Good equipment to start and shipping from another country - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: funhobby
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 09:42:06 pm
content: Hey folks.I am a beginner when it comes to electronics, but have been in IT industry for a while. Recently I started learning and enjoying electronics and would like to get much deeper into it. And now looking to pick DSO, DC power supply and multimeter. This site (and videos) are absolutely great. Tons of helpful info.I am planning to work on some digital (old CPUs and newer micro controllers), FPGA and analog (audio, building my own DAC probably with FPGA, and power supplies).After some research I see that there are great choices even at comparatively modest prices, but I would like to get something a bit more advanced to last. Ideally with larger (and responsive) screen, definitely with 4 inputs and functionality to grow into. I do want to have math functions, FFT, bode plots.I considered:Siglent SDS2104X Plus - so far seems to be the one to getKeysight DSOX1204G - similar in price. From videos it seems to have nice UI and lots of helpful things for beginners like training signals. But screen is rather tiny and missing some functionality available on other scopes.Rigol HDO1074 - 12 bit and low noise. But very new (so some risk) and missing some functionality that I might need (?).Siglent SDS2104X HD - hmm, looks nice, but I guess it's just 12 bit over Plus version and much more expensive... I think too expensive for where I am right now.I spent the most time mentally comparing Siglent SDS2104X Plus with Rigol HDO1074. I am not quite sure what is important. Rigol is cheaper, so for the same price (or just a tad more) I can get an external AWG and LA... But of course maybe later I would want to see few analog channels with a digital bus on the same screen (can't tell with my lack of experience)... So from things that I think I should care about (and can't easily substitute), Rigol seem to be missing 50Ω and Bode plot. Dave had a great video from some time ago showing how to do bode plots on a regular scope (), but I think using that method I could only see amplitude and not phase shift. I wonder if anyone has thoughts on whether rough version of 12 bit (Rigol) is better than (more polished) 8 bit Siglent or vise versa for first and only scope (for a while). Choices, choices...The other question is whether there is anything to worry about if I order in EU and ship to US. With FX rates, busing at welectron and shipping to US seems to be much cheaper than buying in US. All devices seems to be generic when it comes to power input as far as I can tell (support US voltages) though I think I will have to use my own power cables. But I wonder if I might be missing something obvious if I go that route?

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 09:47:37 pm
content: Beware shipping , insurance, customs, taxes if imported.Vintage HP, Tektronx, equipment can be maintined, the Chinese junk is not fixableBest to try ebay, craiglist or local ham radio swapmeets.See ARRL.ORGJon

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 10:12:06 pm
content: First, I'm very wary of shipping anything with a CRT! There are several threads on this forum about CRTs being destroyed when shipping.Jon is right, GOOD HP, Tektronix and similar name brand equipment is widely available used in the US. Older used equipment might not have the bells and whistles of the latest Chinese products but it is MUCH better built and it will last a life time. Also for US products, support from the user community is available and usually service information and parts are available. Chinese made?? LOL! Forget it!On just about everything that I've ever looked at, the prices are cheaper in the US than in Europe or Canada so I don't know why you would be looking to import TE. In the last 30 years, I think I've only imported one item from Europe and two from Canada.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 10:19:55 pm
content: Quote from: funhobby on October 10, 2022, 09:42:06 pmWelcome to the forum.Don't overlook SDS2000X Plus models have a 10 bit mode and inbuilt 50 MHz AWG although like any inbuilt stimulus levels are somewhat limited. SDS2104X Plus is actually nearly a 200 MHz model as BW tests show its -3dB point at ~185 MHz.In the US I certainly wouldn't consider getting one from overseas as Siglent has a large dealer network in the US already and US HQ in Ohio.Click on a your state to find your local authorised dealer or visit the Saelig discount thread here to get 6% off one now you are an EEVblog member.https://siglentna.com/how-to-buy/

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 10:24:01 pm
content: Siglent can and do fully support their products in North America. HP, Tek and Keysight will generally NOT support older products, especially in the hands of hobbyists. In fact, they generally won't support new products in the hands of hobbyists. So you are more on your own buying a 15 or 20 year old (or new) HP, Tek or Keysight than you would be by buying a new Siglent with a warranty.I can't see how ordering from the EU and shipping to the US could possibly work out significantly cheaper. You'd also want to see if Siglent NA will support a product bought in the EU. I kind of doubt it.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 10:27:51 pm
content: Quote from: funhobby on October 10, 2022, 09:42:06 pmI don't think you'll save all that much money if you shop carefully. And there's the warranty issue, I'm not sure SiglentNA will assist you with warranty issues on a unit you imported yourself. You might want to ask first.If you buy the Siglent SDS2104X+ with the MSO/FG option from TEquipment, you'll pay $1618.01 less the 6% EEVBlog discount plus any sales tax, free shipping and 3-year warranty policy included. If you buy the same from Welectron, you'd be at about $1400 plus shipping, with warranty and return policies unknown. So you're saving maybe $100 due to the collapse of the EUR/USD rate. I'm not aware of any other issues that would stop you from doing this.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 10:33:19 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on October 10, 2022, 10:27:51 pmYep, certainly worth grabbing while it lasts as it's a killer cheap promo:https://siglentna.com/news-article/save-up-to-538-with-a-new-sds2000x-plus-oscilloscope-and-option-bundle/

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 10:45:09 pm
content: With the weak Euro, there can be some good deals out there especially if the seller hasn't updated their prices. For example, the Keithley DMM6500 could be had for under $1k delivered recently from Welectron, whereas they are $1,400+ in the US if you can even find one. The SDS2104X Plus is $1,182.18 USD delivered from Welectron right now, compared to $1,315.06 without shipping (but with the 6% discount) from the US dealers.