1074Z-S or 1054Z + separate signal generator?

[Upgrayedd]

The crafty buggers at Rigol made it so you have to go for the 70MHz option if you want the internal signal generator. I quite fancy a signal generator, and if it's built in then that's neat because I don't have to cart around a separate box. But on the other hand that doubles the price of the 'scope, and anyway I could have got the extra Hertzes for free...

But on the third hand an external signal generator is a fair wodge of cash. What do people reckon? DG4062? That costs about the same as the 1074Z-S, so the total with a 1054Z would be 1100€ or so, but OK you get four channels and a separate screen & knobs & stuff so I guess it's easier to use like that.

 

What to do?

[Yago]

External.

If one goes pop, you don't loose both osc and gen.
Also can grab a used bargain gen if shop around.

[Upgrayedd]

Well you're a bit screwed if either goes pop, innit? If your signal generator blows up you can see a signal but it ain't wiggling. And if your 'scope blows up, the signal's probably wiggling but you can't see it.

Anyway so I guess I'm leaning towards a DS1054Z and a DG4062. My wallet isn't going to like it, but my cat will... As it's double the attack surface for her.

[coppice]

Isn't a DG4062 in a much higher class than the optional built in generator of the scope? Your price comparison doesn't seem reasonable.

[mij59]

You could also consider the SDG5082 80MHz, its much more cat friendly.

[Upgrayedd]

It's in a higher class, yes, but then I reckon if you have a 4 channel 'scope you might as well have a 4 channel signal generator. I dunno, the DG1062Z is only 40€ less than the DG4062, and it only has a piddly little screen and 2 channels, what's the point? There's the DG1032Z I suppose, but it's still pricey.

[pickle9000]

Signal path review

http://thesignalpath.com/blogs/2014/12/08/review-comparison-and-teardown-of-siglent-sdg5162-and-rigol-dg4162-arbitary-waveform-generators/

[MarkL]

The built-in signal generators are rather anemic compared to the features in stand-alone units.  Notably they're lacking control inputs like sync, trigger, and modulation.  Having a built-in generator is convenient for some applications, but it's not a substitute.

Also, some time into the future you'll likely be upgrading one or the other to a newer model.  Buying them separately allows you to make that decision independently.

[Rory]

For our use, a function generator that doesn't have triggered sweep is pretty much useless.

[LaurentR]

If you're comparing a 1054Z+siggen with a 1074Z-S, I don't think there is even a question. The price difference between a 1054Z and a 1074Z-S is >$400 and you can fit any number of siggens in that budget starting from Rigol's own low end DG1022 ($379) that will make you happier than the integrated one. The only thing you'll be losing is the compactness (one instrument that does 2 things). There is no other positive.

I was faced with the same decision before the 1054Z became available, so for me it was 1074Z or 1074Z-S and despite the smaller ~$250 difference, decided for an external siggen and I am very happy with the decision. This leaves you with plenty of choice for your siggen based on what your needs are, from grabbing something cheap and pocketing the difference to upgrading a bit.

[Upgrayedd]

Some good info there. thanks everyone. Oh and by the way the DG4062 isn't 4 channel, it's only 2 channel. Just making sure you were all awake

[Maxlor]

One other point that hasn't been mentioned yet: the 1000Z-S is a pain to use, since everything is controlled threw soft menus half a dozen layers deep, and that unindented multifunction knob that really starts to get on your nerves when you're forced to use it to enter numbers.

Just because of th UI issues I'd go for a separate function generator.