I recommend choosing a combo oscilloscope

[arivel]

Hi everyone .
I would like to get a bench oscilloscope with the least possible footprint at a rather low price but of acceptable quality.
if there are combo models that also have the function generator and spectrum analyzer even better.
advise me please?
bye thank you .

[Fungus]

I would like to get a bench oscilloscope with the least possible footprint at a rather low price but of acceptable quality.

There's at least three unknown variables in that sentence. 

[tv84]

There's at least three unknown variables in that sentence. 

I think the biggest one is the one that you didn't count: oscilloscope   

[Electro Fan]

Hi everyone .
I would like to get a bench oscilloscope with the least possible footprint at a rather low price but of acceptable quality.
if there are combo models that also have the function generator and spectrum analyzer even better.
advise me please?
bye thank you .

If you could find something that met all those requirements, roughly what would be your budget or budget range?

[arivel]

maximum 500 euros

[Berni]

maximum 500 euros

Good luck getting brand new standalone spectrum analyzer for that price. Let alone one built into a scope.

If space is a problem get a compact Rigol and for that sort of budget area look for RF gear like spectrum analyzers on the used market.

[Fungus]

maximum 500 euros

For a tiny bit more money you can get a Micsig: https://www.batronix.com/shop/oscilloscopes/Micsig-STO1104C.html

(It's what I use...)

Or there's a 2-channel version for 100 Euros less: https://www.batronix.com/shop/oscilloscopes/Micsig-TO1152.html

nb. The micsig works perfectly well without the knobs/buttons, it's gesture controlled and very fast/intuitive. It was designed to work without the knobs/buttons. The version with buttons/knobs only came afterwards to make traditional scope users happy.

[Electro Fan]

For 500 Euros a spectrum analyzer is not happening along with a scope and a function generator, but if you meant FFT rather than SA it’s possible.  The choices will take you down some decision trees including 2 channel or 4 channel scope, and integrated function gen or standalone function gen.  Siglent and Rigol oscilloscopes are the likely conventional scope contenders but there are others.  Also there is Micsig as Fungus pointed out.  Another possibility is the Analog Discovery which if you don’t count the computer and monitor space will have the smallest footprint.  Member rstofer will fill you in on that.

[Electro Fan]

Pretty nifty:

https://youtu.be/io-hutQ83oY

https://youtu.be/NtEt8Zc8oVA

[Fungus]

Another possibility is the Analog Discovery which if you don’t count the computer and monitor space will have the smallest footprint.  Member rstofer will fill you in on that.

Yes. If you have a PC in the area then the Analog Discovery 2 is definitely the "smallest footprint". It also has signal generator and quite a good spectrum analyzer ability thanks to the 14-bit ADC.

You should probably get the "Pro Bundle" which has BNC adapters and probes. The price has gone up a lot this year and availability is still very limited due to COVID.

https://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-2-pro-bundle/


You can download the AD2 software for free and use it with your sound card input to get an idea of what it does. The oscilloscope isn't as good as a real bench oscilloscope but it's a very useful all-round tool.

https://store.digilentinc.com/software/digilent-waveforms/

nb. The 100Mhz sample rate of the Analog Discovery makes a big difference to the resolution of the spectrum analyzer compared to a sound card.

[ResistorRob]

For 500 Euros a spectrum analyzer is not happening along with a scope and a function generator, but if you meant FFT rather than SA it’s possible.  The choices will take you down some decision trees including 2 channel or 4 channel scope, and integrated function gen or standalone function gen.  Siglent and Rigol oscilloscopes are the likely conventional scope contenders but there are others.  Also there is Micsig as Fungus pointed out.  Another possibility is the Analog Discovery which if you don’t count the computer and monitor space will have the smallest footprint.  Member rstofer will fill you in on that.

I looked into getting an Analog Discovery a few months back, and they were sold out everywhere. Glad to see they are back in stock. Good recommendation for someone that wants a lot of functions built into one compact unit.

[arivel]

Does micsig have all three functions integrated?
oscilloscope, function generator, spectrum analyzer?
i went to read but i find no references on this.

[Fungus]

Does micsig have all three functions integrated?
oscilloscope, function generator, spectrum analyzer?
i went to read but i find no references on this.

No function generator.

[Electro Fan]

If we assume that oscilloscope FFT functionality is as close to a spectrum analyzer in the 500 Euro combination budget as the budget permits then you have to decide how to get the function gen capability included with the scope.  With some scopes you can get the FFT and the function gen integrated but sometimes (if you can give on the footprint) it makes as much or more sense to add another box and use a separate function generator.

For the smallest footprint and maybe the lowest total price for scope with fft and function/signal generator capability the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 is hard to beat.  But for maybe about the same price you could go with an entry level Siglent or Rigol scope and add a separate entry level function gen.  Or for a little more than the AD2 you might be able to find a conventional scope with a built-in function gen. Or you could add a separate function gen to a Micsig.  In addition to prices and sizes you should consider the performance specs, the features provided (especially the User Interface), and also your future expansion and upgrade path.  Sometimes test equipment purchases are “one and done” but not always.  Some folks prefer a Swiss army knife and some prefer separate tools.  Some have both.  Some have multiples.  Search for “TEA.”

Sounds like among the contenders you should look at are:
1. conventional scopes (Siglent or Rigol) with a separate FG
2. conventional scopes with built-in FG
3. Micsig with separate FG
4. Digilent Analog Discovery 2 (there used to be an AD 1)

[nctnico]

I'm not 100% sure whether the spectrum analysis option can be enabled in the GW Instek GDS-1054B. If it is possible then it is a cheap way to have spectrum analysis capabilities in a bench scope.

I'd always go for a seperate function generator just due to the limited amplitude range of built-in function generators.

[Electro Fan]

With some of the examples below you should be able to meet your budget spec, then you can throw any you find interesting into the mix for consideration along with Micsig and Digilent Analog Discovery.

These are just some examples (probably some more good ones out there).

Example of integrated combination
https://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DS1074Z-S-Plus/Digital-Oscilloscopes/?v=0

Examples of scopes
https://siglentna.com/product/sds1202x-e/
https://siglentna.com/digital-oscilloscopes/sds1000x-u/
https://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DS1202Z-E/Digital-Oscilloscopes/?rrec=true
https://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DS1102Z-E/Digital-Oscilloscopes/
https://www.tequipment.net/Instek/GDS-1054B/Digital-Oscilloscopes/
https://www.tequipment.net/Instek/GDS-1202B/Digital-Oscilloscopes/

Examples of generators
https://www.sainsmart.com/products/uni-t-utg932e-function-arbitrary-waveform-generator
https://www.ebay.com/itm/30M-60M-2CH-Function-Arbitrary-Waveform-Generator-Pulse-Signal-Frequency-Counter/114018986535?hash=item1a8c0faa27:g:5xIAAOSwclFd-Etg
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FeelTech-FY6600-60MHz-Function-Arbitrary-Waveform-Pulse-DDS-Signal-Generator/224175589326?hash=item3431e807ce:g:UiQAAOSwbVJfJ4tD
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FeelTech-FY2300-Dual-Ch-DDS-Arbitrary-Waveform-Signal-Generator-0-20Mhz-200MSa-s/193525689466?hash=item2d0f07ac7a:g:GgUAAOSwXnVexQZa
https://siglentna.com/product/sdg830/
https://siglentna.com/waveform-generators/sdg1000x-series-functionarbitrary-waveform-generators/
https://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DG822/Function-Generator/

Like nctnico I'd lean toward separating the scope and generator, and I'd try to go for two channels (rather than just one) on the generator.  How many channels you need (2 vs 4) on the scope, and how much bandwidth you need (for the scope and generator) are other choices worth considering.

As you narrow down your requirements and interests folks here can help you examine tradeoffs if you have particular questions.  Enjoy the shopping process!

[nctnico]

I'd list the Feeltech 6900 instead of the 6600 unless you have good reasons to think the older model is better.

[Electro Fan]

I'd list the Feeltech 6900 instead of the 6600 unless you have good reasons to think the older model is better.

I don't have an opinion on the 6600; it's just an example of an entry level generator.  I think there are lots of threads here for the OP to sort through on the FYs. The 6900 might be the winner among the FYs.  I'd pick the scope and then go for the best of what fits the budget on the generator. 

Edit:  Added FY6900 to examples listed in post above

[Fungus]

For signal generator get this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=utg962

[Fungus]

The bigger questions are why the signal generator? Do you need bode plots?

If so, the Analog Discovery 2 wins again.

[Electro Fan]

Pretty good overview of the AD2:



I think if the specs meet the requirements and if someone likes software more than knobs and buttons, it's pretty compelling. 

fwiw, I have one sitting here and I use a conventional scope and generator and another LA 99.9% of the time - but I've learned my criteria don't represent everyone's criteria.  Different horses for different courses and different riders.

[gnuarm]

maximum 500 euros

Good luck getting brand new standalone spectrum analyzer for that price. Let alone one built into a scope.

Don't know why you say that.  I can get you a spectrum analyzer that runs on your PC using the existing hardware.  No?  If you have scope like hardware, it's not so hard to use it as a spectrum analyzer. 

If space is a problem get a compact Rigol and for that sort of budget area look for RF gear like spectrum analyzers on the used market.

Did he say he wanted RF frequencies?  Not so many people work in RF.

[gnuarm]

maximum 500 euros

For a tiny bit more money you can get a Micsig: https://www.batronix.com/shop/oscilloscopes/Micsig-STO1104C.html

(It's what I use...)

Or there's a 2-channel version for 100 Euros less: https://www.batronix.com/shop/oscilloscopes/Micsig-TO1152.html

nb. The micsig works perfectly well without the knobs/buttons, it's gesture controlled and very fast/intuitive. It was designed to work without the knobs/buttons. The version with buttons/knobs only came afterwards to make traditional scope users happy.

Do they have a cover for the speaker to mute those annoying touch sounds?  I guess a long sharp object will do.  What is the name of the tool they use for lobotomies?  If it doesn't work on the scope I can fix the problem by using it on myself. 

[Fungus]

Do they have a cover for the speaker to mute those annoying touch sounds?  I guess a long sharp object will do.  What is the name of the tool they use for lobotomies?  If it doesn't work on the scope I can fix the problem by using it on myself.

It's an Android tablet, it has a volume control.

[Fungus]

fwiw, I have one sitting here and I use a conventional scope and generator and another LA 99.9% of the time - but I've learned my criteria don't represent everyone's criteria.  Different horses for different courses and different riders.

Yep, but that's because you own a conventional 'scope and signal generator as well.

The AD2 isn't as good as a "real" oscilloscope. The UI can be cumbersome, eg. a drop-down list to set the vertical range? Ew! (I've written to them about that one...). You have to be much more methodical when you use it, it's no wonder you reach for the conventional 'scope for quick jobs.

OTOH it can do a lot and if you're sat there coding on an Arduino or whatever then the vertical range might only change a couple of times a day so the drop-down isn't as important.

FWIW: The absolute best oscilloscope UI is on the Micsig.