As Valentin has mentioned a multimeter tester is a must. Depending on how serious you are as a hobbyist, there are lots of test instrument that you can build like an inductance tester, transistor beta tester, diode tester and many more.
Thanks Todd, this sounds good specially the low end scope. Had search for the tektronix basic oscilloscopes and as a hobbyst, amateur electronist, price is reasonable for me.
You should consider buying a reconditioned one given that they also include the "lifetime" warranty (which is really 10 years). You can search here: http://www.tek.com/buy/used/tektronix
For electronics hobbyists, a multimeter is the essential first test instrument, suitable for measuring various electrical parameters. Depending on the level of engagement, additional instruments such as inductance testers, transistor beta testers, and diode testers can be considered. A combination of a variable power supply, a multimeter, and a low-end oscilloscope provides a versatile setup for many tasks. The Tektronix 1000 series oscilloscopes are recommended as affordable and reliable options for amateurs. Purchasing reconditioned Tektronix oscilloscopes is advised due to their extended warranty coverage, offering cost-effective quality instruments for hobbyist use. Summary generated by the language model.