Help me chose: Rigol DG1032Z or Rigol DG4062  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: malekia
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2016, 11:07:32 pm
content: I'm trying to decide between these two Rigol function generators:- DG1032Z- DG4062BackgroundI don't have specific requirements. I'm buying this to use with my Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope. Both of these are primarily for learning/tinkering.I have previously used these two function generators:- Siglent SDG1025- Rigol DG1022Both of them were capable enough for my needs but I hated the Siglent's screen colors/resolution and Rigol's screen/menu system.CandidatesCost wise the Rigol DG1032Z is closer to what I'm looking to spend but I'm not crazy about some of the design elements (On/off button type, ridiculous corner bumpers, even button shapes) and can't figure out why it looks so different from other Rigols?Is this an older model?Adding to my apprehension is that I have found very few reviews of the DG1032Z.I prefer the DG4062's design but may have to go the EBAY route to afford it.I appreciate any comments/suggestions.

author: rickv14623
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 02:16:22 pm
content: Guess this falls under the catagory of "any suggestion"Siglent SDG2042Xhttp://www.saelig.com/FGDG/sdg2042x.htmJust a thought.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 02:33:51 pm
content: I think this boils down to the question how much the design, i.e. the look and feel, is worth to you? You have already concluded that the specs of the cheaper DG1032Z are adequate for what you need, but hate its industrial design. (A feeling I share...) So the question seems to be: Can you justify buying the more expensive DG4062 just because it looks better, or are there other, technical reasons to support this decision?I don't think the DG1032Z is (much) older than the DG4062, so that won't help with the decision. Besides the DG4062's better specs, larger screen etc., which you are certianly aware of, I can offer one more argument in its favor: Depending on how your workbench is set up, the fact that the DG4062 takes up much less depth than the 1000 series may be a strong point?

author: malekia
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 03:31:09 pm
content: Quote from: rickv14623 on May 05, 2016, 02:16:22 pmThanks for the suggestion. I'm sure that's a good model and I did consider it but I prefer to have dedicated waveform buttons.

author: malekia
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 03:44:10 pm
content: Quote from: ebastler on May 05, 2016, 02:33:51 pmYes, this is what I have been grappling with, though the EBAY price difference is only $149 (TEquipment difference is $226)The shape of the DG4062 is definitely an advantage.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 04:11:28 pm
content: You didn't specify if you are looking for arbitrary waveform generation, but for basic tinkering and learning would a used function generator be good? I just got myself a HP3314A that generates absolutely pristine waveforms up to its specified frequency limit of 20MHz (well, triangular are not so pristine at 20MHz but it is good enough).It is a big larger and noisier than modern gear, but it certainly is much cheaper. It also has some AWG capabilities, although programmable only via the GPIB interface.

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 05:58:43 pm
content: I though the DG1000Z were quite a bit more recent than the DG4000?One large difference if that matters to you (and is consistent with the Z being more recent) is that the AWG of the Z is 8/16Mpts while the 4000 is 16kpts.Note that you should be able to remove the ugly plastic corners (if they're siliar to those on the DP800).

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 06:15:43 pm
content: Or you could go to the source and get a fully loaded Keysight 33522B for ~$1900

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 08:55:04 pm
content: Quote from: LaurentR on May 05, 2016, 06:15:43 pmWhy stop there? The Keysight ebay store has several 33622s for sale :http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Keysight-Used-33622A-33600A-Series-Waveform-generator-120-MHz-Agilent-33622A-/172133966311?hash=item2813fbe1e7

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 09:25:28 pm
content: Quote from: jpb on May 05, 2016, 08:55:04 pmNah, those are too expensive(but they are on my EBay watch list...).I am a Rigol fan (DP832, DS1074Z) and tried the DG1022 for a while, but I had a string of issues with that model and wasn't overall satisfied for several reasons. After looking around (including at the Z and 4000 Rigols), I decided to break the bank and get a 33522B from the EBay Keysight store. Couldn't be happier with it, but they _are_ pricey.

author: malekia
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 12:40:32 am
content: Quote from: jpb on May 05, 2016, 08:55:04 pmI think I see what you're doing here; helping me chose the DG4062 by making the price look like peanuts compared to this unit. Thanks!