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| Siglent P510 Probes - Junk or bad luck ? |
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| TomKatt:
So I pull out my SDS1104X-E yesterday to troubleshoot some automated equipment in our shop - one of the few times I actually use all 4 channels. I start getting readings that make no sense and I'm double checking that I've got the probes on the right terminals and that they appear to have a good connection. Eventually I discover that although the X10 switch on 2 probes is in the X10 position, it's actually bringing the signal to the scope at 1X. I fiddle with the switch and initially think both probes are defective because the switch feels jammed and does not operate smoothly. Much later, I discover the reason for this is that the inner portion of the probe has been pushed up and the switch is out of position on the body of the probe. I noticed this mostly because I saw the HF adj screw was not aligned in the access hole. So I push the cable end down towards the tip to reposition everything, but as soon as I try to push the spring clip accessory on to the tip, the whole innards move back up. The odd part was that the 2 probes having issues are used very infrequently, so it's not like they get a lot of use. Now, looking at my primary pair of probes more closely, I note that they too seem loose on the inside. I know that these probes aren't the highest quality, but it seems they are well regarded for what they are. I typically don't need high bandwidths so I've always used inexpensive 100Mhz probes from Amazon etc and really never have had this problem before. My scope doesn't get a ton of use, and I always keep my gear in the Siglent case (great scope bag btw!) - it's not abused. Even though I don't often need 100Mhz+ gear, I do have a thing about cheap feeling probes so after locating a coupon for Probe Master Ive ordered a set of their 4900 150Mhz probes. WAY overkill for what I need, but the price was acceptable and I'm sure those probes will 'feel' better in the hand. They also come with a nice set of attachment accessories which is great because it seems like I'm always having to McGyver some hookup to a PLC board somewhere. Anyhoo - Just figured I'd mention this and see if anyone else has encountered this problem... I doubt Siglent actually makes their probes, no doubt they are just contracted out to some generic manufacturer. And like I said it seems people are generally satisfied with them. So maybe I just got a bad batch? Edit - image of one of the probes in question. Note compensating screw out of position, body sticking out near cable boot and also reduced ground clip location. The whole insides of this probe are slipping out of the probe body with minimal effort. One other probe is just as bad, and the other 2 seem like they're heading down this path. This particular probe has been used perhaps a dozen times. |
| tautech:
We have had some duds. :( Unusual to have 2 with a scope though and normally they give good service. 1 year warranty is offered for probes so with a supporting screenshot of the compensation signal sent to your supplier should demonstrate they are faulty to get free replacements. |
| KungFuJosh:
--- Quote from: TomKatt on September 14, 2023, 11:49:04 am ---Even though I don't often need 100Mhz+ gear, I do have a thing about cheap feeling probes so after locating a coupon for Probe Master Ive ordered a set of their 4900 150Mhz probes. WAY overkill for what I need, but the price was acceptable and I'm sure those probes will 'feel' better in the hand. They also come with a nice set of attachment accessories which is great because it seems like I'm always having to McGyver some hookup to a PLC board somewhere. --- End quote --- I want a coupon! I blow so much money on their (excellent) probes. 🤣🤣😭 |
| bdunham7:
Yes the guts of the PP510 can slide back and cause non-workingness. Although they perform surprisingly well when not broken, the PP215 are much better overall, exemplary in fact for inexpensive probes included with an entry level scope. The Probemasters are nice to use, but likely will not outperform the Siglents with regards to BW, loading and phase. |
| tautech:
--- Quote from: bdunham7 on September 15, 2023, 02:50:02 am ---Yes the guts of the PP510 can slide back and cause non-workingness. Although they perform surprisingly well when not broken, the PP215 are much better overall, exemplary in fact for inexpensive probes included with an entry level scope. The Probemasters are nice to use, but likely will not outperform the Siglents with regards to BW, loading and phase. --- End quote --- We have failures with these too. In general all are much better than a few years back since 00 was printed on them to identify a different production run. TBH we still test every probe before customers get them but only a few dealers do. |
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