First Oscope

[Markie]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the market for a budget Multimeter/Oscilloscope, and after watching various videos and reading reviews, I've narrowed down my options to three:

FNIRSI 2C23T (priced at 77 EURO)
ZOYI ZT703S (priced at 90 EURO)
Owon HDS242S (priced at 130 EURO)

My usecase is measuring audio waveforms from audio amplifiers to look for distortion or clipping. Additionally, I'm interested in learning proper techniques for repairing amplifiers and other electronics, as my current methods are hacky and have limitations.

Any guidance or other recommendations regarding my options would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[jonpaul]

got old 1980s analog scopes in Paris at fleas, street sales...

Hameg made in Germany.  France 1 or 2 ch 10 or 20 MHz

Paid EU 5, 25, 40.

All worked fine.

Try a flea mkt/street sale or Ham radio flea depending  on your (unknown) location,

Jon

[Markie]

Heyo yeah sadly in Cyprus you can't really find them as flea markets I've been trying to track down an old scope but to no avail

[Wallace Gasiewicz]

Like jonpaul says, try to find a HAM club

[nctnico]

IMHO the OP is better served by choosing one of the digital storage scopes. I would have traded my old analog scope in a heartbeat for one of those devices. Having storage and measurements makes life so much easier.

My recommendation would be to look for a device which is targeted to be an oscilloscope. FNIRSI 1014D or 1013D could be a better option and get a seperate DMM.

[Aldo22]

If you want a cheap scopemeter, I would go for DSO3D12 or the Owon.

However, like nctnico, I personally think that separate devices are the better buy. As a DMM, for example, the Aneng 870.

[axantas]

To start with a "traditional" Scope, I would not chose the Owon or Finirsi, you list. You need a model with knobs to turn. These handheld scopes rely on menus and "push up" push down". This does not give you the feeling, using such an instrument.

Go into the direction, nctnico shows. These are "cheap" scopes, if you talk to a pro, but they just do, what you need to start with. I started with a chewing-gum green "Kiprim DS1202" - some relabeled Owon for about 130€. I did not regret it.

[tunk]

FNIRSI 1014D or 1013D could be a better option and get a seperate DMM.

These are known to have wildly exaggerated specs (real bandwidth 20-30MHz)
and a minimum 100mV/div vertical resolution.
Alternatives to the three first could be Zeeweii DSO3D12 and DSO2512G.

[bdunham7]

My usecase is measuring audio waveforms from audio amplifiers to look for distortion or clipping. Additionally, I'm interested in learning proper techniques for repairing amplifiers and other electronics, as my current methods are hacky and have limitations.

Getting meaningful measurements on audio signals is a challenge even with "real" oscilloscopes and probably near impossible with those small-screen "toy" scopes.  The line-in or microphone input on almost any PC, along with some free software, will give you better results than any of the ones you have listed.  If you want to look at power amp outputs you'd need a load and an attenuator which are both easy enough to build yourself.

[Markie]

Hey thanks for the response i need something portable and I'm also in the market of a multimeter

[Markie]

I should have probably said my budget is very limited

[naiclub]

https://th.aliexpress.com/item/1005006329135606.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.202b379aYsyOv5&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2tha
Hanmatek Digital Oscilloscope, 5 mv/div Oscilloscope 4 Channels 110MHz Bandwidth 1GS/S Oscilloscope 7 Inch TFT Storage Desktop
Is it interesting to play?

[wasedadoc]

I'll second the suggestion of the Zeeweii DSO3D12.

[Markie]

its sadly out of my budget !

[wasedadoc]

https://th.aliexpress.com/item/1005006329135606.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.202b379aYsyOv5&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2tha
Hanmatek Digital Oscilloscope, 5 mv/div Oscilloscope 4 Channels 110MHz Bandwidth 1GS/S Oscilloscope 7 Inch TFT Storage Desktop
Is it interesting to play?

That photo is nonsense.  There is nothing on a RaspberryPi that measures 100 Amps.  Nor does one measure such currents with the type of probe shown.  And I'm fairly confident there is no point on a RaspberryPi where a triangular waveform can be observed.

[wasedadoc]

its sadly out of my budget !

The DSO3D12 is cheaper than the Zoyi and Owon  you claimed to be considering in your opening post.

[Markie]

The cheapest I found is 180 ?

[Aldo22]

The cheapest I found is 180 ?

Why? I showed you the link above.

[Markie]

Wth the price is higher when i check on my PC when I check on my phone its 90 euros

[axantas]

Hey thanks for the response i need something portable and I'm also in the market of a multimeter

If your limited budget is determing your strategy, you need something portable and want to add a multimeter:
Have a look at the FNIRSI 2C23T All-in-one. It is honest regarding the specs and works quite good. Also the "logic" of the buttons is quite self explaining and good. Available at AliExpress at a good price quite below 100 €.

[wasedadoc]

Wth the price is higher when i check on my PC when I check on my phone its 90 euros

I bought a DSO3D12 from an Aliexpress vendor last November for just under £90 including shipping and 20% VAT.  I've checked just now using PC and the listing is £73.73 plus VAT and free shipping.

Be aware that while almost any scope will easily show clipping and gross distortion, few if any are suitable for checking that an amplifier is actually giving the really low levels of THD that a modern Hi-Fi amp is capable of.

[Aldo22]

If your limited budget is determing your strategy, you need something portable and want to add a multimeter:
Have a look at the FNIRSI 2C23T All-in-one. It is honest regarding the specs and works quite good. Also the "logic" of the buttons is quite self explaining and good. Available at AliExpress at a good price quite below 100 €.

The Zeeweii DSO3D12 is better in almost every aspect.
Sample rate: 250M vs. 50M
Vertical sensitivity: 10mV-10V vs. 20mV-10V
Time base: 5ns~10s vs. 50ns-10s

[axantas]

If your limited budget is determing your strategy, you need something portable and want to add a multimeter:
Have a look at the FNIRSI 2C23T All-in-one. It is honest regarding the specs and works quite good. Also the "logic" of the buttons is quite self explaining and good. Available at AliExpress at a good price quite below 100 €.

The Zeeweii DSO3D12 is better in almost every aspect.
Sample rate: 250M vs. 50M
Vertical sensitivity: 10mV-10V vs. 20mV-10V
Time base: 5ns~10s vs. 50ns-10s

I withdraw my posting, you are right. 
I overlooked, that this is an all-in-one too

[wasedadoc]

If your limited budget is determing your strategy, you need something portable and want to add a multimeter:
Have a look at the FNIRSI 2C23T All-in-one. It is honest regarding the specs and works quite good. Also the "logic" of the buttons is quite self explaining and good. Available at AliExpress at a good price quite below 100 €.

The Zeeweii DSO3D12 is better in almost every aspect.
Sample rate: 250M vs. 50M
Vertical sensitivity: 10mV-10V vs. 20mV-10V
Time base: 5ns~10s vs. 50ns-10s

Also slightly larger screen and comes with two x1/x10 probes rathe than one probe and one cable with croc clips.

[naiclub]

Zeeweii DSO3D12 can directly measure 220V electricity? Are the signal lines overflowing the screen or not?

[Aldo22]

Zeeweii DSO3D12 can directly measure 220V electricity? Are the signal lines overflowing the screen or not?

Max voltage ±40V(x1), ±400V(x10)
The measurable voltage range of 10X range is 600V(DC+AC). (from user manual)

I only have a DSO2512G and it could show up to 8kV in x100 mode. Not sure about the similar DSO3D12.

But I wouldn't try it. 

[alm]

Zeeweii DSO3D12 can directly measure 220V electricity? Are the signal lines overflowing the screen or not?

Don't use these cheap scopes that may or may not lie about their specs with equally cheap probes for measuring mains. This requires more reliable equipment and especially more experience than this question implies. What are you expecting to see on a scope anyway? Use a decent DMM to measure mains, and just use these scopes for lower voltages.

[naiclub]

Because most repair work I use to measure. It is a power converter from a battery. It is 220VAC electricity (in order to see a pure waveform). See that the waveform is not distorted. It must always come out beautiful and display a frequency of 50Hz.
which the measured scope is now ZOYI-702https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xgQMMxsRU6Fo8YkoVMHfjo47ohSRXH5f/view?usp=drive_link

[csuhi17]

Zeeweii DSO3D12 can directly measure 220V electricity? Are the signal lines overflowing the screen or not?

is there any oscilloscope that can measure 230VAC in 1:1?
So far I've only looked at low-end scopes, but I haven't seen one among them.
I would not use the factory test lead to measure the main voltage, not least because of the bare metal part of the BNC connector.

[naiclub]

1:1 Can't measure it, sir. Must be adjusted at 10:1 If you still insist, 1:1 will be used to measure. I think there might be smoke rising from the scrope.

[alm]

Because most repair work I use to measure. It is a power converter from a battery. It is 220VAC electricity (in order to see a pure waveform). See that the waveform is not distorted. It must always come out beautiful and display a frequency of 50Hz.

I'd take a small 230V > 12V (or similar) transformer, and put it in an isolated enclosure with a mains lead on one end and test points on the other end. This allows you to measure frequency and shape without having to worry about the voltage, and also solves the grounding issue typically associated with measuring mains voltages.

[PlainName]

Because most repair work I use to measure. It is a power converter from a battery. It is 220VAC electricity (in order to see a pure waveform).

Everyone has different needs, but this thread is to help the original poster to pick something for his needs. And he tells us what they are:

My usecase is measuring audio waveforms from audio amplifiers to look for distortion or clipping. Additionally, I'm interested in learning proper techniques for repairing amplifiers and other electronics, as my current methods are hacky and have limitations.

I don't see anything relating the mains voltage there, and the Zeewei should be fine. It would be a shame if you scared him off a useful scope because it wouldn't be suitable for your use.

[naiclub]

I didn't make him afraid. I just want people who have had experience to share scopes that can answer many types of questions. This will be very useful for those who are amateurs like me.
And the wide range of uses will be a profit for the owner of the scope.

[jonpaul]

  From Cypres For nice old analog scopes, like Tektronix, I suggest to contact Qservice, in Greece.

https://www.qservice.tv/

The site has parts for repair of vintage instruments and electronics but contact

They might   have some used old analog scopes.

If you can visit them you can see and save shipping.

Jon

[naiclub]

Because most repair work I use to measure. It is a power converter from a battery. It is 220VAC electricity (in order to see a pure waveform). See that the waveform is not distorted. It must always come out beautiful and display a frequency of 50Hz.

I'd take a small 230V > 12V (or similar) transformer, and put it in an isolated enclosure with a mains lead on one end and test points on the other end. This allows you to measure frequency and shape without having to worry about the voltage, and also solves the grounding issue typically associated with measuring mains voltages.

In this case, I made a tool. Composite tester for For measuring 220V electricity directly. To measure whether it is good or bad in the circuit.
Specifically used with the FNIRSI 1014D scope (but to be honest, it's very cumbersome).

[Markie]

Greece and Cyprus are not connected i would need to take a plane to see them hahah

[Markie]

Heyo only time il be measuring 240 would be in multimeter mode

[spanakop]

Greece and Cyprus are not connected i would need to take a plane to see them hahah

or ferry!!

[Aldo22]

Greece and Cyprus are not connected i would need to take a plane to see them hahah

or ferry!!

But not for a CRO.
Would you buy a tube TV from the eighties as your "first TV"?
Come on! 

[baldurn]

CRO and mobile does not compute. Why are we even talking about it when it fails the requirements?

[Veteran68]

I have two of the three you listed. Without question the Owon is the better of the three. The Owon HDS scopes are great little scope/DMM units, especially as you get into the higher models (I have the 200Mhz HDS2202S). I would buy the fastest one you can afford, but if 40Mhz is more than you'll ever need, then it will probably work well for you.

If that's the limits of your budget, the Owon is a good scope in that price range, but I would concur with others that you would be served better with a bench scope. And regardless you should pick up a separate DMM. In fact I'd still recommend two dedicated DMMs in addition to any type of scope device, even if said scope has a DMM built-in, but starting out on a budget having a combo device isn't a terrible idea.

You can get reasonable DMMs on a budget from Aneng/Zotek/Zoyi, Owon, and Kaiweets/Habotest. Although I'd suggest saving up to get at least one decent Bryman. The Chinese Flukes, like the 17B Max, are also good electronics meters without the US Fluke pricetag.