Choosing the right Siglent scope for hobby projects

[awakephd]

Here is what I am finding for DSO Quad by Seeed Studio: https://www.seeedstudio.com/DSO-Quad-Aluminium-Alloy-Silver-p-1033.html

$199 for two analog channels + two digital channels. The analog channels are 72Ms/s each, so theoretically it is capable of around 36MHz maximum. It makes no mention of FFT, but does mention a "signal generator"; I am guessing it is in the same general category as the Zeweii DSO3D12 and similar units that have been discussed in the Test Equipment section. The DSO3D12 has 250Ms/s and claims up to 120MHz capability (shared across two channels, so up to 60MHz when using two channels) and costs < $100. It does do an FFT ... of sorts; it can generate a variety of signals, but not under any sort of software control (forget Bode plots) and with very limited amplitude. Still, for the price, I have found it to be a decent portable tool to supplement a desktop scope. That said, for me it would definitely not come close to being a substitute for the Siglent SDS804X-HD or, for that matter, the Rigol DHO804. Since the DSO Quad appears to be twice as expensive for half the performance, more or less,* I personally would pass on it. As always, YMMV.

*The asterisk is because of the two digital channels that the DSO Quad claims to have. Perhaps this would allow a limited sort of logic analyzer capability? Of course, there are 8 and 16 channel USB-based logic analyzers for dirt cheap ... again, I personally am not finding this to be compelling, but I am glad that it is working well for your needs.

[awakephd]

Thanks for these very well put-together comments. I ordered the Siglent! I'm looking forward to learn how to use it.

It is a fun journey - and there is a lot to learn!

[BillyO]

I am unfamiliar with the DSO Quad, and quite a range of different units come up in a search, with prices from $200 - 550. Can you point us to the particular brand or model?

It's a toy.  $170 from Seeed Studio.
Only 72MS/s and they do not even publish a bandwidth for it.  Non-standard probe connectors.  Only 4K storage points.  8-bits vertical resolution.  It's a joke.

Read about it and laugh: https://www.seeedstudio.com/DSO-Quad-4-Channel-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-p-736.html?srsltid=AfmBOooq4fuJ7beKN3jo04Hy1g33x7T41Bfwl_VESEhluVfJJ4odqGQd

If you'd like a serious scope, get a serious scope like the Siglent.

Okay, I see you already found out. 

[awakephd]

I was, shall we say, providing some rope ...

[eTobey]

It makes no mention of FFT, but does mention a "signal generator";

Well... i mentioned, that i am using another firmware.

I got the custom firmware of Wildcat. There are other firmwares too i believe.

Nevertheless, even without FFT, it is more than enough for pet projects. Unless those would be some cracy pet projects...