First Time Oscilliscope Purchase - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: wattson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 08:32:13 pm
content: Hi all, this is my first post, and I would appreciate some advice concerning the aforementioned topic. I'd like to purchase an o-scope for home hobby/repair but also for learning so as to stay relevant/increase skill in my field of industrial maintenance. After watching o-scope reviews by Dave, seems like Rigol would be a decent purchase. As I have the funds I could purchase the Rigol 2702A for 800 US, but this is my first scope and don't know if that is more than I can handle or would have a use for. Should I begin more humbly and get a 1000 series Rigol for half the price? Or since I can currently afford better, should I buy the 2000 series and consider it an investment for the future , expecting to grow into the expanded features in the future? Thanks in advance for those who take the time to reply....

author: wilheldp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 10:14:33 pm
content: I'm a big fan of the DS1000Z series scopes. They aren't quite as well-spec'd as the DS2000 series, but they are hard to be for a 4-channel scope at their price point.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 10:36:35 pm
content: Rigol DS1074Z. $585.I'm expecting one on Monday.

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 10:49:39 pm
content: I can't say what YOU should do, but I'll point out that digital oscilloscopes, like computer gear, have been coming down in price rapidly (maybe because they ARE largely computer gear).Suppose you have $800. Do you spend it all on an $800 scope today? Or do you spend $400 on a cheap scope today, put the other $400 in the bank, and wait five years to upgrade? Five years from now, your $400 plus interest will probably buy much more scope than it would buy today. On the other hand, you'd be stuck with a lower quality scope during those intervening five years.I'd suggest it's probably not a great idea to invest a large amount of money in a scope you don't have a good current use for, because scopes lose value quickly, so they don't make good investments. But it's also not a good idea to eternally postpone the purchase of gear that you could be using, on the theory that the gear will soon be cheaper.The way I see it, you should buy just a little more scope, not a lot more, than you currently need. And probably plan to buy another one in a few years. In this way, it's not that much different than buying computers.

author: cellularmitosis
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 01:47:20 am
content: If you bought the $400 scope, several months from now you'll happily discover that you "need" a $200 used 6.5 digit meter, a month later you'll discover you need a function generator, then another bench supply...I think spending $800 will bring you the most enjoyment, but that doesn't necessarily mean an $800 scope

author: wattson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 02:07:28 am
content: I'd like to thank everyone for their posts so far and let you all know I am currently digesting your advice. What made me look at the 2000 series was the superior display on those scopes, after all the basic function of scope is to view the signal.

author: ovnr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 02:53:08 am
content: My 2 cents:As a somewhat unhappy owner of a cheap (specs and feature-wise, itcost memore than $2300 - GW Instek GDS-2104) scope, I'd say go for something nice.I'd have been much happier spending a bit more on a decent scope at the outset, compared to now wanting to buy a new one and set fire to the old one. Which will cost $3-$4k, because I'mnotgoing to buy another cheap ("cheap") turd.At the sub-1k range you're going to get nicer stuff over time, sure, but you're never going to get the equivalent of a scope that costs $5k now. Maybe in some performance metrics, but the $5k scope will benicer.

author: bithead9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 06:42:22 am
content: In my opinion...If its for hobby/repair there is next to no reason to spend big $$$ unless you just have extra cash lying around that you need to get rid of...Lots of decent scopes made in China under $300.00 these days. Rigol, ATTEN, Siglent, etc. Pick the bandwidth you need and pull the trigger.

author: wattson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 06:54:15 am
content: Well I couldn't drop more than 1k US, so I settled on a Rigol brand based of the reviews/teardowns. As a beginner I can't make us of an advance feature set as I start out, so is a better display worth it as in the Rigol 1000 series vs the 2000 series? Thats the root of my question, I have the 800 to spend...just wanted to make sure it is spent well...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 06:58:20 am
content: Quote from: wattson on January 24, 2014, 08:32:13 pmThe 1000Z is almost as good as the 2000 for less cost, and it's 4 channels which can be handy.Neither is "more than you can handle".

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 06:59:49 am
content: Quote from: wattson on January 25, 2014, 06:54:15 amThe 2000 screen is better, yes, certainly, plus some other features. But worth it? - for a beginner you should probably get the 1000Z and spend the rest on other tools.

author: wattson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 07:22:34 am
content: Right, thanks for your posts EEBlog Admin(Dave?). So I don't see the 1000Z, but the 1074Z I do see which is 4 channel...http://www.tequipment.net/RigolDS1074Z.html?v=7233.This is the one you recommend? Thanks again.

author: idpromnut
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 01:10:01 pm
content: This may sound silly, but I was in much the same position as you (perhaps less knowledge, and certainly not willing to spend 800$+) on buying a scope a couple of years ago. I decided to take Dave's advice and bought an analog scope (the Tek 2225). I realized after using this scope for a year or so two things:- I was much more comfortable coming to a problem and figuring out how to use the scope to try and troubleshoot it (how to set up, what I was looking for, what to expect, etc)- I also knew that I could really use the missing features of the analog scope (i.e. that were present in a DSO)After that, it wasn't a huge leap to go out and purchase a "better" DSO. In short, I was able to answer your question for myself

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 01:23:23 pm
content: Quote from: wattson on January 25, 2014, 07:22:34 amDS1000Z is shorthand for the series that the DS1074Z, DS1104Z, etc fall into.http://www.rigolna.com/products/digital-oscilloscopes/ds1000Z/They're all alike aside from the bandwidth spec and optional AWG on the -S models.Personally, although the AWG is very good value, I have decided to get the model without it. I think it's better to buy individual tools over time than put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak. So if you want a function gen/AWG or a counter or whatever else, you can shop around and get one with the spec you need, and it's own set of controls etc.

author: wattson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 04:40:35 am
content: THanks everyone, buying the Rigol 1074z.