Siglent SDS1104X-E skewed LCD display trace brightness - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: pOM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2022, 04:16:12 pm
content: [ Specified attachment is not available ]Not sure how to describe this, and hope my Subject description is fairly close:When looking at the scope, the clarity/brightness of the traces changes depending on the vertical angle of view. Above by about 25 degrees the traces are brightest; at "straight on" less so, and from below some information is lost.Here's three photos, from above, below, and straight on.Note how the pulses of oscillations are pretty well lost when viewing from slightly below, and are noticeably less distinct even straight on.Is this normal for this scope?

author: Performa01
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2022, 05:14:25 pm
content: Yes, it's normal.The view angle of the display is limited and for some reason it's optimized for the instrument sitting on the bench, not a shelf.If you put the SDS1000X-E series on a shelf above eye level, then you need something (book, piece of wood, ...) to place under the rear base of the scope in order to tilt it down a bit.

author: pOM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2022, 05:36:25 pm
content: Thank you!I was afraid that might be the case.In fact I noticed it with it on the bench (not shelf), with the supporting legs flipped down (i.e., front raised). I was working while sitting fairly low, and the loss of the oscillations was apparent. Folding the legs back up improved the visibility, but even then, it's remarkable how much more distinct it is when looking from slightly above.I have been using it mostly when standing, so viewing down to the screen. The problem with that is the top line that has the trigger, sweep rate, and frequency information, is obscured by the case because the screen is set back. It means bending down to see it. But flipping the supporting legs down, or otherwise raising the front of the scope, reduces the clarity in the traces. Odd trade-off.But if they're all this way, I'll adapt.I seem to recall some time back reading a post, or a review elsewhere, that mentioned this. I just can't seem to find the right keywords for a successful search. Is there a proper term/description for this characteristic?

author: pope
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2022, 09:45:27 am
content: That's not great. I've been thinking of getting a 1104x-e but it must stay on a shelf so now I don't know...Is it the case also with the sds2000x plus series?

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2022, 10:45:46 am
content: This characteristic is known as a TFT-LCD viewing angle.The display is likely TN type. These are the cheapest of colour active matrix LCDs that are currently made. And they are fine if you are directly in line with the monitor (I have twin TN 4K monitors, and no complaints.)TN viewing angle used to be much worse. Now, it is usually good in the horizontal plane but poor in the vertical.You would want an oscilloscope with a VA or IPS panel. I doubt many but the most premium are made with IPS. A few cheaper instruments might be made with VA; my old DS1000Z Rigol scope seemingly has either a very good TN panel or a VA panel. Given there aren't many small VA panels my bet is it is still a TN panel but a little higher specification. I'm not aware of any manufacturers of small IPS/VA panels outside of those used in smartphones and tablets, they typically have high pixel density too so not often seen on oscilloscopes.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2022, 07:17:03 pm
content: Quote from: pope on February 01, 2022, 09:45:27 amIt's probably the case witheveryoscilloscope. Viewing angles are a fact of life and most people will use it on a bench so they optimize for that.You'd think by now they'd have flip down feet at frontandback.