DS1000Z Measurement Features Comments and Question

[Electro Fan]

Could be a case of operator error but it seems like when you are making measurements on one channel (say Channel 1) and you pick a few measurements (say Vmax, Vpp, Vamp, and Overshoot) and then you decide to probe something on Channel 2 (and turn Channel 1 off), the scope should give you the ability to retain the same measurements on Channel 2.  Instead, even after you move to Channel 2 (and turn off Channel 1) the DS1000Z continues to show you the yellow channel 1 measurements. 

In the Measurement menu is a soft key that lets you select "All Measure Source" (which is intended to specify what is shown in an all encompassing measurment grid, I realize) but even if you add Channel 2 to Channel 1 in this menu, or if you add Channel 2 and deselect Channel 1 the scope will still show the individual yellow measurements previously selected for Channel 1 (but not the light blue measurements for Channel 2).  You have to go to the Clear soft key to clear the yellow Channel 1 measurements, and then one at a time (re)select the measurements you had previously specified for Chanel 1 now that you are looking at Channel 2.

Seems like there should be a way to retain the measurements you want as you move from channel to channel - at least as one of the ways of using the measurements.

One other separate item/question: of the various amplitude related measurements on the DS1000Z (such as Vmax, Vpp, Vamp, Vtop, etc.) which is most likely to give a reading that would correspond a voltage reading on a DMM?  (I guess a "DVM" volt meter reading is an option Agilent sells for almost as much as the DS1000Z but I don't get why it's such a big cost item.)  Thanks, EF

[echen1024]

No, my Siglent does the same as well. I guess it's just an oversight on their part.

[Electro Fan]

No, my Siglent does the same as well. I guess it's just an oversight on their part.

Maybe one product (Rigol or Silent) went first and the other followed the lead.

Anyone know if a Rigol DS2000 (or DS4000) operates the same way with respect to measurement selection when you change channels?

[Maxlor]

One other separate item/question: of the various amplitude related measurements on the DS1000Z (such as Vmax, Vpp, Vamp, Vtop, etc.) which is most likely to give a reading that would correspond a voltage reading on a DMM?  (I guess a "DVM" volt meter reading is an option Agilent sells for almost as much as the DS1000Z but I don't get why it's such a big cost item.)  Thanks, EF

Look at Vavg for DC and Vrms for AC.

[Mark_O]

Could be a case of operator error but it seems like when you are making measurements on one channel (say Channel 1) and you pick a few measurements (say Vmax, Vpp, Vamp, and Overshoot) and then you decide to probe something on Channel 2 (and turn Channel 1 off), the scope should give you the ability to retain the same measurements on Channel 2.  Instead, even after you move to Channel 2 (and turn off Channel 1) the DS1000Z continues to show you the yellow channel 1 measurements. 

...

Seems like there should be a way to retain the measurements you want as you move from channel to channel - at least as one of the ways of using the measurements.

More a matter of operator expectations.  While the pattern you describe (expect) might be helpful to some, part of the time, it would annoy others the rest of the time.  "Whaddya mean, I can't tag a couple parameters to monitor on Chan1, then go and probe Chan2 without having the damn parameters auto-change on me?"

[Electro Fan]

Could be a case of operator error but it seems like when you are making measurements on one channel (say Channel 1) and you pick a few measurements (say Vmax, Vpp, Vamp, and Overshoot) and then you decide to probe something on Channel 2 (and turn Channel 1 off), the scope should give you the ability to retain the same measurements on Channel 2.  Instead, even after you move to Channel 2 (and turn off Channel 1) the DS1000Z continues to show you the yellow channel 1 measurements. 

...

Seems like there should be a way to retain the measurements you want as you move from channel to channel - at least as one of the ways of using the measurements.

More a matter of operator expectations.  While the pattern you describe (expect) might be helpful to some, part of the time, it would annoy others the rest of the time.  "Whaddya mean, I can't tag a couple parameters to monitor on Chan1, then go and probe Chan2 without having the damn parameters auto-change on me?"

Good answer.  You are right.  The ideal solution might be to have some user configurable preferences but in lieu of that it's mostly just a matter of getting used to what it does and doesn't do.  Overall the scope is very impressive.  Rigol is doing a very nice job.

[Mark_O]

EF,

did you ever get a chance to try out the segmented Record function?

[Electro Fan]

EF,

did you ever get a chance to try out the segmented Record function?

Nah, the trial options were winding down and I was working my way through the feature learning process.  With several hours left to go and segmented memory/record/playback functionality still on the TBD list I left the unit on without realizing it until I returned to find it at 0 hours remaining on the trial options.   

From the little bit I played with the record and playback features it's my guess that this is an area where the DS2000 could snag some buyers away from the strong attraction of 4 channels.  I think the memory size is probably enough to get some decent work done but I'm betting the that the DS2000 gives you a more user friendly way of navigating through the process.  This is just a guess.

I'd be up for hearing any info on the basics or intermediates of how best to use the record/playback function on both the DS1000Z and the DS2000 in case you or anyone else has any info along these lines.  Maybe someone wants to make a video on the record/playback/navigation features of the DS1000Z and or the DS2000