Getting back into the game and looking for a scope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Timon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 10:46:05 pm
content: I've been out of the design game for quite a while it I'm getting back in for my self and need to find a nice scope. My scope of choice many years ago was a Tek 475. I guess I could find a used one but I'd like to get something a bit more up to date. I'll mainly be working with uPs plus some power supply work and some RF circuits. I've been looking at a dS1000Z series but I not sure I want to loose 100Mhz of bandwidth I had with the old 475. Anyone have some suggestions or comments that would help?

author: TankaaKumawani
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 11:29:47 pm
content: It depends on how much you want the four channels. I'm rather fond of my (hacked) DS2072 with 300MHz bandwidth, but it only has two input channels.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 11:44:29 pm
content: If we knew where you are, we could advise of a local supplier.What is your definition of "nice"?If you asked our Dave he would likely say LCD screen DSO to keep up with the times.There is plenty of choice, how deep are your pockets?

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 12:18:18 am
content: Country and budget please

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 12:43:15 am
content: How many times do we need to ask this each time? I really think it is time for country to be mandatory in user profiles

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 01:12:36 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2014, 12:43:15 am+1.Are you listening Dave?

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 03:33:43 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on April 14, 2014, 12:43:15 am-1(Don't like the question?, just ignore it)

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 04:20:17 am
content: Since it's your money it's easy for me to say get one of those nice 4-chan agilents at least 300MHz. Or look at the new Tek scopes. Also there's been talk that Tek are coming out with some new models soon. Don't know how soon but might be worth the wait.

author: Timon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 02:57:27 am
content: First, I've updated my profile with location information. Sorry I forgot to set that up before posting. Since this is a very International site I +1 that it should require one to add country during initial sign up.Budget, I'd like to stay under a grand. Even then I'll have to sweet talk my wife to get it.I'd love a good Tek or Agilent but 3 to 4 grand is not in the budget.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 03:48:56 am
content: Quote from: tautech on April 14, 2014, 01:12:36 amThis was polled a long time ago and the response was no, don't make it compulsory.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 04:27:46 am
content: Quote from: Timon on April 15, 2014, 02:57:27 amWhat about an older Tek/Agilent? In the 1k category, I think a prime choice would the Siglent 2000 series. They offered me a special deal, try and work one out with them. The price was very nice.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 10:43:14 am
content: I always recommend an older and less expensive used oscilloscope so one can gain a better understanding of what they really want or need.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 03:47:12 pm
content: Quote from: echen1024 on April 15, 2014, 04:27:46 amWho is them? Does Siglent sell directly?And OP, if you want to get your feet wet, you could also consider the Hantek DSO5062BM @ $330 (hackable to 200MHz).

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 04:06:21 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on April 15, 2014, 03:47:12 pmSiglent are the ODM that make LeCroy low end scopes. They have been getting better over the years, and the 2000 series looks quite nice.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 04:09:34 pm
content: Quote from: echen1024 on April 15, 2014, 04:06:21 pmNo, who is the "them" you contacted to work out the special deal? Siglent China? How did you contact them?

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 04:27:37 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on April 15, 2014, 04:09:34 pmYes, Siglent directly. They are on the forum, and they can put you in touch with a salesperson. I believe Herman on the forum can as well.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 04:32:23 pm
content: Quote from: Timon on April 15, 2014, 02:57:27 amThe rules of the game have changed, you don't tell your wife now. You said you're getting back into the game so I figured you didn't know the new rules. Here are a few I've learned.1. You need at least 3 multimeters, one should be a bench meter because the other 2 could suffer a battery leak2. Keep the lab/bench messy (on purpose or not), this way it's much harder for spouse to spot new gear.3. Intercept credit card bill at mail box or possibly catch the mail deliverer before they get to your house4. You probably need two oscilloscopes, how will you fix it should it develop issues5. encourage your spouse to buy something expensive (not as expensive) to give you bargaining room should they see credit card bill6. don't tell your spouse unless there's no other way7. See #68. All the rules I forgot go hereCongrats on getting back in the game!

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 06:01:39 pm
content: I like my siglent with all its bells and whistles and the large display BUT! It can be glitchy. Sometimes when it goes to sleep, I can't wake it up without turning it off and back on. Little stuff like that. But it's just my home scope I use for personal projects and the cost is so low I can't really complain. I have my 100mhz BK analog scope on a rack above my bench and I have to say I am using it less and less in favor of the siglent. With shipping and all it was in the $350 us range. One day if I ever really work out of my house I will buy something faster with digital phosphor and more memory, but until then I have not found this scope wanting for anything.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 06:12:07 pm
content: Quote from: calexanian on April 15, 2014, 06:01:39 pmWhich model is that?

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 06:50:07 pm
content: See the other thread Tektronics has announced the new models apparently under $1000.

author: Tabs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 07:01:31 pm
content: If budgets a problem then consider a hacked rigol.There is thishttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/oscilloscope-feature-wars-agilent-options/if you want to legit.I'm going to check out the new tek scopes.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 07:16:46 pm
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on April 15, 2014, 06:50:07 pmWhich thread is that? I only see the one with a rumor.(The TBS1000 is old news, not competitive.)

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 07:36:11 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 15, 2014, 03:48:56 amThat's a little disingenuous, Dave; the original poll didn't mention that even if the setting was mandatory users could use a 'black flag' to keep their country anonymous.A more recentpollresulted in over 60% of respondents voting for required country setting, versus less than 15% voting for the status quo.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2014, 08:03:47 pm
content: A good look at those poll numbers show approx 2/3 for a flag against 1/3 opposed.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 01:49:49 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on April 15, 2014, 06:50:07 pmI posted that thread. The Siglent SDS2000 is no comparison. Totally different class. More like Agilent 2000X territory.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 04:13:42 am
content: Quote from: edavid on April 15, 2014, 06:12:07 pmSDS 1052DL

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 06:03:07 am
content: I normally wake them up with the menu "on/off" button as to not change any settings.Just checked the Siglent site for firmware and current version is 5.06.02.16.Have you upgraded firmware or do you have this version?You should contact Siglent directly if your problem remains.

author: Timon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 07:23:36 am
content: Quote from: echen1024 on April 16, 2014, 01:49:49 amThe Siglent SDS2074 looks great although a bit out of budget at 70mhz. It gets way out of budget at 200Mhz. Still need to add decoding but that's not bad and I could add it in later without my better half complaining.Need to keep looking.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 07:54:00 am
content: Quote from: Timon on April 16, 2014, 07:23:36 amAnd if you include the AWG option that is 2 less units in your work space.2 less things to have to barter with her for :-)

author: wizzy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 08:03:08 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on April 15, 2014, 04:32:23 pmThis 1000x!

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 04:08:27 pm
content: Quote from: echen1024 on April 15, 2014, 04:27:37 pmSiglent just referred me to Tequipment, so I guess they don't sell directly anymore. Was the deal they offered you better than Tequipment - discount?

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 04:32:37 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on April 17, 2014, 04:08:27 pmSignificantly.