What first scope? 2 vs 4ch, 100 vs 200MHz, low-cost Siglent vs MSO5000 + hack? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Northrop
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 02:18:37 am
content: I am looking for a first oscilloscope, but I am not really sure what I'm looking for. My use case has more to do with Arduino/Teensy/Pi and entry-level electrical engineering projects rather than troubleshooting, say, radio or stereo equipment or automobiles. Mostly just doodling and learning, really. I've already dipped my toes into both design and reverse engineering but am very new at all of this.From what I gather, it sounds like the low-cost Siglent scopes are very solid and reliable and a great value. I would almost stop there...except that I've been reading a LOT about the Rigol MSO5000 series and how the base two and four-channel units are an outstanding value due to their hackability...but then I've read about a lot of bugs and firmware issues with at least this particular line from Rigol. I also don't know if I want to spend $1k right off the bat given that I don't have a specific use case or needs.So I guess...while I am open to any and all suggestions, I lean towards the Siglent SDS1104X-U, SDS1202X-E, or SDS1204X-E, but even then I am not sure which to get. And then one must beg the question...if going for the Siglent SDS1204X-E, why not spend a little more and get the Rigol MSO5074 and do the firmware hack to effectively turn it into the MSO5354?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 04:15:26 am
content: Quote from: Northrop on March 11, 2022, 02:18:37 amOr for that matter why not a 100 MHz SDS2104X Plus (185 MHz BW) and convert it into a 500 MHz SDS2504X Plus ?Yeah where do you stop as there are several options of well priced scopes that can beimproved.If you are ever to need the MSO capability the X Plus might be a better option as I believe the DIY Rigol MSO probe uses active components some of which seem hard to obtain ATM whereas the DIY SPL2016 knockoff guts are all passive.But if you don't need high BW or MSO and most of us don't, the SDS1104X-E enhanced to SDS1204X-E is a popular option.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 04:28:14 am
content: Quote from: Northrop on March 11, 2022, 02:18:37 amThere are many threads on this topic, some might be worth going back and reading. The #1 reason to buy the Siglent is much lower front end noise. Given your stated uses, that may or may not be important to you. The Rigol probably has an advantage in most other ways but at twice the money. You shouldn't buy the SDS1204X-E, just get the 1104X-E and easily hack it. The Siglent does have some limitations due to the available sample rate, but I doubt you'll need to worry about that anytime soon. So the prices for comparison should be about $500 and $1000.Quote from: tautech on March 11, 2022, 04:15:26 amBuying the SDS2104X has actually made me realize what an excellent deal the SDS1104X-E was. Not that I'm unhappy with the new purchase....

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 07:11:29 am
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on March 11, 2022, 04:28:14 amYep, there's one heap of functionality in that little box too.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 07:56:05 am
content: Quote from: Northrop on March 11, 2022, 02:18:37 amWhat were the dates on those posts? The MSO5000 has had some updates to fix things and add new features. You should have a look at the change list and make sure you're up to date.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 06:39:30 pm
content: Quote from: Northrop on March 11, 2022, 02:18:37 amAs a beginner I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a scope right away. There are a lot of other things to spend money on in this hobby, like a function generator, additional multimeters, power supplies, soldering/hot air station, computer-based logic analyzer, VNA, parts, PCB orders, ...I bought a Rigol DS1054Z and initially it was very helpful, but actually nowadays it is one of the least used pieces of test gear on my shelf.