Suspicious Cheap 'scopes spotted on Amazon - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: OtakuN3rd
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 11, 2019, 09:02:28 pm
content: Hello everyone,I spotted some super cheap 70MHz oscilloscopes on Amazon and was trying to track down some information on them but it appears there isn't anything out there about these. They appear to be knockoffs of the Hantek DSO5072P. So much of a ripoff, in fact, they use the same model number. Has anyone ordered one to see if they are complete garbage, or are they what they are advertised as?Example listing of cheap scope:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YTW8G8V/Real Hantek scope:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RJPXB6Y/Search result page that includes cheap scopes:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=DSO5072P&s=price-asc-rank&qid=1573505545&ref=sr_st_price-asc-rankFWIW, I spotted them when I was looking into an acceptable, cheap entry level scope as my 20MHz Elenco from the early 90's is rather flaky.

author: GerryR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2019, 09:19:34 pm
content: I don't know whether it is good or bad, but I've often wondered if 'scopes that are manufactured and don't meet all the specs are sold to certain vendors as no-name items. That one is cheap enough to take a chance on; if it isn't any good, I guess it can be returned.

author: GeorgeOfTheJungle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2019, 09:22:03 pm
content: The 5072p is not bad, it's a pretty good cheap oscilloscope. Or shall we say, it was a pretty good cheap oscilloscope at its time.

author: I wanted a rude username
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2019, 10:33:24 pm
content: Here's a mirror, since Amazon shows a modified page to IPs it thinks are outside the US, with the price removed.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2019, 10:38:22 pm
content: Quote from: GeorgeOfTheJungle on November 11, 2019, 09:22:03 pmIf it triggers, shows two wiggly lines on screen and doesn't crash too often then it seems like a good buy for $98.

author: cliffyk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2019, 05:13:42 am
content: It very well could be that whomever has been actually making these for Hantek has for some reason broken off their relationship with Hantek (or had it broken off). With sufficient volume there's no reason that in 2019 a 70 MHz digital scope should cost $200+. Look at what $200 will get you in consumer electronics...

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2019, 06:09:33 am
content: Consumer electronics are sold in quantities orders of magnitude larger than oscilloscopes. If everyone needed a scope they would be cheap now too, but most ordinary people who want TVs, phones and tablets do not want an oscilloscope.

author: OtakuN3rd
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 12, 2019, 04:30:53 pm
content: Thanks for the replies! I was concerned that it was a similar situation to the AIMO Process Calibrator that Dave featured in a couple of his videos. If I end up ordering one of these scopes (or getting one for Christmas) I'll share what I find.

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2019, 06:59:25 pm
content: If you want to spend a bit more, you can get a noname MSO5202D too. Just search for "MSO5202D" on amazon. 175$ + 50 $ coupon. End up at 125$. Look like it's comming with the digital probe and everything.Ex:https://www.amazon.com/Rosvola-MSO5202D-Oscilloscope-Generator-Bandwidth/dp/B07ZBCCDY7/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=MSO5202D&qid=1573585037&sr=8-4P.S: Also available via amazon.ca

author: GeorgeOfTheJungle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2019, 07:15:05 pm
content: There was a how to hack this scope thread somewhere here.

author: jsantoro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 03:48:44 pm
content: I ordered one. Need another scope like a hole in the head but WTH. Est delivery date Dec 4-24. Will report back once I receive it.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 04:17:59 pm
content: It is CAD $646 on amazon.ca, which hardly holds any value to me.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 04:21:22 pm
content: I took a chance on a Micsig TO-1152. There are 4 sellers offering this for $146, although only "Rosvola" has a coupon deal. I'm expecting a cancellation, but we'll see.(Just in case it actually shows up, does anyone know where to get a battery for it?)

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 05:15:42 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on November 13, 2019, 04:21:22 pmI think they are expensive because they come with some custom electronics attached.The Micsig has an external power jack normally used for a 12V power adapter.I run it from an external 7.2V NiMh pack on that power jack and it draws around 1.5A.

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 06:25:43 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on November 13, 2019, 04:17:59 pmGot one for 160$ Can. Didn't ship yet. Hope they are just overstock and not another scam.Worst case I will get refunded by amazon I guess.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 06:33:58 pm
content: So the scope has gone... how about...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rosvola-Metal-Detector-Adults-Rechargeable/dp/B07ZT3RLC8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=Rosvola+MSO5202D&qid=1573669970&sr=8-1-fkmr0Looks as credible as a solar roadway

author: daveyk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 06:34:21 pm
content: I always miss out on these great deals. It is no longer available on Amazon.

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 06:48:05 pm
content: Quote from: NivagSwerdna on November 13, 2019, 06:33:58 pmLook like a brain cancer machine

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2019, 12:46:26 am
content: Quote from: edavid on November 13, 2019, 04:21:22 pmI don't know if amazon is specifically hiding it or their search is garbage:- If I search for "micsig" it doesnt show up, 15 normal units show- If I search for "Micsig TO1152" now it suddenly shows up from 4 sellers?

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2019, 03:13:11 am
content: Quote from: edavid on November 13, 2019, 04:21:22 pmAt least you are no longer alone in this boat...... hope we don't sink!In Canada there are several sellers with 1 that has the the coupon. C$146. I "bought" from WandisyEDIT: hmmm... now Wandisy is the only low priced seller, the others have "disappeared".EDIT: Assuming we ever see our scopes, here is a battery workaround:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/micsig-tablet-oscilloscope-tbook-mini-to1000/msg2511336/#msg2511336I figure an eBay USB to 9V booster and a 10000mah lipo pack should do it.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2019, 05:03:18 am
content: Micsig no longer available on amazon.ca

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2019, 11:56:41 pm
content: LOL! And if you thought the last deal was fishy...https://www.amazon.ca/Oscilloscopes-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-Clothing/dp/B07T73P48Z/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=To1104&qid=1573775623&sr=8-8Price: CDN$ 8.99 + CDN$ 5.54 shippingOscilloscopes - Digital Tablet Storage Oscilloscope 100mhz 4ch To1104 Probe Cap 100 240v Plug - Wished Seller Video Toy Deal Kitchen Jewelry Dining Game Clothing Today S - 1PCsby UnknownWOW!

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 01:53:53 am
content: Got a tracking number for the MSO5202D I ordered. It's moving in the system and coming in the right direction. So I guess I will get "something". Not sure what though

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 02:13:18 am
content: Quote from: don.r on November 14, 2019, 11:56:41 pmThis one is much worse for sure, everything that store sells is $8.99, and they only have one positive review from Nov 7.https://www.amazon.ca/s?me=A1W1Q61M3WW0OG&marketplaceID=A2EUQ1WTGCTBG2

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 07:32:43 am
content: Damn, I always miss out... I was hoping to get a kitchen jewelry thermal camera as well.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 03:42:27 pm
content: I too am getting "something" as my Micsig is marked as shipped. China Post

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 03:55:15 pm
content: Quote from: NivagSwerdna on November 13, 2019, 06:33:58 pmWhy the "adults" word in the title? Has it anything to do with its shape?

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 05:02:24 pm
content: Bit worried now as the tracking number provided starts with LO which is trackableletterpost.

author: GerryR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 08:56:13 pm
content: Maybe you just bought a picture of the scope!

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 09:06:21 pm
content: It'll be an expensive picture but it is a nice looking scope so...

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2019, 12:13:00 am
content: Also received a tracking number, LO456.Quote from: don.r on November 15, 2019, 05:02:24 pmDefinitely does not mean it is a letter, I've received some LO that were at least small packet or bigger. I'm not sure if it means small though or what.Its amazon so there is no need to worry, its just going to be effort disputing any issues (make sure to take a photo when you receive it before opening it).

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2019, 01:29:25 am
content: From some web site:QuoteI also got a tracking number starting with LO.

author: GerryR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2019, 01:51:11 am
content: "China Post EMS is half-courier, half-postal service specifically for delivery of packages with a weight of up to 31 kg. The cost for the first 0.5 kg is about 200 RMB (30 USD), and 60 RMB (8 USD) for each extra 0.5 kg. If you want to receive your package at an early date and you are not bothered by high delivery price, this is the right delivery mode for you."I couldn't find a definition for e-EMS, but I assume (ass-u-me!) it is a faster delivery version of the e-Packet for larger packages. Just have to wait and see.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 07:50:38 pm
content: Looks like it was too good to be true, was given fake tracking number going to another city:https://t.17track.net/en#nums=LO456414619CNThey were close though which is concerning..

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 11:03:39 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on November 21, 2019, 07:50:38 pmHave you taken this up with Amazon yet?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 11:28:40 pm
content: Quote from: don.r on November 21, 2019, 11:03:39 pmYou can't until the delivery window expires (Late december). So amazon is arguably complicit in this scamming, in that some customers will forget about their order and not file the complaint.edit: asked seller and they gave a refund right away, so they obviously don't want to deal with disputes.

author: DRL
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 12:35:13 am
content: Just a quick report. I ended up ordering that unbranded DSO5072P 70-MHz scope that the OP had uncovered here for $99. With the $15 coupon, and a $60 discount for applying for an Amazon credit card (like I need another one!), I was left with about $30, which I covered with some Hilton points my company lets me keep for business travel. Net cost was basically zip, so I felt it was worth the risk. It took about 2 weeks, and the scope arrived today ... turns out, as some suspected, it's a fully branded Hantek 5072P, not a clone or knock-off (I guess they had to remove the Hantek logo just for the ad photo). Brand new, in the box with all the accessories; doesn't look like a refurb or a return to me. I fired it up, and all looks good so far. Only minor gripe is the 40K waveform memory ... most new-generation digital scopes routinely have a lot more.I guess Hantek is perhaps moving on from this particular model, and is clearing out. I didn't really "need" another scope, but I must say that it's pretty swell to have a 7" color screen, and a 5" case depth for my overcrowded bench. I will likely apply the 200 MHz upgrade hack for this model that's been floating around the EEVblog & YouTube for awhile ... it seems fairly straightforward & low risk, and it will significantly widen the usable bandwidth. But for now, for my radio tasks, 70-MHz is plenty.Very pleased with the outcome.Jim

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 01:32:35 am
content: Wish I had gone for the Hantek now... haha!

author: jsantoro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 02:03:27 am
content: I also ordered the DSO5072P on Nov 12. It list a USPS tracking number generated on the 14th. USPS say awaiting package. We shall see.

author: Caliaxy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 01:40:11 pm
content: After narrowly missing Dave’s $8 process calibrator on aliexpress I moved fast and ordered the DSO5072P oscilloscope mentioned by the OP. I then had a change of heart (thought I shouldn’t buy something I don’t actually need just because it's cheap) and tried to cancel the order. Amazon said they can’t cancel that order, but I can email the seller, which I did. The seller cancelled the order and I got refunded within 6 hrs. I remember thinking that the too-good-to-be-true deal must have been real, because a scammer wouldn’t cancel an order (it would defeat the purpose of the scam).Maybe the seller in OP’s message (Xinwoer) is legit, but the others are just visionary scam artists who saw the opportunity (somebody advertising a cheap real deal) and jumped on it?

author: GeorgeOfTheJungle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 01:45:46 pm
content: Quote from: DRL on November 22, 2019, 12:35:13 amFor the price, it's a very good oscilloscope. I like it.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 04:02:22 pm
content: I emailed the Micsig seller to confirm the delivery address. They then sent an email back saying the package was returned with a "damaged shipping label" and refunded my money. I'll just keep an eye on the tracking number they gave me.

author: GerryR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 07:09:23 pm
content: I had removed a post that I made above saying that I thought that they might be taking orders, holding the money for some amount of time to, perhaps, collect some interest, and then refunding the purchase price back to the buyer. I removed it after reading that one of the posters did receive an item. Well here is what happened to me:Ordered a scope, received a tracking number, and then got an "attempted delivery" notice saying they would try again. (Just for the record, I'm retired and here, at home, most of the time.) I then got a notice that the item was delivered, but there was no delivery. I went to Amazon to check the status, and low-and-behold, a refund was issued to my account.I think I hit the nail on the head, so-to-speak. So, don't hold your breath waiting for your order. This is just another scam.

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 08:42:54 pm
content: Just got a refund from amazon for the MSO5202D I ordered. Look like Amazon are proactive and detected a problem with the transaction.

author: cliffyk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 09:12:43 pm
content: I have never had a problem with Amazon--not one in 5 years...

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 09:16:25 pm
content: Quote from: Kosmic on November 22, 2019, 08:42:54 pmAny explanation/note came with the refund?

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 10:13:31 pm
content: No I'm not sure why i got a refund. Here's the email i received.Edit: found the reason in the emailQuote

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2019, 11:05:04 pm
content: Account adjustment. Clever.

author: excitedbox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 05:55:03 pm
content: They could have taken a bunch and gotten a discount from Hantek. This scope was on sale for like 111 directly from Hantek on 11.11 which is the Chinese Black Friday equivalent. The MSO was on sale for 125 if I remember correctly. Even the DSO4082C was on sale for 177 I think.Also could have been stolen from the factory. Sometimes an employee will sneak out a box or 2 of product. We don´t know how many they had for sale so it is hard to say. Could also be someone cashing out stolen credit cards. In which case a scope is the perfect product, since it is expensive enough to only make one purchase per card and still profit, without being expensive enough for the card company to decline the purchase.Hantek manufactures their own scopes so the theory of it being a supplier with extra scopes is unlikely. Unless they didn´t have enough capacity and contracted out to another factory temporarily which is quite common in China.I have the MSO5202D and in the pictures the plastic looks way different than on the real one. Looks much cheaper and flat glossy.

author: geostep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2019, 04:39:11 pm
content: More suspicious test equipment on Amazon being discussed in this thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/vendor-naroote-showed-up-on-amazon-$18-49-jds2032e/- George

author: Caliaxy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2019, 05:23:34 pm
content: Just to finish my story: after deciding that I don’t actually need a cheap DSO, it occurred to me that I could actually use a cheap MSO (I had a Saleae logic analyzer on my wishlist anyways), so I ordered the unbranded MSO5202D from the seller Rosvola on Amazon. I got the same delivery estimate 4-26 December, but it arrived on Friday evening, shipped from within US. As the other poster, I also got a what seems to be a legit Hantek MSO5202D in original box with all accessories (including a registration card). It looks and seems to work fine. I don't have any other Hantek product to compare, though. For what is worth, the plastic looks OK too – as cheap-feeling as the one on my 10x+ more expensive Keysight DSO.One awkward thing I noticed though is that the protective film on the LCD (the one placed by the LCD manufacturer, not by Hantek) was not removed before assembly, so the little red tab you are supposed to pull to remove the protective film off the screen is mostly under the bezel, hard to reach and impossible to pull. To remove the film, one would have to dismantle the oscilloscope. Not sure this is a Hantek thing, most likely whoever assembled it forgot to remove the film.

author: Nominal Animal
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2019, 06:05:27 pm
content: I've been trying to keep quiet, but I can't any longer. In Finnish,RosvolameansRobberton, the place where the robbers are.

author: jsantoro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2019, 10:36:29 pm
content: Got mine today. Looks like sealed factory Hantek box.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2019, 10:30:39 pm
content: Received my Micsig TO-1152 from "Rosvola" today (shipped from a warehouse in Chino, CA). Now I'm wondering if it was such a great deal, since I actually got itI did get a China Post tracking number for another Rosvola order that I placed yesterday.

author: DRL
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 06:41:07 pm
content: Curious... My cheap Hantek $99 oscope from vendor "Nannaday" was also delivered from a warehouse in Chino, CA.

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 09:11:10 pm
content: They often ship in bulk to another country and then use the local postal service to reach the final destination. In Canada it's a particularly efficient tactic since the bulk (container ?) cross the customs way faster than an individual package.On the same note, my cancelled Hantek scope is stuck at customs. I wonder if it's a fake tracking number or if they shipped and then refunded

author: cliffyk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 03:53:06 am
content: Here's what USPS andhttps://www.packages24.com/(a great site recommended by our forum brotherJdubU) have to say about the supposed routing of my $18.49 Naroote JDS 3022E (Obviously China Post is going to hand it [or whatever "it" is] off to USPS):USPS:packages24.com:

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 04:42:19 am
content: Like I said elsewhere, more info on17track.netThis is your package

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 03:23:20 pm
content: Quote from: Kosmic on November 28, 2019, 09:11:10 pmSo the tracking number they gave me was fake. The package I was following was delivered today in the same city, but it's not here.Good thing they already refunded me

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 04:08:25 pm
content: Looks like you guys should read this thread (and watch the YT):https://www.eevblog.com/forum/dodgy-technology/confessions-of-a-nespresso-money-mule/

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 04:18:52 pm
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on December 02, 2019, 04:08:25 pmMake sense, so the warehouse doing the dropshipping could be frauded by the store front listing on amazon.

author: OtakuN3rd
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 10:54:46 pm
content: Wow... what an discussion! I failed to turn on email notifications of replies to the post and had almost forgotten about it in my busyness.Anyway, I did not take the $100 gamble and noticed that the listings are no longer on Amazon, and that the price of the real Hantek scope has jumped to $220 USD. IIRC, it was around $195 USD when the suspicious listings were active.I never thought about the draw interest and then refund angle of a scam. Quite interesting!

author: JDubU
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2019, 12:35:24 am
content: Kosmic:Is there a way to get the final delivery address from the tracking number?

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2019, 12:44:41 am
content: Quote from: JDubU on December 03, 2019, 12:35:24 amI don't think so. I could call canada post but the address related to a tracking number is probably confidential.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2019, 01:08:14 am
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on December 02, 2019, 04:08:25 pmI don't see the relevance - how could Amazon sellers in China make that work?Quote from: OtakuN3rd on December 02, 2019, 10:54:46 pmKind of a ridiculous idea when interest rates are under 2%/year, and credit card fees alone are around 3%, not to mention Amazon's various seller fees.

author: OtakuN3rd
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 03, 2019, 01:50:47 pm
content: Quote from: JDubU on December 03, 2019, 12:35:24 amYou can try going to your local post office with the tracking number and proof that that number is for something you ordered. I had to do so once when I got scammed by ordering a pair of Baofeng handheld radios off of eBay.The post office (in this case, USPS) gave me the address it was sent to, but blamed me for giving the seller the wrong address (kinda hard to do when my correct address is the only one saved to my eBay account). I got lucky and found that the package was delivered to a neighbor a block away from me. It had his address on it, so the post office delivered it to the house that was on the package, but nobody knows the name of the person that was on the address label. Of course, the package didn't contain the radios I ordered, but a pair of Lego bricks.I learned that it may not be the best thing to open a dispute once you find you are given a fake tracking number until after the estimated delivery date. In my case, the dispute was opened about a week after the order was submitted. During that week, there was no indication that the postal carrier had received an item at all. Within hours of me opening a dispute the seller turned in a package to the shipper that went from China to the US in less than two weeks.