Looking for a solution for a cheap oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 11:58:55 am
content: Hello everybody!I am a beginner when it comes to this kind of things, so please be patient with me. I have been looking to get a cheap oscilloscope (analog!) for about 60-70$, however, I live in Tirana, Albania and there is nothing local here. Almost everything on ebay takes like 80-100$ to ship here! (Btw I watched Dave's guide on how to get an analog oscilloscope and I just wanted to say that I loved it!). So I wanted to ask if it is worth getting one of those USB scopes (if you have any suggestions!), Maybe one of you guys wants to get rid of an old analog scope, I would greatly appreciate it(I will, of course, pay for the shipping!).Kind regards,Jurgen

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 12:49:20 pm
content: Without knowing what you want to see, it's a little difficult to comment on a solution. A price range is also helpful, it filters out possible, but overpriced, solutions.I don't know a lot about USB scopes, search over in the Test Equipment forumA PC sound card with suitable software makes a decent audio scope. I wouldn't use my best laptop for this kind of thing. A small mistake and the PC is toast.I don't know your price range but the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 is a serious piece of equipment:https://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-2-100msps-usb-oscilloscope-logic-analyzer-and-variable-power-supply/This idea of coming up with an inexpensive scope is discussed all the time. The Search feature may help.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 01:22:16 pm
content: Thanks for the fast reply! I was looking to pick up an analog scope for about 60-70 bucks, with like 20Mhz bandwidth or something like that. That usb scope looks cool. I will give the sound card and the test equipment forum a look!Jurgen

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 02:17:02 pm
content: Whatever you decide, make sureyou know which class of probe (voltage/frequency/impedance/isolation/etc) you will need, and factor in the costhow to use a scope safely; different classes (analogue/digital/storage/isolated/etc) have different tradeoffsBothrequirethat you define what you want to measure.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 06:39:19 pm
content: I have had the chance to use a dso before, I think it was Gw Instek GDS 1000-U series (of course it was in the university lab! It is not much but it works for my country), the 100 MHz bandwidth one. Never used a analog one before though. I just want to do some small projects maybe around medium frequency, high frequency or cb stuff.Jurgen

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 06:56:16 pm
content: It's always difficult to say when it comes to countries many of us are unfamiliar with. This sort of thing depends completely on the local market, given the cost of international shipping you may have to just take what you can get. I would expect there to be some older analog scopes floating around somewhere in your price range.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 07:00:03 am
content: In my country, it is even hard to find electronic components. At least they do not have shipping costs, or the cost is minimal so I can get them on ebay or maybe aliexpress. I have found a lot of analog scopes on ebay for around 50 bucks, but they are all in the US, so that means like 140 - 200 $ for shipping, which is insane!Jurgen

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 07:07:31 am
content: Yeah if you have to pay that much for shipping you may be better off saving up to buy a new Rigol or other modern DSO as these are compact and light weight so cheaper to ship.

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 07:38:23 am
content: I got this one:https://www.banggood.com/Orignal-JYE-Tech-DS0150-15001K-DSO-SHELL-DIY-Digital-Oscilloscope-Kit-With-Housing-p-1093865.htmlI am suffering the problem of huge shipping cost too, thus I got this one. If you have the money you could get OWON USB scope the isolated model.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 07:55:56 am
content: I was just looking around some obscure local websitesand I think I found a Philips PM3205 15Mhz analog scope for about 17 euro! I only have two photos at hand, I see that the display is on and there is a trace. It is also advertised as working! The listing was 2 months ago, I hope the seller still has it around. Do you guys think it is worth the price? I mean, I will most probably get it anyway since it is so cheap.Bad luck, it was sold already!Jurgen

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 07:57:41 am
content: Thanks for the usb scope recommendation! I will look into that one as well.Jurgen

author: hedgewallace
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 08:38:13 am
content: If you can stretch your budget, I would look at a Rigol DS1054Z. Comes from the factory with 50MHz but it can easily be hacked/upgraded to 100MHz and has 4 inputs. It is a bit more than your budget, but its definitely an awesome oscilloscope for the money, nothing comes close to it for the price. Its around $350USD.And if you're gonna spend a bit on postage, may as well spend it on something half decent.If you want to just want to observe the shape of the signal, than a basic Analogue oscilloscope would be OK. If you want to trace and measure stuff, an Analogue isn't ideal.USB/Hand held oscilloscopes aren't the best (At around that price), but if you want something really cheap, then it would have to do.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:05:16 am
content: I think I have seen a video on the hack for the Rigol DS1054Z (was it Dave's video?). I looking at a HAMEG HM-604 for around 60 euros (~71$), which is right about my budget right now. The shipping is about 20 euros, I must say I really do not want to pay the shipping but it looks like a good deal (I think, if it is not I hope I lose the auction).Jurgen

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:24:30 am
content: I'm no expert on scopes, still very new to electronics myself too in fact. That looks like a very decent scope to learn on. I got a very basic Tenma 50 Mhz as my first scope and it was fine for learning on. I mean VERY basic! The one you are looking at is far superior to the 1 I got so long as everything works on it. I got a Hantek digital after a few months and the Tenma although very basic set me in good stead for not blowing things up etc!I hope you get it buddy!

author: hedgewallace
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:41:08 am
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 05, 2018, 09:05:16 amYeah Dave's done quite a few videos on the DS1054Z.Quote from: Jurgen on June 05, 2018, 09:05:16 amNice find, I'm sure it would be a pretty good scope, especially without having to pay heaps of money for shipping

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:47:48 am
content: shipping of a scope is just 20$? from where to where?

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:54:07 am
content: What do you guys think about this scopehttps://www.ebay.com/itm/132648791642?_trksid=p2471758.m4704. It looks pretty nice and it is Tektronix!Holy... that went from 30 euro to 100 euro immediately!Jurgen

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:55:19 am
content: Quote from: VEGETA on June 05, 2018, 09:47:48 amFrom Schönefeld, Germany to Tirana, Albania. I think it is the standard DHL shipment of like 20~25 euro.Jurgen

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:57:26 am
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 05, 2018, 09:55:19 amVery funny xD.For me, it would cost 150$ just for shipping since I am in Jordan.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 10:04:13 am
content: Quote from: VEGETA on June 05, 2018, 09:57:26 amOh man, that sucks! I think I saw an ebay listing for a scope from a seller in Israel. If I can find it, I will send it to you. Maybe the shipping will be cheaper!Jurgen

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 10:15:35 am
content: Quote from: Terry01 on June 05, 2018, 09:24:30 amThanks man. I have never used analog scopes before so I am not sure how to perform measurements! I guess I will be counting squares.Jurgen

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 10:37:29 am
content: Quote from: VEGETA on June 05, 2018, 10:18:20 amYou know, the world is a messed up place, but I like to believe that science (and electronics!) is above the quarrels of people.Jurgen

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 05:53:11 pm
content: It's attitudes like that which keep the fighting going, and will keep it going until the end of time. Those of us elsewhere can only shake our heads. Not that my own country is free of guilt but I'm thankful to not be so angry as to immediately write off any resident of a particular country as a criminal or terrorist without knowing anything about the individual. Leave the wars to the governments, most people are pretty much the same.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 08:38:22 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on June 05, 2018, 08:31:25 pmSpot on James.Emphasis added.Should this go further moderators will get involved.

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 08:39:27 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on June 05, 2018, 08:31:25 pmI appreciate your post.I didn't discuss anything or spread anything. The man made a simple suggestion and I told him why I cannot take it. Nothing more and maybe less. However, some people didn't like what I said and jumped in, then it is my blame? I think I will "keep fighting to the end of times" because that is the only way to justice, no other way around.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 08:48:42 pm
content: I am sorry Vegeta but as this thread demonstrates the dangers of, we DON'T do any politics here as stuff quickly descends into name calling. I have deleted all of the political stuff. Please just stick to your issues of procuring a scope. If this thread goes political again I will have to lock it. We are all well aware of the situation where you live but are trying to help you with the original question.

author: Adrian_Arg.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 12:26:48 am
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 04, 2018, 11:58:55 amHello friend, I have a rigol ds1054z, it works fine, but if you only have u$s70, I would go for thishttps://www.ebay.com/itm/6022BE-20MHz-Hantek-Bandwidth-48MSa-s-PC-Based-USB-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope/282883735617?epid=1194320973&hash=item41dd2f4041:g:zu8AAOSwB1JaqJI2

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 07:26:43 am
content: Quote from: Adrian_Arg. on June 06, 2018, 12:26:48 amHey there! Thanks for the suggestion. Do you know of any good review of this usb scope? I most worried about the safety of my motherboard when it comes to these usb scopes.Jurgen

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 08:01:14 am
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 06, 2018, 07:26:43 amCheck your PMs Jurgen.

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 08:02:18 am
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 06, 2018, 07:26:43 amThen you should use this one:https://www.amazon.com/Owon-VDS1022I-USB-Oscilloscope-Isolation/dp/B00HC4UP52it is isolated so don't worry about anything. 100$ is a nice value too.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 08:37:18 am
content: Here's my teardown of the VDS1022I and basic comparison with the Hantek and the resulting thread.I agree, USB isolation has been the saving of several people's equipment (and the lack of, the undoing!).https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/owon-vds1022i-quick-teardown-(versus-the-hantek-6022be)/Strangely, ebay sellers in Hong Kong currently seem to be selling the non-isolated (VDS1022) and the Isolated (VDS1022I) at the same, lowish price. In one case, they are selling the isolated version cheaper, but I suspect that's an error!

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 08:42:43 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-6022be-20mhz-usb-dso/?topicseenThere is a 6022bl model now with logic analyzer.Supercheap scope:http://www.stm32duino.com/viewtopic.php?t=107

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 08:53:23 am
content: The Hantek 6022BE isn't bad but the software is a touch glitchy.It is improving .You might have to open an account on the Hantek site to get the newest software and firmware but it's free .There is some open source software available but I still use the Hantek software which works the best.Still it's not bad for a oscilloscope for under a 100 bucks.It's a very basic scope so theirs not many bells and whistles.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 10:26:43 am
content: Quote from: VEGETA on June 06, 2018, 08:02:18 amYeah it is about the price + shipping of the analog scope that I am bidding right now. if I lose the bid war there, I will give this a more careful look!Quote from: Jwillis on June 06, 2018, 08:53:23 amDo they have software for Ubuntu? Usually, support is a little sketchy for Linux devices.Jurgen

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 11:23:20 am
content: I wonder if we can connect this USB isolated Owon scope to a 10" screen (like the Rasb. Pi one) to work as traditional bench scope? Also, connect it to a cheap RPi (or alternative) so you could get a completely standalone scope! So no need for using your laptop, you put that on your bench with a power supply and that is it.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 11:32:03 am
content: Quote from: VEGETA on June 06, 2018, 11:23:20 amThat is a nice idea, but I only have 1 arduino and 1 arduino clone at hand. I have toyed with the idea of buying a Raspberry pi because I wanted (and still want) to use Python to do various things.Jurgen

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 11:47:20 am
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 06, 2018, 11:32:03 ama possible solution would be a RPi Zero with 10" screen + a SMPS module + wall adapter. Getting these component cheaply is possible which is nice. You could now search for a linux board which is very cheap aside from RPi... something that withstand Ubuntu since, I assume, the Owon software works on Ubuntu.

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 11:54:32 am
content: This is a suggested setup:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Raspberry-Pi-Zero-Basic-Starter-Kit-Raspberry-Pi-Zero-W-Zero-1-3-Board-16G-SD/32835306636.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/Best-Price-Original-3-5-LCD-TFT-Touch-Screen-Display-for-Raspberry-Pi-2-Model-B/32508151978.html^ there are other screens if this one is not compatible with Pi Zero.

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 04:58:29 pm
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 06, 2018, 10:26:43 amI can't vouch for the quality of the Linux software but there is OpenHantekhttp://openhantek.org/I haven't worked with Linux since Suse so I'm not familiar with the newer distros

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 06:08:05 pm
content: Quote from: VEGETA on June 06, 2018, 11:47:20 amI think I will definetely get a RPi once I get some more money to do stuff. I have tried to find stuff locally but they usually have only high power stuff. And I think I have never seen LCDs for sale. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places!Jurgen

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 06:47:24 pm
content: Maybe you could find an old cheap laptop to go with it (if such things exist where you are), eg. a 12" 4:3 screen. The Owon is very undemanding in terms of CPU power and USB performance (12Mbps is all it uses).

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2018, 07:16:59 pm
content: LCD screens of many sizes are widely available on ebay, both new ones and salvaged from laptops. New displays from China are absurdly cheap.

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2018, 01:34:54 am
content: Sigrok should run under ubuntu and support the 6022be.I use Debian and an older openhantek release.

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2018, 11:09:19 am
content: Quote from: Gyro on June 06, 2018, 06:47:24 pmThere is a used pc store here with cheap prices. Maybe I can find some old laptop there.Jurgen

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2018, 02:32:26 am
content: Quote from: Jurgen on June 04, 2018, 11:58:55 amTry to find out if there are any Hamfests scheduled in your area.Amateur Radio Operators tend to know where any interesting stuff becomes available locally, & hence, accumulate a lot of "goodies" which periodically appear at Hamfests as they are told by "She Who Must be Obeyed" to cull their collections.All except one item of my Test Equipment was bought at these affairs.Obviously, there is no shipping cost, as you walk away with what you bought!

author: Jurgen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2018, 02:56:32 pm
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on June 11, 2018, 02:32:26 amI doubt there are any such things in my country, however I will check as I am not sure. I did get a hitachi v1565 from ebay for about 85 bucks. Maybe next time I will be able to get some test equipment locally!Jurgen

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2018, 07:52:54 pm
content: That looks like not a bad scope to get you started. It'll let you start learning how to set everything up for getting the best measurements and also you can play around a bit as you get more familiar with it.Hope you have fun and learn loads!