EEVblog® Electronics Community Forum
Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: Analog Kid on August 11, 2026, 10:57:35 pm
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I hesitate to ask this question here, knowing how this thread might end up blowing up all kinds of ways. But here goes:
I'm looking for possible recommendations for a 'scope at or under $200. (Let's say ± $25.)
I realize this isn't very much money. I'm hoping I might be able to get a real bench 'scope instead of one of them little pocket scopes for that amount. If I'm wrong about that I'm sure someone'll let me know.
No special requirements: just a basic scope. Of course, more featues = better.
But I'm interested in something basic that works well.
Extremely high bandwidth not a requirement, as I don't mess with RF (at least not yet). Maybe 50MHz? does that sound realistic? Less would be OK.
I'm a hobbyist, not in production or R&D.
Any make OK, including Chinesium, if it works well enough and is reliable.
In other words, not a POS that needs to be sent back because it doesn't work, or needs tweaking, or whatever.
Again, I don't need a lot of ins and outs here, hairsplitting over features or performance. If you know of a particular unit that you can recommend, let me know.
Thanks in advance!
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Found this on Ali Express, Fnirsi combo 'scope/signal gen., currently $152:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802252728023.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802252728023.html)
Ratings are generally favorable, except regarding voltage accuracy, which is apparently slightly off (10%?).
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I hesitate to ask this question here, knowing how this thread might end up blowing up all kinds of ways. But here goes:
I'm looking for possible recommendations for a 'scope at or under $200. (Let's say ± $25.)
I realize this isn't very much money. I'm hoping I might be able to get a real bench 'scope instead of one of them little pocket scopes for that amount. If I'm wrong about that I'm sure someone'll let me know.
No special requirements: just a basic scope. Of course, more featues = better.
It is probably better to focus on less features and have something that is useable. But this largely depends on what kind of projects you are working on. And is second hand an option?
You'll probably get a lot of flack for suggesting the Fnirsi >:D But in all honesty that oscilloscope can probably do a whole lot more compared to an old analog scope from the 1980's. IMHO the most important things are stability and ease of use. Features come after that. There is no point in having 90 features from which only 10 are somewhat useful. Some DSO manufacturers try to get as many features (checkboxes) in their datasheet but forget to implement these in a meaningfull way.
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Make this guy an offer: https://www.ebay.com/itm/227467449140 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/227467449140)
Even if it's broken, it's better than Fnirsi. ;)
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My 2c is that $200 is not a great price point to be looking. Anything at that price is going to have some serious compromises. And going up just another $100 to around $300 gets you into a significantly better class of options at the base level of modern siglent and rigol models.
If possible, I'd prefer to wait and save a bit longer and get a solid modern design at the slightly higher price. Or if you need something in the short term, go for a very cheap pocket meter for now with a plan to upgrade later.
If you are going to stick at that budget, just saying "No special requirements: just a basic scope" isn't particularly helpful, as you need to decide what you are willing to compromise to get there.
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An ongoing discussion...
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/recommendations-for-a-budget-digital-oscope/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/recommendations-for-a-budget-digital-oscope/)
The Zeewei DSO3d12 has an extensive thread here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/another-dsodmm-zeeweii-dso3d12-claimed-120mhz250msps/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/another-dsodmm-zeeweii-dso3d12-claimed-120mhz250msps/)
Someone has been able to decompile the firmware and make some improvements to it:
https://github.com/taligentx/ZeeTweak (https://github.com/taligentx/ZeeTweak)
A test of XY-mode video:
ZEEWEII DSO3D12 xy mode test
https://youtu.be/TLD76o5OjS8 (https://youtu.be/TLD76o5OjS8)
It would be interesting to run the audio through a Siglent / Rigol scope for comparison.
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My first answer is... NO.
But I see your flag is US and shipping may not be a problem.
I have a Tek 465 that I have not used in some time, just gathering dust.
If it will do what you need, it's yours. We'll figure out shipping costs.
But I really hope and expect that any new scope buyers will look at the Siglent SDS1104XE as the starting point.
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It would be interesting to run the audio through a Siglent / Rigol scope for comparison.
There's a bunch over at https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/oscilloscope-music-on-dsos-post-your-results/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/oscilloscope-music-on-dsos-post-your-results/)
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I know you said a real bench scope but what about something like the Zoyi ZT703S combination multimeter and oscilloscope. I see them available on AliX for as little as AU$108. With your modest requirements it might be a way to establish just what your requirements are should you need more in future.
I have one and it is fine. It is handy for working on the car. Battery life could be better but it's OK.
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................
But I really hope and expect that any new scope buyers will look at the Siglent SDS1104XE as the starting point.
Sorry but the X-E's are yesterday's favorite child and once our best seller but......now the SDS800X HD series has replaced them.....
SDS804X HD is a good bit cheaper than the previous lowest BW X-E model and available in a fully featured 2ch version too.
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Have a look at the voltcraft dov thread?
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Another very recent thread with the same question:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/recommendations-for-a-budget-digital-oscope/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/recommendations-for-a-budget-digital-oscope/)
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Found this on Ali Express, Fnirsi combo 'scope/signal gen., currently $152:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802252728023.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802252728023.html)
Ratings are generally favorable, except regarding voltage accuracy, which is apparently slightly off (10%?).
This is truly the worst oscilloscope you can buy.
Even the Hantek DSO2000 is miles ahead of it. But the Hantek is also outdated by now. It’s a matter of price.
Just the maximum sensitivity of the FNIRSI 1014D alone is a joke: 50 mV/div or 500 mV/div with probes at 10x. Any Zeeweii can do better than that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKuHJELEOs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKuHJELEOs)
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OK, I'm convinced: the Fnirsi (WTF did that name come from???) is a POS.
I'm still hoping that maybe there's something out there in that price range (~ $200) that might work for me.
It is probably better to focus on less features and have something that is useable. But this largely depends on what kind of projects you are working on. And is second hand an option?
Agree about features vs. usability. Regarding used, um, I guess not: I wouldn't want to have to mess around getting something used working where, presumably, something new should just work right out of the box.
I have a Tek 465 that I have not used in some time, just gathering dust.
If it will do what you need, it's yours. We'll figure out shipping costs.
Thanks for the generous offer. However, I have a working Tek 475 sitting here. Just looking at DSO options.
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The best thing you can do is not waste your money on trash. Save up longer, and buy an SDS804X HD when you're ready. In the meantime, you've got a working scope that's better than the $200 junk.
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The best thing you can do is not waste your money on trash. Save up longer, and buy an SDS804X HD when you're ready. In the meantime, you've got a working scope that's better than the $200 junk.
Yabbut, $461 is a lot more than I want to spend ATM. (Current price from a quick search.)
Remember, I'm a hobbyist, not a production engineer.
I'll wait for any replies that may indicate what I'm hoping for is possible. If it isn't, it isn't.
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It sounds like a lot, but if you compare what it can do, it's a fantastic value. ATM you don't sound like you need anything immediately, so I wouldn't recommend that you buy anything ATM. There's also an eevblog discount you can ask for to use at saelig.com when you're ready.
You should look through this thread for more thoughts on the subject: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/recommendations-for-a-budget-digital-oscope/msg6332770/#msg6332770 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/recommendations-for-a-budget-digital-oscope/msg6332770/#msg6332770)
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Do you really have 4472 posts on an electrical engineering forum and you don't own an oscilloscope of any kind? You have 4472 posts worth of interest in electronics and you can't bring yourself to get the entry level of decent scopes as recommended by knowledgeable people here? If you've really gotten this far without a scope, then probably anything will be amazing and probably keep you busy for the foreseeable future.
Get a FNIRSI DPOX180H. $140 at amazon right now. Two channel, 180MHz, with a basic sig gen.
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Do you really have 4472 posts on an electrical engineering forum and you don't own an oscilloscope of any kind?
I have a working Tek 475 sitting here. Just looking at DSO options.
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Do you really have 4472 posts on an electrical engineering forum and you don't own an oscilloscope of any kind?
I have a working Tek 475 sitting here. Just looking at DSO options.
Sorry. My bad. Missed that post.
That does make more sense :)
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The best thing you can do is not waste your money on trash. Save up longer, and buy an SDS804X HD when you're ready. In the meantime, you've got a working scope that's better than the $200 junk.
Yabbut, $461 is a lot more than I want to spend ATM. (Current price from a quick search.)
Remember, I'm a hobbyist, not a production engineer.
I'll wait for any replies that may indicate what I'm hoping for is possible. If it isn't, it isn't.
And our hobbyist market in NZ keeps snapping up our SDS804X HD stock....but not all need or want a 4ch scope so instead chose the good bit cheaper SDS802X HD.
These things are amazing in ability and the feature set offers a lot to grow into.
This is mandatory reading:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/sds800x-hd-review-demonstration-thread/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/sds800x-hd-review-demonstration-thread/)
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And our hobbyist market in NZ keeps snapping up our SDS804X HD stock....but not all need or want a 4ch scope so instead chose the good bit cheaper SDS802X HD.
These things are amazing in ability and the feature set offers a lot to grow into.
That's just a lot more 'scope than I need, or will need in the foreseeable future.
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There are many used older Rigol E series dual channel scopes on ebay for under $200.
This DS1102Z-E is $238 or best offer:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/398253236421 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/398253236421)
The Z-E series is pretty modern with 24M sampel memeory, 30k/wfms/sec, UltraVision, 800x480 screen.
https://www.batronix.com/files/Rigol/Oszilloskope/DS1000Z-E/DS1000Z-E-Datasheet-EN.pdf (https://www.batronix.com/files/Rigol/Oszilloskope/DS1000Z-E/DS1000Z-E-Datasheet-EN.pdf)
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So what do yo think about that Zeewei dso3d12 I mentioned in that other thread. It's got a lot going for it.
* It's got a decent bandwidth.
* It does not lie in their spec such as the fnirsi garbage.
* It's two channel, so you can compare input and output of a circuit.
* It's got dedicated timebase and voltage pushbuttons.
* In it's dedicated thread pictures of the inside (frontend) also look decent.
* It's got a usable DMM as extra (with big fat numbers on a clear TFT screen.
* Internal hardware (& frontend) also looks decent in the dedicated thread of the thing.
* Battery powered with around 7 hours of battery life (and plastic case) are nice for the occasional floating measurement. (Put a plug over the remaining BNC / metal parts)
And sure, it looks a bit toylike and screen resolution is a bit low, but it's good enough to be a usable instrument, and considering it cost only (around) EUR 100 it seems to punch above it's price range.
I've already got a Siglent SDS1104X-E myself, but am still considering to buy this Zeewei. Partly out of curiousity, and partly because of the annoying fan noise of my Siglent.
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So what do yo think about that Zeewei dso3d12 I mentioned in that other thread. It's got a lot going for it.
I'd personally rather spend the $240 and get that Rigol Z-E
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This DS1102Z-E is $238 or best offer:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/398253236421 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/398253236421)
That's a total of $307.98 including shipping. Too rich for my taste.
I'd personally rather spend the $240 and get that Rigol Z-E
Yeah, but that's you, Dave, not me, and you're definitely not just a hobbyist.
OK, I'm setting a hard limit of $200 for me here. Nothing over that, please!
So what do yo think about that Zeewei dso3d12 I mentioned in that other thread. It's got a lot going for it.
Now that definitely looks interesting ...
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OK, I'm setting a hard limit of $200 for me here. Nothing over that, please!
$199 or best offer, insane deal:
GW Instek GDS-2202A Digital Oscilloscope – 200 MHz, 2 CH, 2 GS/s, Color Display
https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211)
I could buy that and flip it for a profit.
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And our hobbyist market in NZ keeps snapping up our SDS804X HD stock....but not all need or want a 4ch scope so instead chose the good bit cheaper SDS802X HD.
These things are amazing in ability and the feature set offers a lot to grow into.
That's just a lot more 'scope than I need, or will need in the foreseeable future.
Then sell your once desirable Tek 475 .......
Many have seen the light and moved away from CRO's years ago....it was 15yrs for me and I ain't never going back.
Once I moved on from CRO's I've never needed a 2nd scope to fix those old analogue things. :horse:
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OK, I'm setting a hard limit of $200 for me here. Nothing over that, please!
$199 or best offer, insane deal:
GW Instek GDS-2202A Digital Oscilloscope – 200 MHz, 2 CH, 2 GS/s, Color Display
https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211)
I could buy that and flip it for a profit.
This same seller seemed to sell one, the same one(?), a few weeks ago. And another was sold for US$190 in May and claims 3 have been sold and this is the last one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101)
What makes you so sure you could flip it? Especially since the shipping is higher than the asking price.
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This same seller seemed to sell one, the same one(?), a few weeks ago. And another was sold for US$190 in May and claims 3 have been sold and this is the last one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101)
They have multiple units for sale, obviously they got a pallet full of them as bulk lot at an auction.
Very common.
What makes you so sure you could flip it? Especially since the shipping is higher than the asking price.
Because I have almost 1000 ebay feedback based largely on flipping test gear from the US into the Australian market. This was one of my side hustles before I started the blog.
People in Australia a very wary of buying from overseas sellers, and they will pay a premium over US based prices to buy it locally.
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This DS1102Z-E is $238 or best offer:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/398253236421 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/398253236421)
That's a total of $307.98 including shipping. Too rich for my taste.
I'd personally rather spend the $240 and get that Rigol Z-E
Yeah, but that's you, Dave, not me, and you're definitely not just a hobbyist.
OK, I'm setting a hard limit of $200 for me here. Nothing over that, please!
So what do yo think about that Zeewei dso3d12 I mentioned in that other thread. It's got a lot going for it.
Now that definitely looks interesting ...
you knew from the start where this thread would go ... it was just a matter of searching within your bracket price, instead of creating this post ... fleabbay will be your answer
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OK, I'm setting a hard limit of $200 for me here. Nothing over that, please!
$199 or best offer, insane deal:
GW Instek GDS-2202A Digital Oscilloscope – 200 MHz, 2 CH, 2 GS/s, Color Display
https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211)
That is a very good deal indeed. And it has the option to add digital channels.
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OK, I'm setting a hard limit of $200 for me here. Nothing over that, please!
$199 or best offer, insane deal:
GW Instek GDS-2202A Digital Oscilloscope – 200 MHz, 2 CH, 2 GS/s, Color Display
https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211)
I could buy that and flip it for a profit.
..just pulled the trigger on this - will update when it lands (or otherwise) :clap:
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So what do yo think about that Zeewei dso3d12 I mentioned in that other thread. It's got a lot going for it.
* It's got a decent bandwidth.
* It does not lie in their spec such as the fnirsi garbage.
* It's two channel, so you can compare input and output of a circuit.
* It's got dedicated timebase and voltage pushbuttons.
* In it's dedicated thread pictures of the inside (frontend) also look decent.
* It's got a usable DMM as extra (with big fat numbers on a clear TFT screen.
* Internal hardware (& frontend) also looks decent in the dedicated thread of the thing.
* Battery powered with around 7 hours of battery life (and plastic case) are nice for the occasional floating measurement. (Put a plug over the remaining BNC / metal parts)
And sure, it looks a bit toylike and screen resolution is a bit low, but it's good enough to be a usable instrument, and considering it cost only (around) EUR 100 it seems to punch above it's price range.
I've already got a Siglent SDS1104X-E myself, but am still considering to buy this Zeewei. Partly out of curiousity, and partly because of the annoying fan noise of my Siglent.
That may be but you do not know the state of the firmware. IMHO the GW Instek Dave found is a much safer bet. The UI of GW Instek is quite effective and just looking at the photo's of the Zeewei dso3d12 I know for sure the GW Instek will be much more convenient to use.
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That may be but you do not know the state of the firmware. IMHO the GW Instek Dave found is a much safer bet. The UI of GW Instek is quite effective and just looking at the photo's of the Zeewei dso3d12 I know for sure the GW Instek will be much more convenient to use.
The Zeeweii handhelds are okay for what they are, but the GDS-2202A is in a completely different league.
250 MSa/s vs. 2 GSa/s is enough to realize that a comparison is pretty pointless. ;)
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OK, I'm setting a hard limit of $200 for me here. Nothing over that, please!
$199 or best offer, insane deal:
GW Instek GDS-2202A Digital Oscilloscope – 200 MHz, 2 CH, 2 GS/s, Color Display
https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211)
That is a very good deal indeed. And it has the option to add digital channels.
It appears to be approx. 10% of a new RS Pro version
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/oscilloscopes/1241953 (https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/oscilloscopes/1241953)
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It appears to be approx. 10% of a new RS Pro version
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/oscilloscopes/1241953 (https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/oscilloscopes/1241953)
Yes, I looked that up and the selling price and that it seemed to be relisted. It seems too cheap. And I assume someone bidding on a scope that cheap would go through with the sale, although what do I know. Good luck. I'd like to hear how you get on good or bad.
Dave doesn't seem too troubled by it and I'm prepared to bow to his far greater experience.
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...yes, my success rate with these "good deals" is zero - however Dave is the master of them so, who knows.
..my last half decent deal was a Japanese Hakko de-soldering gun which was new half priced (for which I already had a step down auto transformer). it apparently made to the UK but "our" postal service couldn't manage to deliver it. :palm:
I will pleased if I net this one, but I have little expectation. ::)
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That may be but you do not know the state of the firmware. IMHO the GW Instek Dave found is a much safer bet. The UI of GW Instek is quite effective and just looking at the photo's of the Zeewei dso3d12 I know for sure the GW Instek will be much more convenient to use.
The Zeeweii handhelds are okay for what they are, but the GDS-2202A is in a completely different league.
250 MSa/s vs. 2 GSa/s is enough to realize that a comparison is pretty pointless. ;)
Yep, the GW Instek's are excellent scopes, totally different league indeed.
To get a professional brand 200MHz 2GS/s scope with serial decoding and logic/generator expansion capability for $200 is a complete no-brainer.
Ok, so postage on top, and it'll needs two probes, but either make an offer or just eat that cost.
3 units left.
https://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/products/downloadSeriesDownNew/1018/94 (https://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/products/downloadSeriesDownNew/1018/94)
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So what do yo think about that Zeewei dso3d12 I mentioned in that other thread. ...
That may be but you do not know the state of the firmware. ...
Can you elaborate on the firmware state?
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Dave doesn't seem too troubled by it and I'm prepared to bow to his far greater experience.
There is always risk when buying on ebay.
In this case there is more risk than usual as it's a private seller that rarely lists stuff and not an established test gear refurbisher. The seller has 54 feedback, but nothing recent, and no feedback on the 4 units already sold.
And the image is not real, the bench one is AI generated.
But there are no obvious signs of the usual scams, no contact them outside of ebay etc. And Chino Hills, California would be the kind of place where you would get bargain pallet loads of used scopes like this.
Old 2010 account.
The latest feedback from 6 months ago talks about calibration, so obviously test gear related.
Slight possibility of it being a hijacked account, but like I said, no signs of that, and they usually target very niche higher priced gear people have on their watch lists. If you hijacked an ebay account you wouldn't be selling seven $200 scopes through the ebay buyer protection system. And practically no one will have a GW-Instek on their watch list.
So I would personally take a chance on this, but that's just me.
A desparate price point calls for some risk IMO. Otherwise just buy a $100 toy and be happy.
Ebay is supposed to have decent buyer protection, which is why the scammers try and get you to buy outside the ebay system.
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This same seller seemed to sell one, the same one(?), a few weeks ago. And another was sold for US$190 in May and claims 3 have been sold and this is the last one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101)
They have one still available for $190, with probes and real photos, and supposedly free shipping?
3 sold already, and have many other random related things for sale, so looks genuine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101)
That's insane.
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Established test equipment seller with 5000 feeback has a 200MHz GDS-1202B for $369 with warranty.
So that basically sets the market baseline price for these GW Instek scopes.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/297556796002 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/297556796002)
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There is always risk when buying on ebay.
And the image is not real, the bench one is AI generated.
I'm now watching a lot of GW Instek content - and thinking about the logic and function gen options. The older model is a bit ugly, but still more than a bargain.
[ed. to add MetaRadiator link, YouTuber who uses GDS 2000A series oscilloscope]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZPY8x0H1BY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZPY8x0H1BY)
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This same seller seemed to sell one, the same one(?), a few weeks ago. And another was sold for US$190 in May and claims 3 have been sold and this is the last one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101)
They have one still available for $190, with probes and real photos, and supposedly free shipping?
3 sold already, and have many other random related things for sale, so looks genuine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/177190693101)
That's insane.
Did that bnc connector from CH2 take a hit?
Might explain price…
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And our hobbyist market in NZ keeps snapping up our SDS804X HD stock....but not all need or want a 4ch scope so instead chose the good bit cheaper SDS802X HD.
These things are amazing in ability and the feature set offers a lot to grow into.
That's just a lot more 'scope than I need, or will need in the foreseeable future.
Then sell your once desirable Tek 475 .......
Many have seen the light and moved away from CRO's years ago....it was 15yrs for me and I ain't never going back.
Once I moved on from CRO's I've never needed a 2nd scope to fix those old analogue things. :horse:
Or don't sell your CRO, as not everyone gets on with modern scopes, including at least two people in this thread;
https://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=382269
David
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So what do yo think about that Zeewei dso3d12 I mentioned in that other thread. It's got a lot going for it.
I'd personally rather spend the $240 and get that Rigol Z-E
I agree you can get a better scope for twice the cost of a (brand new) Zeewei, but I don't know whether that is a better choice for OP. Earlier he mentioned that he does not need a "very good scope", and that he's on a tight budget. And those two factors made me suggest the Zeewei.
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you knew from the start where this thread would go ... it was just a matter of searching within your bracket price, instead of creating this post ... fleabbay will be your answer
Yes, you're right I knew where this thread would go, which is where most threads like this go here:
People responding from the POV of their requirements and the hell with what mine are.
Production types or dev engineers who impose their requirements for gear and don't pay attention to what mine are.
Regarding eBay, no, that would be my last preference. I'd rather buy something new, even Chinesium if it's decent quality, from AliExpress, Temu, whereever, and get a brand-new item in a box rather than a potentially problematic piece of gear that I'd have to fix or return. (I don't mind fixing or tinkering with stuff, but a working on a DSO is not my idea of fun.)
So now that everyone knows what my requirements are, can you please give answers that fit them and not yours?
Like I said, if it turns out that my requirements are unrealistic, I can live with that. But I don't think that the entire universe of DSOs out there has yet been exhausted. F'rinstance, those Zeewei units look very interesting.
Oh, and regarding "why don't you just look online for what's available?", the whole point of the exercise is to invoke the knowledge of people here who have experience with such gear, rather than wading through hundreds of online listings and trying to factor out the marketing claims as opposed to actual performance (like with the Fnirsi 'scopes). I don't think that's too much to ask of an online forum such as this.
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Th Zeewei I mentioned a few times is "a little pocket scope" (Although it's form factor is more a bit in between).
The big problem here is that it's hardly possible to buy a good "regular" bench sized scope for EUR200. There are some who come near that price point (Peaktech, Uni-T) but these all have quite severe limitations (memory depth screen update rate, extra measurement functions, connectivity, etc) compared to to the scopes in the EUR 300 or up price range. And those limitations are quite severe compared with the price difference.
And that brings the choice down to either living with a severe compromise, or saving up some more and then buy a "real" scope.
And how to weigh the "compromise factors" (smaller screen, UI limitations, bandwidth, price, etc) is a very personal choice.
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So now that everyone knows what my requirements are, can you please give answers that fit them and not yours?
The only requirement you've made clear is the price. Besides that, unless I missed something, you haven't specified a use case.
I assume from your name that you like working with analog circuits, and probably audio. Is that not correct?
If that is correct, then you'd want a decent DSO with a good Bode plot, and FFT. If that's not correct, please specify what you actually want to use a modern scope for that you can't use your Tek 475 for.
Saying "I'm a hobbyist" in response to a $400 scope doesn't tell us anything. A ~$400 scope is for the hobbyist market. Professional scopes sell for 10 to 100 to 1000 times as much.
Thanks,
Josh
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Saying "I'm a hobbyist" in response to a $400 scope doesn't tell us anything. A ~$400 scope is for the hobbyist market. Professional scopes sell for 10 to 100 to 1000 times as much.
Let me put it this way:
I'm on a limited budget. $200 is my limit.
Yes, I understand pro 'scopes sell for a hell of a lot more.
I don't need a pro 'scope.
And we know that 'scopes in my price range (even under) do exist.
I want to know about those scopes. Not the more expen$ive ones.
I'm quite willing to sacrifice features for reliability and usability.
(IOW I'm trying to avoid buying a POS.)
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In my opinion, KungFuJosh asked the right question:
please specify what you actually want to use a modern scope for that you can't use your Tek 475 for.
But you didn't answer it.
That would be important to know.
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Saying "I'm a hobbyist" in response to a $400 scope doesn't tell us anything. A ~$400 scope is for the hobbyist market. Professional scopes sell for 10 to 100 to 1000 times as much.
Let me put it this way:
I'm on a limited budget. $200 is my limit.
Yes, I understand pro 'scopes sell for a hell of a lot more.
I don't need a pro 'scope.
And we know that 'scopes in my price range (even under) do exist.
I want to know about those scopes. Not the more expen$ive ones.
I'm quite willing to sacrifice features for reliability and usability.
(IOW I'm trying to avoid buying a POS.)
You still haven't specified what you want to use a new scope to do. What will you use it for?
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Saying "I'm a hobbyist" in response to a $400 scope doesn't tell us anything. A ~$400 scope is for the hobbyist market. Professional scopes sell for 10 to 100 to 1000 times as much.
Let me put it this way:
I'm on a limited budget. $200 is my limit.
Yes, I understand pro 'scopes sell for a hell of a lot more.
I don't need a pro 'scope.
And we know that 'scopes in my price range (even under) do exist.
I want to know about those scopes. Not the more expen$ive ones.
I'm quite willing to sacrifice features for reliability and usability.
(IOW I'm trying to avoid buying a POS.)
Hantek comes to my mind, best feature set and halfway decent build
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfm1pN2Uac (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfm1pN2Uac)
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Saying "I'm a hobbyist" in response to a $400 scope doesn't tell us anything. A ~$400 scope is for the hobbyist market. Professional scopes sell for 10 to 100 to 1000 times as much.
Let me put it this way:
I'm on a limited budget. $200 is my limit.
Yes, I understand pro 'scopes sell for a hell of a lot more.
I don't need a pro 'scope.
And we know that 'scopes in my price range (even under) do exist.
I want to know about those scopes. Not the more expen$ive ones.
I'm quite willing to sacrifice features for reliability and usability.
(IOW I'm trying to avoid buying a POS.)
Hantek comes to my mind, best feature set and halfway decent build
Thanks, but a bit outside my budget (price typically > $200, plus shipping).
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You still haven't specified what you want to use a new scope to do. What will you use it for?
Fair question, I guess.
Mainly simple stuff. Looking at recurring waveforms (e.g., square waves, pulses). Not trying to use as a logic analyzer, like tracing computational signals. Good triggering essential, but not so much history display (i.e., memory depth).
Measuring voltage levels of pulses (current project: MOSFET driver that the sim says should be producing ~270 V. pulses).
I find this very difficult to do with my Tek 475; would like the added display of values on-screen.
Not much more than that at this point. Since I don't mess w/RF, bandwidth isn't a huge issue. (Burn that bridge when I come to it.)
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Thanks, but a bit outside my budget (price typically > $200, plus shipping).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224799532799 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/224799532799) 175 USD with free shipping.
Or the model with 25MHz arb gen 199 USD with free shipping?
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Thanks, but a bit outside my budget (price typically > $200, plus shipping).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224799532799 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/224799532799) 175 USD with free shipping.
Hmmm, interesting. Thanks.
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I would avoid Hantek. I think the Instek that Dave linked to you is a phenomenal value for the money. The seller doesn't take returns, but eBay will get your money back if there's a problem. I have absolutely no need for one of those scopes, but I'm still tempted to buy one.
I would offer them $150 or so: https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211)
A good product used is better than a brand new piece of shit.
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Well, speaking of triggers, I pulled the trigger on the Hantek suggested above.
I opted for the DSO2D15 (higher BW plus AWG), total of $192.99 incl. shipping.
More 'scope than I need but I can grow into it.
I hope I'm happy with it ...
I did watch parts of that comparison video.
Seems the Hantek is right in the middle of those three.
Plus is the built-in AWG, what the guy says is excellent software remote control, and flexibility.
Downside apparently is inaccuracy of low voltage (<1V) measurements.
But he says that might be fixed in a future firmware release.
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Did that bnc connector from CH2 take a hit?
Might explain price…
Does look a bit odd, but it's possible it's just the light/angle?
When I sell scopes I always include a close up side angle of the BNC's.
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When I sell scopes I always include a close up side angle of the BNC's.
Excellent idea.
I used to sell a lot of stuff on eBay in the early 2000s, mostly successful, profitable sales.
Sometimes stuff I literally picked up off the street, cleaned up and refurbished. (A lot of film camera gear.)
I always included closeup pictures of the worst parts of the item, showing breakage, corrosion, or other damage, so the buyer would know exactly what they were bidding on.
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I would offer them $150 or so: https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556406211)
I missed the feedback from "past month" on the same scope.
The usual "Perfect experience. Excellent seller. A++++" from a 120 rated buyer. So more evidence it's legit.
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I did watch parts of that comparison video.
Seems the Hantek is right in the middle of those three.
Plus is the built-in AWG, what the guy says is excellent software remote control, and flexibility.
Downside apparently is inaccuracy of low voltage (<1V) measurements.
But he says that might be fixed in a future firmware release.
This guy has absolutely no idea what he's doing.
He compares oscilloscopes mainly based on their DC accuracy (that's what DMMs are for), and he can't even do that right (completely inappropriate ranges).
The video is 5 years old, and the scope is even older.
There won't be a “future firmware release” for this device.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-dso2x1x-models-master-thread/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-dso2x1x-models-master-thread/)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/)
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You're not wrong, but he seems to have wanted a cheap toy with built-in features more than a useful tool.
I've seen enough Hantek complaint threads to know to avoid them, but maybe he'll have better luck.
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if you want I can sell you my mint (upgraded of course) SDS8(2)04X without probes for $300 shipped to you.
I am planning an upgrade, there is nothing wrong with it. It is the entry scope for low budget guys, excellent machine
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You're not wrong, but he seems to have wanted a cheap toy with built-in features more than a useful tool.
I've seen enough Hantek complaint threads to know to avoid them, but maybe he'll have better luck.
I wouldn't recommend the Hantek DSO2000 anymore, since it no longer meets current standards.
Now that I have my Voltcraft DOV702 (for the same price, but with a ripple bug), I obviously can’t go back. ;)
Despite the flaws, the DOV702 is a modern scope.
But Analog Kid has set a price limit of $200, and unfortunately, for that price, there’s still nothing better than the Hantek DSO2000—unless you want a used one.
Or do you know of anything better?
It’s that simple. ;D
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Several of the engineers here have referred to the hand-held, battery-powered scopes like the Zeeweii as "toys". As a hobbyist, I think that's completely wrong, and just reflects the normal bias a professional has in favor of quality kit. Remember that Dave devoted an entire video to the question of whether an $800 oscilloscope is "overkill for a hobbyist".
For a hobbyist a small portable scope may represent a great value, and be more than capable enough for his needs. They also have the advantage of not being earth-grounded. The original $20 DSO138 kit scope may have been a toy, but these scopes have come a long way in the last few years, with support and firmware updates, and in some cases, third-party firmware alternatives.
If you get into photography as a hobby, and ask a professional photographer what tripod you should buy, he will typically recommend a very fancy, self-leveling, carbon-fiber tripod at about $450 - because it will perform very well, and last a lifetime. But most of his gear will have been, in effect, paid for by his customers. If you are a hobbyist with a limited budget, overspending on one item means you have to underspend on another, or even do without.
I've used a DSO150, which is not more capable than the DSO138, for about a decade, and have found it to be very useful in many situations. And it's only single-channel. Of course it can't handle some needs, but it's my go-to scope for most things.
Well, that's my two cents. But I want to pose a specific question about the Zeeweii scope to the Aliexpress experts here. When I go to the Zeeweii factory store, I see two entries for the DSO3D12, one for about US$90, and another for about US$120:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html)
They appear to be the same scope, with probes, ect., and with free shipping Can someone explain this? And here's the factory store link:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990)
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I would never limit myself to new or used when on a tight budget. That Instek scope is a $2000 scope for $200. The guy already got good feedback for others of the same model he sold, so that's the way I would have gone at that budget.
If I wanted something more modern, I'd buy @Zucca's scope for $300. I don't have any need for it, and I'd still consider it at that price...not hypothetically. :palm:
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Several of the engineers here have referred to the hand-held, battery-powered scopes like the Zeeweii as "toys". As a hobbyist, I think that's completely wrong, and just reflects the normal bias a professional has in favor of quality kit. Remember that Dave devoted an entire video to the question of whether an $800 oscilloscope is "overkill for a hobbyist".
There is another facet to that and that is buying used. I've managed to get great deals on used equipment / tools in the past with a bit of patience and luck. Some people are too hung up on buying something new and cheap versus buying something durable but used. Again, the GW Instek scope Dave found is a perfect deal for the OP.
For a hobbyist a small portable scope may represent a great value, and be more than capable enough for his needs. They also have the advantage of not being earth-grounded. The original $20 DSO138 kit scope may have been a toy, but these scopes have come a long way in the last few years, with support and firmware updates, and in some cases, third-party firmware alternatives.
If you need/want to mess with firmware, you are going in the wrong direction. In the end a piece of test equipment is a tool which should be ready for use, not a project in itself. Like a hammer. Do you want to have firmware updates for your hammer as well?
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Several of the engineers here have referred to the hand-held, battery-powered scopes like the Zeeweii as "toys". As a hobbyist, I think that's completely wrong, and just reflects the normal bias a professional has in favor of quality kit.
i have one. It's great for what I wanted it for: something to take out into the field (literally) and see wtf is happening to the gate opening signals, or why the fence power is down, etc. Something neat and compact to take into the loft, be halfway up a ladder, whatever. But it is a toy and I wouldn't use it on the bench. And, as it happens it's been replaced by my new favourite for mobile work: a Zoyi ZT 703S.
One of the things that pissed me off about the Zeweii is that you can't download any screenshots so need a phone to take a photo of it. Maybe you can now with recent firmware, but another thing is apparently my model can't be updated. So they sold me a FNIRSI under another name. And as if that weren't enough, the UI is a completely weird POS.
Don't know what the answer is to AK's question but any handheld isn't it IMO.
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if you want I can sell you my mint (upgraded of course) SDS8(2)04X without probes for $300 shipped to you.
Look, man, do you have some kind of major reading comprehension problem?
I've stated many times here, my limit is $200.
Sheesh. This shit happens all the time around here.
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I've stated many times here, my limit is $200.
Sheesh. This shit happens all the time around here.
Perhaps the problem is that many of those here would have a notional limit yet be tempted to push out the boat just a little bit more. Just look at the TEA crowd. So you might actually be the weird one in insisting your limit is an actual inflexible limit, and many can't envision that :)
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I've stated many times here, my limit is $200.
Sheesh. This shit happens all the time around here.
Perhaps the problem is that many of those here would have a notional limit yet be tempted to push out the boat just a little bit more. Just look at the TEA crowd. So you might actually be the weird one in insisting your limit is an actual inflexible limit, and many can't envision that :)
I don't call having an inflexible limit weird. I do that all the time. I set a limit for a piece of equipment and then just wait for the right deal to come around. One of my recent purchases is a Festool mitre saw. These are like 1200 euro new. I didn't want to spend more than 500 on one in decent condition. It took a couple of weeks but a good deal came around eventually.
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Topics like these are doomed.
It’s never about what TS wants.
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I've stated many times here, my limit is $200.
I wanted to sell you my Ferrari F40 for $201 but I am sorry, I keep it.
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I've stated many times here, my limit is $200.
I wanted to sell you my Ferrari F40 for $201 but I am sorry, I keep it.
Sorry, I need an F41.
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I've stated many times here, my limit is $200.
Perhaps the problem is that many of those here would have a notional limit yet be tempted to push out the boat just a little bit more. Just look at the TEA crowd. So you might actually be the weird one in insisting your limit is an actual inflexible limit, and many can't envision that :)
That's the problem with my "Best $50 multimeter shootout" or "Building a lab for $300" style video.
What if the absolute best multimeter is $55?
What if the difference between a crap lab and a functional lab is an extra $30?
I understand setting the limit, but IMO you are doing yourself a disservice if can get the way better bit of kit for a few extra bucks. As down the line you'll likely just have to spend more anyway as your needs grow.
But as always, each to their own.
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"Buy cheap, buy twice" is the classic proverb...
They didn't know about TEAS back then either tho.
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When I go to the Zeeweii factory store, I see two entries for the DSO3D12, one for about US$90, and another for about US$120:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html)
They appear to be the same scope, with probes, ect., and with free shipping Can someone explain this? And here's the factory store link:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990)
You might ask the vendor what firmware revision is on the device.
According to AI, there are two hardware versions, the older one with a Analogic AG1KLPQ48 FPGA and the updated one with a AG32VF303. You can tell them apart by the firmware version -- 3.0.x_III for the newer one and v1.something for the older. You, of course, want the newer hardware revision.
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Well, that's my two cents. But I want to pose a specific question about the Zeeweii scope to the Aliexpress experts here. When I go to the Zeeweii factory store, I see two entries for the DSO3D12, one for about US$90, and another for about US$120:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html)
They appear to be the same scope, with probes, ect., and with free shipping Can someone explain this? And here's the factory store link:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990)
In Australia, when I click those links I get taken to different URL's eg https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007119028478.html?gatewayAdapt=usa2glo4itemAdapt (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007119028478.html?gatewayAdapt=usa2glo4itemAdapt)
and the scopes are priced similarly at around AU$138. Which at an AU$ = US0.70 is in the middle of that range.
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"Buy cheap, buy twice" is the classic proverb...
That doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
If I’m convinced by a product and it’s really good value, I often buy a second one right away.
A striking example: a portafilter espresso machine.
I bought it for CHF 89 and thought the coffee quality was excellent.
I figured that since it was so cheap, it wouldn’t last long, so I bought a second one right away.
The machine was in daily use for 16 years without any problems, spare parts, etc.
Then a screw gave out.
I could have repaired it, but I wanted to give the spare machine—which had been sitting in the basement the whole time—a chance.
That one has now been running for 4 years as well...
Some products are so cheaply made that they don't even have “planned obsolescence”. ;D
That’s my take on “Buy cheap, buy twice.”
What's really not good: paying too much for mediocre quality.
A Hantek DSO2000 doesn't get any better just because a retailer charges 350.- for it.
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"Buy cheap, buy twice" is the classic proverb...
That doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
If I’m convinced by a product and it’s really good value, I often buy a second one right away.
I think you need to factor in how difficult it is to get a certain product to work right. For example: the principle behind an LCR meter is pretty simple and the functions are limited. So anyone can built a decent one. The accuracy depends on how good the current reference resistor is. Buying a cheap one will get you a decent device.
A digital oscilloscope sits at the other end of the spectrum; DSO firmware is amongst the most complex pieces of software out there. The cheaper brands tend to struggle here so it makes a lot of sense to start looking at the A-brands (used) when shopping for a DSO.
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OK, I'm convinced: the Fnirsi (WTF did that name come from???) is a POS.
It stands for 菲尼瑞斯 (fēi ní ruì sī). This is the shorter version of the full company name "深圳市菲尼瑞斯科技有限公司"
In common (modern) Chinese fashion, the characters are being used phonetically and are often chosen because they have "lucky" or "auspicious" meanings. For example, 菲 (fēi) means "luxurious" and 瑞 (ruì) means "lucky"
UNI-T does a similar thing. Their Chinese name is 优利德 (yōu lì dé), which is basically "excellent-advantageous-virtue" (or excellent-advantageous-German :-DD)
I suppose you could make a "funny" interpretation of FNIRSI like 肥腻肉丝 (féi nì ròu sī - greasy shredded pork), but to the best of my (very limited) knowledge, native Chinese speakers don't make these kinds of jokes :)
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Actually, fatty shredded pork kind of fits.
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I've commented before about their name missing the rising from the ashes part. Good at burning though!
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Friend. I would sacrifice a bit more and pony up some more $$$ to buy a Rigol DHO802 12bit oscilloscope. Granted it is only 70MHz and 2 channels, but the entry price is $349, about $124 more than your original budget which is not out of this earth. I would personally stay absolutely away from the "low budget" Fnirsi, Zoyi, Uni-T and many others. I started with a basic analogue oscilloscope and jumping to a DHO802 would have been moving to another galaxy. Your decision will also depend on your current needs. Good luck in your quest and with the right homework and budget you should be happy for a long time with your new oscilloscope. Best regards. :) :-+
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...just had a pre-notification from the Royal Mail, customs duty will likely be added to the scope.
So not so far off now.
Have downloaded the manuals, not bought any options yet - but might get myself a new fixed x10 probemaster probe.
Had a quick look at the seller's ebay listing - still three available.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168556406211 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168556406211)
When it arrives I'll go into the reasons why I got another scope (TEAS) and if it is any good.
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Well, that's my two cents. But I want to pose a specific question about the Zeeweii scope to the Aliexpress experts here. When I go to the Zeeweii factory store, I see two entries for the DSO3D12, one for about US$90, and another for about US$120:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733745083.html)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806932713726.html)
They appear to be the same scope, with probes, ect., and with free shipping Can someone explain this? And here's the factory store link:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101600990)
In Australia, when I click those links I get taken to different URL's eg https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007119028478.html?gatewayAdapt=usa2glo4itemAdapt (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007119028478.html?gatewayAdapt=usa2glo4itemAdapt)
and the scopes are priced similarly at around AU$138. Which at an AU$ = US0.70 is in the middle of that range.
A couple weeks ago I placed an order for the cheaper listing. It has just arrived and it is running the 3.0.7_III firmware.
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A couple weeks ago I placed an order for the cheaper listing. It has just arrived and it is running the 3.0.7_III firmware.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
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A couple weeks ago I placed an order for the cheaper listing. It has just arrived and it is running the 3.0.7_III firmware.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's a good thing. It means it is using the latest hardware and not the previous hardware rev.
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...literally just arrived - have only set the clock.
..bit of an anxious wait for its arrival - but it seems to have no obvious issues. It looks pretty good.
..so, it cost £272 - which is a bit bitter/sweet, as I also have (from new) a full price GW Instek MDO2302.
Anyhow - the scope purchase wasn't totally random, I'd not long had a quote for a new Siglent SDS2102X plus scope, which I'd been admiring online (2-ch MyVanitar; 4-ch Defpom & Rudi's Electronics). That came in at £921 and I was wavering on the likely success of the upgrade process and the likely use/price ratio.
Probably, now I will order a suitable Probemaster fixed 10:1 probe and the GW Instek 8 channel logic analyzer probe/card.
..it seems Analog's Hantek looks good for him - and my second GWI will be ok for me :popcorn:
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A 2-channel scope with a 2-channel sig gen built in? That's pretty awesome, especially for that feeBay price.
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..you do have to buy the frequency gen modules -
lol - looks like i need to set the date too :-DD
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..you do have to buy the frequency gen modules -
Hardware modules, or software options?
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..you do have to buy the frequency gen modules -
Hardware modules, or software options?
Hardware
struggling to update firmware - have downloaded latest version (1.32) but not obvious how it is retrieved from the usb - screenshot to usb works ok
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..well, it's one of those computer things where you do it but don't recall how it was done exactly :palm:
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...left the seller some positive 5* feedback - hopefully he shifts the remaining 3 :-+
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GDS-2202A is good scope. Memory is small, only 2Ch, but for that money...
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..it is a big beast , no complaints - but to get the options (say an 8 channel logic analyser and sig gen module) it does become more expensive:
DS2-08LA = £700
DS2-FGN = £250
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...just had a pre-notification from the Royal Mail, customs duty will likely be added to the scope.
The duty rate is 0.00% for importing an oscilloscope, of course separate VAT charges still apply, if the seller didn't add the HS code to the custom label, you tend to get charged duty as well.
David
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...just had a pre-notification from the Royal Mail, customs duty will likely be added to the scope.
The duty rate is 0.00% for importing an oscilloscope, of course separate VAT charges still apply, if the seller didn't add the HS code to the custom label, you tend to get charged duty as well.
David
...ah, that's why I didn't get taxed - wasn't sure if it was the usual cock-up. The only time have paid on TE I think was my DE5000 LCR from Japan.
We’ve been notified that a parcel has been posted to you from MATTHEW BUSTILLOS in United States of America.
Just to let you know, it’s likely there will be a Customs charge to pay for this item, due to the declared value of it.
You don’t need to do anything now. We’ll let you know when it’s in the UK and confirm if any charges have been applied by Border Force.