New Rigol MHO5054, a short Review - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2025, 10:18:13 pm
content: Hi,When the new DHO/MHO 5000 series was recently launched, I was curious.Curious to see how it would compare to its predecessors, the DHO1000/4000/800 series, and the most expensive of Rigol's 12-bit scopes to date.The first thing that stands out is the 6 or 8 channels, as well as the 4-channel MSO.I chose the MHO5054 because I am interested in the generator/bodeplot function, which has been more than justifiably criticized in the DHO900.This scope costs over €5000, so it simply has to be better, different.I saw at Batronix that they have the MHO5054 in stock, so I asked if they would lend me the scope.And indeed, less than 2 days after the request, the scope was on its way to me - not a matter of course given the price, and therefore once again my sincere thanks to the Batronix team for their trust in me.It arrived yesterday, and I took a few pictures of it in my photo box this evening.Since it is only on loan, I will treat the scope like a raw egg and leave all accessories untouched.I would have left the display film on it because of that - only there was no display film on the scope.When you take the scope out of the box for the first time, you are a little shocked at first:It is quite heavy compared to its size.The external workmanship is appropriate for the price and on par with my Siglent SDS3000X HD, so there is nothing to complain about.The five small knobs are rather difficult to turn, while the two larger knobs are easier to operate and have the familiar “click” when turned.What is noticeable on closer inspection, however, is that there is only a single USB (A) port, a single one.For me, this is a clear minus point; at least Rigol could have given the scope another USB-C port, but only one port is not enough for me.The front elements are, as with the other models, “interesting” in design, different fonts, as usual and visually rather inappropriate.The connections for the LA probe look suspiciously like USB-C.That's it for now, in a few days I'll turn it on and then I'll see if and how the expensive MHO5054 differs from the DHO4000 or even the cheap DHO800.I don't have this scope for long, so I can work with it next weekend and the weekend after.You can also think of what else I could test in addition to my “program”.Martin

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 11:05:50 am
content: Hello,my DHO1074 has a blue USB 3 device port, but it only came with a USB 2 cable. Is the included cable USB 3, i.e. is it blue when you look into the connector?Best regardsegonotto

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 06:46:23 pm
content: Hi egonotto,Yes, there´s a USB3 cable included.Martin

author: Njk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2025, 01:34:03 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on February 19, 2025, 10:18:13 pmIs it possible to connect a USB device to that socket? Someone will do so sooner or later. What will happen? If I'm not allowed to be dumb for 5000, why I've to pay that amount?

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2025, 08:49:56 pm
content: Quote from: Njk on February 21, 2025, 01:34:03 pmYes, because it IS a USB-C port, just tested it...Whether that was a clever idea...At least it explains why 4 ports are needed.Today it is too late to test anything, but I took a few “static” pictures with my Siglent.Interesting, the Rigol is smaller, stockier and still heavier.Over a kilo more - where did they put it?Iron instead of aluminum inside? A real transformer instead of a switching power supply?But tomorrow I'll start with a classic, the Bodnar pulser for risetime measurement.And then whatever else comes to mind, depending on how long I can spend at the scope tomorrow.

author: slugrustle
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2025, 11:34:03 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on February 21, 2025, 08:49:56 pmHey, switching power supplies use real transformers, they're just... smaller.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 04:04:11 pm
content: Is it true...And if you tell me that the smaller design comes from the fact that the frequency with which it is transformed is higher, I'll run screaming from my study with my hands over my ears... Devil's work....The scope is literally just warming up, because it is not a cool representative of its kind.On the other hand, the fan noise is much more bearable than with the DHO4204, which I also had for testing.Now the fan noise can be compared to an SDS3000X HD, if a little louder than the Siglent.I am a laid-back person, so the boot time of the MHO5054 suits me.I turn it on and can go get a coffee:Boot time 2min10sec, no matter if cold start or re-boot....There will be no surprises after that: anyone familiar with the DHO 800/1000/4000 will feel right at home with the operating system and menus.A little strange is the delayed detection of a touch input on the screen, you have to do it several times before the scope reacts(channelboxes to get to the channel menu).However, if you connect a mouse, the commands from it are executed immediately.In the (exemplary) self-test menu, you can test the touch function – no problems, super-responsive.So it must be a small bug.More and a few pictures later.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 07:34:23 pm
content: Here are a “few” pictures, taken via the web server, which I used to test it at the same time.In the network settings, the Rigol recognized the connection, but did not yet assign an IP address.Even if you disable and re-enable DHCP, it has no effect.You have to press “Reset” to make it work.While I controlled the scope from the living room, the connection kept dropping and had to be refreshed.Otherwise, the speed is good.Oh yes, if you activate the “Overlay” function in the storage menu, only one image is stored and will beoverwrittenif you want to store another one - so keep your hands off overlay....As mentioned, the menus have remained the same, with nothing new added, which is disappointing in some respects.Let's start with pictures...Interestingly, the web server gets the correct date and time from the network, but the clock in the scope is not updated and has to be set manually or I have to look in the manual to see how to synchronize it.This model is a 500Mhz variant, you can upgrade it to 1Ghz in the options.Good:The generous memory of 500Mpt is standard.Really bad:The test time of the other options is not reduced when these options are started, but generally over the runtime of the scope....A clear minus point and not customer-friendly.At the first start, all options were over 2000 minutes.The “test mode” has also been retained, which is activated by clicking the “About” button several times after opening the system info menu.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 08:09:31 pm
content: Some menus...It's no secret that I've liked the Rigol menu since my test of the DHO4204, which is no longer new.The graphical gimmicks in the channel/vertical menu aren't essential, but they don't hurt either.Otherwise, I like the principle of the menu containing shortcuts to other settings.Horizontal/Acquire menu...Nothing changed, 1:1 like the menu from the DHO4000.Stop!Nothing changed? Wrong, the Ultra Acquisition mode is missing....Did they (Rigol) realize that this was just nonsense...Hi-Res Mode:As before, 14 or 16 bits. You can't choose anything in between as you can with other scope manufacturers.At least the bandwidth is displayed in the menu.Display menu....Nothing changed, even with this model you can't choose a different display mode, “Vector” is fixed and unchangeable - there are probably reasons for that....The same applies to the interpolation; nothing can be changed.Start menu:I took two pictures because not all functions can be displayed in one window, you have to scroll.Which brings us to the well-known drawback: the size of the windows cannot be freely changed.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 08:36:24 pm
content: Next...AWG Menu and Bodeplot Menu:Nothing exciting, purpose-built.I left out the second tab on the AWG menu, where you can set the modulation.Interesting:The AWG goes up to 50Mhz, Bodeplot only up to 25Mhz.I fear that Rigol has simply taken the Bode function from their first Bode-equipped scope, the MSO5000, and integrated it into the new scopes without making any significant improvements or enhancements.Unfortunately, the same applies to the FFT range, but more on that later.In the bottom menu, you will find a button “Connection Diagram”. If you click on it, a small graphic from the PA area will be displayed.If you do something like that, I would have liked to see more diagrams, e.g. for the much more frequently used four-pole measurement.The test(selfcheck) modes...I like the look of the test modes; the board test with a display of all temperatures is very appealing and should be imitated by other manufacturers.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 09:10:51 pm
content: Bodnar Pulser...The waveform looks a bit “crooked”, rise time around 610 ps.When the adjacent channel from the same ADC is added and the sample rate is halved as expected, the signal is somehow displayed blurred.This remains the case even when STOP mode is activated.This is due to the display option “Waveform Freeze”.

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 09:18:56 pm
content: Hello,how much memory do you get in Segmented mode? And can this also be saved to USB? Or transfer it to the PC.I would also be interested in the noise at 1 mV/div and 1 V/div.At 20 MHz and full bandwidth and at 50 Ohm and 1 MOhm.Whereby the inputs are “short-circuited” with a 50 Ohm termination.Best regardsegonotto

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 09:38:15 pm
content: Hi egonotto,I'll have to test it, I think the segmented mode is nothing more than the record mode, I can't find anything about it in the acquisitions menu, so it must be in the record menu.I'll check it soon.When we talk about memory, here is a last time for today pictures, this time real screenshots.Memory and sample rate...The maximum sample rate is 4GSa/s and as with the SDS3000X HD it is per ADC.So you have the 4GSa/s at a maximum of 2 channels, otherwise it is 2GSa/s with more than 2 channels.The same applies to the memory, which is different with the Siglent or is confusing with the rigol.Because 500Mpts at one channel I can understand.But also that “applies” to one channel per ADC, so if you have e.g. Ch1 and Ch3 active, it remains at 500Mpts.If more than 2 channels are active, 250Mpts are displayed.I think these are more likely the values for all channels combined.So 125M per channel when all channels are active.250M/channel when 2 channels are active separately and 500M/channel when only one is active.If so, the display is misleading, I will test that soon.EDIT:QuoteOf course, that will come too, it's practically standard.

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 10:44:14 pm
content: Hello,thank you, yes the segmented mode is the record mode.With my DHO1074 you have 496 segments with 1 Mpts segment size, so 496 Mpts.However, most of the fun goes out of it because I can't save it. And with a segment interval of 5 ms, there are sometimes gaps.It could well be that the data sheet is wrong and there really are two times 500 Mpts available. That would be nice.Best regardsegonotto

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2025, 11:31:10 pm
content: QuoteI still remember how we tested an HDO4034A at work in 2018 and almost freaked out:10Mpts/channel, so much memory...Meanwhile, memory has degenerated into a marketing-technical arms race, where the actual benefit of “much more” remains hidden from me personally.

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 12:34:36 am
content: Hello,I must confess that I am also impressed by a lot of memory. But whether you can record 250 ms or only 50 ms at full sampling rate, for example, doesn't seem to be important to me most of the time.That's just a certain irrationality on my part.Best regardsegonotto

author: Njk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 12:39:41 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on February 22, 2025, 08:09:31 pmBTW, when I was enrolling the trade school, every applicant was subjected to a medical check. Those with color vision impairment were disqualified. Looking at the menu design style, I think the requirement was very reasonable.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 02:10:54 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on February 22, 2025, 11:31:10 pmIt is useful sometimes with decoding and when you have eclectic mix of slow and fast.Some of that can be done with segments too.Also, it is more critical as the sampling rate goes up. With 20 GS/s you use up memory real fast..Or if you want to keep timing resolution of some measurements on longer times ...Mostly when you are analysing something in depth...You sample extremely long at maximum sample rate and create statistics for 1 Milion periods ....But, I agree, for lot of work, setting the scope at 20Mpts is more than good enough.Many people work with Keysight's 1/2/4 MPts and are happy, as long as you know limitations of what you can and cannot do.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 05:43:16 pm
content: Hi,Noise...1mV/Div (everthing below is only magnified), 1ms/Div, 1M and 50R (internal), memory auto or 100k, full bandwith, 20Mhz, 14 bit Hi-Res, 16 Bit Hi-Res, Averaging 8x.Measurements are taken after 30min warm up time, no self calibration done.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 05:44:24 pm
content: Rest of the pics..

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 06:02:29 pm
content: Record Size:Auto Mem all channels active, Auto Meme one Channel active, Auto Mem Ch1 and Ch3 active, finally manual 500Mp set, Ch1 and Ch3 active....

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 07:32:57 pm
content: For the sake of completeness, here are the measurements at 1V/div., for example channel 1.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 10:21:04 pm
content: Finally, I briefly looked at the FFT function, but I will go into more detail later.But even now it is already clear that nothing has changed.It is sobering and even disappointing to see that the function is 1:1 to that of the cheapest model.And as with the old models before.If this were still halfway acceptable for a €300 scope, then it is a disappointment at the latest with a DHO1000 and at the price of this model, one can almost speak of a disaster.Still no peak mode, still no average mode, you can't set the number of points and then at least have them displayed, is also not available.The data sheet says a maximum of 1M points, which is also rather meager for a device in this price range.The vertical scaling shows dBm because I had previously selected the unit dBm(Unlike other brands, dBm does not allow you to select the impedance of the load, e.g. 1M Ohm/50Ohm.) in the manual input, but the vertical setting remains at dBV.As I said, I will deal with this again later, but if you value a well-equipped FFT function, you will avoid Rigol Scopes.What is also annoying in general is that you still can't set the individual trace colors yourself.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 05:01:56 pm
content: Two Tone and FFT Test...Unfortunately, the images in the menu were set to inverted – I noticed it too late...The setup is with an SDG6052X AWG, without using the wave combined function, but instead “analog” with a splitter and attenuators.After that, three “normal” FFTs; higher frequencies will follow.I also had my first crash today, and even a restart didn't help. It had to be disconnected from the power supply and then turned back on.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 05:07:39 pm
content: The rest with the three FFT images.At 0dBm I have the feeling that it was overdriven, but changing the level didn't help, maybe I should have reduced the vertical scale by a factor.I'll find out next weekend, the last time I'm allowed to play with the Rigol, after that it's going back.Bodeplot will also be tested then.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 05:50:01 pm
content: Does it have the same "flat top" FFT file as the DHO800?

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 06:47:33 pm
content: Nothing has changed at all compared to the DHO800 – which was unfortunately to be expected...(By the way, I just can't get a complete FFT only image, there is no “exclusive” mode like in other brands)

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 07:12:30 pm
content: Does it support displaying each channel in their own individual graph? It looks like their high end DSO does not.I assume it supports roll and zoom. Could you try to set the sample rate to 1M, 5Mpts, 500ms/div, and then zoom to 10ms/div?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/help-on-finding-an-oscilloscope-that-can-display-zoomed-traces-when-rolling/msg5817243/#msg5817243I am curious how the XY update rate compares with the 3000. The only reason I ask is that 3000 is the fastest thing I have had my hands on.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 07:42:14 pm
content: Hi,I'll try out the roll and zoom in a moment.QuoteDo you have an example?

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 08:02:05 pm
content: QuoteYou can display the 4 math channels in different windows, but not the respective normal channels.QuoteJust tried it:No.If you are in roll mode and press the “Zoom” button, the message “Operation disabled” appears.It works without roll mode.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 08:23:12 pm
content: Thanks for checking. Can you have 4 math channels, one for each input, then just select multiply by 1 or add 0 offset (something for a 1:1 ratio). Basically cheat the system. If this works, can you then turn off or hide the normal time domain graphs? Basically giving you only the 4 channels in time domain.For the XY, I was curious about your thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/oscilloscope-music-on-dsos-post-your-results/msg5446613/#msg5446613

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 08:29:43 pm
content: A 100ms squarewave and I can't see the vertical component of the waveform in a screenshot.Can you Martin ?

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 08:33:13 pm
content: I noticed in your original photos, they claim 300V max on the inputs. We have scopes with 150, 200 and a few 300. The 3000x claims 400 peak. I wonder if it can actually survive that. The 10X probes they ship with it are also rated to 400V.Have you tried any direct coupling of voltages in the upper range of what the Rigol is rated to?

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 09:06:05 pm
content: Hi,This is just borrowed, I will refrain from such experiments.In general, I would not rely on such maximum figures and take differential probes from a certain expected voltage.XY:I had just tried it in 16-bit mode, with slightly different settings than usual to get the optimal visibility.I'm just wondering whether to upload the video to google drive or use my youtube account for it.@Rob:I don't quite follow you...

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 09:18:15 pm
content: (Video mode FHD60)

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 09:23:37 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on March 06, 2025, 08:29:43 pmOn slow squarewave with fast edges, you will barely see vertical line on CRT scope, if any, unless you set high brightness.Line is there, but is very thin and faint. Like it would be on CRT. That is because they emulate CRT.An intensity needs to be set differently.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 09:47:00 pm
content: @Rob:10hz Squarewave, Intensity 40%, Intensity 90%, Intensity 40% but color grading on....Martin

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 10:33:03 pm
content: Thanks for the making that video clip. It appears just as fast. I have no idea if this would ever be important to me but good to see it.I am still curious about the 4 math graphs you mentioned.Quote

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 11:22:54 pm
content: QuoteTomorrow, now it´s time for bed..

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 11:49:26 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on March 06, 2025, 09:23:37 pmWell aware and never much cared forinvisiblefast edges .....Quote from: Martin72 on March 06, 2025, 09:47:00 pm

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 06:15:56 pm
content: Reunited and it feels so good....Magnova´s back home.In the optical comparison, the rigol looks smaller than it is.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 10:06:06 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on March 06, 2025, 08:23:12 pmI tried it earlier, it seems to work - however, you can't hide/mask the normal traces.Another minus point, something like that can be done by siglent and lecory scopes and it is sometimes very useful.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 10:22:20 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on March 07, 2025, 10:06:06 pmThanks for checking. That's to bad.From what I understand from reading 2N3055's posts, the Siglent has similar problems. You can have all for channels displayed in four unique graphs, but you can't turn off or hide the graph that shows all four channels combined. You end up with 5 graphs and wasting a lot of the large screen's area. Then it also seems you need to drag and drop channels into the graphs. It can't do this automatically and sort them.I am interested in hearing what you think of the UI after you have had it for a month or so. Ease of use, number of keystrokes/mouse clicks to do things, help menus....

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 10:23:47 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on March 06, 2025, 06:47:33 pmWhat also stands out is that the RBW remains the same for all windows.With the Magnova, for example, it is as you would expect, the RBW changes with each different window used.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 10:36:25 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on March 07, 2025, 10:22:20 pmWith the Siglent touchscreen scopes, you can hide the original channels so that only the math traces are on the screen.What Siglent scopes don't have (except for the SDS7000A, possibly) is the multi-grid function of Lecroy scopes.QuoteI have to send this rigol back next week.However, I had tested other rigol scopes with the same UI before.It's not as good as the MaUI of newer Lecroy models, but in some ways I like it better than the Siglent UI.Before I return it, I'll make a little video of it.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 12:02:00 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on March 07, 2025, 10:22:20 pmHave you tried using the Math Equation editor on your SDS3000X to build complex waveforms ?

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 03:06:16 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on March 07, 2025, 10:36:25 pmI suspect you can hide the channels as you suggest but it may hide them in all graphs. If using the 1:1 math trick, I suspect that hiding all of the channels will still keep the first graph active. It seems really odd how it works. Almost like the hardware designers were not involved with the software development. I can't come up with a reason why anyone would think that what they came up with was a good idea.Thanks for taking the time to show a video clip. Look forward to seeing it in operation.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 03:10:35 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on March 08, 2025, 12:02:00 amNo. I have not had a need for it yet.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 05:03:29 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on March 08, 2025, 03:06:16 pmI tried.No, actually, hide CH hides it in primary window only. So yes you can have 4 individual waveforms in 4 windows.It is not as fast to setup as on LeCroy though.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 05:13:01 pm
content: So, to be clear, you enable all four channels.Select the 4X2 grid.Drag CH1 - CH4 to separate graphs with the mouse (5 graphs now populated).Hide CH1 - 4 (which turns off the first graph with all four displayed but leaves the others active).Then select 4X1 grid and the scope cleans it all up for you.If not, please define the steps.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 05:34:22 pm
content: We should expand on this in the SDS7000 thread; it will certainly not be searched for here later.Bode Plot:One of the main reasons why I borrowed the MHO5054.I have now worked with it and am somewhat disillusioned.For one thing, the menu is limited to the most necessary.Then I couldn't find any way to change the vertical scaling, nor could I show or hide traces.Very meager, the whole thing.Then I thought, I'll take something very simple to test, namely the two filters on the Batronix demo board.It doesn't get much simpler than this: a low-pass and a band-pass, both passive.When I saw the first result of the bandpass, I first checked to see if I had set anything wrong.I then tried everything I could think of: fixed gain, vari gain, log sweep, lin sweep...The result is actually always the same.And above all: wrong, both filters.Bandpass looks “strange”, the low pass too.Then I connected the input and output directly via the probes, expecting to get a straight line as a result....No, not that either.And like Siglent's, the channels are not reset when you exit.At least exiting is extremely fast; you can't go get a coffee like you can with the competitor.I'll try the same setup on the Siglent later, but I already think the Bode function is not well thought out.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 06:04:14 pm
content: In summary: it does a terrible job, but not too slow to recover from doing a terrible job? 🤔

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 06:15:59 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on March 08, 2025, 05:13:01 pmmoved to:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds7000a-dsos-coming/msg5842029/#msg5842029

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 06:25:11 pm
content: Here is the same again, only with the Bodeplot of Siglent SDS3104X HD.So the circuit board with the filters is still okay....If none of the DHO900 or MSO5000 owners tell me that I have set something up incorrectly, then the results from the Rigol are simply garbage.

author: rpro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 11:09:58 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on March 08, 2025, 06:25:11 pmTry setting "Sweep Type" to Log.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 11:12:22 pm
content: Hi,Quote from: MeSame results.

author: rpro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 11:21:40 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on March 08, 2025, 11:12:22 pmWith linear sweep (and a log x scale), I can see the arcs you see (on my MSO5000). With log sweep, the plot looks ok. Maybe a reset to "Default" may fix it, or there is a bug.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2025, 11:06:20 pm
content: QuoteYou can't change the scale anyway.As I said, the result is always the same, whether log sweep or lin sweep.If it “works” on your MSO5000, it's a bug in the MHO...Today I tested a few more trigger types using a demo board, as well as decoding, nothing exciting.It's no secret that I like the way the decoded values are displayed in the table with white/gray, since the DHO4000.....Tomorrow evening I will make a short clip on how to use the menu, then the scope will be packed up again and sent back.Myopinionof the model:The MHO5054 leaves me a little at a loss when it comes to deciding which buyers it should appeal to.It is the most expensive rigol I have ever held and I have to say, for that kind of money I expect more, much more.At over €5000 here (incl. VAT), it competes directly with Siglent's SDS3000X HD series and is clearly inferior to it in terms of features and, above all, software sophistication.It's the old familiar problem with Rigol.They throw something good at the market in terms of hardware, make sure that the software runs reasonably stable, and then don't pay any more attention to it.Of course, you could argue that the MHO series is new, so a lot can still happen in terms of firmware – but honestly, who believes that?The last updates for DHO1000/4000 were almost a year ago and only the most necessary things are fixed, the basics are not touched.While the meager FFT features on the cheapest model, such as the DHO800, could still be tolerated to some extent, the fact that this FFT function is the same on all models, no matter how expensive, is a travesty.And the fact that the expensive models still contain the same bugs is simply ridiculous.I really don't know what buyers you are trying to attract with this, maybe “hardcore Rigol fans”; everyone else should give it a wide berth.And if you consider that you get the same condition if you want to buy the even larger models...MHO5056, €12,000...MHO5106, €17,000...Unbelievable.Rigol should stop launching new models every year and should focus more on ensuring that their software is up to date.At the moment, this does not seem to be a problem, but it will become one.When even a completely newcomer scope like the Magnova is superior to the established manufacturer Rigol in almost all respects(except bandwith), it should give food for thought.I am still positive about Rigol, which may be due to my experiences with the former Gamechanger DS1000Z and MSO5000, which I had both owned.But with every new model I test/own, it fades.But who knows, maybe now is the time for Rigol to rethink and invest in software first.Summary:+ High-quality appearance/workmanship in line with the price+ 10” display with 1280x800 resolution.+ HDMI output.+ Good menu structure+ 500Mhz bandwidth, expandable to 1Ghz+ Sampling rate: min. 2 GSa/s, max. 4 GSa/s+ 500 Mpts maximum memory+ Basic speed, 6-core CPU architecture.+ Low Noise FrontendO Although the fan noise is significantly quieter than in the DHO4000 series, it is still somewhat “present”.O Different fonts for the front labelingO Missing labels for the on/off switch and the USB port on the front.O Delayed response of the touch panel when operated by finger; no delay when controlled by mouse; possibly a bug.O Vertical deflection : Everything below 1mV/div is zoomed.- Only one USB A port, a clear disadvantage because there are no other A ports at the back either, not even a USB-C port.- Poorly equipped, faulty FFT function, insufficient for the price range.- Poorly equipped and faulty Bodeplot function, insufficient for the price range.- No way to change the display mode between dots and vector (always vector).- No interpolation option possible (presumably always Sinc)- No color selection for channels (math, references, etc.) possible- No channel hide function- Window function: The size and position of windows cannot be changed at will.- Measurement function: Once selected for one channel, it cannot be changed for another channel. You have to delete the function and set it again.Thank you for your attention.Martin

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2025, 09:59:45 pm
content: So, that was it, the Rigol is packed up again and will be sent back to Batronix in the next few days.If someone from Batronix reads this, thank you again for the trust, I appreciate it.I was briefly tempted to ask them again if I could have the 6-channel model...But I've seen enough, it won't be any different from the 5054.Here is a clip of me briefly playing in the menus:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AaOon9J-Y997ygfZyB9d9gMYTnte3cmm/view?usp=sharingIt turned out a bit bumpy in terms of operation, so I'm not uploading it to YouTube. It will also be deleted from my Drive account in 24 hours.The fact that the drop-down menus open and close in the video was not due to the mouse or me.I then finally tried the Bodeplot again, checked everything again, it remains the same, what comes out is simply wrong.I still have the CSV file backed up, I'll look at it soon - or one of you do it.So my short review is actually over now.Martin

author: bte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2025, 11:37:52 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on March 10, 2025, 09:59:45 pmFrom a cursory glance at 1kHz, 10Khz, 100Khz and 1Mhz values, it looks like the numbers from the Rigol csv file match the bode plot from Siglent. One obvious issue is the ranges of the Rigol graph: They contain extended values and make the plot distorted. I don't know how Siglent sample points are selected but maybe Rigol's method of 100 points/decade (i.e. piecewise selection of points per range) is also a factor. Comparison to the Siglent csv file would reveal where the problem is.

author: MAelektronik
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 01, 2025, 11:09:26 am
content: Anyone else see this faulthttps://youtu.be/y47CHkxHpyw?si=yo5TFVbm4tQlUnh6

author: bte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2025, 08:36:21 pm
content: Quote from: bte on March 10, 2025, 11:37:52 pmMore details in this post:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/considering-a-new-rigol-dho924-vs-siglent-sds120x-e-model-any-bug-stoppers/msg5923122/#msg5923122Basically, the data in the csv file is correct, but Rigol can't do graphs with separate Y axes, hence the squished and incorrect plot.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2025, 09:08:51 am
content: Someone pointed out that MSO probe for Rigol MHO2000 was much cheaper than Siglent one as advantage.Rigol probe PLA3204 is 225€ and Siglent SPL2016 is 530€ (with VAT, in Germany)I just realized that Rigol PLA3204 probe (the 225€ one) is actually only 4ch of digital inputs.You need to buy 4 of them. Separately. That counts up to almost 1000€ (with VAT).Siglent SPL2016 is full 16 ch in one go.Then I went and the same goes for MHO5000. And no, you don't get it when you buy MSO scope version.I think Rigol management watched too much "Fast and Furious" movies...

author: kmoonwalker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2025, 04:10:00 pm
content: if it will go this direction it will be way more cost effective to get a separate logic analyser

author: mrisco
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2025, 02:37:48 am
content: Quote from: Martin72 on March 07, 2025, 10:06:06 pmMaybe with the latest firmware it might be possible, I tried with a DHO804 with 00.01.04 and was able to hide the main waveform window:

author: kb2mbc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 17, 2025, 07:44:30 pm
content: Seems to me that the Rigol and the UNI-T MSO3054HD are very close to being one in the same, disappointing. I wish I saw this review before I ordered the 5054, now I have to mess around to send it back.