Help with choosing a Waveform Generator, now looking at the Siglent SDG2042

[LPS]

Hi All,

I want to get my final purchase which is a Waveform Generator for a pre Christmas delivery.  I’m looking to get back into hobby electronics, projects, learning.  Budget US$350 to US$500.

Either a Rigol DG1022Z or SDG1032X, or if I go for the upper end of my budget a Rigol DG1032Z or SDG2042X.  Been watching the videos and reading up.

Actually the top of my list is the Siglent SDG2042X, it features the highest bandwidth, 40Mhz, of the group I am looking at, touch screen and the only one with 16 bit resolution.  I don’t see any down side but because a seemingly lesser spec 30Mhz 14 bit Rigol DG1032Z is about the same price, I feel maybe I am missing some information as to why the Rigol is set at about the same price.

I would appreciate any comments and suggestions as to my first choice of the Siglent SDG2042X.  Also any comments on the current state of unlocking extra features (bandwidth) would be welcome.
thanks

Len

[alank2]

I love my SDG2082X - I don't think you can go wrong with the SDG2042X.  It is one of my favorite tools to use.

[tautech]

SDG2042X is currently the forum favourite and has its own thread that probably has the most up to date on these units on the web:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-siglent-sdg2042x-thread/
(improvement info within)

If you want to use a EEVblog member discount you can ask for the code here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/equipment-discounts-from-saelig/

[K2CK]

I've been using the SDG2042 for a couple of months.  I have nothing bad to say about the sig gen.  Take a look on-line for ways to improve it.  Also take a look at the reviews and teardowns.  I think you'll be impressed.

Regards,

Scott

[julian1]

The Rigol DG1032Z has a 200 MSa/s generation sample rate. The 2042X has a 1.2G/s and 16 bit. Ignoring the fact that the prices are similar, they're basically different classes of instrument.