oscilloscope

[basurf]

Are there any oscilloscopes worth buying on Amazon?
I have some points I need to use there so that's what I'm stuck with for the time being. I would like to stay under $500 if possible.
Looking for something 100MHz and FFT for spectrum analysis in 20Hz-20kHz.  I would also prefer something with a decent screen res. (i.e. 800x4**+).

[Cliff Matthews]

Are there any oscilloscopes worth buying on Amazon?

This one should fill the bill..
Review's ? Many exist, but start here:
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2qdtQkBKhc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2qdtQkBKhc
and here:

Best not to take it apart before the warranty is finished, so for internals look here:


Link changed! Relinked direct to 1054z item (Amazon store kept moving the scope to another page..)

[basurf]

on the radar, seems only 50mHz without hacking it

also, I realize it is a very popular scope but it sure does seem like there are a lot of problems/complaints about different things on it

I could get by with a 2 channel scope to save some $

[Simon]

Owons are cheap but not the best, mine gets me by

[basurf]

amazon has an owon sds7102 about $130 more than the rigol

the reality is I could probably get buy with a cheap analog scope 20mHz for some audio work, however, I generally like to buy things better than I need for a small amount of future proofing

being a beginner I really don't want to buy a scope with a bunch of issues either

[Simon]

owon start at 60MHz but as far as i know can't be upgraded / cracked.

[basurf]

since I'm talking future proofing, I should probably even adjust my budget and look at the next step up on models, I'm reading some of those have a much better display on them

[I4E]

We are UK Rigol Distributors.

 If you'd like a quote I can offer one depending where you are located.


 If you require better FFT than you want to consider a Leaptronix scope. We distribute for them  also and have had good feedback.    The only downside is they aren't as cheap as the Rigols and you don't get the 3 year warranty.


If you'd like info or have questions please feel free ask. I'm happy to help!

Best of luck in your search and welcome to the forum!  There are a lot of very nice people on here :-)

Joy Torres
Instruments 4 Engineers
joy@instruments4engineers.com

www.instruments4engineers.com ( temporary website, new  website coming fall 2015)

[basurf]

thx, I'm actually in the US

the more I read through and watch videos the more I'm thinking I want to step up to something like the DS2072A

I'm wanting an analog-like display without paying tektronix prices

[Simon]

I'm wanting an analog-like display without paying tektronix prices

On the whole you get pretty much as little or much as you pay for

[basurf]

Does that mean I can't get a digital display that is comparable to an analog display for lower cost?

I'm just now looking around but it seems the SDS2072 or the DS2072A might do the trick but I might be missing something (being new and all).

That seems to put me in the $800 range and I see on tequipment.net they have some 50mHz analog scopes for around that price.  Do you think I should be looking at one of those instead?

[tautech]

Does that mean I can't get a digital display that is comparable to an analog display for lower cost?

I'm just now looking around but it seems the SDS2072 or the DS2072A might do the trick but I might be missing something (being new and all).

That seems to put me in the $800 range and I see on tequipment.net they have some 50mHz analog scopes for around that price.  Do you think I should be looking at one of those instead?

Definately not, aim for a DSO, any DSO is better than a CRO, so many more features.
A SDS2000 series will outspec the DS2072.

[inteljoe]

I have an alternative to the Rigol and Owon oscilloscopes...

http://www.amazon.com/Siglent-SDS1072CML-TFT-LCD-Bench-Top-Oscilloscope/dp/B00GQNNHJG

Siglent SDS-1072CML
70MHz, 1GSa/S, 2-channel, etc... So far my experience has been good with it.

[basurf]

thx, I'm actually looking for something with a real nice screen with intensity grading to give it an analog type quality...unfortunately, that has booted me up to the $800 range

[miguelvp]

thx, I'm actually looking for something with a real nice screen with intensity grading to give it an analog type quality...unfortunately, that has booted me up to the $800 range

The DS1054z mentioned before and "upgradable" to 100MHz has intensity grading and according to Dave is one of the best intensity grading, even if it doesn't have as many levels as the DS2000 series.

But the screen on the DS1000z series is smaller I think.

[tautech]

thx, I'm actually looking for something with a real nice screen with intensity grading to give it an analog type quality...unfortunately, that has booted me up to the $800 range

The DS1054z mentioned before and "upgradable" to 100MHz has intensity grading and according to Dave is one of the best intensity grading, even if it doesn't have as many levels as the DS2000 series.

But the screen on the DS1000z series is smaller I think.

Dave has yet to trial a Siglent SDS2000 and compare them to others.
AFAIK this will happen later this year.
The Siglents also DON'T have the shared channel controls like many other DSO's.

[miguelvp]

thx, I'm actually looking for something with a real nice screen with intensity grading to give it an analog type quality...unfortunately, that has booted me up to the $800 range

The DS1054z mentioned before and "upgradable" to 100MHz has intensity grading and according to Dave is one of the best intensity grading, even if it doesn't have as many levels as the DS2000 series.

But the screen on the DS1000z series is smaller I think.

Dave has yet to trial a Siglent SDS2000 and compare them to others.
AFAIK this will happen later this year.
The Siglents also DON'T have the shared channel controls like many other DSO's.

You should get Siglent to send him one sooner than later then.

[tautech]

thx, I'm actually looking for something with a real nice screen with intensity grading to give it an analog type quality...unfortunately, that has booted me up to the $800 range

The DS1054z mentioned before and "upgradable" to 100MHz has intensity grading and according to Dave is one of the best intensity grading, even if it doesn't have as many levels as the DS2000 series.

But the screen on the DS1000z series is smaller I think.

Dave has yet to trial a Siglent SDS2000 and compare them to others.
AFAIK this will happen later this year.
The Siglents also DON'T have the shared channel controls like many other DSO's.

You should get Siglent to send him one sooner than later then.

^^^^^ 

[I4E]

 If you went Analog new you'd be probably paying close to the same price as  new Digital but not getting as much for your money.  You mention about future proofing so in that case it may be better go digital but that is your decision.


I'll gladly give you the details of one of the application engineer at Rigol if you'd like to speak to them about your questions.

Hope you have a lovely day!

Joy

[I4E]

Rigol just made an announcement  about improving the FFT  on the  MSO/DSO1000Z series scopes

"With the latest firmware for the MSO/DS1000Z Series (00.04.03 SP2) we have improved our FFT functionality.

From now on your can choose the whether you want to have FFT calculation on display point or if you want to have done the FFT calculation on 16k points"

I'd still recommend speaking to a Rigol Application Engineer before making the decision. As you are in the states,  I'd be happy to let you know who's best to speak to at Rigol there.  Whichever product or company  you choose, I hope you enjoy your new toy :-)



Joy Torres

Instruments 4 Engineers  ( UK distributors of Rigol and more)
Tel: +44 (0) 161 871 7450

[vk6zgo]

If you went Analog new you'd be probably paying close to the same price as  new Digital but not getting as much for your money.  You mention about future proofing so in that case it may be better go digital but that is your decision.


I'll gladly give you the details of one of the application engineer at Rigol if you'd like to speak to them about your questions.

Hope you have a lovely day!

Joy

You would be crazy to buy a new analog,as they are not anywhere near the performance level of 30 year old Tektronix instruments of that type.
If you are only interested in audio spectrum analysis,you can probably get by with a "top of the line" soundcard in your PC.

PS---.I should have put the emphasis on "new" rather than "analog" as if you read it quickly,it makes me look like a "fan boi" for DSOs,which I most certainly am not.
I meant that any analog 'scopes you might buy new will be quite basic,as they are built down to a price---old Tek & HP instruments were intended for professional use,&  generally had every feature possible with an analog instrument.

[Mephitus]

Might I recommend a Hantek? Sure, they are generally considered to be knockoffs, but moderately decent ones from what I understand. The DSO-5xxx series can be modded up to 200mhz for free! There are numerous other mods or hacks people have done too for this scope. I recently found one on ebay for $100USD (used). http://www.ebay.com/itm/371376841651 New, they run around $350USD.

Heres the thread on modding this scope:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-tekway-dso-hack-get-200mhz-bw-for-free/

[Muxr]

Rigol's DS 2072A is also pretty good. It's what I use. 2 channels but a bigger screen than the DS1054z, and 2Gs/s, unlockable analog bandwidth of 300Mhz.

You can get it on Amazon for just above $800. Most of these Chinese scopes have various software and UI annoyances, Rigol is just the most popular so it's discussed the most. I don't think it's overall better or worse than the others. Where it stands out is the ability to unlock their capabilities. You get a lot of scope for your money with Rigol.

[Negative-Bias]

I use a Siglent SD1102 CNL, and have had NO problems with it , does everything I ask of it

[dadler]

I have both the DS1054z and DS2000 and the intensity grading is great on both of them.

If you need 4 channels get the 1054, else the larger screen on the 2000 series is quite compelling.