Rigol Europe clearance sale - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 10:40:19 am
content: Hi AllIf anyone's interested, they are have a clearance sale here:https://www.rigol.eu/clearance/I scored a DS4014E with all serial decode options for EU 1145 + 19% VAT and am just waiting for it to arrive. It's cleaned me out, but I can't wait to have a play.CheersSteve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 05:36:28 pm
content: Steve,Thanks for posting that.I've just ordered a DS1054Z from the clearance section after seeing your post.The summary page after making the Paypal payment wasn't populated with details (apart from a reference number), and the only email confirmation I've got so far is from Paypal with the amount, but under the "Description" of that paypal email it's blank.Did you see something similar when you ordered your DS4014E ? Anyhow, I hope you get yours and you're delighted with it!Trys(My first post on EEVBlog - hello all )

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 08:18:47 pm
content: Hi no problem, it's good to share :-)I got an instant email from PayPal with a subject line of "Receipt for Your Payment to Rigol Technologies EU GmbH"And the next day I got an email from Rigol with a subject of "Re: NEW WEB ORDER (PO# XXXXXX)"I guess if you don't get one from Rigol tomorrow, maybe it would be an idea to chase it up.Best of luck with it.CheersSteve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 06:42:18 am
content: Steve,It's good to know that the email from them isn't instantly sent out. I placed my order probably after their office was shut, so hopefully I'll get one today as you say.The 'number available' did go down by 1 after I placed the order, so that's reassuring!Trys

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 06:58:12 am
content: Hi TrysYes hopefully that's a good sign. So far dealing with. Rigol has been a very good experience. They answer emails in a day and are very helpful.Btw welcome to the forum. There are so many experts here in so many disciplines who are prepared to help. If you're interested in a topic, be sure to search first as you may find it without asking.Best of luck with your orderSteve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 07:06:41 am
content: Steve,I'm glad to hear that you're being well looked after by them.Thanks for the welcome, and the tip on searching too. It looks like there is a wealth of knowledge here. I've been reading a lot of posts here for a couple of years or so, but finally took the plunge to register.Thanks again,Trys

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 07:07:53 am
content: I found that Rigol EU´s clearance sales departement is 100% trustworthy and reliable. They are also very helpful on the phone. I purchased some gear there twice, and both times I was completelyhappy with their service. Yet, it may take a few days until they ship the goods since they usually do a final functional check and, at least in my case, they also installed the latest firmware on the instruments.Price-wise I guess it depends. I wouldn´t say that all their offers are really good but there are a few. For example, I got a DS2072A-S for 615 Euros (IIRC) plus VAT. Actually, the specimen I received contained the full-featured MSO hardware and I modified the enclosure so I can use its features. The other item I bought there is the M301 measurement system to instrument our engine test bench which was also quite competitively priced. After I placed the order, I got a phone call from them to remind me that I cannot use the M301 stand-alone but that I´ll need at least a multiplexer card of which I was of course aware of before. But it shows how they are focused on keeping their customers satisfied. I think I can really recommend them.Cheers,Tom

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 09:07:30 am
content: Good to have you on board @Trys. The more people we have here, the more experience is in the pool.@turbotom that's good to hear. I see also that the clearance stuff has a 2 year warranty so that's good.Over the past few weeks I've sent some emails to uni-t asking about the UT71D software and no replies to date! I think their tech support email is BitBucket@uni-trend.com

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 09:26:15 am
content: I thought VAT was already added, but it is added after the fact.

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:27:27 am
content: Thanks for the welcome.I've now received a confirmation email detailing my order, and the DHL shipping label too - which is great. Looking forward to the scope now!The benefit of buying a clearance item from them I suppose is that it has a person checking it before despatch.Trys

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:46:26 am
content: Brill it's on the way then! I'm away next week and my scope was in Cologne, Germany at 8:35am so I think I might not see it before I get back. Bummer.Yes I think their quality control before shipping is pretty good.CheersSteve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 12:31:35 pm
content: Steve,Yeah! At least you will have something to look forward to for when you return home anyhow.I suppose though it could still arrive for you tomorrow.Trys

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 07:18:49 pm
content: Hi @TrysWell it's not arrived today so I will, as you say, have it look forward to my return. I'll post up when I have it.CheersSteve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2017, 08:41:22 am
content: Steve,I hope you get it. I've just realised that DHL in Germany hand over to UKMail for the UK side of the delivery. Looking at reviews on TrustPilot and on Google reviews of my most local depot have me more than a bit concerned.The DHL shipment reference doesn't work on the UKMail tracking page, so I've got no tracking after it left Cologne (yesterday). I've sent a customer support query but the automated email just says they aim to respond to questions the next working day. So who knows?!I've dealt with UKMail before, and they are right muppets. Hopefully, let's hope they rise above their reputation and deliver these scopes eh?Trys

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2017, 12:34:23 pm
content: Hi TrysI'm away at the mo, but my package was held in Cologne for a couple of days then when it hit the UK, I got an email from UKmail and mine was delivered to my neighbour yesterday. Can't wait to open the box!CheersSteve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 04:25:52 pm
content: Hey Steve - I bet you'll never have been so happy to see your neighbour when you get back! I bet you're looking forward to it even more. One tip though, be sure you have an IEC cable (kind-of kettle lead type) for your new scope, as you will probably find they've put an european one in.So yes, my Rigol DS1054Z arrived here today via DHL (Germany) andUKSnailUKMail. It seemed to have gone into a black hole for a couple of days with UKMail not responding to my enquiry, all I had was DHL tracking code but of course that wouldn't be recognised by UKMail. The good thing is that I got an automated email with the tracking number and I was able to open the front door to a happy chappy with an amazing Rigol parcel for me.I'm delighted! I unwrapped it, and I just cannot tell that it has ever been used. Despite knowing it's clearance stock and trying to look for any tell tell signs of use, I simply can't. The only thing is that the Channel 1 BNC connected is a tiny bit shinier than the other three BNCs. All four probes brand new with their CE/TUV stickers on their leads, in their zip lock bags with all the little coloured bits, spring things and yellow insulation things, and instruction leaflets. The Europe IEC cable looks new with it's cable wrap on it. The USB lead is still sealed in its bag and. The Quickstart instruction booklet is there, complete with warranty card, inventory list, and calibration certificate (dated July this year) and the serial numbers all match up. The scope has the latest firmware too (00.04.04.SP3). All brilliant.The only thing that gives the game away is the time left for the extra features trial, which are at forty hours or so. It's a bit alarming to see the minutes ticking down on these trial times when the scope is just powered on not doing anything in particular.I'll have to get my arse into gear and look at some I2C signals while I can.I've done a calibration run on the scope, and compensated all four probes (each one was ever so slightly overcompensated by a fraction). Now I've got square waves that a 555 timer would be proud of.It's early days of fiddling with it, but so far so good, I'm delighted.The other bonus is that a couple of hours later, the postman was at the door with a DDS Signal Generator that I'd ordered (from China) a couple of days before I'd ordered the Rigol (from Germany).Trys

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 06:04:36 am
content: Hi TrysBrilliant. Sounds like xmas has come early at your house! It's good to hear your ex-demo kit is in near pristine condition. I'll be home by lunchtime tomorrow so if I'm not too blank after travelling I'll take a look at mine and post up.Happy fiddling......Steve

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 08:06:53 am
content: Well my DS4014 has arrived, well packed and like Trys's machine, in pristine condition. First impressions were it's quite a beast, about twice the size of my old Siglent sds1102cml.I'll try and have a play later on and report back. The feet are adjustable so you can set it at an angle for bench top or vertical if you have it on a shelf (which I have).I've been in touch with Rigol as the spec for the 10Mhz ref input isn't published in the manual. They've guessed at TTL, but are in touch with R&D to get the exact spec. I'm hoping it interfaces with my BG7TBL GPSDO without amplification or buffering.Rigol have been very helpful via email.CheersSteve

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 10:23:13 am
content: Steve -I tested a rubidium reference with my DIY distribution amplifier @ +7dBm output level sinewave with the MSO40*4 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/made-a-nice-'home'-for-my-efratom-lpro-101/msg1250122/#msg1250122). Works a treat.Yet it´s sometimes difficult to understand that the scope is actually running on the external reference since I didn´t find any indication on the screen for this. The only indication for the presence of the external reference was the much lower trigger delay jitter (which is actually quite bad on my scope with the internal reference, and much worse than on the DS20x2 and the DS10x4). So it may actually be useful to have the external 10MHz attached to this scope.Cheers,Tom

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 03:00:05 pm
content: Hi @TurboTomSorry for the slow reply as life has been hectic. Thanks for the info too. I haven't plugged my 10MHz ref into my DS4014e yet, as it I've been chasing Rigol for a few weeks now for the electrical specs of the input, but it appears to be quite a secret.Rigol in the UK were very helpful at the start, but 3 weeks later I told them my scope had arrived and they wanted the serial number. Once I sent it they said as it was bought from the EU, not the UK I needed to ask rigol.eu who I'm waiting a reply for. I did expect the UK to still find out, as they need this information for themselves, but nope, I have to start again with rigol.eu. I might give them a call on Monday and I'll post up any results here.I had a bit of unexpected income and emailed rigol.eu to see if they had a DM3068 going cheap. They did and I got it for EU 485 + VAT + Shipping so I'm pleased with that.CheersSteve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 06:37:49 pm
content: That's some beast of a DMM too Steve.It's going to look like the Starship Enterprise on your bench before long.Trys

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 09:41:58 pm
content: Usually Rigol's documentation of the electrical specs of their instruments isn't too bad but it really seems they forgot to specify the connectors at the rear of their DS4000 series...I guess the figures will be similar to the contemporary DG4000 AWG, there the specs are 250mVpp to 5Vpp AC-coupled into 1kOhm. The +7dBm I used equal 1.4Vpp into 50 Ohm or roughly twice that into 1k, so that should match these devices's specs pretty well. Some other equipment is limited at a maximum of +10dBm so I considered the mentioned signal strength to be a good compromise to be compatible with most instruments out there...The DM3068 is a nice instrument, congrats on your catch at that price! I've got one of these as well and I'm quite happy with it. I particularly like that the high impedance input mode (>10GOhm) ranges up to 20V!Cheers,Thomas

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 11:49:14 am
content: Hi BothYes I'm pretty pleased with the score. I saw a youtube review in the DM3068 and was sold. From what I gather, you can plug a multiple of sensors and (i think) enter your own sensor curves to get useful data out of them. In continuity, you can also set the resistance which it considers a short circuit. Very handy.My wife suggested I didn't buy any more kit for a while and I agreed.Thanks for the info on the 10MHz ref. I should probably just plug it into my BG7TBL and I'm sure it will be fine. I'll give rigol.eu a call tomorrow and see if they can help.CheersSteve

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 07:12:41 pm
content: Quote from: picitup on November 12, 2017, 11:49:14 amDid she agree not to buy any make-up, shoes or bags?

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 07:28:24 pm
content: Hey you haven't seen her. Perhaps Steve doesn't mind her buying the make-up.(I'm only jesting me ol' mucker).

author: picitup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 09:31:45 pm
content: Lol you both made me laughWhen we go shopping I suggest we get 10 minutes on the parking meter, but it's usually a couple of hours. Yes, that's 2 hours of my life I can never retrieve.Keep Smilin' all...Steve

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2017, 03:45:25 pm
content: My wife has given permission for me to buy a bench power supply (it's not a Rigol one).The best bit was when she asked (with a big smile of course) "Oh and how would it benefit me?".My answer was simple "It will help me fix some of your things that break."She's a love.Trys

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2017, 04:17:39 pm
content: You guys make it sound rather horrible to be married.

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2017, 04:23:21 pm
content: It would be rather horrible not to be married.I'd be up to my neck in pretty useless junk, and nobody to share my life with. I'd have to hang out on here all the time otherwise.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2017, 05:16:23 pm
content: Agreed. I got married a bit later than the average in my original country and had no accountability for spending on my hobbies for quite some time. However, I can tell it is a very empty feeling to be surrounded by things that can't have an intelligent discussion back to you. Marriage takes away some control over your own life, but it brings quite a lot of other direct/indirect benefits.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 11:49:19 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on November 15, 2017, 05:16:23 pmYou make it sound like being alone and being married is the binary range of options.Of course, marriage is a bit less.. optional in the US. Nearly 100% of the population is married at least once. A female acquaintance was surprised that people starting asked "what happened?" when they learned she was over 30 and not married, , as if some terrible accident had happened. This tendency to expect people to marry might also explain the high divorce rates.

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 07:55:26 am
content: Sorry to hear you are alone Mr Scram, it's not what we meant. I'm sure you are very happy.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 08:04:15 am
content: Quote from: trys on November 17, 2017, 07:55:26 amWell, that was sort of the point. You can be not alone while also not being married, in various ways and to different degreesThere is a huge greyscale between being alone and married, even though I know some cultures frown upon this and others consider it nothing special. You can have a profound and life changing relationship without telling the church or state about it.Of course, you can also be alone while you're married, emotionally or physically.

author: MrW0lf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 08:19:16 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on November 17, 2017, 08:04:15 amAt least fifty shades if not more

author: trys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 08:30:34 am
content: Quote from: picitup on November 11, 2017, 03:00:05 pmSteve,Has your DM3068 arrived quite yet? Does your wife like it?Trys

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 09:16:33 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on November 17, 2017, 08:04:15 amWell, TBH the replies were in direct response to your assertiveQuote from: Mr. Scram on November 15, 2017, 04:17:39 pmNot a broader concept such as "in a relationship", "surrounded by friends", etc.My take on the word "marriage" is not too literal: it does not necessarily imply in a state/church aware status. My previous post was related to the difference between "with companionship" and "completely alone" and I personally navigated through several scales of relationship and friendship throughout my life.In other words, I agree with you about the greyscale.