Siglent SDS3104X HD vs. Rhode & Schwarz RTM3004 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Momchilo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 11:03:27 pm
content: Hi,I have a luxury problem. Right now I have two scopes that are too similar to keep both. So I need to sell one but I am not sure which one.Siglent SDS3104X HD with all options -datasheetRhode & Schwarz RTM3004 1GHz with all options -datasheetSo far I do not own any probes with specific manufacturer interfaces except the logic probes. But I have several Lecroy probes (current probe, 1GHz differential probe and 1.5GHz active probes) and a Lecroy-->Siglent adapter (Siglent LPA10). I could buy more adapters if necessary. But this adapter/software does not work very well. Most probes are not supported but you get a signal on the scope. At least it is better than nothing. It will not be improved in the future. Lecroy and Siglent quit the collaboration for this adapter implementation.I am not enthusiastic about selling both and buying a used Lecroy scope.I also have a Siglent SDG2000x function generator. In combination with my Siglent scope, I can record Bode plots. With the RTM3004 it is possible with the internal function generator. Otherwise I wouldn't mind to program my own script to do this but to have it implemented is quite nice and easier to use.Of course, I also know certain advantages and disadvantages, but I don't want to bias you in advance. To be honest, it is not an easy decision for me. Also the reason why I ask you for your opinion.Which would you choose as your general purpose scope and why?Thank you for your responsesBest regardsMomchilo

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 11:18:31 pm
content: Hi,In my opinion, the only thing in favor of the RTM is the higher-resolution display, but nothing else.Personally, that wouldn't be enough for me.In addition, the 3000X HD is quite new on the market and further features can be expected in the future.QuoteThe proceeds from both would not even be enough to buy a used LeCroy that would be better than both of them.It would have to be something along the lines of the HDO6000A; you can't get that for under €10k second-hand.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 11:21:34 pm
content: Since all things sound similar enough for you... I would make the choice based on what will get me more money on the used market. I assume that would be selling the R&S.Between the two of them, Siglent also has the advantage of better support for hobbyists after R&S's recent policy change.

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 11:48:30 pm
content: Hello,I can't come up with any good arguments now.But I have a similar situation to yours, but mine is an RTA4000 with all the options.I have the SDS3000X HD at work and the RTA4000 is on the floor in the kitchen.I have no plans to sell the RTA4000.Best regardsegonotto

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 12:08:51 am
content: Quote from: Martin72 on December 16, 2024, 11:18:31 pmHello,the function generator of the RTM is better and the sampling rate of the digital channels is better with 2.5 GS/s or even 5 GS/s (with only 8 channels). But R&S only supplies 16 clamping hooks. The ground should probably be connected differently.Best regardsegonotto

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 12:15:08 am
content: Protocol decoding on the RTM3004 is the best I've seen on a DSO. Integration with digital channels is also excellent. Overall it just works. OTOH the trigger jitter on the RTM3004 is rather poor. Especially for the price tag. In the end it really depends on the use case which scope to keep. There isn't a perfect oscilloscope for all purposes -yet-.But maybe sell both and get the Batronix Magnova? If you don't need the 1GHz bandwidth

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 12:20:42 am
content: Hello,Batronix Magnova is more comparable to the Siglent SDS2000X HD. And if you want a large screen, then the Micsig MHO3 is perhaps a good choice.Best regardsegonotto

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 12:28:29 pm
content: Quote from: egonotto on December 17, 2024, 12:08:51 amSDS3000xHD does not include AWG in scope at all. But since OP already has SDG2000X series, those two together are more powerful albeit less compact.It really depends on what OP does.I agree with Nico that on R&S decoding is more streamlined. On Siglent it is fully functional, though, and you can do same work, albeit it is not as good looking.There are also some differences in the very concept of the scope that also might be important to OP.But I am sure OP knows most of that, having both.I am guessing, OP would like to know what other people think, and what they might know that he does not.I think RTM3000 is a good scope. It was even better few years ago when it had better resolution, larger touchscreen size with modern touch oriented GUI, than competition at the time.Now it is mature product, meaning it is largely very stable. That also means that you cannot expect any further development. If anything, manufacturer might "liberate" some options for free in coming firmwares. Keysight used that strategy, but liberating options makes no difference to OP because it already has full bundle.SDS3000xHD is very recent scope, released this year outside of China. It is part of actively developed platform.It will grow in years to come..If OP has some specific question I can try to answer.

author: Mahagam
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 12:46:43 pm
content: Ok. Tell us what you want to get for your SDS ?

author: Sorama
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 07:38:04 am
content: Quote from: egonotto on December 17, 2024, 12:20:42 amReally?shouldn't we compare the Magnova to a SDS3000X HD ?Also the price of the Magnova is a lot higher than the Siglent:Siglent SDS 3034X HD: 4,022.20 vat inclMagnova 350: 5949 vat incl (without discount).

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 10:02:47 am
content: Hello,yes, I think so. The Magnova has 1 GS/s with four channels, just like the SDS2000X HD. The bandwidths are also comparable.The Magnova has the edge when it comes to digital channels and the signal generator. But this also applies if you take the SDS3000X HD.But that's just my opinion. It is perfectly reasonable to have a different opinion.But if you compare the following combinations, you can ask yourself which you would prefer:Siglent SDS2354X HD 3430 €Siglent SPL2016 Logic Probes 506 €Siglent SDG2122X 1000 €-------------------------------------------4936 €Batronix Magnova BMO350 4461 €Batronix BMO-LA 236 €Batronix BMO-LA 236 €Batronix BMO-AWG 473 €-------------------------------------5406 €And that doesn't even include the fact that Siglent could be cheaper.Best regardsegonotto