Triggering | Automatic or normal; positive/negative slope; 2 Hz to at least 30 MHz depending on signal conditions |
| X-Y | Yes; X amplifier approximately 850 kHz; phase shift under 3° to 70 kHz |
| Component tester | Built in; 50–60 Hz, maximum 7.5 V RMS open circuit and 23 mA RMS short circuit |
| CRT | ER 100, P43 phosphor, approximately 8 × 10 divisions |
| Calibrator | Approximately 1 kHz square wave, about 0.2 V ±1% output |
| Mains | Selectable 110, 125, 220 or 240 V AC; 50–60 Hz; ±10% permitted fluctuation |
| Power | Approximately 21 W |
| Size and weight | Approximately 212 × 114 × 280 mm; 3.7 kg |
| Original accessories | 10:1 probe, line cord and operator manual, only when actually present |
Source: HM 103-2 manual PDF. Trigger bandwidth is not vertical-display bandwidth, and ×5 magnification trades sensitivity for reduced frequency response.
Earlier HM 103 reference figures
For the earlier HM 103, the Radiomuseum reference lists approximately 10 MHz bandwidth, 2 mV/div maximum sensitivity, 0.2 s/div–0.2 µs/div sweep, triggering to 30 MHz, selectable 110/125/220/240 V AC, 4.5 kg weight and 220 × 125 × 345 mm dimensions. Treat these as earlier-model values, not HM 103-2 specifications.
Rank #2
- Cost-effective economy oscilloscope.
- Support arbitrary waveform output, 14 kinds of trigger modes, standard with 5 kinds of serial protocol triggers and decodes.
- Useful commissioning instrument for various fields such as communication, aerospace, national defense, embedded systems, computers, research and education.
- Package weight of the Product: 6.33 Pounds
What it can and cannot do
Good uses
- Viewing audio and low-frequency analog waveforms.
- Checking power-supply ripple, oscillators, relays and motor-control signals within its bandwidth.
- Learning conventional trigger, sweep and probe-compensation controls.
- Low-frequency X-Y demonstrations and phase work.
- Comparing resistors, diodes, capacitors, inductors, transistors and ICs with the component tester.
In-circuit component-tester patterns are affected by surrounding components. The grounded test terminal also requires care with non-isolated equipment.
Poor fits
- Digital storage, one-shot capture, waveform export or automatic measurements.
- Serial decoding, logic-analysis functions or reliable fast-bus work.
- Two-channel comparisons.
- High-frequency RF work beyond the approximate 10 MHz vertical-bandwidth class.
- Direct utility-mains measurements with a conventional earth-referenced probe.
Manuals, schematics and service documents
Start with the free BAMA Hameg manual archive and select the directory matching your suffix. The complete HM 103-2 PDF covers operation, safety, probe compensation, measurements, triggering, X-Y mode, component testing, maintenance, troubleshooting and circuit diagrams. A searchable mirror is available at ManualsLib.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 【Key Specs】70 MHz digital oscilloscope with 4 analog channels, 1.25 GSa/s sampling, 12-bit vertical resolution and up to 25 Mpts memory depth—helps correlate multiple rails and timing signals with fine vertical detail.
- 【UltraAcquire & Search】UltraAcquire up to 1,000,000 wfms/s; 256-level intensity grading plus waveform search/navigation helps find intermittent glitches and review anomalies quickly using event/time/frame navigation.
- 【FFT & Decode】Peak detect captures glitches down to 1.6 ns; math includes FFT up to 1 Mpts, filters, and 41 automatic measurements. Standard serial trigger/decode supports CAN, RS232/UART, I2C, SPI and 4-bit parallel decode using analog channels.
- 【Connectivity & SCPI】LAN supports LXI‑C, browser Web Control and standard SCPI commands. USB Host/Device and HDMI improve documentation, data export and external display for lab or teaching use.
- 【Applications】Digital oscilloscope for switching power ripple/noise checks, embedded bring-up, sensor interface validation and protocol troubleshooting; 7" 1024×600 touch screen and Flex Knob support fast daily measurements.
For older HM 103-1 operating and service reproductions, see the Hartmann-Braun archive and its commercial documentation page. Its labels distinguish BA operating manuals, SP schematics and SU service documents.
Safety checks before powering a used unit
- Verify the rear voltage selector matches local mains; selectable settings are not automatic worldwide operation.
- Inspect fuse type, protective-earth cord, plug, insulation and any adapters.
- Check the cabinet, ventilation openings, corrosion, missing screws and CRT damage.
- Do not remove the case unless qualified for CRT equipment: the HM 103-2 manual identifies approximately 1,950 V CRT accelerating voltage.
- Assume aged capacitors, dirty controls, drifted calibration, damaged wiring, intermittent triggering and transport damage are possible inspection risks, not guaranteed defects.
Minimum functional test
- Set the correct mains voltage, connect protective earth and turn intensity low.
- Power up and allow the CRT to warm; confirm a bright, focused, centered trace.
- Connect a known-good 10:1 probe to the calibrator output and ground.
- Verify a stable square wave, then test several volts/div and time/div ranges.
- Check automatic and normal triggering, both slopes, and AC, DC and GND coupling.
- Check X-Y mode only after normal Y operation is confirmed.
- Test the component tester with a known resistor or diode.
This demonstrates a basic functional check, not traceable calibration. Rotate every switch and potentiometer and watch for scratchiness, dead positions, missing knobs or intermittent behavior.
Rank #4
- 【Faster Sampling Speed】FNIRSI DSO152 handheld oscilloscope has a real-time sampling rate of 2.5 MS/s and a 200 KHz bandwidth. The 10 x probe can measure up to 800 VPP, which is equivalent to 280 V AC. Voltages up to 400 V can be measured
- 【Professional Designed 】The DSO152 automotive oscilloscope supports full trigger modes(Auto/Normal/Single). Works perfectly for both periodic analog signals and aperiodic digital signals. 2.8'' HD LCD display screen, a resolution of 320*240, clear to observe
- 【Portable Oscilloscope】Pocket oscilloscope is an Assembled finished Machine, lightweight and easy to carry, it can be used directly to avoid assembling welding process problems. Applicable to the maintenance industry and R&D education industry
- 【Easy Measuring】Equipped with efficient one-key AUTO setting of all parameters, the measured waveform can be displayed without cumbersome adjustment. Long press the AUTO button to quickly calibrate the baseline,fast measurement of waveforms
- 【Longer Battery Life】FNIRSI DSO152 digital oscilloscope has a built-in 1000 mAh high-quality lithium battery, which can be used continuously for about 4 hours after being fully charged. Type-C interface supports data transmission and charging, firmware upgrade
Used-market buying advice
Ask the seller
- Is it HM 103, HM 103-1 or HM 103-2?
- What voltage is selected, and is the earth cord intact?
- Can you show a bright, focused trace and calibrator square wave?
- Have all vertical and timebase ranges, trigger modes and slopes been tested?
- Does the component tester work?
- Are probe, manual and original accessories included?
- Are there repairs, corrosion, burn marks, cracks or missing controls?
- Is the listing tested working, powers on, untested or for parts, and what return protection applies?
Interpret listing language
| Listing description | What it establishes |
|---|---|
| Tested working | Seller demonstrates operation; request details and photographs. |
| Powers on | Only that power reaches some circuits; performance remains unknown. |
| Untested | No meaningful functional evidence. |
| For parts/not working | Assume repair is required. |
| Serviced or calibrated | Ask what was done, when and whether records or traceable standards exist. |
Price context
Observed listings illustrate condition risk rather than a fixed value. A Germany-based eBay listing showed €249 (about US$283) plus about €29 shipping, with returns accepted: listing. A defective parts listing showed US$28 without returns: listing. A Catawiki auction closed at €15: result. Asking prices and auction outcomes are not interchangeable market valuations.
Calculate purchase price + shipping + taxes/import charges + replacement probe + repair parts + possible calibration or service. International freight, mains conversion and CRT risk can outweigh a low purchase price.
Best Value
- 【4-in-1】FNIRSI DPOS350P handheld oscilloscope 350 MHz bandwidth, 1 GSa/s, 47 Kpts depth, 8-16-bit resolution, 50,000 wfms/s refresh. 2 channel oscilloscope, 7" touchscreen, digital phosphor, X-Y mode, 2 mV/div ultra-sensitive, ZOOM, 12 auto measurements, cursor
- 【Spectrum Analyzer】FFT-based analysis from 200KHz–350MHz with 4K–32K FFT length. Includes harmonic markers, cursor readouts, real-time 2D/3D waterfall view for EMI checks and signal integrity analysis
- 【Frequency Response Analyzer】10Hz–50 MHz frequency range, 0–5Vpp amplitude, +2.5 V to -2.5 V offset, 20–500 frequency Count. Measures gain/phase/frequency—ideal for Bode plots, loop stability tests, and analog filter tuning
- 【DDS Signal Generator】Outputs 14 standard waveforms and clipped waveforms. 0–50 MHz frequency range, 1 Hz resolution. 0–5 Vpp amplitude, -2.5 V to +2.5 V offset. Adjustable duty cycle from 0.1% to 99.9%. Supports 500 custom clipping waveforms
- 【Smart Features & Portability】Stores 500 waveforms + 90 screenshots. Supports FFT display, 150M/20M hardware bandwidth limiter, auto power-off. 8000 mAh battery, USB-C charging. Engineered for lab and field use
Should you buy one?
| Your need | HM 103 fit |
|---|---|
| Vintage analog experience | Good fit |
| Basic audio or analog repair | Potentially good if tested |
| Component comparison | Useful, with in-circuit limitations |
| Digital protocols or one-shot events | Poor fit |
| Two-channel comparison | Poor fit |
| High-frequency work | Limited |
| Lowest-risk first scope | Usually not ideal unless demonstrably working |
Consider a two-channel Hameg HM 203-series scope, another documented Tektronix, Philips or Hewlett-Packard analog model, or a current entry-level digital scope when storage, automatic measurements, USB connectivity or easier troubleshooting matter more than CRT operation and the component tester.
The Bottom Line
Buy the HM 103 for its simple analog workflow and component tester, not as a modern general-purpose scope. Confirm the revision, inspect mains and CRT safety, demand a demonstrated trace and calibrator output, and leave budget for vintage repairs.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
