Rigol DS1074Z vs DS1102E vs DS1102-DEMO

[jGalt]

Hey all,

So I read the post stating "newbies please read first", and then I used the search function and read a ton of posts about the DS1074Z but I still have questions..... hopefully this isn't too irritating, advance apologies if it is.

I understand the DS1074Z has 4 channels and 70Mhz while the DS 1102E has 2 channels and 100MHz. Some background, I'm going into my last year as an undergrad EE and I am a hobbyist but I still can't tell if the $176 difference is worth it. I'm happy to spend it but I don't know if the DS1074Z will actually last longer or give me more than the DS 1102E because of the 30Mhz difference... will I want to measure things faster than 70Mhz? Everyone talks about "hacking" the DS1074Z, I'm assuming that increases your bandwidth?

To make the choice even more difficult tequipment offers the 1102E as a demo for 40 dollars less. So now the difference between a demo and the DS1074Z is over 200 dollars.

I do get student pricing. Just hoping for some friendly advice.

Thanks again.

[Mark_O]

I understand the DS1074Z has 4 channels and 70Mhz while the DS 1102E has 2 channels and 100MHz. Some background, I'm going into my last year as an undergrad EE and I am a hobbyist but I still can't tell if the $176 difference is worth it. I'm happy to spend it but I don't know if the DS1074Z will actually last longer or give me more than the DS 1102E because of the 30Mhz difference... will I want to measure things faster than 70Mhz? Everyone talks about "hacking" the DS1074Z, I'm assuming that increases your bandwidth?

Just get the "50 MHz" DS1054z, for $399, and "adjust" it to 100 MHz (or 150, your choice).  Do some reading here to find out more. 

That's about as friendly as it's gonna get, for a topic that's being hotly discussed right now in current threads.

[jGalt]

Should've read more! Just read this thread https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-ds1054z-oscilloscope/ and they make it sound like the DS1054z is the one to start with at the moment.

[jGalt]

Thank you Mark, and yeah I agree I posted too early. I would take down the whole thing if I could. Sorry everyone that wasted time reading this.