Siglent SDS1104x-e record, save, playback? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 05:02:20 pm
content: I own the subject scope and I like it a lot. However I am unable to figure out how to record, save and later (upon returning home) replay the recording for analysis purposes. I’m hoping to have all the normal capabilities as I have to examine a real time captured waveform.To me this sounds like a basic and simple “record the trace buffer to storage” and “restore the trace buffer from storage” function. While the subject scope has all kinds of capture capability that sound promising I haven’t found one that meets my above needs. The REF (reference) waveform ability is close but does not allow time base scaling and other functions.Am I missing something?In any case, I need another scope and I’m wondering if there is a reasonable (< $500) scope that would meet my above requirement?Suggestions, comments, etc are welcome.Frank

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 07:17:54 pm
content: The Logging feature might be best for your needs.The latest OS and a recent firmware needs be installed to enable the Logging feature.You can find them here:https://int.siglent.com/download/firmwares/?ProId=12

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 12:55:57 am
content: Quote from: tautech on December 23, 2024, 07:17:54 pmThanks to your reply I noticed that I already have data logging under the utility menu. However I don't see any mention of it in the operating manual and it's not clear how to use it. There is a "sample logger" and a "measure logger". I tried clicking the sample logger but when I recall I get a "settings at limit" error message. Obviously I don't know what i am doing.Any ideas on where I can find information on data logging?Thank youFrank

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 01:05:01 am
content: Quote from: frank2644 on December 24, 2024, 12:55:57 amYup, Siglent App notes:https://siglentna.com/operating-tip/what-is-the-largest-datalogging-file-i-can-store-with-the-xe-series-oscilloscopes/https://int.siglent.com/u_file/document/Data%20Logger%20of%20SDS%20Application%20Notes_EN01A.pdf

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 01:49:56 am
content: Thank you, that was a fast reply. I'll check out those links.BTW, I'm still trying to understand if my software is up do date. As I understand it there are two types of software that typically get updated, commonly called the "OS" and the "firmware". However, the System Status display seems to use different nomenclature. I'm pretty sure the displayed "firmware" nomenclature is "Software Version" but I'm not sure what the "OS" nomenclature is. The latest "OS" software attribute is "V3" and I don't see any similar type of attribute in the "System Status" display (see below).Can anyone clarify?System StatusSoftware Version:6.1.37R1OOS VeUboot-rsion:8.1FPGA Version:2021-11-08Hardware Version:01-05Product Type:SDS1104X-ESerial NoSDSMMFCD4R6885

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 02:13:55 am
content: Ok, I figured out my update questions and updated my SDS1104x-e to the latest OS and firmware. The good news is that I have NTP time working. The not-so-good news is that I can't make any sense out of the data logging results.As posted above there are recently added logging functions that may be my solution. There are two types "sampler and Measure". One seems to record samples (pieces of a waveform?) at a rate you specify. The other seems to record specific values like P-P Volts and Period, again at a rate you specify. Both present a simple graph of these parameters, and neither shows the full waveform as seen on normal scope displays, and that's what I need. Although the Siglent literature seems to imply full waveforms are presented I could that make that happen. And I tried every parameter available (not that many).Attached are my Sampler Logging results on the scope's 1 khz calibration signal. It seems very low resolution and doesn't allow vertical scaling or most any other operation. I guess it must satisfy somebody's requirements, but not mine.Instead of logging I also tried using a .bin file to satisfy my needs, but no-go there either. I think there may be PC programs that read a bin file, but the scope doesn't read them. At a quick glance the PC programs seem to be a little complicated (NI drivers, etc). I already wasted a lot of time so I gave up, not wanting another potential goose chase.In any case, I'm thinking of buying another <$500 scope anyway and now I want one that has simple full waveform capture and playback. Again, I want to record waveforms "in the field" and analyze them later at home base. Does anyone know if Siglent has such a product?I think many Rigol scopes have this capability.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 02:53:54 am
content: Quote from: frank2644 on December 26, 2024, 02:13:55 amGood progress.Did you comply with the:Sample Logger Pre-test Considerationshttps://siglentna.com/application-note/datalogging-with-the-four-channel-sds1000x-e-oscilloscope-models/QuoteSDS800X HD is worth a look as they have a good inbuilt File Manager.About BIN files, these were introduced to minimise the size of file saves used for post analysis where one normally uses CSV file types.In the Save/Recall menu is a small utility to install on PC to quickly convert BIN to CSV.You can save this utility to USB for PC install or access it when using the webserver.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 09:50:02 am
content: What size of record/capture do you require ?Could you instead use Single trigger settings to capture an event of interest to analyze later.....with an appropriate timebase setting to show adequate pre and post trigger behaviour ?You will find some tips on the suite of trigger types for specialized needs in the PDF in this post:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds1104x-e-in-depth-review/msg1371778/#msg1371778

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 05:23:50 pm
content: I did read the Siglent application note many times including the logger pre-test considerations. And I tried many variations of pre-test and logger options with no success. Again that application note contains images that look like full waveform capture and replay. So if anyone else has had success I sure would like to know. I guess the problem could be me.Anyway, yes, i could use a Single trigger capture providing it was at a slow sweep rate (say 20ms) and could later be expanded. How does that help get a disk capture and playback?Actually my subject need is simple and I thought trivial. When I bought the SDS1104X-E I assumed the ability to save a simple trace for later replay and analysis was standard for any "storage" oscilloscope. I even have a 10 year old PC based oscilloscope that narrowly serves that purpose (paid $70).Please tell me that I don't know what I am doing....Thank you,Frank

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 06:21:53 pm
content: SigScopeLab might be your better option.https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/24_11_12/SigScopeLab_UserManual_EN02A.pdfhttps://int.siglent.com/upload_file/zip/software/Oscilloscope/SigScopeLab_0.6.4.1_EN.zip

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 09:16:20 pm
content: I gave sigscopelab a try and every file type (including <2mb .BIN files) that my SDS1104X-E can produce and they could not be loaded. Error message was mostly "can't load this file".It was able to load the sample .bin files that came with the Sigscopelab installation download. But some of the other type files from the sample folder(.CSV and .REF) did not load. However, the user manual seemed to suggest only .BIN files are supported but the other types were in the sample folder so I tried them.I tried to connect Sigscopelab to my SDS1104X-E for remote operation but that failed. Although that was expected because I don't think an SDS1104X-E is a supported device for Sigscopelab remote operation. But any SDS scope .BIN file is supposed to be supported for viewing and analysis.Anyway thanks for trying.Frank

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2024, 09:28:56 pm
content: Quote from: frank2644 on December 26, 2024, 09:16:20 pmYup that's what I thought but with some time to play I find that is NOT the case as older models are not supported !Got my SDS1104X-E out especially for a test......The list is here at the foot of the page:https://int.siglent.com/products-overview/sigscopelab_f/Sorta makes sense as the UI used in Sigscopelab mirrors that used in all the later models.Gunna have a play with EasyScopeX next to check if it can do what you need.

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2024, 03:58:34 pm
content: I played a little more with SigscopeX and still no luck. Actually I was looking at the Siglent SDS800 series to satisfy my need, but the documentation says it also doesn't replay any waveform files. So it would be nice to know if Sigscope supports that unit.EDIT: I just noticed the link you sent me does specify that the SDS800x series is supported for Device Management. I assume it will also read waveform files (.bin). In any case, the max size readable is 2 megapoints. I'm not sure if that limitation is a problem for me or not.I looked more closely at Rigol and I don't think they can store and later replay waveform files either. Surprisingly, I did find that Hantek does it rather easily, but they don't make a 4ch benchtop and their reputation seems in the lower tier.I don't want a PC based scope from any vendor although I think many otherwise satisfy my needs.Thanks,Frank