Siglent SDS1202X-E or Rigol DS1202Z-E

[imk]

Hello,

Siglent SDS1202X-E or Rigol DS1202Z-E

https://siglent.co.uk/product/siglent-sds1202x-e-super-phosphor-oscilloscope/
https://www.rigol-uk.co.uk/product/rigol-ds1202z-e-2ch-200mhz-1gsa-s-digital-oscilloscope/

UK Price about the same, specs look similar so wondering any users comment out there and which one take pole position please?

imk

[Fungus]

For 30 quid difference? Get the Siglent.

[tautech]

For a little bit more the 4ch SDS1104X-U might also be worth considering.

[Fungus]

I'm still mainly interested in the Rigol vs Siglent 2-channel scopes, but you have to keep an open mind too. at the moment it's not clear which way to go. Finding informative opinions must be the way to resolve this dilemma...

It's clear that the Siglent is better, but .... it's also more expensive.

It all comes down to price difference where you live. If the Siglent is more than 40% more (approx) than the Rigol then you need a very definite reason to buy the Siglent. In general use the Rigol is a very capable 'scope for the money.

[TheBay]

A friend recently bought the DS1202Z-E and it's very impressive for it's cost, though the price difference between the SDS1202X-E and the DS1202Z-E is pocket money, so the obvious choice is the SDS1202X-E imho if you only want 2 channels.
However I'm going for the SDS1104X-E, as it has 4 channels and dual ADC's (And has the option of adding a AWG and MSO later on)

[tautech]

A friend recently bought the DS1202Z-E and it's very impressive for it's cost, though the price difference between the SDS1202X-E and the DS1202Z-E is pocket money, so the obvious choice is the SDS1202X-E imho if you only want 2 channels.
However I'm going for the SDS1104X-E, as it has 4 channels and dual ADC's (And has the option of adding a AWG and MSO later on)

IME these options are rarely taken later by customers due to their additional cost but initially like the idea but after time with a 4ch DSO prove to themselves the need for it is rare.

Those without a need for raw BW are quite well served by the good bit cheaper SDS1104X-U.

[TheBay]

Yes agreed, but the option is always there if needed.
I am genuinely interested in the AWG option, especially as it is isolated. But I cannot find much information about it and real world use.

A friend recently bought the DS1202Z-E and it's very impressive for it's cost, though the price difference between the SDS1202X-E and the DS1202Z-E is pocket money, so the obvious choice is the SDS1202X-E imho if you only want 2 channels.
However I'm going for the SDS1104X-E, as it has 4 channels and dual ADC's (And has the option of adding a AWG and MSO later on)

IME these options are rarely taken later by customers due to their additional cost but initially like the idea but after time with a 4ch DSO prove to themselves the need for it is rare.

Those without a need for raw BW are quite well served by the good bit cheaper SDS1104X-U.

[tautech]

I am genuinely interested in the AWG option, especially as it is isolated. But I cannot find much information about it and real world use.

I can get one out and test some things should you like....wet days perfect for this are nearly here.
Dream up some challenges. 

The section on how to use SAG1021I is P185 in the manual:
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/SDS1000XE&SDS1000XU_UserManual_UM0101E-E05A.pdf

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:
https://siglentna.com/product/external-arbitrary-waveform-generator-2/

Maybe you should start a SAG1021I thread to keep it altogether should others like to contribute.

[rf-loop]

I am genuinely interested in the AWG option, especially as it is isolated. But I cannot find much information about it and real world use.

I can get one out and test some things should you like....wet days perfect for this are nearly here.
Dream up some challenges. 

The section on how to use SAG1021I is P185 in the manual:
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/SDS1000XE&SDS1000XU_UserManual_UM0101E-E05A.pdf

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:
https://siglentna.com/product/external-arbitrary-waveform-generator-2/

Maybe you should start a SAG1021I thread to keep it altogether should others like to contribute.

This is not about SAG1021i   but about SAG1021. I think it is still very good review to read, made by Performa01  (there is, in reply #48 and #49 total  four pdf (pages 1 - 46)

Possible i model and today FW may affect some but imho all main basics are there ok and very well done as normal from Performa01.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds1104x-e-in-depth-review/msg1432665/#msg1432665

[QuitButton]

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:

I'd need to buy a SAG1021I AND a licence for the 'scope? 

[SimonM]

A friend recently bought the DS1202Z-E and it's very impressive for it's cost, though the price difference between the SDS1202X-E and the DS1202Z-E is pocket money, so the obvious choice is the SDS1202X-E imho if you only want 2 channels.
However I'm going for the SDS1104X-E, as it has 4 channels and dual ADC's (And has the option of adding a AWG and MSO later on)

IME these options are rarely taken later by customers due to their additional cost but initially like the idea but after time with a 4ch DSO prove to themselves the need for it is rare.

Those without a need for raw BW are quite well served by the good bit cheaper SDS1104X-U.

I was looking at the MSO option but I have also come to the conclusion that a 4ch DSO has some advantages over the MSO:

1. Checking signals on an i2c or spi bus "looks about right", then analog scope can confirm levels are OK;
2. Extra channels from the MSO make the display more than a bit crowded;
3. Looking at a serial bus vs a 16-bit bus is as well served by 4 channel as 16;
4. Highly integrated chips don't generally hook up with a parallel bus - 4 channel is more than adequate.

Rigol 4 channel 100MHz scope is slightly more expensive (£25) than the Siglent but the cost of adding the MSO is much cheaper (£180) and as well as the H/W there is no license required. The Rigol has 1 gs/s, 500 M/s and 250 M/s for 1, 2 or 4 channel so is closer to the -U version of Siglent. I'm not sure how they get to over 100Mhz with 4 channels running with only 2.5 or fewer samples - seems like guesswork. It has been commented before that sometimes paying a small premium for Siglent is justified.

Rigol vs Siglent also comes down to preference of the user interface. I do like the side buttons on the Rigol and the selection of measurements, but also the soft buttons underneath on the Siglent. Both scopes seem to have crowded the screen on the LHS and RHS so that the waveforms are smaller than they need to be and (as I read it) no option to hide the soft menus? The two-channel Rigol has combined the vertical V/div control with a 2 button selection whereas the Siglent stays with two separate controls. When you see the Rigol power-up, you immediately see green lights under the blanked-off areas suggesting it takes advantage of a common circuit board and an overlay that restricts the design.

There is a real danger that I may overthink the purchase and get more than what I need. That said I feel more comfortable with the Siglent 4 channel SDS1104X-E over the SDS1104X-U. In the US they aim for a $100 reduction but in the UK there is only a £50 premium. A scope is one of those things, where trying to economize now, can easily backfire later. When considering the price, where you buy it in the UK affects the total price (discount and delivery) so that has to be factored in too.

Simon

[TheBay]

Where have you been looking at the Siglent models and what discounts are available? As I'm also in the UK and have only looked at one reseller which is Telonic (Who is also Siglent and Rigol UK).

A friend recently bought the DS1202Z-E and it's very impressive for it's cost, though the price difference between the SDS1202X-E and the DS1202Z-E is pocket money, so the obvious choice is the SDS1202X-E imho if you only want 2 channels.
However I'm going for the SDS1104X-E, as it has 4 channels and dual ADC's (And has the option of adding a AWG and MSO later on)

IME these options are rarely taken later by customers due to their additional cost but initially like the idea but after time with a 4ch DSO prove to themselves the need for it is rare.

Those without a need for raw BW are quite well served by the good bit cheaper SDS1104X-U.

I was looking at the MSO option but I have also come to the conclusion that a 4ch DSO has some advantages over the MSO:

1. Checking signals on an i2c or spi bus "looks about right", then analog scope can confirm levels are OK;
2. Extra channels from the MSO make the display more than a bit crowded;
3. Looking at a serial bus vs a 16-bit bus is as well served by 4 channel as 16;
4. Highly integrated chips don't generally hook up with a parallel bus - 4 channel is more than adequate.

Rigol 4 channel 100MHz scope is slightly more expensive (£25) than the Siglent but the cost of adding the MSO is much cheaper (£180) and as well as the H/W there is no license required. The Rigol has 1 gs/s, 500 M/s and 250 M/s for 1, 2 or 4 channel so is closer to the -U version of Siglent. I'm not sure how they get to over 100Mhz with 4 channels running with only 2.5 or fewer samples - seems like guesswork. It has been commented before that sometimes paying a small premium for Siglent is justified.

Rigol vs Siglent also comes down to preference of the user interface. I do like the side buttons on the Rigol and the selection of measurements, but also the soft buttons underneath on the Siglent. Both scopes seem to have crowded the screen on the LHS and RHS so that the waveforms are smaller than they need to be and (as I read it) no option to hide the soft menus? The two-channel Rigol has combined the vertical V/div control with a 2 button selection whereas the Siglent stays with two separate controls. When you see the Rigol power-up, you immediately see green lights under the blanked-off areas suggesting it takes advantage of a common circuit board and an overlay that restricts the design.

There is a real danger that I may overthink the purchase and get more than what I need. That said I feel more comfortable with the Siglent 4 channel SDS1104X-E over the SDS1104X-U. In the US they aim for a $100 reduction but in the UK there is only a £50 premium. A scope is one of those things, where trying to economize now, can easily backfire later. When considering the price, where you buy it in the UK affects the total price (discount and delivery) so that has to be factored in too.

Simon

[tautech]

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:

I'd need to buy a SAG1021I AND a licence for the 'scope? 

Yes unless you liberate it.

A friend recently bought the DS1202Z-E and it's very impressive for it's cost, though the price difference between the SDS1202X-E and the DS1202Z-E is pocket money, so the obvious choice is the SDS1202X-E imho if you only want 2 channels.
However I'm going for the SDS1104X-E, as it has 4 channels and dual ADC's (And has the option of adding a AWG and MSO later on)

IME these options are rarely taken later by customers due to their additional cost but initially like the idea but after time with a 4ch DSO prove to themselves the need for it is rare.

Those without a need for raw BW are quite well served by the good bit cheaper SDS1104X-U.

I was looking at the MSO option but I have also come to the conclusion that a 4ch DSO has some advantages over the MSO:

1. Checking signals on an i2c or spi bus "looks about right", then analog scope can confirm levels are OK;
2. Extra channels from the MSO make the display more than a bit crowded;
3. Looking at a serial bus vs a 16-bit bus is as well served by 4 channel as 16;
4. Highly integrated chips don't generally hook up with a parallel bus - 4 channel is more than adequate.

Rigol 4 channel 100MHz scope is slightly more expensive (£25) than the Siglent but the cost of adding the MSO is much cheaper (£180) and as well as the H/W there is no license required. The Rigol has 1 gs/s, 500 M/s and 250 M/s for 1, 2 or 4 channel so is closer to the -U version of Siglent. I'm not sure how they get to over 100Mhz with 4 channels running with only 2.5 or fewer samples - seems like guesswork. It has been commented before that sometimes paying a small premium for Siglent is justified.

Rigol vs Siglent also comes down to preference of the user interface. I do like the side buttons on the Rigol and the selection of measurements, but also the soft buttons underneath on the Siglent. Both scopes seem to have crowded the screen on the LHS and RHS so that the waveforms are smaller than they need to be and (as I read it) no option to hide the soft menus? The two-channel Rigol has combined the vertical V/div control with a 2 button selection whereas the Siglent stays with two separate controls. When you see the Rigol power-up, you immediately see green lights under the blanked-off areas suggesting it takes advantage of a common circuit board and an overlay that restricts the design.

There is a real danger that I may overthink the purchase and get more than what I need. That said I feel more comfortable with the Siglent 4 channel SDS1104X-E over the SDS1104X-U. In the US they aim for a $100 reduction but in the UK there is only a £50 premium. A scope is one of those things, where trying to economize now, can easily backfire later. When considering the price, where you buy it in the UK affects the total price (discount and delivery) so that has to be factored in too.

Simon

At such little difference in the UK between X-U and X-E the X-E is a no brainer.
On both models bottom left of the display is a small round white button that toggles the menus ON and OFF.
Quite convenient when the display gets really busy as Decode lines drop into the vacated space.

[kcbrown]

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:

I'd need to buy a SAG1021I AND a licence for the 'scope? 

The price of the SAG1021I is high enough that it's just not worth it.  It's currently $159 at Saelig, but the UNI-T UTG962 $152 from Amazon, is a 60 MHz generator (even though I'm skeptical it hits that target, it's actual capability is almost certainly more than the 25 MHz of the SAG1021I), and has two channels whilst the SAG1021I has only one.  It's not clear whether it's controllable from the SDS-1104X-E for the purpose of doing Bode plots, though.

The FY6900 is even less expensive (about $130 on Amazon) for 60 MHz, and is apparently also controllable from the SDS1104X-E.  See https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds1104x-e-and-sds1204x-e-bode-plot-with-non-siglent-awg/?all

Fortunately, nothing says you have to buy the AWG immediately.

[2N3055]

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:

I'd need to buy a SAG1021I AND a licence for the 'scope? 

It's not clear whether it's controllable from the SDS-1104X-E for the purpose of doing Bode plots, though.

It clearly isn't controllable directly. That thread with using FY6900 with Siglent scope uses PC in a loop, and a piece of software.
Which is great if you happen to already have them both, and you just want the functionality and you don't mind additional effort and equipment being used.

Beauty of the Siglent scope + Siglent AWG (not only SAG, but also SDG1000X, 2000X, 6000X) is transparent work in FRA.
It simply works. Just connect network or USB.

How important is that to anybody, it's their choice.
Some people might decide they don't need the FRA at all and that even a simple analog function generator is enough for them...

[tautech]

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:

I'd need to buy a SAG1021I AND a licence for the 'scope? 

The price of the SAG1021I is high enough that it's just not worth it. 

If you totally overlook the fact that it has an isolated output with a ±42 Vpk isolation rating.
Please do show us a similar device for similar cost.

[Calvin]

Hi,

regarding handling of the scopes .... only the 4-channel X-E types feature the integrated webserver.
I returned a 1202x-E and got a 1104X-E instead due to missing this feature.
A feature I haven't seen any talk about is the preset key which allows to put the scope into a user-configured preset condition or a factory default. Quite useful in education or certain production processes.

regards
Calvin

[mawyatt]

The best overview of SAG1021I specs is here:

I'd need to buy a SAG1021I AND a licence for the 'scope? 

It's not clear whether it's controllable from the SDS-1104X-E for the purpose of doing Bode plots, though.

It clearly isn't controllable directly. That thread with using FY6900 with Siglent scope uses PC in a loop, and a piece of software.
Which is great if you happen to already have them both, and you just want the functionality and you don't mind additional effort and equipment being used.

Beauty of the Siglent scope + Siglent AWG (not only SAG, but also SDG1000X, 2000X, 6000X) is transparent work in FRA.
It simply works. Just connect network or USB.

How important is that to anybody, it's their choice.
Some people might decide they don't need the FRA at all and that even a simple analog function generator is enough for them...

Indeed very true, the Siglent approach is seamless and just works!! The built-in Bode capability has proven very useful in our work (as has the nice FFT feature).

Best,

[QuitButton]

This has been suggested to me https://www.sjelectronics.co.uk/brands/gw-instek/gw-instek-gds-1054b-digital-storage-oscilloscope.html 

I can't honestly say I like how it looks, but the spec is OK for the price.

[SimonM]

On both models bottom left of the display is a small round white button that toggles the menus ON and OFF.

Excellent feature. Why have a compromised waveform? So far as I can see, Rigol has soft menus on both LH and RH side without the option to hide them. Menu  on/off on Siglent removes menus on the bottom or also on the RHS?

Simon

[tautech]

On both models bottom left of the display is a small round white button that toggles the menus ON and OFF.

Excellent feature. Why have a compromised waveform? So far as I can see, Rigol has soft menus on both LH and RH side without the option to hide them. Menu  on/off on Siglent removes menus on the bottom or also on the RHS?

Simon

Only the bottom menus can be hidden as they don't show the more important RHS operational settings while the bottom settings show far less important info unless you're documenting screenshots or coming here seeking help where the more settings you can show is more helpful for us to give guidance.

regarding handling of the scopes .... only the 4-channel X-E types feature the integrated webserver.
I returned a 1202x-E and got a 1104X-E instead due to missing this feature.

Yes this is a trap for some as SDS1202X-E was released before Siglent included webservers in this class of instrument however the 2ch 2 GSa/s 200 & 350 MHz SDS2000X-E series does have a webserver and the Bode plot feature.

A feature I haven't seen any talk about is the preset key which allows to put the scope into a user-configured preset condition or a factory default. Quite useful in education or certain production processes.

Yes we have discussed User Default at length in the SDS1104X-E thread and in various SDS1202X-E threads and it's a feature Siglent use in all their recent release DSO's.
It's in the Save/Recall menu and the last item in the Save menu.

I would recommend when using it to do a Factory Default before making any preferred settings prior to setting the User Default. I use it frequently to set my preferred scope settings for instant recall with the Default key.

[kcbrown]

It clearly isn't controllable directly.

Hrm, that's disappointing.  Not surprising, but disappointing.

That thread with using FY6900 with Siglent scope uses PC in a loop, and a piece of software.
Which is great if you happen to already have them both, and you just want the functionality and you don't mind additional effort and equipment being used.

That's most certainly true.  Though you might be able to use a Raspberry Pi as the "PC". I've no idea.  I've never tried to use it.

Beauty of the Siglent scope + Siglent AWG (not only SAG, but also SDG1000X, 2000X, 6000X) is transparent work in FRA.
It simply works. Just connect network or USB.

That is most certainly true as well.  Keep in mind that if you're willing to pay about $100 more, then you can get a standalone Siglent unit (the SDG830).  It, too, is a single-channel unit.  An additional $160 over the SAG1021I gets you the SDG1032X, which has two channels.

Frankly, I'd spend the extra money up-front and go for a standalone solution like the SDG1032X.  Not only will it be more capable, it'll be more flexible and it is not dependent upon a single scope make/model for its operation.  It'll be useful to you even if you decide to move on to some other scope later on.

How important is that to anybody, it's their choice.
Some people might decide they don't need the FRA at all and that even a simple analog function generator is enough for them...

Yep.  There are a number of options here, each with its own set of tradeoffs.  If you don't need the FRA then the options open up enormously.

[Fungus]

This has been suggested to me https://www.sjelectronics.co.uk/brands/gw-instek/gw-instek-gds-1054b-digital-storage-oscilloscope.html 

I can't honestly say I like how it looks, but the spec is OK for the price.

Yep. It's a very nice little 'scope. Low noise, very fast/responsive, separate controls for each channel... and a proper button to push for the menu selections instead of trying to push a twisty knob.

Here's the hacking thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/possible-gw-instek-gds-1000b-hack/

(nb. all the serial decoders, etc., are included as standard these days but you can hack the bandwidth)

[SimonM]

Only the bottom menus can be hidden as they don't show the more important RHS operational settings while the bottom settings show far less important info unless you're documenting screenshots or coming here seeking help where the more settings you can show is more helpful for us to give guidance.

I have the spec sheet and the manual for X-E and X-U and for the small increase in price the X-E is a no-brainer (US is about $100 difference and here in the UK it's £50). The manual shows the menu on/off but the operation isn't described. It makes perfect sense that it turns the menu at the bottom on/off and it's close to that area too.

I couldn't find anything to suggest that the X-U has less capable processing capability (it would have been nice to know that they didn't save a few cents on this) - I get it that the input is simplified and doesn't have a second sampling chip. At this price point sampling with two chips is cool. So pretty much sold on the idea of an X-E. I can see that the X-U will be an option if the budget was for 2 channels because it's a small increase to go to 4-channels.

I get that there is a hack for setting it at 200MHz BW, perhaps there are downsides to doing that? I read that the supplied probes rated at 100MHz are actually quite good ones, so no need to rush to replace them even with the hack (I was nervous about doing it but if it's reversible, why not?).

Simon

[bdunham7]

I get that there is a hack for setting it at 200MHz BW, perhaps there are downsides to doing that? I read that the supplied probes rated at 100MHz are actually quite good ones, so no need to rush to replace them even with the hack

There is no downside to the hack and you get more than bandwidth--USB WiFi for one.  There's also MSO (if you buy the adapter) and external AWG (if you buy one) but those options aren't too exciting.  The included probes have excellent bandwidth, but I wouldn't call them 'good'.  They're cheap-ish and not very durable, so I'd say they're 'OK'.  Not that I am complaining--at the price of the scope they really can't include $200 worth of probes.  You'll want to scour eBay for your own specific probes anyway--switchable 1X/10X probes are sort of amateur hour anyway.

[tautech]

Only the bottom menus can be hidden as they don't show the more important RHS operational settings while the bottom settings show far less important info unless you're documenting screenshots or coming here seeking help where the more settings you can show is more helpful for us to give guidance.

I have the spec sheet and the manual for X-E and X-U and for the small increase in price the X-E is a no-brainer (US is about $100 difference and here in the UK it's £50). The manual shows the menu on/off but the operation isn't described. It makes perfect sense that it turns the menu at the bottom on/off and it's close to that area too.

I couldn't find anything to suggest that the X-U has less capable processing capability (it would have been nice to know that they didn't save a few cents on this) - I get it that the input is simplified and doesn't have a second sampling chip. At this price point sampling with two chips is cool. So pretty much sold on the idea of an X-E. I can see that the X-U will be an option if the budget was for 2 channels because it's a small increase to go to 4-channels.

I get that there is a hack for setting it at 200MHz BW, perhaps there are downsides to doing that? I read that the supplied probes rated at 100MHz are actually quite good ones, so no need to rush to replace them even with the hack (I was nervous about doing it but if it's reversible, why not?).

Simon

Simon, you have a good handle on specs and capabilities and certainly with X-U pricing little more than the 2ch 200 MHz SDS1202X-E it's a no brainer to get the 4ch X-U if the additional BW is not required. But the SDS1104X-E is a better spec'ed and more capable scope.

I feel the X-U capabilities are only throttled back rather than a result of lesser HW although the likes of the missing webserver, Bode plot and lesser FFT specs matter to some however they are another $100 for the 4ch X-E but you also get the additional ADC and its additional 7 14 Mpts of mem support.

When using either there is no noticeable difference in performance for general scope use. One only needs to watch the sampling rate when all channels are active in a X-U at higher frequencies to keep an eye out for aliasing.

[bdunham7]

although the likes of the missing webserver, Bode plot and lesser FFT specs matter to some however they are another $100 for the 4ch X-E but you also get the additional ADC and its additional 7 14 Mpts of mem support.

To me that's all definitely worth $100 and are some of the best distinguishing features for Siglent.  A first-time user may not notice for while, but those are all pretty handy if you think about them.  For example, USB WiFi + webserver = way to safely float scope! 

[kcbrown]

If you totally overlook the fact that it has an isolated output with a ±42 Vpk isolation rating.
Please do show us a similar device for similar cost.

That's isolation with respect to earth ground, right?

The UTG962 would qualify since it's driven by a wall wart (and thus can be driven by a battery for as much isolation as you want), but since it can't be used with the Bode plot function of the SDS-1104X-E, it doesn't count.

So this is a fair point.

[tautech]

If you totally overlook the fact that it has an isolated output with a ±42 Vpk isolation rating.
Please do show us a similar device for similar cost.

That's isolation with respect to earth ground, right?

The UTG962 would qualify since it's driven by a wall wart (and thus can be driven by a battery for as much isolation as you want), but since it can't be used with the Bode plot function of the SDS-1104X-E, it doesn't count.

So this is a fair point.

Correct.

Now that the isolated SDG5000 series is withdrawn SAG1021I is the only isolated AWG Siglent produce until they release the SDG7000A however they will certainly not be a widely affordable priced instrument like SAG1021I is.

[QuitButton]

This thread has drifted somewhat from its title..

Siglent SDS1202X-E or Rigol DS1202Z-E

So, back to the original question. Am I correct in assuming [as its near impossible to find the answer simply] that the Siglent SDS1202X-E IS the 'same' as the SDS1104X-E, just its 200Mhz and 2 channels? Is the rest the same hardware and software? Does the 2 channel version miss any of the software features?

Likewise with the DS1202Z-E vs DS1054Z - same basic hardware ?

Oh, and whoever designed the website at https://siglent.co.uk/ needs to realise web design has moved on since 1997 and MySpace. 

[tautech]

So, back to the original question. Am I correct in assuming [as its near impossible to find the answer simply] that the Siglent SDS1202X-E IS the 'same' as the SDS1104X-E, just its 200Mhz and 2 channels? Is the rest the same hardware and software? Does the 2 channel version miss any of the software features?

Several.
See here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/best-digital-oscilloscope-under-$400usd/msg3587737/#msg3587737

[QuitButton]

Thants.

Please kick whoever thought of your model numbers/suffix.   

[TheBay]

No the SDS1202X-E is not the same as the SDS1104X-E/SDS1204X-E, below are some of the differences.

Single ADC so no Dual 1GSa\s (It is 500+500)
No support for the optional AWG or DSO
No Bode plotting
No Browser control

This thread has drifted somewhat from its title..

Siglent SDS1202X-E or Rigol DS1202Z-E

So, back to the original question. Am I correct in assuming [as its near impossible to find the answer simply] that the Siglent SDS1202X-E IS the 'same' as the SDS1104X-E, just its 200Mhz and 2 channels? Is the rest the same hardware and software? Does the 2 channel version miss any of the software features?

Likewise with the DS1202Z-E vs DS1054Z - same basic hardware ?

Oh, and whoever designed the website at https://siglent.co.uk/ needs to realise web design has moved on since 1997 and MySpace. 

[QuitButton]

No the SDS1202X-E is not the same as the SDS1104X-E/SDS1204X-E, below are some of the differences.

Single ADC so no Dual 1GSa\s (It is 500+500)
No support for the optional AWG or DSO
No Bode plotting
No Browser control

I'm sitting here thinking if I would ever need Browser control, or Bode plotting. I assume to Bode plot you need the optional AWG?

[My daughter has just commented "can't you hack the SDS1202X up to a SDS1104X" - Bless her  ]

[TheBay]

No the SDS1202X-E is not the same as the SDS1104X-E/SDS1204X-E, below are some of the differences.

Single ADC so no Dual 1GSa\s (It is 500+500)
No support for the optional AWG or DSO
No Bode plotting
No Browser control

I'm sitting here thinking if I would ever need Browser control, or Bode plotting. I assume to Bode plot you need the optional AWG?

[My daughter has just commented "can't you hack the SDS1202X up to a SDS1104X" - Bless her  ]

You need an either the optional AWG or a supported Siglent standalone AWG. (There are work arounds with other brands of AWG, but hardly plug and play)
If you don't need browser control (Useful if you have a DUT and want to monitor it from another room) or bode plotting
then ask yourself would you like 2 ADC's for dual channel 1GSa\s and also would 4 channels be useful?

[QuitButton]

Single ADC so no Dual 1GSa\s (It is 500+500)
No support for the optional AWG or DSO
No Bode plotting
No Browser control

So its more like a 2 channel SDS1104X-U.

[tautech]

Single ADC so no Dual 1GSa\s (It is 500+500)
No support for the optional AWG or DSO
No Bode plotting
No Browser control

So its more like a 2 channel SDS1104X-U.

Yes.
Except for SDS1202X-E has higher sensitivity and better FFT.

The X-E range appeared after the SDS1kX range that had 8" displays and 50 Ohm capable inputs however they didn't have the Xilinx processor that has taken over in all these cheap scopes and permitted snappy operation and additional functionality and improved UI's.
SDS1202X-E led this development and SDS1104/1204X-E, SDS2202/2352X-E and SDS1104X-U followed.

The SDS1002X-E range was to be released to the west in several different BW's however when Dave got a prerelease SDS1102X-E and showed how to hack it to what we now know as SDS1202X-E Siglent withheld all other models and only released SDS1202X-E to the west.

[SimonM]

Simon, you have a good handle on specs and capabilities and certainly with X-U pricing little more than the 2ch 200 MHz SDS1202X-E it's a no-brainer to get the 4ch X-U if the additional BW is not required. But the SDS1104X-E has better specs and is a more capable scope.

I finished my "homework" for the weekend - reading through the entire SDS1000X-E/U manual. Today (Monday) I opted for the SDS1104X-E and it should be arriving tomorrow.

Update

Arrived as expected yesterday (Tuesday). I had a brief "play" and I think they have done a good job with the SDS1000X-E series scopes. It has a fan that is always on which keeps the scope cool and you can tell by the exhaust temperature that it's required. It weighs (without leads/probes) over 2.4Kg, so that's almost 1.8Kg more than a Hantek - this surprised me. Good as it is to get "stuck in" with the manual, it will require more reading, for sure.

Hantek RIP (02.06.2021 - 16.06.2021)

Today (Wednesday) my Hantek DSO2D15 was posted back to Amazon UK. I also sent the 250MHz Hantek probe I ordered separately (because Hantek only provides one probe) back. Amazon notified me that both refunds should be with me in a few days (not going to be out of pocket). As they say (and Jack Yellon wrote), "Happy days are here again!"

Simon

[premek_k]

Hi everybody, this is my experience for anybody, who's making decision as I did few days ago:

I chose Siglent and sent it back after few days. Now I'm waiting for Rigol (DS2202 in my case).

I'm not sure, if Siglent I got was broken or not, but my piece had big vertical offset below 10mV scale on both channels and self calibration didn't fix it. In additions, it changed every time I switched a device on, independently I had quick calibration in menu set to on or off.

Secondly, device acted as transmitter - I'm working on RF stuff primarily and when I switched Siglent on, all receiver band was disturbed. It went even worse, when I connected a probe - even layed on table only.

FFT mode - as a one of reasons I choose this mark - had some problem too. There was permanent peak on low frequencies even I had input shorted.

And there was more small things that made me disappointed.

I have old second hand Rigol oscilloscope for many years and there's no problems like this. I hope, that new Rigol will be at least same quality - not like this Siglent toy.

[2N3055]

Hi everybody, this is my experience for anybody, who's making decision as I did few days ago:

I chose Siglent and sent it back after few days. Now I'm waiting for Rigol (DS2202 in my case).

I'm not sure, if Siglent I got was broken or not, but my piece had big vertical offset below 10mV scale on both channels and self calibration didn't fix it. In additions, it changed every time I switched a device on, independently I had quick calibration in menu set to on or off.

Secondly, device acted as transmitter - I'm working on RF stuff primarily and when I switched Siglent on, all receiver band was disturbed. It went even worse, when I connected a probe - even layed on table only.

FFT mode - as a one of reasons I choose this mark - had some problem too. There was permanent peak on low frequencies even I had input shorted.

And there was more small things that made me disappointed.

I have old second hand Rigol oscilloscope for many years and there's no problems like this. I hope, that new Rigol will be at least same quality - not like this Siglent toy.

That is a bit of funny story....
If any scope has "toy" implementation of FFT that is older Rigols. They are good entry level scopes but FFT is not well made on those.

What Siglent scope? What model?
What was the offset, in numbers? At which V/div?
Those are important pieces of information...

FFT peak on low frequencies..... That is you, not understanding how FFT works. Sorry.
Frequency of 0 Hz in FFT is representing any DC component (DC offset) in signal. Including DC offset from signal not being fully symmetrical and scope offset. And if you plot FFT in vertical log scale (dBV, dBuV, dBm) it will be visible.
For instance if you feed the scope squarewave that is not symmetrical (say 10% duty cycle) that one will have large DC component. You will see that

So please let us know which exact model of Siglent that was, and also if it was new. If it was new and offset was really bad, you should have sent it back for replacement. If it was used it might have been damaged.
If offset was really bad, you could have seen that in FFT too...

Also, I hope you didn't buy old  Rigol DS2202 but current model Rigol DS2202A.  That is a decent scope.
FFT will still be much worse Than Siglent has.

[premek_k]

What Siglent scope? What model?

Exactly like in the topic, Siglent SDS1202X-E. Brand new.

What was the offset, in numbers? At which V/div?

Ofset usually started on 10mV range and differed every time i made a calibration or even restart a device. In best cases it was about 3 divs on 0.5mV range (about 1.5mV), in worse case  the curve was totally off screen (more than 2mV). On higher ranges it came better, up to 10mV range, when it was almost zero. Meaning DC offset, of course. How I wrote, an old Rigol scope I have has no DC offset on any range, I assumed this behaviour here too. 

FFT peak on low frequencies..... That is you, not understanding how FFT works. Sorry.
Frequency of 0 Hz in FFT is representing any DC component (DC offset) in signal. Including DC offset from signal not being fully symmetrical and scope offset. And if you plot FFT in vertical log scale (dBV, dBuV, dBm) it will be visible.
For instance if you feed the scope squarewave that is not symmetrical (say 10% duty cycle) that one will have large DC component. You will see that

Roger that, but how I wrote, no signal was connected in these cases, I had a shorted inputs. In my opinion, it accidentally showed some kind of parazital DC offset of the scope.

Also, I hope you didn't buy old  Rigol DS2202 but current model Rigol DS2202A.  That is a decent scope.
FFT will still be much worse Than Siglent has.

Yes, I choose DS2202A. I know, that FFT isn't great, but in fact, firstly I choose a Siglent hoping to save some money on buying a spectrum analyzer.

[2N3055]

What Siglent scope? What model?

Exactly like in the topic, Siglent SDS1202X-E. Brand new.

What was the offset, in numbers? At which V/div?

Ofset usually started on 10mV range and differed every time i made a calibration or even restart a device. In best cases it was about 3 divs on 0.5mV range (about 1.5mV), in worse case  the curve was totally off screen (more than 2mV). On higher ranges it came better, up to 10mV range, when it was almost zero. Meaning DC offset, of course. How I wrote, an old Rigol scope I have has no DC offset on any range, I assumed this behaviour here too. 

FFT peak on low frequencies..... That is you, not understanding how FFT works. Sorry.
Frequency of 0 Hz in FFT is representing any DC component (DC offset) in signal. Including DC offset from signal not being fully symmetrical and scope offset. And if you plot FFT in vertical log scale (dBV, dBuV, dBm) it will be visible.
For instance if you feed the scope squarewave that is not symmetrical (say 10% duty cycle) that one will have large DC component. You will see that

Roger that, but how I wrote, no signal was connected in these cases, I had a shorted inputs. In my opinion, it accidentally showed some kind of parazital DC offset of the scope.

Also, I hope you didn't buy old  Rigol DS2202 but current model Rigol DS2202A.  That is a decent scope.
FFT will still be much worse Than Siglent has.

Yes, I choose DS2202A. I know, that FFT isn't great, but in fact, firstly I choose a Siglent hoping to save some money on buying a spectrum analyzer.

Thank you for the answers.
You should have returned that scope for replacement. What you saw was some kind of defect.
These scopes don't do that.
That weird DC offset would definitely show on FFT as DC component, and with log vertical axis would be very visible. That explains that.

As I said, DS2000A are decent little scopes. FFT is not very good, but as long you're fully aware and good with that....

As for FFT on ANY scope replacing full SA, it's not gonna happen soon. SA have vastly better dynamic and frequency range and many specialized functions (line noise markers, for instance and all kinds of specialized measurements) that simply cannot be replaced with just scope with FFT. FFT on a scope can be useful in addition to SA, to cover lower frequencies SA won't cover and to do time/frequency domain correlation....

[premek_k]

Thank you, 2N3055, for yours reactions.

To close this discussion - I'm almost sure, that my piece was broken. But scope came with calibration certificate, someone made a checks. I consulted this wierd things with local dealer and he assured me, that this behavior is not fault. I simply lost confidence in this brand. Generally I am conservative in this regard, I made exception in this case and it didn't turn out well.

I realize, that scope FFT can't replace real SA functionality, I use it mostly only for quick look and I was expecting something more from Siglent, but it didn't offer me even a standard.

In fact, I'm afraid Rigol won't disappoint me either... 

[2N3055]

Thank you, 2N3055, for yours reactions.

To close this discussion - I'm almost sure, that my piece was broken. But scope came with calibration certificate, someone made a checks. I consulted this wierd things with local dealer and he assured me, that this behavior is not fault. I simply lost confidence in this brand. Generally I am conservative in this regard, I made exception in this case and it didn't turn out well.

I realize, that scope FFT can't replace real SA functionality, I use it mostly only for quick look and I was expecting something more from Siglent, but it didn't offer me even a standard.

In fact, I'm afraid Rigol won't disappoint me either... 

If I were you I would loose more confidence in local dealer than manufacturer, if manufacturer didn't get a chance to do the right thing.
Scope could have been damaged in transport or whatever...

I hope you'll be happy with your choice.. DS2000A are actually scopes one step up from Rigol DS1202Z-E OP mentions. They have 2 GSa/s converter, and go up to 350 MHz, and have 56 Mpts of acquisition memory.

Siglent model that goes against it is Siglent SDS2202X-E, and has few more protocols, color grading  display and few more differences.

[dec123ua]

Model                         RIGOL DS1202Z-E                                                             SIGLENT SDS1202X-E
Price                                   Euro 339 + VAT                                                                           Euro 339 + VAT
Bandwidth                           200MHz                                                                                   200MHz
Channels                           2                                                                                           2
Sampling rate                   1GSa/sec                                                                                   1GSa/sec
Memory                           24Mpts                                                                                   14Mpts
waveform capture rate   30.000wfs/s                                                                           100.000wfs/s
Timebase Scale                   2ns/div - 50s/div                                                                   1ns/div - 100s/div
Decoding type                   Parallel, RS232/UART, I2C, SPI                                                   I2C, SPI, UART, RS232, CAN, LIN
Display                           7" 800x480                                                                           7" 800x480