Tektronix TDS220 or Regol?

[DHunter7]

Hi all,

I have tried to research the differences in build quality, features, etc of various scopes. I'm currently looking at a Tektronix TDS 220 up for sale on Craigslist locally (Toronto area) for roughly $500CAD plus applicable taxes (in store sale). The unit has been updated given the recall, so I'm not concerned about that ,however it doesn't come with the FFT module. I'll be using it for custom audio circuitry...which I have yet to get into...but as a complete electronics newbie I'm wondering whether I should buy this scope (it comes with 2 probes), or go with a new Regol unit in the same price range?

What do you all suggest?

Thank you so much in advance!
D

[pickle9000]

Go with the Rigol, I could list off some stuff but it's just plain better, not to mention you get a warranty. Take the money you save and buy some parts to play with.

[lewis]

Definitely the Rigol. I have a TDS210 and it was a great scope in the 1990s but things have moved on. Don't take my word for it - I haven't used a Rigol - but with what I've seen of them they piss over a nearly 20-year old scope any day.

[DHunter7]

Thanks so much guys for your quick responses!

I guess when it comes down to it - is there anything I should keep in mind going the Regol route? (Anything to watch out for / be aware of)

[EEVblog]

Forget the Tek!
It's is ancient, has a horrible faded hard to read screen, and hardly any sample memory.
It was great 15 years ago...

[c4757p]

Yet another agreement. $500 for an ancient 100MHz DSO with crap for sample memory and no FFT (you'll want it for audio)? Don't even think about it. The Rigol DS1000 series is actually quite good.

[DHunter7]

Good thing I asked, haha! Ok looks like it's the Regol then. I was looking specifically at the DS1102E and the DS1052D before I posted the thread..so now I have to ask which would be the best bet?

[EEVblog]

Good thing I asked, haha! Ok looks like it's the Regol then.

Rigol!

[DHunter7]

Good thing I asked, haha! Ok looks like it's the Regol then.

Rigol!

Just making sure you were paying attention....
(PS Thank you so much for the great Youtube content and this site in general, fantastic resource for people like me. Truly.)

[DHunter7]

Hi all,

Just a small bump - wondering which Rigol unit I should go with since the Tektronix is out...whether in the long run the Logic Analyzer is worth having for the extra money?

DS1102E vs DS1052D

Thanks so much!

[EEVblog]

Just a small bump - wondering which Rigol unit I should go with since the Tektronix is out...whether in the long run the Logic Analyzer is worth having for the extra money?
DS1102E vs DS1052D

I wouldn't bother spending the extra money on the old 1000D series. So many newer mixed signal scope these days.

[DHunter7]

Just a small bump - wondering which Rigol unit I should go with since the Tektronix is out...whether in the long run the Logic Analyzer is worth having for the extra money?
DS1102E vs DS1052D

I wouldn't bother spending the extra money on the old 1000D series. So many newer mixed signal scope these days.

Dave,

Thank you for personally replying - I just watched your Logic Analyzer videos last night so I feel a little less naive on the topic (hopefully!)

Could you please suggest something for me in that price range? I'm willing to spend up to 500 USD or thereabouts. Something that will hold me over for a while but still at a professional level.

Best,
The other Dave

[DHunter7]

Hi all,

I realize that although this forum is labeled Beginners, it seems like I'm the only actual beginner here!

I'm going to pull the trigger on a Rigol DS1102E this coming Monday.

Any last suggestions?

Thanks again!

[c4757p]

I'm going to pull the trigger on a Rigol DS1102E this coming Monday.

Any last suggestions?

Don't pull the trigger - you'll need that!

[vk6zgo]

Definitely the Rigol. I have a TDS210 and it was a great scope in the 1990s but things have moved on. Don't take my word for it - I haven't used a Rigol - but with what I've seen of them they piss over a nearly 20-year old scope any day.

Actually,it wasn't all that great in the 1990s,either!

But then,I'm a greybeard!

[EEVblog]

Could you please suggest something for me in that price range? I'm willing to spend up to 500 USD or thereabouts. Something that will hold me over for a while but still at a professional level.

$500 for just the scope?
There are dozens of pages of arguments on the best budget scope on this forum, worth a search.
I haven't really played with the latest gen cheapies so can't comment directly.
The Rigol is still a solid unit and safe choice, but 5 years old now, so generally gets beat by the features of the latest cheap scopes.

[EEVblog]

Actually,it wasn't all that great in the 1990s,either!

On the contrary, it was revolutionary.
The first portable low cost "real time" digital scope that actually worked and felt (kinda) like an analog scope.
It is the machine that changed the oscilloscope market from analog to digital.

[blewisjr]

I love my 1102E great little scope for the price.  Does the job well wish I had the extra $300 for the 2000 series tho.  If you have a little extra cash go for the 2000 series rigol if not the 1102 will serve well.