Rigol DS1074Z Oscillosope or... something else for my first scope? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 05:39:13 pm
content: I've decided to buy my first oscilloscope and I could use some advice.My intended use: To start, I'll probably use it to probe some existing circuits, mostly switch mode DC-DC power supplies (probably 40V, max input), battery charger circuits, and probably some related work with MCUs involved in controlling such circuits. Beyond that, I really have no idea, other than perhaps to diagnose problems with common household appliances, automobiles, etc.My experience level: Almost rank amateur. I've forgotten much of the basic electronics I learned in my intro physics. Back then, I also worked in an electrophysiology lab and remember that current and voltage clamping neurons is really cool, and doing single-cell capacitance measurements to detect changes in cell-membrane area is even cooler, but my main take away at this point: Op-amps are really useful, shielding is important, and don't neatly shielded coil cables that are recording or stimulating single cells because of the risk of coupling (or superstition about the same). I've also used an analog scope to look at NTSC signals and tune the CCD and photomultiplier chain for high-sensitivity video camera used for florescence microscopy. So, I've got some sense for the basic use of oscilloscopes, and instrumentation in general, and also a sense of how a great measurement instrument can lead you to looking at things you wouldn't have otherwise considered.My budget is probably $650 or so, and from what I can tell, I'd probably be quite happy with a Rigol DS1074Z. I wonder though if I might be just as happy with a cheaper scope.Things that appeal to me about the aforementioned Rigol:Relatively recent design/techOld enough to have major bugs worked outlarge-ish display4 channel will let me eyeball the relationship between twice as many signals, which should be useful in exploring existing circuits, since it will allow me to comparing voltage across multiple inputs/outputs, or voltage/current for both input and output simultaneously.KeyGensPopular, and so a lot of people who can give advice, and add support for it to open source packages like Sigrok.The one thing I can see wanting that it doesn't offer is support for mixed-signals beyond the SPI/I2C/RS232 decoding option, but the MSO version is out of my budget. Also, it seems like people are a little more tolerant of USB based logic analyzers vs USB scopes, so I figure I might just pick up a cheap Cypress-based USB logic analyzer.It seems though there are 2-channel scopes that would probably suit my current uses pretty well, for significantly less, but, well, I don't know what I don't know, and I don't know which ones to consider, and which to steer clear from.Beyond validating or suggesting alternatives to my scope selection, I have a few related questions:I'm going to want to sample multi-hour battery charge and discharge processes. Does it make sense to use a stand-alone DSO connected to a Mac/PC over USB for something like this, or should I be looking for another type of instrument?What spec should I look at to understand how long before a trigger event the scope can keep samples for?Where to buy my Rigol, or (Siglent, Owon, etc)?Essential oscilloscope accessories?Thanks!

author: DanielS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 06:55:42 pm
content: My reasons to consider the DS1047z?1- four channels2- relatively inexpensive3- fairly complete feature set4- 12M standard sample memory, 24M optional5- 20k waveforms per second trigger rate when most other sub-$1000 scope have less than 2k6- optional segmented memory7- calibration certificate (it may not break precision records but it does not hurt to know its accuracy spec is real)My reasons to also look elsewhere?1- only 1GSPS shared between all four channels2- shared controls for all channels - I prefer individual offset and scale controls for each channel3- only goes up to 100MHzFor most power and automotive stuff, you will rarely need more than 10MHz and the shared control is more a quibble/nag than a really serious issue. I think the DS1047z is a pretty solid basic scope to have around for basic design and troubleshooting. Much better than anything else in its price range that I remember seeing. If you wanted to get similar features and performance out of Tektronix or Agilent, the price tag would be at least 5X as high.

author: ninjastrike
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 08:49:07 pm
content: Just got my ds1074z today, works a treat. Probably the best value for money DSO you can get right now for your typical hobbyist/enthusiast.It offers way more bandwidth than I need.If you need a logic analyser, you can get one of these usb units that would usually set you back U$150-U$250.All the features can be upgraded via software(still unsure if it would void my warranty).Probably won't upgrade it till my warranty expires or if I require 100MHzTake a look at this thread on unlocking all the features ---->https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/upgrading-rigol-ds1074z-(1000z-series)-to-unlock-options

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 09:20:36 pm
content: Have you seen the one of the best comparisons on the net?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/review-siglent-sds2304-a-comparison-of-features-with-rigol-ds2000-series/Although it is with the DS2000 you will notemarmad's impartial comparison.Go with a scope that has various options available to enable should you ever need them.Further reading:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds2204-mso-review/And history of development:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent's-new-product-msosds2000-series/

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 02:05:54 am
content: Thanks for all the replies so far. It sounds like the DS1074Z is a good choice. Still not clear if it is the only good choice. Certainly there aren't a lot of options for 4 channel scopes at its price point, and even fewer with similar amounts of memory.Tautech, for the uninitiated, how should I best apply comparisons of the Siglent SDS2000 with the Rigol DS2000 when my budget (<$700) limits me to their 1000-level products?Sigilent seems like the right place for me to be looking for sub $500 2-channel scopes, but right now I'm leaning towards spending a bit more for 4-channels.Anything else I should be considering?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 02:36:51 am
content: Quote from: eas on September 05, 2014, 02:05:54 amReading the OP and your desire for MSO and Decoding, I'll stick to my suggestions.I respectfully suggest that if several functions are available in 1 unit, then it should be seriously considered.Alternatively if a Brand/model does not have the options that interest you (general specs excluded) look wider.SDS2000 options are: AWG, MSO, Decode and Power Analysis.That you have the ability to add/enable these later if need is great IMO.They cost no extra initially, only to enable permanently.Sure, it is your money, the facts will allow you to spend more or less.QuoteHave you checked member TEquipment?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/special-price-for-eevblog-members/msg212809/#msg212809

author: tkline98
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2014, 09:33:30 pm
content: I'm selling my first scope I bought a few months ago. I thought I needed the Logic Analyzer option. I used it to work on a LCD project, and decided I probably won't use it much again. It was very cool to see the data and decode it.I put it up on Ebay if you are interested. I've used it about 5 hours. Still have all the original packaging and accessories.eBay auction: #141400203182