My shopping cart is now empty. This is what I bought:)

[cvriv]

So I bought everything I need to keep me busy for a very long time. I am taking EE in college so all of this gear is going to help me out with that. The last few semesters I found myself not being able to finish my experiments in class. It was usually because I got caught up helping others with their calculations etc. Anyways, here's what I bought:


Oscilloscope:
Rigol DS2202A - $1342.00

With this purchase I got a free option upgrade that includes:
AT-DS2 - Advanced triggering
CAN-DS2000A - CAN Triggering Decoding
MEM-DS2 - Memory upgrade from 14 to 56 million memory points in a single capture.
SD-DS2 - Serial data decoder. Includes RS-232, I2C and SPI

http://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DS2202A/Digital-Oscilloscopes/

This oscilloscope is so much better than what I was using in school! This thing is beautiful.

Digital Multimeter:
Rigol DM3058E - $469

http://www.tequipment.net/RigolDM3058E.html

I got a bench meter because I wanted a bench meter. It's there, it's never moved and always ready to go. I do need to get a handheld DMM though. This way I can have one set up to take one type of measurement with the other to take another. I still haven't received this item yet. The place I bought it said it would be shipped on the 24th. I checked my account online it says it still wasn't shipped:/ Hmm.

Power Supply:
Rigol DP832 - $450

http://www.tequipment.net/RigolDP832.html

I bought two of these because my professor had us doing experiments that required 4 voltage sources. These are the updated units. i can see the larger heatsink through the side of each unit. I want to check for that current bug and the voltage spike when you turn the unit on.


Function Generator:
OWON AG2052F - $375

http://www.saelig.com/owon-ag-series/ag2052f.htm

I bought this because I use function generator in school and want to work with signals. It's a nice unit.

Solder Iron:
Hakko FX888D-23BY - $96.72

Hakko FX888D-23BY

Bread Board:
Global Specialties PB-105T - $87.55

http://www.tequipment.net/Global-Specialties/PB-105T/Breadboards/

Miscellaneous:
I bought a bunch of small stuff as well. Connections, RG-58 wire, Pomona 18awg silcone wire, bread board wires, electronic components, BNC crimper, pincers, and so on. Bought most of this stuff on Amazon.

[tautech]

 
They're all the wrong brands. 

Saelig is another supplier that offers EEVblog member discounts too.


Edit spelling.

[xrunner]

I just want a general consensus on whether the gear I'm looking to buy is good enough for a beginner and good enough for when I advance in the near future. Please, I just want to know if anyone has had any major problems with the gear I have listed.
OSC
Rigol DS1054Z - 399

DMM
Rigol DM3058E - 469

I can only speak of these two items because I have them - I've had no issues with them and they are plenty good enough for a beginner and the near term after that stage.

[cvriv]

What do you mean the wrong brands? I will try the other site as well. Can you message me the code for the other site?

Also, wires. Do you guys make your own testing wires? I need BNC to BNC, BNC to alligator clips, etc. I don't know what the stand length of the wires are but I'd like them to be around 4' or more.

[xrunner]

Also, wires. Do you guys make your own testing wires?

Yes, I do. 

I need BNC to BNC, BNC to alligator clips, etc. I don't know what the stand length of the wires are but I'd like them to be around 4' or more.

You can make your own test leads. Some of the cheaper Chinese test leads are very poor quality - i.e. small gauge wire and not soldered on the ends (like alligator clip leads). I just make many of mine because I know if I make them they are of good quality construction. Many of the common connectors such as banana and alligator clips are available. As far as BNC, I use crimp-on connectors exclusively.

[tautech]

What do you mean the wrong brands? I will try the other site as well. Can you message me the code for the other site?

Just me being cheeky. 

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/equipment-discounts-from-saelig/

[cvriv]

@ tautech - Gotcha:)

I'm down for making my own lead wires. What gauge wire should I use?

Also, I found this power supply at Salig, it's a GW Instek GPE-4323 for $375. Anyone have any experince with the Instek GPE's? I tried googling them but didnt really find anything. That scares me.

[MarkF]

The Owon Function Generator had some good reviews here on the forum (you'll have to search for it).
The OWON AG2052F 50MHz 2-Ch Waveform Generator for $375 would be close to the Rigol you listed. 
For me, I don't need two channels and would be satisfied with the single channel 10 MHz version (Owon AG101F) at $235.


Found the thread Owon AG1012F Arbitrary Waveform Generator

[tautech]

@ tautech - Gotcha:)

I'm down for making my own lead wires. What gauge wire should I use?

Also, I found this power supply at Salig, it's a GW Instek GPE-4323 for $375. Anyone have any experince with the Instek GPE's? I tried googling them but didnt really find anything. That scares me.

A forum search for that PSU doesn't produce any results while "GW Instek PSU" give 9 pages, might be worth some study?

IMO the most important consideration for leadouts is a "nice" wire, it's not often you want to put lots of current down them but they need to be nice to handle and "behaved", not stiff and coily.
For nice one I got this silicone sheathed stuff from RS. # 267-983. It's not heavy but lovely to handle.

[cvriv]

The Owon Function Generator had some good reviews here on the forum (you'll have to search for it).
The OWON AG2052F 50MHz 2-Ch Waveform Generator for $375 would be close to the Rigol you listed. 
For me, I don't need two channels and would be satisfied with the single channel 10 MHz version (Owon AG101F) at $235.


Found the thread Owon AG1012F Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Most excellent! Thank you!

[bson]

OSC
Rigol DS1054Z - 399

DMM
Rigol DM3058E - 469

PS
Instek GPD-3303D - 365

FG
Rigol DG1062Z - 860

I'd go with:

Rigol DS1054Z for a scope (riglol it)
Rigol DP832 for a PSU (riglol it)
Siglent SDG2042X for 2ch AWG (e.g. http://www.saelig.com/siglent-waveform-generators/sdg2042x.htm - they also offer an eevblog discount), can be hacked but probably not worthwhile
DMM - PartsConnexion has been selling off an inventory of used Keithley 2015's.  http://www.partsconnexion.com/test_analz.html  But you also find them one eBay (Such as  http://www.ebay.com/itm/KEITHLEY-2015-6-1-2-Digit-THD-Audio-MultiMeter-fully-tested-w-warranty-/371553124387?hash=item56824ac023:g:a4oAAOSwWTRWvjsh).  A well-working K2015 for $350 (if you don't need the flanges and handle) is a nice starter IMO.

Get a quality set of probes (see probemaster.com), some random 50ohm RG58 BNC cables and adapters/T's/terminators, a decent breadboard, some Pomona 4mm banana cables, 28awg solid copper wire, a Stripax stripper, a pair of small side cutters, and go to town!

Should fit within the same budget, maybe even save you a bit.

[cvriv]

Didn't the DP832 have problems? I saw the eevblog video for it. Didnt it have heat problems and something else? Its a nice looking psu but i thought it had problems. This is why I didnt consider it. Im trying to keep the psu around $400. Any other suggestions or reasons why i should get the DP832. I need two of them as well. My professor had us doing projects that needed 4 voltage inputs.

[FlyingHacker]

What are you planning on working on, and do you really need such a fancy function generator? I would much rather put that towards a better scope, or more parts, etc. There are plenty of used generators for very little money on eBay. They may not have fancy UIs, but do you need this? Maybe you do. Do you really even need more than a few MHz? Perhaps you do, again, depends on what you want to work on. But pre-buying equipment you won't need or use for a year is a waste because it will be cheaper and better next year.

Remember you can anything you want. You just can't have everything you want. So I like to think to myself, "What else could I be spending this money on?"

[bitseeker]

Didn't the DP832 have problems? I saw the eevblog video for it. Didnt it have heat problems and something else? Its a nice looking psu but i thought it had problems. This is why I didnt consider it.

Dave's DP832 is an early model. It had problems, but also had revisions since then. Check the follow up videos. As with other electronics, cars, etc., it's best to avoid the first version of a product. They don't call it "bleeding edge" for nothing.

[bitseeker]

What are you planning on working on, and do you really need such a fancy function generator? I would much rather put that towards a better scope, or more parts, etc. There are plenty of used generators for very little money on eBay. They may not have fancy UIs, but do you need this? Maybe you do. Do you really even need more than a few MHz? Perhaps you do, again, depends on what you want to work on. But pre-buying equipment you won't need or use for a year is a waste because it will be cheaper and better next year.

All good points. I'd say the same principles apply to the other equipment as well. Although they look really cool and all, what do you really need from each of them?

It's also worth checking Craigslist or asking around if any recent graduates as well as people switching majors are selling off their gear.

Of course, if you've got a whopper of a budget, then maybe none of this matters. Then again, if that was the case, tautech's cheeky comment would instead be legitimate.

[FlyingHacker]

Personally, I went with used equipment, even though I am in my early forties and have a real job with excellent income. However, my job is not electronics.

I would get high end equipment that was old or needed repair. Like buying a used Mercedes vs. a new Hyundai. One is quality that will last for many years. The other will get you from point A to point B for not much money, but won't last terribly long (I don't want to start a car flame war, but I think you get the point of the analogy.)

I have learned a lot repairing equipment. Older test equipment often has really detailed service manuals. They go over the theory of operation, the schematics, trouble shooting etc. You learn a ton form these documents.

[tautech]

Of course, if you've got a whopper of a budget, then maybe none of this matters. Then again, if that was the case, tautech's cheeky comment would instead be legitimate.

It does seem the OP has a reasonable budget and I sometimes think there's not enough homework done or ppl aren't aware of all that's out there.
EG.
A Siglent SDS1102X+ does 3 jobs, DSO, 16 ch LA and AWG, oh and another one....saves one heap of bench space.
http://www.siglentamerica.com/pdxx.aspx?id=4688&T=2&tid=1

[cvriv]

I saw Daves follow up video just now. Im glad they fixed that overheating problem. Did they fix that channel 1 current issue? When you set the channel to less 10mA.

As far as the oscilloscope goes... I chose this one because awhile ago i posted a thread here and was told to get that one. The ones I wanted to get were so much more. Now that ive settled, you guys are telling me to get better.

[tautech]

As far as the oscilloscope goes... I chose this one because awhile ago i posted a thread here and was told to get that one. The ones I wanted to get were so much more. Now that ive settled, you guys are telling me to get better.

If I told you to jump in a lake would you? Of course not, you'd do your homework first.
If 100 people told you to jump, would you? Really?

There are many things to consider, specs are only part of the process, your "needs" should include immediate and future if you're not wishing to upgrade soon. Possible $ savings by purchasing just 1 unit instead of 3 and the space savings too.
Should you mix brands....your call but there can be some advantages with units that can seamlessly talk to each other.
You may have considered all this and if you have 

Take your time, it's your money, just do your homework and be confident in your decision.

[CJay]

Personally, I went with used equipment, even though I am in my early forties and have a real job with excellent income. However, my job is not electronics.

I would get high end equipment that was old or needed repair. Like buying a used Mercedes vs. a new Hyundai. One is quality that will last for many years. The other will get you from point A to point B for not much money, but won't last terribly long (I don't want to start a car flame war, but I think you get the point of the analogy.)

I have learned a lot repairing equipment. Older test equipment often has really detailed service manuals. They go over the theory of operation, the schematics, trouble shooting etc. You learn a ton form these documents.

WOuld agree with that, I have a few old pieces of equipment, Racal 1998 frequency counters, Hameg analogue 'scope, Kikusui PSU, Farnell Dual PSU, Aeroflex sig gen, all have their limitations and the 'scope defintely needs an upgrade (but I do love an anlogue 'scope) but cheap fits my budget nicely and they are all more than useful to me.

I don't know about the longevity of the Chinese brands but the fact that some of the big names appear to be branding them gives me a little confidence.

I'd be more happy if I could get schematics,

[cvriv]

Ok made my purchase. I got everything except the function generator because tequpiment doesn't have the Owon generators. I'm waiting the Saelig coupon code to purchase it.

I ended up getting:

OSC: Rigol DS2202A with the free upgrade package which includes 56Mpts and some other stuff

DMM: Rigol DM3058E

2 x  Rigol DP832 with upgrade internals

Soldering Iron: HakkoFX888D-23BY

Bread board: Global Specialties PB-105T

I still have to buy the OWON AG2052F and a bunch of other smaller stuff.

I don't even care at this point whether I got the best stuff for my money or not. I got good stuff. Im ok with that. I just want to get started blowing shit up.

[System Error Message]

thats a lot of rigols, make sure they give you some rigol stickers too .

The main reason to use all of the same brand is for support so if rigol has customer support than that would be one reason.

[nowlan]

1. Not sure you need a 200mhz scope. The basic model can be hacked/unlocked to save you some coin.

2. Do you really need a 5.5 digit bench meter? I think most people would suggest getting 2 hand helds, so you can measure voltage and current. Bench meters are good for no batteries and logging.

3. Hakko soldering iron is good.

4. Function generators, do you need an ARB one? $800 seems like too much for a beginner. Maybe start with the feeltech.
Also consider the siglents
Siglent SDG810 10MHz = $282.
Siglent SDG2042X 40MHz = $499 (can be unlocked i believe).

4. The 832 should be safe enough now. Lots of people here have one. Lots of bargains to be had with used power supplies on ebay. hp/agilent/keysight, power designs, etc.

[System Error Message]

Guys the OP has already made his purchase.
people say you dont need a 200Mhz scope, didnt stop me from buying a router in the UK capable of 28Gb/s of NAT to use on an internet of 70Mb/s. All that extra CPU headroom for all the hacking fun. It really depends on what you want from a scope and what you want to do with it.

People would suggest getting both a digit bench meter and a handheld multimeter.

[cvriv]

Yea i already bought my gear. Did I really need a particular piece of gear? I dont know. Ill soon find, or maybe I won't find out.

About the oscilloscope, i had originally said I was going to get a basic scope for 399 amd some said get a better scope. I had intentions of hacking it as well. Now i have an even better scope that I wont wont make full use of for awhile. Who cares. I just want to get started experimenting and reading through my books again before next semester.

Im very glad I have my gear now so i can do all of my school projects at home. The whole point is so that i can start spendind more time with my hands messing around with the gear and components. I did 2 semesters already and spent most of the time doing calculations. Id lioe to continue with the calculations but spent more time try to understand how the components work by messing with them.

[bitseeker]

Yea i already bought my gear. Did I really need a particular piece of gear? I dont know. Ill soon find, or maybe I won't find out.

Yeah, you'll likely find out eventually. But you'll have plenty to keep you busy for a while.

About the oscilloscope, i had originally said I was going to get a basic scope for 399 amd some said get a better scope.

Everyone's needs and experiences are different. As a result, you'll get a wide range of answers here, especially when asking unbounded questions.

Enjoy all your new goodies!

[FlyingHacker]

You will want at least 4 meters. Seriously, I find myself hooking up lots of meters all the time. More info is better to have. It makes it much easier to see what is working right and wrong.

I have a few handhelds (Fluke 87V, Fluke 27, Triplett 60 (favorite analog), Triplett 631, Simpson 260, an old RadioShack meter I bought in college (25years ago)) but I tend to use the bench meters (I have 5) the most because they are always setup and ready to go. The require no batteries, and have Nixie ( https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/nixie-tube-fluke-8100b-dmm/msg768407/#msg768407 ), VFD, LED or otherwise illuminated displays. You can get nice 4.5 Flukes for less than $50 on eBay. I got a 6.5 digit Keithley for less than my 87V. You really don't need insane accuracy for most of your meters. Just one or two really good ones.

It can be very useful to have an analog meter or two. This makes it very easy to see trends, to peak circuits, etc. I would suggest a Triplett 60 (I have type2) as it is extremely rugged and crazy accurate for an analog meter.

I am a big fan of VTVMs as well. They are usually at least 11Meg input impedance (I have one that  is 26Megs). They are quite cheap on eBay, and easy to work on.

So a long post to say be sure you have a number of meters, even if some of them are the Harbor Freight trash meter, which can easily be used to measure voltage in small circuits.

[cvriv]

You will want at least 4 meters. Seriously, I find myself hooking up lots of meters all the time. More info is better to have. It makes it much easier to see what is working right and wrong.

I have a few handhelds (Fluke 87V, Fluke 27, Triplett 60 (favorite analog), Triplett 631, Simpson 260, an old RadioShack meter I bought in college (25years ago)) but I tend to use the bench meters (I have 5) the most because they are always setup and ready to go. The require no batteries, and have Nixie ( https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/nixie-tube-fluke-8100b-dmm/msg768407/#msg768407 ), VFD, LED or otherwise illuminated displays. You can get nice 4.5 Flukes for less than $50 on eBay. I got a 6.5 digit Keithley for less than my 87V. You really don't need insane accuracy for most of your meters. Just one or two really good ones.

It can be very useful to have an analog meter or two. This makes it very easy to see trends, to peak circuits, etc. I would suggest a Triplett 60 (I have type2) as it is extremely rugged and crazy accurate for an analog meter.

I am a big fan of VTVMs as well. They are usually at least 11Meg input impedance (I have one that  is 26Megs). They are quite cheap on eBay, and easy to work on.

So a long post to say be sure you have a number of meters, even if some of them are the Harbor Freight trash meter, which can easily be used to measure voltage in small circuits.

Oh yea. That was one thing I learned real quick... was hooking up multiple meters/ using the oscilloscope. The more you see the better.

I have plans to buy a nice Fluke with a temp probe, but not right now. I have to make sure i get all the basics now along with all the little things as well. Im working on all the little things now. If i have any money left that im will to spend, i might buy a fluke, i dont know, but i definitely want one.

[FlyingHacker]

For low voltage stuff most any meter will work OK. If you plan on sticking it on mains that is when it is nice to have a well built meter.

Fluke 27fm is pretty cheap on eBay, and a good mains meter. Dave has a video on one. The older ones are just as good as the newer yellow one he reviews, though, and cheaper.

[cvriv]

Ehhh, Im not going to be checking mains. Ill be doing all low voltage stuff. Ill definitely pick up more meters in the near future.

[MarkF]

When you get around to a 2nd meter, I'd suggest you look at the Fluke 87V or the EEVblog BM235 Multimeter.

[ebclr]

Before buy anything , Buy a Fluke 87V  this is the priority item to buy

What do you plan to use those instruments ?

Do you want price / performance right  not the  expen$$$$$$ive High end right.

[bitseeker]

What do you plan to use those instruments ?

@cvriv:

What ebclr posted above is the most important question. If, for example, you need to measure very small changes in voltage or current, most handheld DMMs will not suffice because they lack the resolution.

Collecting together your requirements with as much specificity as possible will yield the best advice when asking on the forum.

[cvriv]

Already made my purchases. I plan on doing a lot of low voltage stuff. I am very happy with everything I bought. The DMM is the last thing to arrive in the mail.

[bitseeker]

Great. Enjoy all your new goodies!

[3db]

Personally, I went with used equipment, even though I am in my early forties and have a real job with excellent income. However, my job is not electronics.

I would get high end equipment that was old or needed repair. Like buying a used Mercedes vs. a new Hyundai. One is quality that will last for many years. The other will get you from point A to point B for not much money, but won't last terribly long (I don't want to start a car flame war, but I think you get the point of the analogy.)

I have learned a lot repairing equipment. Older test equipment often has really detailed service manuals. They go over the theory of operation, the schematics, trouble shooting etc. You learn a ton form these documents.

Flame ON.   

[cvriv]

Was messing around with the function generator and oscilloscope.... holy hell they are so much better than what I was using at the college. The oscilloscope is amazing. I ordered a whole ton of small stuff now. I literally have at least 10 separate packages coming in the mail. I got wires, all kinds of connectors, pincers, electronic components, solder, extra solder tips.... I forgot exactly what I bought. LOL. I should have what I need now to get started.

[bitseeker]

I certainly hope so. You're on a roll.

[ez24]

Yea i already bought my gear. Did I really need a particular piece of gear? I dont know. Ill soon find, or maybe I won't find out.

People will go on for years telling you what to buy.   You can modify your title to indicate that you are finished.

[ez24]

In case you missed anything, check this out

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/from-no-parts-to-decent-stockpile-best-approach/

[cvriv]

I'll change the title right away.

Thanks for the ljnk ez24:) The only components I bought right now are the componets i used in school. I want to mess around with those more to get a better understanding of them. I definitely want to buy more though.

[ez24]

Once you got everything how about this title:

My shopping cart - What I bought


and include links

thanks

[bitseeker]

A significant title change might require adjusting the post body to make it all fit together conceptually. Another possibility is to prepend or append something like "(Resolved)" to the existing title so the rest of the thread maintains its continuity.

[cvriv]

Gotcha. What do you mean by links? Link to where I bought everything?

[ez24]

Gotcha. What do you mean by links? Link to where I bought everything?

Yes - it might help someone if they are interested in the same thing
thanks

[bitseeker]

Nice summary of your shopping.

[cvriv]

Thanks. Im having a slight issue with tequipment. They have yet to ship my DMM. It was suppose to ship on the 22nd and then the ship date was changed to the 24th. I emailed them on the 24th and was told that it would ship on the 24th and that I should recieve a tracking info that day or the latest on the following monday, the 27th. Well it's now the 28th as I am writing this at 12am. I chatted and called them on the 27th and they told me the same thing that I was told on the 24th. I checked online, my account, and it still hasnt shipped. Keep in mind that everything else I ordered from them I have already recieved. This is getting to be pretty annoying. Anyone experience anything like this with them? They are not telling me anything. When I purchased the DMM, their website said it was in stock as well. Everything I ordered was in stock. 

[ez24]

Thanks. Im having a slight issue with tequipment. They have yet to ship my DMM. It was suppose to ship on the 22nd and then the ship date was changed to the 24th. I emailed them on the 24th and was told that it would ship on the 24th and that I should recieve a tracking info that day or the latest on the following monday, the 27th. Well it's now the 28th as I am writing this at 12am. I chatted and called them on the 27th and they told me the same thing that I was told on the 24th. I checked online, my account, and it still hasnt shipped. Keep in mind that everything else I ordered from them I have already recieved. This is getting to be pretty annoying. Anyone experience anything like this with them? They are not telling me anything. When I purchased the DMM, their website said it was in stock as well. Everything I ordered was in stock.

Shit happens - I would not worry - TE has a good reputation

Maybe PM them?

[cvriv]

Ive emailed them, chatted them, and called them. They keep telling me the same thing... It will ship and it hasn't. Its been 5 business days and it hasnt shipped.