Another, what osci would you recomend, but with a twist.

[aries1470]

Hi, and thank you in advance for assisting me with of what I gather, would be a generic question.
So, I would like to include specifics on what exactly I am looking for, my budget range etc.

I would like to buy an oscilloscope, entry level, mid range, old - new, vintage as long as it works and can do what I am planning on using it for, even a USB would be ideal, as I do most of my projects on my own personal bench, the kitchen bench and attack attach them to the computer. Even small screen, like 3.5 inch and 30 cm / 12 in wide small format osci I would be happy with.

What I will be looking at doing:
1.   Doing small audio projects, so being able to “see” harmonics, noise from the op-amp, when it starts clipping (hmm, it must be possible, right?)
2.   Being able to count pulses, for example, Pulse Induction Metal Detectors, like width, speed etc, aka frequency and amplitude.
3.   Count pulses from uC, to make sure data is being sent? I just like verifying things.
4.   Comparing signals, so dual channel would be a must, storage is ok, or I can take a screen shot ;-) with a mobile phone or camera, or eyeballing it is still cool and get someone else to take the shot, as I am not sure my budget will cover me for storing on a usb, unless it is a pc osci, or a diskette drive even, if it is an ancient model
5.   Basic troubleshooting, like, umm, I will leave that up to your imagination.
6.   I hate noise, so, I hope that there will not be much of it.
7.   I do not plan on expanding my knowledge too much beyond my current capacity of entry level, as I have a memory issue (something called a mini stroke doesn’t help) so I can not store or need advanced functions, but I can still learn, just that the “aha” moment will take much longer than your average person, unless I sit with someone and learn 1st hand next to them.

My budget: $50 - $100
Time Frame: One to Two months.
Your suggestions on Specifications of what would be ideal for me and where to purchase would be greatly appreciated.

So, as you can see, I think what I am looking for is something simple, not too many knobs, but I might learn the extra functions, eventually if and when I need them, as long as it works, I am happy.

Again, thank you for your time and effort.
Regards, a new forum member.


Edit: I am located in S.E. Suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.

[singapol]

Seriously with your budget and requirements which not all can be met in one scope/instrument, you can only buy a used analog scope not that it's not as useful compared to a modern digital scope. Perhaps
a generouis aussie member can donate one to you.

But for you budget if you want new then there are many chinese made usb scopes  that you can choose
from like hantek, siglent, etc. although they may have FFT software they may not work as you like so maybe you can download a free pc spectrum analyser using your pc' soundcard if if want to investigate
low frequency harmonics.

[aries1470]

Hi singapol,

Thank you for your response 

That is where I am leaning towards too, either an old second hand analogue scope, or a USB scope.
Having seen the USB ones, the only ones available that would fit the bill, price wise, are the following:

• Hantek 6022BE
• SainSmart DDS120
• Instrustar( no model number available)
• Rokettech(Rocktech) BM102S

Any suggestions which would be "better" as a generic bare functions DSO, since finding an analogue would mostly be depend on the timing of my purchase.

Again, thank you for your help.

Edit: Added the Rokettech model.

[aries1470]

To add to the list, the OWON VDS1022 USB PC Oscilloscope 25MHz 100MS/s Scope would be fine too, but it is just beyond my reach.
I thought to add it too

[Jorpy]

You might consider the Digilent Analog Discovery. With that, you also get a spectrum analyzer, waveform generator and much more. If a local university uses it on a course, you might be able to get a used one cheap when the students are done with it.

[singapol]

Hi singapol,

Thank you for your response 

That is where I am leaning towards too, either an old second hand analogue scope, or a USB scope.
Having seen the USB ones, the only ones available that would fit the bill, price wise, are the following:

• Hantek 6022BE
• SainSmart DDS120
• Instrustar( no model number available)
• Rokettech(Rocktech) BM102S

Any suggestions which would be "better" as a generic bare functions DSO, since finding an analogue would mostly be depend on the timing of my purchase.

Again, thank you for your help.

Edit: Added the Rokettech model.

You might take a look at Hantek 6022BL + 16 channels logic analyser. It's within your budget.
Those with higher sampling rates will be out of your budget.
                                                                                                  Regards.

[Gyro]

It's a shame you can't stretch to the OWON VDS1022 (although you must have had a reason to mention it!). It doesn't get much mention but it is a better scope than the Hantek (twice the sampling rate (all the way to 100MSPs, that's per channel not shared vs 48MSPs for the Hantek) and has a much better PC user interface than the mickey mouse Hantek, and is pretty much bug free with the latest software. Internal construction is better too, more shielding on the analog stages and an FPGA rather than micro to do the USB interfacing. PC overhead is very small, even on an old XP machine. The downside only 5k samples per channel memory. It's particularly useful in the 1022i USB isolated variant for floating measurements.

If you really can't stretch to a standalone DSO and iT IS down to a choice between the Hantek, the Owon and a small handheld, I (did) pick the Owon. I'd also download the PC s/w for both (you won't get traces but you can play with the UI) before chosing.

Edit: And throw in a cheap 8 bit USB logic analyser clone and run it with Sigrok to make up for the memory depth when doing digital stuff.

[aries1470]

Thank you guys for your replies, it is very much appreciated.
Gyro, yes, there is a reason, if I wait a little longer, I can get the owen. The reason my budget is as it is, is that I am on a disability pension, while trying to work part time, so this hobby takes a rear seat. on the other hand, I have located this one too non-usb:

SDS8202V

but the shipping kills it. but still great at the price it is, just incase someone else might be interested.

I also did findwhat you mentioned:
USB Logic Analyze 24M 8CH

Thank you singapol, I seen that model too, with only on average about $10Aud extra.

So, that means no additional items needed if I was to choose that one.

Jorpy:
I will need to ask around, as I am not sure what equipment they have and if they even sell direct to the public, due to - to many laws and "perceptions", they normally have to go through the "normal" channels for disposal, either 'dumpster' or second-hand bulk purchaser, no harm in asking though.

Thank you to everyone. Now is time to get the savings moving or wait on my tax return, hehe, that will help towards my goal, of which I will be receiving soon (within 10 days according to the ATO.

I have decided now to go ahead, and if I can stretch it to the, would any of the OWON be better or the Hantek?

[Gyro]

You're welcome 

on the other hand, I have located this one too non-usb:

SDS8202V

but the shipping kills it. but still great at the price it is, just incase someone else might be interested.

HOW MUCH??? $50???  That's about 10% of what they normally sell for! It must either be an error or insanity! I wonder if they would honor it!  I can't see the shipping cost but wonder if it's around $450 - the only explanation I can think of, but there must be a catch otherwise.

Glad you found the logic analyser, yes, that's the type. If it shows up as a Saleae clone then it should work with Sigrok Pulseview without additional drivers (I think).

Hopefully some more advice will be forthcoming as you clearly need best possible value for your money.

Edit: the cost of an SDS8202V battery is about that - I wonder if it's a description error.

[Gyro]

You've prompted me to finally put a teardown of the VDS1022(I) in the Test Equipment section, hopefully that might stir a few more comment about it, and the other, options.

Looking more closely at Jorpy's suggestion of the Digilent Analog Discovery, it does have some clear benefits in terms of the 14 bit 100Msps ADCs (even with differential inputs) which would be very helpful for audio distortion investigation, which I think you mentioned. Plus the other functions that it provides. No idea how wekk the s/w compares with the other options. Of course this would depend heavily on managing an educational discount, as you both said, to fit your cost criteria.

Probably doesn't help with your decision making but I thought the 14 bit ADCs worth highlighting.

[aries1470]

You're welcome 

on the other hand, I have located this one too non-usb:

SDS8202V

but the shipping kills it. but still great at the price it is, just incase someone else might be interested.

HOW MUCH??? $50???  That's about 10% of what they normally sell for! It must either be an error or insanity! I wonder if they would honor it!  I can't see the shipping cost but wonder if it's around $450 - the only explanation I can think of, but there must be a catch otherwise.

Glad you found the logic analyser, yes, that's the type. If it shows up as a Saleae clone then it should work with Sigrok Pulseview without additional drivers (I think).

Hopefully some more advice will be forthcoming as you clearly need best possible value for your money.

Edit: the cost of an SDS8202V battery is about that - I wonder if it's a description error.

Thanks, the postage is:

US $59.21 to Australia via China Post Air Parcel
Also the description mentions the details
I have contacted the seller to confirm that it is not the battery but the osci, if it is the case, I will just bight the bullet and then go running  hoping that it will arrive, and once it arrives I will relax, once I will relax, I will be  as it looks to be a great deal, but first, I will wait for the response.


Modify: It was a price error. He updated it, it is now $1,500 US.

[Gyro]

Damn, I guess consumer legislation saying that retailers must sell at the marked price doesn't work in China 

My commiserations!

[aries1470]

You've prompted me to finally put a teardown of the VDS1022(I) in the Test Equipment section, hopefully that might stir a few more comment about it, and the other, options.

Looking more closely at Jorpy's suggestion of the Digilent Analog Discovery, it does have some clear benefits in terms of the 14 bit 100Msps ADCs (even with differential inputs) which would be very helpful for audio distortion investigation, which I think you mentioned. Plus the other functions that it provides. No idea how wekk the s/w compares with the other options. Of course this would depend heavily on managing an educational discount, as you both said, to fit your cost criteria.

Probably doesn't help with your decision making but I thought the 14 bit ADCs worth highlighting.

Thank you, that would be awesome.
I also had a look at the Digilent, it looks good, but need to be getting separate accessories, if I understood it right.

Btw, now back to the USB options, so all good
I will now try to search for the teardown.

[Gyro]

Sorry, I should have linked it...

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/owon-vds1022i-quick-teardown-%28versus-the-hantek-6022be%29/

Edit: Yes I think the Digilent does need accessories if you want to use standard scope probes, but not if you are happy to just use the flying leads coming out of it.