USB oscilloscope advice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Jmh474
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 09:30:31 am
content: Good morning all, my first post just joined the forum.I'll tell you a little bit about myself first, so I trained to be an electrician about 15 years ago and worked in the trade for about 10 then started repairing electronics, iv never owned a scope before as never had the money, and yes I know I should of had one years ago, so if had to pack that up now as myself and my partner both care for our son as he has special needs, so money can be tight at times.Iv been looking at USB scopes as there a lot cheaper compared to bench top scopes iv tried searching online for used cheap scopes and I dont think it's going to happen.As there all pick up, I dont think it would be classed as essential travel even tho it would be to me lolThe scope in question is made buy a Chinese company called Loto, there are two versions I'm looking at are osca02 and the osc2002, I was just wondering if anyone has anything to do with these beforeI'm only doing hobby work like playing around with arduino and raspberry pi,But I am building a cnc router using a AKZ250 board.I have tried to save a few time for one but everytime I get some money put together the house end up needing something, and my partner seems to think a new fridge is more important than a oscilloscope.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 03:36:29 pm
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:30:31 amThe general feeling around here is, "You'll get what you pay for!" and anything under about $250 is going to be a disappointment in the long term.Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:30:31 amBeing able to see anything at all is better than being blind. You could get a DSO138:https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=dso138Yes, they're a toy compared to the real thing but they're only $20 and you'll be able to see the state of Arduino pins using one. It's a start.

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 03:56:51 pm
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:30:31 amI'm not sure what your budget is, but if you can't afford one of the entry level Pico scopes, perhaps consider the 25 MS/sec Velleman PCSGU250 as an option, since it is about half the price of a Pico. I have never used the PCSGU250 model myself, but I built a K7103 kit (parallel port interface, 32 MS/sec, single channel upgradeable to dual with the K7104 kit) back in the mid '90s and it has served me well for many years.At $70 USD / $90 CAD it seems like it might be a potential candidate for your needs as a starter scope, although I'm not sure about more local, UK pricing and availability.

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 03:58:35 pm
content: For about the same money you could get a Hantek 2C42, or a bitmore, the Fnirsi 1013D (real bandwidth 20-30MHz). Between theseand the DSO138, you have the Dso Pro (~40us$, 2-3Mhz bandwidth)and several 20-30MHz at around 70us$ (claimed bandwidth 100MHz).

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 04:43:46 pm
content: Welcome to the forum.As others have said, you need to be very careful at this price point with USB scopes. Work out your exact budget and use as much of it as possible. It's not worth going below your budget for a 'cheap' one.Stay away from 'toys' for now because they are only single channel. Yes, they are useful toys, but they're a nice to have if you already have a scope. Things like the DSO138, or better, the DSO150 (better UI) fall into this category. They also need power, even if it's just a strapped-on battery pack. One of the main functions of a scope is to be able to compare the relationship of different signals [Edit: and you can't do that with 1 channel].I think I've seen the scope you show listed previously under the Sainsmart brand, however they tend to buy up stuff and badge it. You need to bereallycareful of the specs. Ignore the 1Gsps equivalent sampling time spec and concentrate on the real time sample rate. I've looked at the datasheet and I still can't work out whether the 200Msps is per channel or shared between the two. The other things I noticed on a brief scan is only 6 vertical sensitivity ranges, the horizontal timebase stops at 2s/div, and importantly, only edge triggering.Ultimately it depends on how the H/W and software/UI work together, if nobody here has direct experience then you're down to searching out Youtube reviews.As mentioned above, work out your budget. Integrated Logic analyser cuts your options, you might as well pick up one of the 'pocket money' £10 8 bit Saleae clones and use it with Sigrok (plenty of search references) to get started with an LA.There are long threads with detailed reviews of things like the Owon VDS1022(I) and Hantek 6022 family scopes on here. Both have their limitations (particularly the Hantek H/W) but these are well documented and both have PC S/W improvements written by enterprising folks.I have no knowledge of the Hantek 2C42 or the Fnirsi, but there are folks on here that own them and do.Unfortunately Chinese stuff isn't as cheap on ebay as it was a year or so back, but there are sellers with UK stock.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 04:50:29 pm
content: Just for giggles, I bought one of the DSO150s. It is just a single channel, bandwidth isn't all that high (250 kHz) but it provides a lot of on-screen measurements and some of the features you expect in a DSO. The interface takes some getting used to but it's only 3 buttons and an encoder with a push button.Less than $30 and it actually puts a trace on the screen.I'm not recommending, I'm just saying I bought one. It won't replace my DS1054Z or my Tek 485 any time soon.https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-dso150.htmlMaybe it's a start...BTW, the battery (if you plan to use a battery) doesn't mount in the case, it dangles on the bench and mine didn't come with the battery cord or a wall wart:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NV772WMPay attention to the advertisement, it clearly calls out that the wall wart is optional.GOTCHA: The PS connector is center pin positive. My first search at AliExpress turned up wall warts with center pin negative. The battery clips I linked are center pin positive.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 05:09:14 pm
content: Sorry, a quick OT just for @rstoffer. You can actually squeeze a Lipo cell inside with appropriate charger and boost converter. It's fiddly but doable and makes a world of difference...https://jyetech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=1153&sid=97a5386cee6a8b15127893473b01dc35

author: GerritMax
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 05:22:56 pm
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:30:31 amDepending where you are in the UK I'd say look on facebook as there are actually a few up for salefor not even that much moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/marketplace/108451039178633/search/?query=oscilloscope.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 05:38:50 pm
content: If you want USB look at picoscope. I have the very base model, yes i can see it's bandwidth limitations but it's great for fiddling with anything on the desk that it will cope with if exact measurements are not needed. the 10MHz and 25MHz are as far as I would spend money on a USB scope though.For some reason USB scopes always end up costing more than a standalone one which gives you far more more bang per buck than USB. We have a pico scope at work because I can save the setup and then people in quality department can just launch the program with the setup I saved and follow instructions. But if I am called to help I just bring over my Rigol as it's so much easier to use and more powerful.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 06:08:02 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on February 09, 2021, 05:09:14 pmThanks!

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 07:20:00 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on February 09, 2021, 05:38:50 pmI respectfully disagree. Picoscopes are much more powerful than most standalone scopes costing much more. Out of the box, for free they decode 23 protocols at the moment (and they keep adding them), they have unlimited math, custom probes with transfer function definition, large memories, good API, good FFT, DeepMeasure, etc. Find a scope that you can look at with 2x27" screen having 16 different views open at the same time.....For in depth analysis of signals, very good tool. It has it's own drawbacks, but very useful.Of course, that is important (and worth the money) only if you plan to use all that. If you use scope in classic manner all of that might not be needed and no need to pay for capability you won't use...

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 07:45:58 pm
content: My comparison is more at the entry level. If you take a 2000 series it quickly gets expensive for what I think are similar specs to a standalone Rigol. Yes if you go into the higher ranges they may well be better bang per buck but at the entry level being talked about it's more about the portability etc than cost per performance.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:37:27 pm
content: A Pico Scope 2408B 4-channel 100 MHz is roughly equivalent to the Rigol DS0154Z and costs $1125 versus $349 for the Rigol. For some notion of equivalence...There are lesser models but since the Rigol is considered the defacto entry level scope, the Pico selection should be roughly equivalent.Yes, the Pico has some software defined tools that are really useful but at 3X the price, maybe I would rather have a bench scope. I can still do screen capture and print the results.I can't argue against a 27" screen, that's how I run my Analog Discovery 2.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:40:25 pm
content: i like my 10MHz picoscope and wish I had got the 25MHz but after that it's pricy. I noticed a correlation between the price and the sample memory, this seems to be the price driver.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:41:27 pm
content: Quote from: rstofer on February 09, 2021, 08:37:27 pmAs I said analysis tools are worth the price, if you need them, that is..23 protocols, unlimited math etc etc... PC API that works...If you don't need that, standalone scope can be had for less.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:47:03 pm
content: I'm going to guess that a fair part of the price is the PC software and the bells and whistles. I see a contractor we use has a £1'000 USB spectrum analyser, I don't know how much they are otherwise but it seems pretty cheap for a good bit of kit. I suppose it's breaking the £500 point that the price starts to take off and specs diverge to the point of becoming specific beasts.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 08:49:32 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on February 09, 2021, 08:41:27 pmSigrok has 130 protocols and it works with a $7 USB logic analyzer.https://sigrok.org/wiki/Protocol_decodershttps://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=USB+logic+analyzer+24m

author: Syntax Error
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 09:25:19 pm
content: If you're interested in seeing what the Picoscope range can acheive, you can download the latest PicoScope software [6.14] for your platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) and play with the features in real time, using the inbuilt function generator in it's 'demo mode'.https://www.picotech.com/downloads- select Picoscope 2000 series + 2204A/2205AEven the entry level 2204A (two input, one AWG output) is a solid and reliable piece of test equipment that's no toy.https://www.picotech.com/oscilloscope/2000/picoscope-2000-overview

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 09:25:51 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on February 09, 2021, 08:49:32 pmYep, nice try buddy.. Not even close..Sigrok is amazing for free. But not a pro tool.And we had that discussion many times before. Cheap LA is not replacement for mixed signal debug with scope.Cheap LA and Sigrok are GREAT for troubleshooting software side of protocols though. Once you know signals are right in analog domain.Benefit of Pico (or some other deep mem mix. signal scope) is that you can look at things simultaneously.That is something useful with CAN bus for instance, where software error in one node can manifest itself with level errors on the bus.That can be seen only with scope in analog domain. So you search for packets with error, and you zoom in to that one and see problem with level because some other node injected disturbance in bus....

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 09:37:23 pm
content: Ok, ok... Bringing back from the flame wars of USB oscilloscopes to the main topic.I also have the Owon VDS1022I mentioned by Gyro above and it is a fine piece of instrument. For a USB model, you have to always take into consideration the software stability and bugs, and the Owon does not disappoint in this front.I personally don't know the Hantek or the Loto mentioned by you, but at least the Hantek brand is famous for cutting corners in its Hardware.The designer of the Loto oscilloscope is active in a thread here in the EEV:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/how-to-promote-an-usb-oscilloscope-to-individual-engineers-i-am-the-loto-instru/msg3452262/#msg3452262I also see you are using the AKZ250 board, which has servo control of up to 200kHz - the oscilloscopes of 10MHz and above are enough to see the waveforms at that frequency.

author: Jmh474
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 09:42:57 pm
content: Well thanks for all the information it's very appreciated,I guess my budget is around £100, I can guess a lot of you will sit back and laugh, and I can understand why, I know it's a case of you get what you pay for with this type of equipment.One of the main reasons for the purchase is so I can check pwm for any noise, and this will help in cleaning it up.I have tried looking on Facebook in my area (Cambridgeshire) but sadly at the moment the closest I can find is like 50 miles away, iv already been pulled a few times already, one when going shopping and another when I took my son for a drive as it helps him with meltdowns.I am thinking of trying to put off buying one at the moment and hope something might pop up but as I'm sure you all know nothing ever turns up until it's to lateI've googled and YouTube the scope and from what I can tell it's not to bad a scope they've put a lot of time into the software from what I can tell, it's also open source they offer open source module pcb.Again that's for the advice, but for now the hunt goes onJust trying to find best bang for the buck

author: Syntax Error
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 09:55:51 pm
content: @Jmh474Just to let you know, Pico Technology is in St.Neots Cambridgeshire, so if you go this route (basic model 2204A ~£100), you'll be supporting alocalcompany. Happy huntinghttps://www.picotech.com/about/uk-address

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 10:10:22 pm
content: I have the 2204A, it's good, obviously only 10MHz which means sine wave at 10MHz so 1MHz square. I have been able to get an AVR µC pin to toggle fast enough to not be properly represented so you have to be careful to not let yourself be fooled. If you want to.It's ideal for looking at PWM outputs of a µC as 20MHz/256 = 78kHz, even if your counter is counting up to 100 it's 200kHz which is not too bad.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 10:17:56 pm
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:42:57 pmNot at all, there are many of us who can't justify spending more that we do on test equipment. It's developing the skills to get the best use out of what you have that counts.P.S. When every penny counts, you might need to sacrifice your buying principles a little. Eg. You can get more than 10MHz bandwidth for £100.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 10:37:29 pm
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:42:57 pmAbsolutely not.. I remember it all too well...Owon mentioned by Gyro and Rjsouza is very useful instrument I wish I had not so many years ago....Just keep going... Don't let anything or anybody discourage you...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 10:46:12 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on February 09, 2021, 10:10:22 pmI dunno, 10MHz seems too low to me.An Arduino can generate an 8MHz square wave if you know how to do it.Quote from: 2N3055 on February 09, 2021, 10:37:29 pmI used one of these for two or three years:https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=dso213

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 12:02:40 pm
content: There's also the Owon HDS200 handheld series.Recently introduced, so no reviews yet.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 02:14:28 pm
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:42:57 pmQuite a few of us were in the same boat as you: started with mostly a DMM (or an analog VOM) and went through years without an oscilloscope - mind you, this from a time where £100 would only be enough for an oscilloscope probe...So no, nobody will laugh at it.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 02:55:58 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on February 10, 2021, 02:14:28 pmThat's why I mentioned that $20 eBay special. They're rubbish... but the difference between seeing nothing and seeinganything at allis like night/day.

author: faraday
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 03:16:53 pm
content: I recommend picoscope. I have few, work ok, interface is user friendly not like chinesium scopes. Support is fantastic. You can consider second hand unit, pico is very robust.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 03:51:30 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on February 10, 2021, 02:55:58 pmQuite interesting you mentioned $20. The link directs me to search results for the DSO212 going well above US$150. It may be a destination country issue.Did you mean aDSO138perhaps?

author: Jmh474
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 15, 2021, 09:06:04 am
content: Well this is a bit of a strange update if anyone is interestedSo my partner for a valentine's present has surprised me sort of she's borrowed some money off her mum and brought me the loto oscilloscope the osca02 one, but it's not going to be here for a while, I'm actually quite shocked she's done this, but she thinks iv deserve it for all I do for the family, to be honest our view on life changed since our daughter passed away and we try to live for the now, so now my box of chocolate and flowers looks quite shit now, so I'll try and report back when I get it, if there is anything anyone wants to know about it just ask and I'll try and give information on it, as this will be my first oscilloscope please be patient with me lol

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2021, 11:16:21 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on February 10, 2021, 03:51:30 pmYes.

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2021, 12:17:58 pm
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 15, 2021, 09:06:04 amWhat a lovely gesture.Thanks for the update, it is always nice to hear what the outcome is when someone attempts some sort of repair or project, chooses some sort of equipment or whatnot, it will be interesting to see how it performs for your use cases.Apparently forum userjiangtao.lvis the developer of the Loto units from China. There is a bit of a language and cultural difference there but he seems sincere. I expect he would be interested to hear your feedback eventually once you get the hang of using a scope and start really using it for projects and will be willing to help with any specific issues you have if they arise.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/how-to-promote-an-usb-oscilloscope-to-individual-engineers-i-am-the-loto-instru/

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2021, 12:03:59 am
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 15, 2021, 09:06:04 amPretty nice gesture; I can relate as my wife gave me my good oscilloscope as our 10th anniversary.Also, I am very sorry for your loss.

author: Jmh474
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 19, 2021, 09:55:26 am
content: So if just leaned that actually it's the osc2002 model now it's the waiting game, shipping from china to the uk so going to have to wait

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2021, 10:47:17 am
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 19, 2021, 09:55:26 amI will dump my 2 cents ...The thing with USB scopes is always the lack (or need) of screen.A PC can be used although with risks... a tablet will do the job far better.Portable.. a big plus. Can use a 5V supply big plus...But ...we have already entered a new era or gizmos..And PORTABLE.. FLOATING (no GND issues) and cheaper...I am even considering adding this one to the my box...https://www.banggood.com/MUSTOOL-MDS120M-Professional-Digital-Oscilloscope-120MHz-Analog-Bandwidth-500MS-or-s-Sampling-Rate-320x240-LCD-Screen-Support-Waveform-Storage-with-Backlight-p-1759856.htmlIt works as expected in the price range... with several bonus..Already saw reviews that confirm that..Paul

author: gnuarm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2021, 10:58:19 am
content: Quote from: PKTKS on February 19, 2021, 10:47:17 amYeah, interesting, but I would not be able to see anything on a screen that small. That's a big reason why I want a scope that can use the display on my 17" laptop. It's a touch screen, but I have that turned off, too many finger prints. But I'd be willing to use it with a scope if that is a better interface than the mouse.The idea scope is USB attached with knobs in the unit. Am I right???

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2021, 11:04:57 am
content: Quote from: gnuarm on February 19, 2021, 10:58:19 amYES - you are right.There are several things to be considered.IN MY CASE.. My use to the USB scope is as a floating portablecheap gizmo.. a tablet or even my cell phone can do that...Hantek already has these applets..For portable battery multi use I have a small one in whichthe lack of real buttons and better triggers are some rare times an issuebut being a floating portable device... the goal is more "SEE" than makeaccurate stuffFor accurate stuff buttons and big screen are required..As someone said..Analogs not always tell you the truth..But DIGITAL tell you a bunch of lies ...Each type became necessary today .. as they are cheaperand multi function stuff.My problem now is where to store them allPaul

author: zachik
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2021, 06:43:40 pm
content: If that little scope had USB out (to a laptop) - that could have been best of both worlds...

author: frank2644
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2021, 07:19:50 pm
content: I have bought 3 under 100$US PC scopes in the past. Yes, they work, no, I don't like them. Somehow the convenience of quickly twisting a knob while watching the trace makes hdw scopes much more pleasurable to use.. Maybe the more expensive PC scopes are better, but then the prices approach some of the lower cost hdw scopes whose capabilities are probably better.I started by trying the sfw scopes that use the PC audio card. Yes they work and might be OK for some beginners, but not for anything serious.The cheapest new hdw scope that I have seen is the Hantek 5102p at US$214, not much more expensive then the better PC based scopes.OTOH, the ability to get screen prints and data is probably better with the PC scopes, but the HDW scopes usually have some similar capability. Although some might take some fiddling to setup.Just IMHO.Frank

author: chris178
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2021, 12:42:58 am
content: Hi everyone,Does anybody has any hands on experience withhttps://www.dreamsourcelab.com/product/dscope-series/devices? DScope or DSLogic.It looks quite promising in terms of specs. I've installed software (arch linux) and also looks pretty well.I thought it would be perhaps a good hint for this thread...I was recently looking more of a logic analyzer following my recent repair involving deep SPI (fast one..) debugging.I used my DS1054Z for this + DSRemote (allowing to dump full 24M memory to computer) and then to Pulseview with nice long samples. But this method isn't that straight forward..DScope U2P20 will fit around $100... U2B20 with shorter buffer would be even less.... It looks as this Spartan-6 based device is a little ahead of similar competition... this should be true realtime 50MHz capable device...Your thoughts?

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2021, 03:19:22 am
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 09, 2021, 09:42:57 pmYou should get in contact with a local ham radio operator or club and put out feelers for a used scope. You didn't mention what your interests are and that is a factor. For example if your interests are in audio you can get by with a low end scope. However long term you are likely better off getting at least a 100MHz scope. New scopes are completely out of your price range.Some of the cheaper USB scopes might actually be completely serviceable in the audio domain. However they likely will have troubles with almost anything digital.QuoteThat still isn't much help. Tell us what the PWM is for and how fast it runs.QuoteSo? The shut downs do very little to stop the transfer of COVID. We can see this in China which went to extremes and still had huge problems with the infection.QuoteI've tried to obtain a variety of tools over the years, via online sites and nothing is ever there until after I buy the new device. Buying used when the item is not mainstream is a struggle. You will have more luck getting involved in online auctions such as those offered by DoveBid and others that closeout businesses.The smartest move might be to put off buying, find some part time work, overtime or whatever and build up some cash. Sometimes you are better off letting things drag, contemplate what you need and want, to do and then make your move.QuoteBuying a USB scope is not completely bad idea. If 5 years from now you want to buy a real scope you can and keep the USB unit as a portable solution. The tech is certainly getting better and frankly I can see some really nice ones coming once USB-C stabilizes. You need to realize that most of the low end USB scopes are more like data acquisition units with limited voltage input ranges and lacking a lot of features. More realistic USB scopes do cost far more.

author: DEV001
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2021, 04:20:10 am
content: Quote from: chris178 on March 10, 2021, 12:42:58 amI own most of their products from their original USB 2.0 DSCope and DSLogic to their latest USB 3.0 versions so if you have any specific questions about usability or functionality just let me know?Another nice thing about their products is the source is on GitHub for DSView and in theory you could add new features if you had the desire.

author: chris178
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2021, 12:04:58 pm
content: I've seen DSlogic working on some youtube videos, which one of the best is I guesst OpenTestLab's one.I'm more interested of a general feel regarding to DScope - how does regular operation compares to using real knobs and having no lag on physical scope screen.Is DScope used on laptop comparable in terms of speed, screen refresh, measurements to a real scope?Chris

author: Markus2801A
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2022, 06:04:39 pm
content: I'm just courious what you think about those USB scopes:Owon VDS6102A vs Loto OSCH02HI really would like to know how they will compare to each other in terms of usability etc.TheOWON VDS6102A(or the 4Channel:VDS6104A) is a little more expensive (approx. 450€ for the 4CH-A Model incl. VAT in Austria) over the highest modelLOTOoffers, theOSCH02His approx. 330€.But considering what you geht for the money they seem to be very good Oscilloscopes. Don't want to compare them to the higher End Siglent and Rigol Ranges :-)IMHO the pico scopes are overpriced regarding price-performance ratio! What do you think? :-)

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2022, 08:04:07 pm
content: Quote from: Markus2801A on January 17, 2022, 06:04:39 pmIt all depends. I presume you are after 14 bit resolution? Because otherwise that scope has nothing else. Software is very basic. No decoding at all either.It would make sense if used only as sampling front end and feeding data to your custom software.How do you connect to it? Is there well documented API? It seems that it has Ethernet and it might even be standalone LXI device. It is not clear.I don't have firsthand experience with that particular scope.I presume this Owon is decent enough hardware. Is it full 14Bit worth decent? I don't know. Original software is very basic, and other stuff is not clear.So there is too much "I don't knows" around it. It seems very attractively priced for a 14bit 4ch scope, in theory. In practice it is what we call here in Croatia "buying a cat in a bag". If you cannot make it (and use it) with your own software to use 14bit for some advanced analysis it is very little of a scope with it's own software.This is why many people buy the likes of Picoscope despite higher prices. It has powerful software that decodes 25+ protocols and has many advanced features. It simply works. Same with API and many samples how to use it. Simply works.I wish if there were actual users to chime in. For me, personally, 450€ is too much for a "cat in a bag" purchase.

author: gnuarm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2022, 08:45:39 pm
content: Quote from: chris178 on March 10, 2021, 12:42:58 amI don't see a U2B20 and the U2P20 is $179. I guess their prices have gone up. That's a lot of inflation!

author: Markus2801A
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2022, 12:41:10 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on January 17, 2022, 08:04:07 pmI totally agree, wondering were are the owners of this device? There seems to be a market for it, so there should be plenty of user around which can tell us more details about those scopes, but I also only have found very basics to no almost no information on those devices!

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2022, 04:00:02 pm
content: Quote from: Markus2801A on January 18, 2022, 12:41:10 pmWell, to me it doesn't seem to be much market for it. Users that do their own signal analysis are not that common. As a scope it has extremely basic features.And 14 bits is really limited to low sampling rates on single channel. For most use you will have to run it in 8 bit mode anyways.So you end up having very limited scope for the price where you can buy decent fully featured devices, that also have very good reputation.If that Owon scope had software as good as Picoscope or Digilent, then it would be different story.The way it is now, cheap little 20 MHz Owon for 100 USD is good for the price.This one is too expensive for the people that want something cheap, and not good enough to be comparable to other devices in the price class.14 bit means nothing if I can't do anything sophisticated with it.Therefore I presume not many people are buying it.

author: yoga
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 26, 2022, 01:47:33 am
content: Quote from: Jmh474 on February 15, 2021, 09:06:04 amWell, I have a simple question: Does your plain LOTO OSCA02 work with an android tablet or phone once connected via OTG adapter ?And did you get the OSCA02 or a different one like OSCA02M which is the official version that supports android and comes along with an otg adapter and a full hscope licence ?I am asking due to the modularity mess and complexity of the whole Loto line up which you can see here in its full glory of pricing on aliexpress for EU incl. 19% VAT per end of february 2022.OSC482 65,67€OSC482L 78,79€ = OSC482 + 4 channel logic analyzerOSC482M 86,45€ = OSC482 + Android hscope licence + OTG AdapterOSC482S 90,83€ = OSC482 + signal generator (on banggood just 16€ incl. shipping)OSC482X 103,96€ = OSC482 + signal generator + 4 channel logic analyzerOSC482F 124,74€ = OSC482 + signal generator + 4 channel logic analyzer + AndroidOSC482D 98,49€ = OSC482 + differential isolation module (but only 1 channel free - so better to get the owon vds1022i)OSC482H 158,67€ = OSC482 + signal generator + 4 channel logic analyzer + Android + differantial isolation moduleAnd your OSCA02 offers even more combinations of those letters / modules if I remember right.MOST IMPORTANT:some of these modules can be purchased later and used like the signal generator that you can get for 16€ from banggood.BUT other modules like the Logic Analyzer can be purchased too without being able to work unless you ship your device back to the manufacturer where it need to get a new firmware. But no one ever will do this due to shipping prices so you need to be very aware and taught what loto model you purchase if you buy a loto cause otherwise you end in a trap and need to flip the old for the new right one.And as you can see you can get the OSC482L for 80€, but if you want Logic and Android your have to spend +45€ more or roughly 55% even though you would only need the otg adapter (i already have like many others having raspberry pi zeros) and a free hscope app or the 12€ paid full licence, so 35€ spend for nothing cause I do not need the signal generator and a otg adapter for 35€.So far I could not find out if any of the non 'M' editions will work with hscope and therefore I hope you might tell us soon if your basic OSCA02 will work with an android OTG capable device out of the box like my hantek 6022BL did and the owon vds1022i, just by connecting and installing the free hscope app from the google play store.I also hope that other loto osc interested will find this topic in their search list who are struggling in the loto modularity universe who are in need of a logic analyzer module and have to buy the osca02L or osc482L cause those need to get the right firmware in the factory to get the L module working.thanks for sharing the storyand talking about the sad fate of your child walking ahead to the other side.might help others too !

author: ozkarah
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2022, 02:08:00 am
content: I have been using Analog Discovery 3 for 2 years and am very happy with it.It is a bit pricy but comes with many functions like 2 ch oscilloscope, 2 ch signal generator, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, power supply, voltmeter ...Easy to to write scripts

author: AmadeusMozart
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 22, 2022, 03:56:24 am
content: In 2017 I bought an Owon, then replaced it with a decent standalone and could not stand the noise of the inbuild fan.I've got a PicoScope 2204A now and am thinking of replacing it with the 2205A. Although only doing audio work I am running into limitations with the build in 100kHz AWG (want higher frequency and the square wave can be better).The software differrence with the Owon is like night and day.

author: jasonRF
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2022, 08:49:13 am
content: The signal generator on the 2205a has identical specs as the one one the 2204a. I would expect it has identical performance. Are you sure it won’t have the same jittery square wave problem?I have the 2204a and purchased an eBay function generator to get better signals.Jason