Used Hantek DSO5102B vs New Siglent SDS1104X-E  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: wade0301
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 03:48:28 pm
content: I am just getting back into electronics and looking at getting a scope. I had been ready to pull the trigger on the popular Siglent SDS1104X-E, 500 US Bucks. However, I now have the opportunity to pick up a used Hantek DSO5102B for 125 US Bucks from an estate sale. I have the money for either but I just want to see what folks think. I want to make sure my desire to have a new better scope is justified.Note I did search for DSO5102B and I didn't see many discussing it outside of FW issues. I also looked at the scope spreadsheet and didn't see it listed. My apologies if I missed something. New to the forum and probably not very adept at using the search.Regards

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 04:21:14 pm
content: I have no experience with either of these scopes, but the most likely given comment here will be that it all depends on your usage of the scope.2 Channels versus 4 channels, etc.Most likely the Siglent has much more to offer then the older Hantek.

author: wade0301
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 04:43:11 pm
content: Thanks for the reply. Usage will primarily be vintage computer, audio, video repair/restoration. I am also looking to do some projects like Ben Eaters computer build etc.. Trying to get myself setup to do things to keep my mind nimble as I work towards retirement.Thanks in advance.

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 04:50:44 pm
content: Well to my opinion the Siglent is the better choice. The extra channels are very handy when working on old computers. Also the protocol decoding can be very useful.

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 07:41:44 pm
content: Maybe you could offer 100$ and if it doesn't suit you, sell it for about the same.

author: mjj
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 10:27:28 pm
content: For vintage (70s/80s) computing I found two channels limiting, particularly when debugging memory issues, and would recommend a four channel scope if you can afford it

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 10:38:03 pm
content: Just forget you saw the Hantek and do what you were originally going to do. You might not realize what you are missing at first, but the difference between the two models is huge, not incremental. For very, very basic usage they might seem similar, but they're not. That goes way beyond the 4 channels and other obvious features.

author: wade0301
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2021, 11:24:54 pm
content: Thanks guys I wasn't sure if I was going overboard. It's been a mere 3 plus decades since I have done any real electronics work. I made the move to networking and really didn't look inside anything since.Also the guy with the Hantek is being weird so I will just place the order for the 4 channel scope.Thanks again! Looking forward to getting back in. You will probably see noobish questions coming from me when youtube videos and forums leave me lost.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2021, 01:15:00 am
content: Quote from: wade0301 on December 14, 2021, 11:24:54 pmSounds like your needs are not too advanced therefore the bit cheaper SDS1104X-U could be a good fit.https://siglentna.com/digital-oscilloscopes/sds1000x-u/Attached is a X-E/X-U comparison chart.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2021, 12:57:32 pm
content: Quote from: wade0301 on December 14, 2021, 03:48:28 pmThat tells you everything you need to know about Hanteks - nobody is buying them.