DS1054Z bundle - worth it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cheeseit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 10:31:31 pm
content: I've decided to buy a DS1054Z scope and found thisBatterfly bundle. I guess another DMM is always nice and I could use something better than those I have, which I think the Extech EX330 is. The FX-888D is no doubt good but I already have what I think is a pretty good soldering station, which is the Weller WSD80.The DS1054Z alone costs 328€, the EX330 48€ and the FX-888D 98€, while the bundle is 440€ so 112€ more than scope alone, plus 22% VAT.Now, my questions are:How is the FX-888D compared to the WSD80 (which I quite like but need more/new tips for)?Is the EX330 any good/worth it?Would I be better of to just buy the scope, some tips for my WSD80 and put the rest of the money I save towards a quality DMM, perhaps the DM3058E?Which tips should I buy for both soldering stations that would have me generally covered?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 11:33:34 pm
content: If you already have a good soldering station, then a new one will not be a good buy regardless of the price, IMHO. You will always need new tips.IMHO there are some brands of multimeters to avoid: Vici, Mastech, Extech EX model series, and some others. The Extech EX series seem to have horrible quality control and it is a roll of the dice whether you get a good one or not.So IMHO opinion, probably not worth it.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 11:37:43 pm
content: This might be helpful for deciding the multimeter:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/student-multimeter-extech-ex330/The EX330 is alright, but it's not the best (quite old) and there are better meters around that could suit your needs.

author: cheeseit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 10:42:36 pm
content: Thank you both. I've reconsidered and decided to skip the bundle. The Hakko would be nice but I don't really need it, and the Extech meter does not look that good. I'm glad I asked on that one.I have just ordered a DP832 and a Peak Electronic Atlas Pro pack (DCA75 and LCR45) instead, and will order the DS1054Z and a UNI-T UT61D as soon as my significant other agrees.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 11:33:26 pm
content: I would also avoid the UT61D. If you must get one from that series, the UT61E i the better buy. IMHO you would be better off getting the UT139C as it has better input protection. Do you have a specific price range for the multimeter?

author: cheeseit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 08:11:04 pm
content: Sorry that I did not get back to this before now but I have been too busy.Got my first Rigol gear (DP832) and I must say I like it - I will definitely buy that 1054Z soon (and mod that too) but not the bundle as mentioned. Some more Peak too, that sure is nice equipment.I wrote UT61D but it was a typo, I actually meant UT61E. The UT61D looked okay but having read some more here and elsewhere I quickly settled on the E-model which is reasonably priced at Batronix. An UT61E and the 1054Z combined also means free shipping so that is a bonus.I rarely poke around mains wired stuff and when I do, I use a CATII rated meter and only on the low-side so (reasonable) accuracy is what I need. My budget is around 100€ including VAT and is has to be within the EC but if there is another meter with equal specs which is also safer then please point me in the direction.I am a newbie so your help is much appreciated, thanks again!

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 08:21:23 pm
content: I wonder if these bundle deals are really just a way of authorised distributors getting around their suppliers insisting they onlyselladvertiseproducts at MRP. Perhaps if you got on the phone and haggled a price on the equipment you actually need is a better idea?