Magnova oscilloscope

[Martin72]

Two things arrived today:
First, the second logic analyzer, so I can display all 16 channels later and post them here.
The included clamp hooks, made in the US, are also worth noting.
I'm running out of space and have to move the devices around depending on which one I need at the moment – but that's enough of that. I already have a plan for a new shelf, and I remembered that Batronix also offers a rack kit for the BMO:
https://www.batronix.com/versand/zubehoer/magnova-rack.html

I find the price acceptable—I've spent more on 19" mounting brackets for measuring devices in the past.
So I bought it, and it arrived less than 48 hours later.
It makes a solid impression, and the mounting hardware is included, of course.
I've already tried it out, and it doesn't look too bad...

Martin

[KungFuJosh]

Batronix also offers a rack kit for the BMO:
https://www.batronix.com/versand/zubehoer/magnova-rack.html

I find the price acceptable—I've spent more on 19" mounting brackets for measuring devices in the past.

It is a good price. There are very similar rackmounts, but nothing that costs less that I could find. And the others look lower quality. For example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTTM9DN/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KNFRSF/
Those were the least expensive. Some rackmount sites had stuff that cost $400 or more.

If somebody wanted to spend less though, they should be able to combine these two items (or similar):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B55V72PN/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XUARRLW/

Personally, if I ever get my hands on a Magnova, I would probably use this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y5H8H3S/

Thanks,
Josh

[woody]

Today I received two BMO-MSO logic probes for the Magnova.

It was a long wait, but worth it. Beautifully made in a sturdy metal box. A quick test revealed that they work fine. One thing that I noticed is that they do run a bit hot, ~45 deg C. There is probably more in these boxes than only a PCB connecting two types of connectors 

[Sorama]

Still waiting for my probes.
DHL is a lousy transporter  … after 3 days still nothing.
Are the Netherlands any closer than Belgium?
No, it is not.

[Martin72]

Hi Woody,

There's also more in the box; I took a peek inside, which is why I said that you won't be able to buy this LA as a cheap clone.
And in winter, you have a lovely hand warmer...

[woody]

Are the Netherlands any closer than Belgium?
No, it is not.

What can I say? Belgium is..... Belgium. 😜

[pmcouto]

Are the Netherlands any closer than Belgium?
No, it is not.

What can I say? Belgium is..... Belgium. 😜

You’re not alone waiting for the probes…

According to UPS, I’ll receive the package next Tuesday.
Still traveling across Europe, now in France.

A long way from Germany to Portugal…

[Sorama]

Are the Netherlands any closer than Belgium?
No, it is not.

What can I say? Belgium is..... Belgium. 😜

I just got message that our national post will take over…
Yeah, that’s even a greater disaster.
Anyway, should be for Tomorrow.

[ralphrmartin]

I'll get mine on Tuesday too (I hope!) - in the UK.

[LoneWolf6912]

Thank you Batronix. Really nice quality

[Sorama]

I honestly like (more) how Siglent did it with their spl 2016.
Their ribbon cable is what I hope Batronix would have used.
It is way more flexible and certainly more durable comparing to the standard flex Batronix used.
Also, a proper connector with handles where it’s attached to the scope would be desirable. Now, one has to pull at the flex cable to undo the connection.

What’s the advantage of having a dedicated ground for every signal?
It makes a mess with all those extra ground cables and they pull the rest of the cables.
A few grounds -like the case with Siglent- would suffice, no?

I know this is a bit of negative feedback, but I trust we all can see through that.

[KungFuJosh]

There are always pros and cons to any of these decisions.

My generic SPL2016 has separate grounds for each channel. I doubt it matters for that one. Maybe the Magnova probe has better isolation? I am curious about the design; Martin implied it's nice. I'd love more details.

The best thing about the standard cable IMO, is you can replace just the cable if you mess it up. You can also get different lengths. Both are done easily.

I have the real SPL2016 now, and it's nice, but if the cable or the connector end gets messed up, it's not so easy to replace.

[Sorama]

There are always pros and cons to any of these decisions.

My generic SPL2016 has separate grounds for each channel. I doubt it matters for that one. Maybe the Magnova probe has better isolation? I am curious about the design; Martin implied it's nice. I'd love more details.

The best thing about the standard cable IMO, is you can replace just the cable if you mess it up. You can also get different lengths. Both are done easily.

I have the real SPL2016 now, and it's nice, but if the cable or the connector end gets messed up, it's not so easy to replace.

Generic flex cable ( like the one in the magnova) isn’t mentioned to be unplugged each time you need it.
Replacing it would also imply to open the box (dunno of if soldered direct or not).
they are stiff and tend to pull the box at the end.

The Siglent one does not.

[KungFuJosh]

Generic flex cable ( like the one in the magnova) isn’t mentioned to be unplugged each time you need it.
Replacing it would also imply to open the box (dunno of if soldered direct or not).
they are stiff and tend to pull the box at the end.

The Siglent one does not.

It's hard to tell from the photos, but it looks like the cable disconnects on both ends without any need for anything special:



Can somebody confirm that the cable removes from both ends?

Any connector contact has a finite insertion limit; I dunno what they are for either of these.

Thanks,
Josh

[Sorama]

Hell, you’re right.
I had a look and indeed; cable has connectors on both sides.
As it came with flex inserted on end, i mistakenly thought it was somehow fixed.

Still, nothing compares to.. the Siglent cable.
Again, the magnova, as any other flex cable, can hardly be pulled out of the scope without pulling on the flex cable.

[KungFuJosh]

That's a weird choice. I wouldn't ship anything like that connected.

You could 3D print a cool handle to go with the cable on the scope end.

I agree; the Siglent cable quality seems nice. My only concern is what happens if it gets screwed up. I haven't had a chance to test my SPL2016; I hope there are no issues with it (bought used). I do like the length of it also. The generic one I had was too short, but I didn't use it often enough to replace the cable. The standard cable used on the Magnova is cool cause you could have more than one length depending on your setup/needs.

Here's a question: are the grounds isolated on the Magnova logic probe? If yes, are they still isolated when connected to the scope?

Thanks,
Josh

[Martin72]

Can somebody confirm that the cable removes from both ends?

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/magnova-oscilloscope/msg5937112/#msg5937112

In terms of plug cycles, this “classic” combination using flat ribbon plugs/sockets should not differ greatly from the Siglent version.
In both cases, they should not be plugged in and out continuously.
I see a small advantage in the Batronix version, as the flat ribbon cable can simply be replaced.

[KungFuJosh]

I see a small advantage in the Batronix version, as the flat ribbon cable can simply be replaced.

I also see that as a big advantage. Also what I said about cable length. You can get exactly what you need.

[Sorama]

I see a small advantage in the Batronix version, as the flat ribbon cable can simply be replaced.

I also see that as a big advantage. Also what I said about cable length. You can get exactly what you need.

Do you see it happen that the Siglent cable could break?

I dont.
So no need to be servicable.

[Sorama]

Can somebody confirm that the cable removes from both ends?

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/magnova-oscilloscope/msg5937112/#msg5937112

In terms of plug cycles, this “classic” combination using flat ribbon plugs/sockets should not differ greatly from the Siglent version.
In both cases, they should not be plugged in and out continuously.
I see a small advantage in the Batronix version, as the flat ribbon cable can simply be replaced.

Then tell me Martin, Will you keep the flatcables connected to the scope while in its rack)?
Have you seen the Siglent cable with its special connector?

[KungFuJosh]

Do you see it happen that the Siglent cable could break?

I dont.
So no need to be servicable.

I agree that the cable is unlikely to fail on it's own. However, if I dropped something on the cable while it's on my bench, it could easily be damaged. Biggest problem I have with nanoVNAs? Gravity.

[Martin72]

Have you seen the Siglent cable with its special connector?

Sure....

[KungFuJosh]

Sure....

What do you have the EZ-Hooks stored in there? Mine are just flopping around.

[Martin72]

It was included in the delivery, so it's original.

[KungFuJosh]

Damn. That's what I get for buying mine used. It didn't come with any of the EZ-Hooks, so I bought 10 nicer EZ-Hooks, and 20 generic crap.