Would this bother you? Rigol 1054Z quality issue

[retro_gamer]

Hey everyone, I recently purchased my first scope and I noticed some strange marks in the plastic.  It kinda looks like someone wiped it with acetone or something.  It's much easier to see it in real life than in the photos.

My question is would you try to exchange it for this issue or would you just deal with it?  Everything else appears to be fine with the scope.

I bought it from a website called Tequipment and their exchange policy kinda sounds like it's geared to make you jump through hoops and then hit you with a 15% restocking fee, so I'm a bit hesitant.  Wish I got it from Amazon...

[maginnovision]

If it bothers you I'd contact tequipment and see if they'll exchange it for you. Personally I wouldn't be too bothered by this but it's not my scope. The 15% restocking is often there so if they think you're trying to mess with them or abuse a policy they can charge you for it, I don't think it's mandatory. I've never returned anything to them though.

[RoGeorge]

Since you are asking, it seems that it bothers you, so contact the seller.

In the photo doesn't look much, but if the surface doesn't have the same gloss/granularity like it would be acetone damage, then chances are, in time, that area will accumulate dust and fingerprints grease hard or impossible to clean, and make it very visible and dirty like a floor scratch.

Later edit:
Just checked and my DS1054Z doesn't have that kind of surface finish damage.

[Gandalf_Sr]

If it was bought as new rather than refurbished then yes, I would ask for a replacement.  I've bought a lot of stuff from Tequipment.net, I did have a problem with a return a few months back and complained to Evan (one of the owners) via PM here on eevBlog, the issue was corrected.  You can message him using the name 'tequipment'.

[retro_gamer]

Yes it was purchased as brand new.  I did file an RMA and the email I received says the box must be in perfect condition without any shipping labels and must be double boxed.  But they didn't send it to me double boxed, they simply slapped the shipping label on the Rigol package and threw it in the truck.  So the box is already not in nice condition from them.

[thm_w]

Could be a molding defect.
https://www.creativemechanisms.com/blog/what-cause-injection-molding-defects-and-how-to-fix-them

I wouldn't bother with an RMA myself, usually just ask for a discount if this happens.

[retro_gamer]

Could be a molding defect.
https://www.creativemechanisms.com/blog/what-cause-injection-molding-defects-and-how-to-fix-them

I wouldn't bother with an RMA myself, usually just ask for a discount if this happens.

Yeah, and I know these are kind of a lower end chinese made scope.. So I wasnt sure if defects like this were normal with them.  I'd hate to go through the RMA process, and then receive another one with the same problem.  Also in the future if I decide to sell this scope and upgrade to a better unit I feel like it would make it look like the scope was abused or something to potential buyers--I generally keep my stuff immaculate.

[stafil]

I wouldn't bother, as it purely cosmetic and very unlikely to affect the functionality or longevity of the scope. But I think it's within your right to request and RMA.

[RoGeorge]

Maybe your unit was a refurbished one.

Mine came in a double box, but I bought it some years ago.
Write to Rigol and ask if they are still using double box packaging for DS1054Z.

LATER EDIT:
My mistake, sorry.
Only the power source (DP832) came in a double box, the DS1054Z came in a single box, just like yours.

[janoc]

These sorts of defects certainly aren't normal fare even for a low end Chinese made scope. And Rigol isn't *that* low end manufacturer. You have got a dud unit that either got damaged somewhere or has some manufacturing defect which escaped the quality control. Which obviously can happen but it certainly isn't something common.

If the unit is new, I would ask to have it replaced because who knows what else is damaged inside (esp. if it was due to some chemical spill). Also, if you get a problem with the scope during the warranty period, you will have hard time convincing the seller that it hasn't been you who has damaged it - and they will refuse to touch it under warranty. Some companies will do everything in their power to avoid having to honor the warranties. Such blemish also reduces the resale value.

IMO, not worth the potential hassle down the road, just RMA it.

[retro_gamer]

I actually just called into Tequipment and talked to a guy named George.  Super awesome guy and he assured me they will take care of me and make it right.  I'll let you all know what happens and if everything goes smoothly.

[TK]

Rigol has a 30-day return policy, so there should not be any restocking fee charged by the distributor.  When I purchased my unit from saelig, they took it back, no questions asked due to the 30-day policy.

[Muttley Snickers]

If customers don't bring even little concerns such as these to the sellers, distributors or manufacturers attention then they won't know any better. It could indicate that their quality control and monitoring procedures are in need of attention, you did the right thing by informing others. 

[retro_gamer]

If customers don't bring even little concerns such as these to the sellers, distributors or manufacturers attention then they won't know any better. It could indicate that their quality control and monitoring procedures are in need of attention, you did the right thing by informing others.

Thanks, I was a bit worried I was going to get bashed for being petty when I originally posted about this.  This is a very welcoming community--very appreciated!  I've also been a big fan of Dave forever and happy I finally joined the forum!

Anyways, I received an email from the Tequipment RMA team and they've assured me that they have it in their notes that item was not double boxed on its way to me so they're not expecting me to double box it and they also said I can go ahead and stick my shipping label on top of the old one.  I've already dropped it off and it's on the way back to them.

[jxjbsd]

This is not the normal level of Rigol, and things made in China that exceed $ 200 will not be too bad . You can ask him to return or discount.

[Gandalf_Sr]

I am sure that Tequipment will make it right but you shouldn't have to have asked more than once.  I'm curious, was the box the DS1054Z came in shipped from Portland Oregon?  I ask because I suspect that Tequipment sometimes have Rigol gear drop-shipped from the manufacturer.

[jmh]

I can see very similar marks on my DS1104Z that arrived a few days ago from Telonic in the UK. It's very hard to see and personally does not bother me. Mine also arrived just in the Rigol box (mind you I was not expecting it any other way having not even thought about it!) which has some damage but not sufficient to get near the 'scope' which was all fine.

[radoczi94]

I bought mine 2 years ago, it has the same defect. I didn't bothered to return it, just covered it with the obligatory "Do not touch" sticker.

I think someone in the moldmaking shop f'ed up by not repairing the finish of the mold.

[Mr. Scram]

Could be a molding defect.
https://www.creativemechanisms.com/blog/what-cause-injection-molding-defects-and-how-to-fix-them

I wouldn't bother with an RMA myself, usually just ask for a discount if this happens.

That's what I'm thinking. It's either plastic not flowing in the mould like it could or the mould itself wearing out. Neither is likely to be different in other oscilloscopes of the same age.

[Mr. Scram]

Yeah, and I know these are kind of a lower end chinese made scope.. So I wasnt sure if defects like this were normal with them.  I'd hate to go through the RMA process, and then receive another one with the same problem.  Also in the future if I decide to sell this scope and upgrade to a better unit I feel like it would make it look like the scope was abused or something to potential buyers--I generally keep my stuff immaculate.

The new Keysight 1000X models also suffer from very visible sink marks. I'm actually surprised that nobody has commented on those before as it's a rather noticeable manufacturing defect in one of the most visible parts of the oscilloscopes.

[TurboTom]

Just for curiosity's sake I had a close look at my 2015 DS1000Z and guess what: there are similay traces to @retro_gamer's findings visible. Maybe not to the same extent but they are there, on the angled top right surface. I've got to admit I didn't even notice these flaws before because they are more or less only visible if the affected surface is viewed at a glazing angle. Functionally, the plastic molding is of more than decent quality. The only sink mark that I can find is at the left foot that's practically invisible. I don't mind the imperfections since they don't affect function and (IMO) longevity at all and they simply don't bother me. Obviously, others may think differently. Anyway, it's amazing that even after five plus years, this scope provides such a good performance for the price.

[RoGeorge]

That black case looks cheap AF, also ugly and hard to read.   
Horrible idea.  KEYSIGHT, did you hear?

[dcac]

My 1054z which was bought in 2015 has similar defects, perhaps not as noticeable as OP’s I actually didn’t even notice it until now when I looked with the light in the right angel. Only mentioning this as a replacement scope might not be very much better. Looking straight ahead on my 1054z it’s hardly noticeable at all though.

Yeah that black Keysight does look cheap but perhaps that's just a marketing trick?

[madires]

Here too. A slight imperfection in form of a horizontal stripe above the top four buttons at the right, only visible when looking at an angle.

[Fungus]

That black case looks cheap AF, also ugly and hard to read.   
Horrible idea.  KEYSIGHT, did you hear?

It's not black, it's a "dark theme"...  very fashionable!

[Gandalf_Sr]

Now I look at it, my DS1054Z has a similar mark but I bought it as an open box item so I make some allowance for that plus it's not very noticeable.

[RoGeorge]

That's a plastic case, not a theme, and its color is black, not dark.  Dark is not a color.
Unless brainwashed.

[Fungus]

Dark is not a color. Unless brainwashed.

Designers have to follow fashion.

My theory is:
a) Photoshop is grey because they want the UI to "vanish" and not make an image on the retina.
b) Designers are used to using Photoshop and find anything else garish.
c) Designers believe everybody else sees the world in their colors.
d) Our user interfaces are vanishing and failing to make any image on the retina.
e) GOTO a

I've been in professional color studios and they paint the walls grey for the reasons given in (a). I wonder if the people who work there paint their homes grey?

[noreply]

Some information that might be useful when you want to 'fix' non uniform looking plastic mouldings as in your case.

I use a silicon based liquid called ARMOUR ALL

Get a small dab of it (spray it onto a cotton bud) and touch up the discoloured part of the plastic - just on the edge moving it into the 'good' part of the plastic. See if it improves the damaged area and if it blends into the remaining plastic moulding.

What you are doing with ARMOUR ALL is applying a thin layer of silicon (can be thicker by applying more) over the plastic and this will act as a 'micro filler' in effect diffusing the visible imperfection and blending it with the rest of the plastic.

If it works - enough to hide the imperfections - then apply more to cover the complete area as well as the rest of the moulding around the section in question. Once fully dry - you can 'buff' it with microfiber cloth.

You never know - this might 'fix' the imperfection.

But to your original question - I would try to exchange for new device - it should have not passed QA - especially if it’s on front of scope in predominate area.

Good Luck 

[Mr. Scram]

That black case looks cheap AF, also ugly and hard to read.   
Horrible idea.  KEYSIGHT, did you hear?

The black case is a matter of taste. The sink marks are veritable manufacturing defects. Better control of your process eliminates them.

[Mr. Scram]

Some information that might be useful when you want to 'fix' non uniform looking plastic mouldings as in your case.

I use a silicon based liquid called ARMOUR ALL

Get a small dab of it (spray it onto a cotton bud) and touch up the discoloured part of the plastic - just on the edge moving it into the 'good' part of the plastic. See if it improves the damaged area and if it blends into the remaining plastic moulding.

What you are doing with ARMOUR ALL is applying a thin layer of silicon (can be thicker by applying more) over the plastic and this will act as a 'micro filler' in effect diffusing the visible imperfection and blending it with the rest of the plastic.

If it works - enough to hide the imperfections - then apply more to cover the complete area as well as the rest of the moulding around the section in question. Once fully dry - you can 'buff' it with microfiber cloth.

You never know - this might 'fix' the imperfection.

But to your original question - I would try to exchange for new device - it should have not passed QA - especially if it’s on front of scope in predominate area.

Good Luck 

I'd recommend against using silicone on plastics. In the car world they used to put it in "plastic restorers" but those gained a horrible reputation. The plastics get a nasty cheap shine and once on you'll never get it off again. It'll just spread further and further. Car parts treated with the stuff are considered ruined by many.

[noreply]

Some information that might be useful when you want to 'fix' non uniform looking plastic mouldings as in your case.

I use a silicon based liquid called ARMOUR ALL

Get a small dab of it (spray it onto a cotton bud) and touch up the discoloured part of the plastic - just on the edge moving it into the 'good' part of the plastic. See if it improves the damaged area and if it blends into the remaining plastic moulding.

What you are doing with ARMOUR ALL is applying a thin layer of silicon (can be thicker by applying more) over the plastic and this will act as a 'micro filler' in effect diffusing the visible imperfection and blending it with the rest of the plastic.

If it works - enough to hide the imperfections - then apply more to cover the complete area as well as the rest of the moulding around the section in question. Once fully dry - you can 'buff' it with microfiber cloth.

You never know - this might 'fix' the imperfection.

But to your original question - I would try to exchange for new device - it should have not passed QA - especially if it’s on front of scope in predominate area.

Good Luck 

I'd recommend against using silicone on plastics. In the car world they used to put it in "plastic restorers" but those gained a horrible reputation. The plastics get a nasty cheap shine and once on you'll never get it off again. It'll just spread further and further. Car parts treated with the stuff are considered ruined by many.

Totally agree.

BUT

Not recommending to 'coat' the entire plastic case.

I found good mileage - in applying a very fine (diluted dab) of silicon with a small cotton bud to the worst area - it has an effect of acting like a micro-filler to remove the apparent discolouration which is most likely 'rough' surface patch from the injection moulding process.

In several cases (no pun intended) I managed to hide / eliminate some surface blemishes by using this method.

It’s never a substitute for a new - not faulty device casing - but if you are 'stuck' it worth a try  - however DO NOT coat the entire case with the silicon for the reasons outlined.

[retro_gamer]

Hey everyone.  So it looks like Tequipment just refunded me instead of sending out a replacement unit. 

Before I buy another Rigol 1054z, is there any other scope I should be looking at?  $500 is probably the most I'd like to spend.

Thanks!

[TK]

Testequipment has the GW Instek GDS1054B on sale for $310 and you can apply the eevblog discount code and get another 6% off

[fanOfeeDIY]

Hey everyone, I recently purchased my first scope and I noticed some strange marks in the plastic.  It kinda looks like someone wiped it with acetone or something.  It's much easier to see it in real life than in the photos.

The pictures look imperfect molding of Jetting and Weld Lines. Typically happens of having not optimal temperature control during the molding.

The Rigol probably do not make the plastic cases, so the company who supplies the molding case did not reject the imperfect molding and Rigol did not check to molding before assembling them.

Most of the time, asking the replacement would come with better moldings.

[fanOfeeDIY]

These models come up in the forum often in this price range?

2ch
RIGOL    DS1202Z-E
SIGLENT SDS1202X-E

4ch
RIGOL     DS1054Z
SIGLENT  SDS1104X-E
GWinstek GDS-1054B

[Fungus]

These models come up in the forum often in this price range?

2ch
RIGOL    DS1202Z-E
SIGLENT SDS1202X-E

4ch
RIGOL     DS1054Z
SIGLENT  SDS1104X-E
GWinstek GDS-1054B

Yes?

[tautech]

These models come up in the forum often in this price range?

2ch
RIGOL    DS1202Z-E
SIGLENT SDS1202X-E

4ch
RIGOL     DS1054Z
SIGLENT  SDS1104X-E
GWinstek GDS-1054B

Lots, and the datasheets of each speak for themselves.

[tooki]

That black case looks cheap AF, also ugly and hard to read.   
Horrible idea.  KEYSIGHT, did you hear?

I like black test gear, as I really dislike beige. But you are right that that scope looks cheap, but IMHO just because it doesn’t look like high quality, regardless of color. (Black is FAR less forgiving of surface defects than light colors.)

Random factoid: really good looking black plastic is so hard to get right that a significant share of black plastic electronics are actually painted. (As are, of course, any matte finishes.)

[Gandalf_Sr]

I think the black gear looks cool on my workbench but it's way more difficult to read the printed markings on the black gear.

[cliffyk]

Hurried production, removed from the mold too soon, too hot--very common on cheap imported crap, I would expect better from Rigol

TEquipment can be a real PITA, A company I worked for bought most everything from them and had numerous issues; don't know why they continued to buy from them. We once waited 8 weeks for them to ship a couple of Lecroy WJ354s that were supposedly "in stock", they had our UPS account # and when they did finally ship them they used overnight delivery, to the tune of $500+ ! Bunch of A-Holes...

[tooki]

I think the black gear looks cool on my workbench but it's way more difficult to read the printed markings on the black gear.

Doesn’t that ultimately depend on the font design and quality of the printing? (Among other things.)

[Fungus]

I think the black gear looks cool on my workbench but it's way more difficult to read the printed markings on the black gear.

Doesn’t that ultimately depend on the font design and quality of the printing? (Among other things.)

The same designers never had problems putting legible text on white test gear. 

[Johnboy]

Here too. A slight imperfection in form of a horizontal stripe above the top four buttons at the right, only visible when looking at an angle.

Same here.

I would not be surprised to learn that this cosmetic flaw is present to some degree on all of these units. However, if I hadn't read this thread, I would likely never have noticed it.

[NoisyBoy]

You are probably right, as others on this thread had pointed out similar blemish with their Rigol scopes.  I think that could be the reason why they chose to refund the purchase instead of sending out another unit. 

But I do think it's a reasonable expectation for a new scope to be blemish free.

[TK]

Here too. A slight imperfection in form of a horizontal stripe above the top four buttons at the right, only visible when looking at an angle.

Same here.

I would not be surprised to learn that this cosmetic flaw is present to some degree on all of these units. However, if I hadn't read this thread, I would likely never have noticed it.

Even on the MSO50K and the Siglent SDS2K+ scopes

[Turrican3]

For the record, the exact same kind of (minor, personally speaking, if only because I would likely had never noticed without this thread) aesthetic flaw is present on my brand new Rigol 1054Z.

[tooki]

I think the black gear looks cool on my workbench but it's way more difficult to read the printed markings on the black gear.

Doesn’t that ultimately depend on the font design and quality of the printing? (Among other things.)

The same designers never had problems putting legible text on white test gear. 

So they weren’t very good designers, and/or their printing technology isn’t good enough to maintain contrast? It certainly doesn’t mean it can’t be done.