Anyone make a protective shield for their DSO ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 02:05:56 am
content: I keep my 2 DSO's in a drawer, but what would be nice, would be something like a plexiglass shield/front cover. I'd probably have the button spaces and BNC's router-ed out, and it would fit flush over the screen's bezel. And even just holding it in place with velcro straps would be ok. So it would be like an old style facemask/hockeymask, for a DSO.I don't have a 3D printer, so I'll buy a plank of lumber, and have a go at it with mostly hand tools. Then sand it up real good and maybe put something on it to seal it and keep the dust in. Maybe I would also glue a couple of blocks to the bottom, front edge of the scope, for the mask to sit on, and help with the velcro straps.Do the big companies make them? Did anyone make their own ? I've damaged computer monitors before, but luckily so far, not my scopes. So I want to make a shield, and not fear for their screens/buttons so much.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 02:31:09 am
content: Considered the Siglent scope bag ?https://siglentna.com/product/bag-s2/

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 02:47:14 am
content: I use regular touchscreen protectors on my scopes. Do you not care if the touchscreen can be used anymore?I have a laser, I could easily cut out an acrylic shield if I wanted something like what you describe, but I really like poking the screen with my finger.

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 03:00:27 am
content: I mean for when not in use.Actually I should make a version with cardboard layers. It will be easy to cut the holes, and glue a few layers together. And maybe glue an outer piece of wood to it.And then when my scope is still sitting on the bench between uses, I don't have to worry about solder/flux debris, or flicking some wires into it, etc.

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 03:11:14 am
content: G'day MathWizard,Do you own a Trimmer/Router?You can neatly cut most Plastics with these.Let me know if you need more hints as I have done lots of this.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 03:28:54 am
content: Quote from: MathWizard on January 09, 2025, 02:05:56 amStanding up or lying down ?If lying down an inch or so of foam under the display that keeps the encoders elevated instead of depressed with the weight of the scope.In our PD checks we often place instruments display down in order to fit company stickers and such so with some foam you can be sure the encoders don't get damaged in any way.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 04:45:17 am
content: Quote from: MathWizard on January 09, 2025, 03:00:27 amOh, gotcha. I have my scope on top of a tower, and there's a custom vinyl cover over it when not in use. I measured it for digitaldeckcovers.com and they custom made it for me, and they still have the design available:https://www.digitaldeckcovers.com/siglent-sds2104x-plus?search=siglentIt's a little oversized for my HD model, but I'm too cheap to replace it since it works anyway. 😉

author: NE666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 09:58:16 am
content: Perhaps something like this? If you've the skills to CAD it, and then pass it to a 3D printing house?https://rigolshop.eu/accessories/oscilloscope/mso5000/mso5000-fpc.html

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 11:03:02 am
content: My Dad has a router, but for now just a cardboard inner part and outer wood cover, or a plastic cover I have from a an old scanner, they will do just fine.I put them away, standing up in a drawer, or sometimes just face them against the wall on a shelf.

author: robert.rozee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 11:47:10 am
content: older tek scopes used to have front panel covers available, for example see:https://www.ebay.com/p/1040470927if this were the right size, would it suit? if made deep enough you could also include a compartment for probe storage, or make it so that it could be fitted while the probes are still attached - so protect the front of the scope without needing to unplug everything from it.i like your idea of punching holes in cardboard and layering it. if you placed the scope face-down on a photocopier/scanner you could then create a template to work from.cheers,rob :-)

author: inse
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 12:07:47 pm
content: What about a different approach: if you have access to a sewing machine or someone to operate it you could make a cloth cover with a rubber band running around to easily slip over the front panel.Could be as simple as those disposable hygienic caps or more worked out with additional padding asf.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 01:22:11 pm
content: Quote from: inse on January 09, 2025, 12:07:47 pmA shower cap?

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 01:52:05 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on January 09, 2025, 01:22:11 pm

author: ArchieAltz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 01:59:21 pm
content: Wouldn't it be easier if you got jlcpcb's 3d printing service and get a screen protector for your DSO ? Or as some other people suggested , a bag for it ?

author: inse
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 09:00:51 am
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on January 09, 2025, 01:52:05 pmWell, kind of - why not?Cheap and sufficient to keep the dust off.I always prefer the KISS principle while others may stick to KAMEL (keep at maximum engineering level)

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 09:08:37 am
content: Quote from: MathWizard on January 09, 2025, 03:00:27 amI think the answer depends on whether you mean a cover to keep it clean, or one to protect it from impact.Hard plastic covers are available from many scope manufacturers, but at often absurd prices.The R&S MXO4 I have at work shipped with gorgeous foam protectors (either die-cut or laser-cut) with holes for each knob. It’s just packaging for shipping, but could easily be used for impact protection. The kind of foam I mean is that fairly rigid stuff like pool noodles are made from. Of course, you’d want an ESD version.You could, for example, use one or two layers of this (it’s ~0.5”/12.5mm thick):https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Chip-Quik/ESD-FOAM-PINK-18X12X0.5?qs=mELouGlnn3cQYGwAHAorDg%3D%3D&srsltid=AfmBOornCqPVkTD466i5prTCdHenupDeT0OAG-v9Q-MrIL3a9mEGy6XqCut it to size and make holes for knobs and jacks and you’re good.

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 03:07:03 pm
content: Well I found a big piece of packing foam, about 2" think, it probably came from my sds2204X+ box. So I've cut a piece a bit bigger than the front, and now I'm going to use a razor to slice put some spaces for the knobs. I may glue a couple of outer edge layers, with cardboard, and then it would fit around the outer edge of the scope.Since it's so thick, I may cut it in half, to make 2, and then cut the knobs spaces right out, and then glue on an outer very thin layer of wood or plastic.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 03:15:52 pm
content: https://www.printables.com/model/674437-siglent-sds2104x-protective-cover-for-oscilliscope?lang=enMaybe an idea of how it can be done..