My never ending search of an oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: chromesphere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 04:05:37 am
content: Hi guys,I'm soooo lost with my search for an oscilloscope...bascially the search has gone something like this.Im starting to think that you can not get a scope without issues under $400. I've been researching all the makes and models and it seems every single avenue has some major issue. I started out looking at a cheap siglent (because their cheap) but read on this forum not to touch them. So i moved onto the rigol 1052 which was highly recommended, but the screen size is just so small it bothered me too much. I then moved onto the Owon and was VERY HAPPY with the idea of getting the Owon 6062, but found out through a thread on the Owon 7102, that it had some ground noise issue, which to very much a beginner like me, sounds like a serious problem. I asked if the 6062 had the same issue, someone suggested to wait for them to fix the issue, so i assume thats a yes. So i moved on again...Uni-T (too low memory depth), Hantek (cant rmember the model number) cheap construction and ineffecient use of the screen real estate.All i will be using the scope for is learning basic analogue audio circuits (guitar pedals as my youtube channel is totally geared towards). I imagine ANY of these DSO's would be perfectly fine, but i still want to get the best i can.So the question? Would the ground issue on the Owon 7102 also belong to the 6062 and if so would it be of a concern for me? Have i missed any other options, i feel like i've exhausted all possible avenues...Thanks for any help / advice,Paul

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 04:26:43 am
content: Quote from: chromesphere on March 20, 2013, 04:05:37 amIf by "without issues" you mean "like a high-end Agilent", no.QuoteSeriously? It might be one of the smaller screens for a digital scope, but it's still bigger than or equal to almost every analog scope's screen and people have used those happily for a long time. If you are looking at a repetitive waveform it will fit on the screen, and if you are trying to fit a long digital signal on the screen you are using the wrong tool. Why does a scope need a huge screen?QuoteI was going to say that all of these inexpensive DSOs are noisy, but I looked this up and holy crap that is bad. If the 6062 had that problem as well I suspect you'd know about it. I doubt many people would use the scope and not bitch about the noise.QuoteA used 20 MHz analog scope will be more than good enough for that and a whole lot cheaper than $400. Otherwise, I'd go with the Rigol or the Owon (bigger screen, which you seem to like). I looked at the Owons as well, a while ago, and didn't see anything about noise in the 6000 series. See if you can find people who have the scope and just ask them.

author: chromesphere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 04:32:17 am
content: Hey c4757p, thanks for your response!I know, every device has some sort of drawback, its getting something with issues / quirks etc that you can live with...or pay $$$I dont know why i care so much for a big display. I just thought seeing more of the waveform would be nice..? Oh yeah, im a noob! Last time i used an oscilloscope was when i was 17 at school!If that Owon 6000 series doesnt have ground noise issues like the 7000, then its a done deal. If anyone has one (bought recently), please let me know / put me out of my miseryPaul

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 07:49:08 am
content: Get a scope with a video output on the back, and pick yourself up a used LCD monitor off Ebay.For £20, my 15 year old scope has a screen the same size as a new £15k model! Plus it's really handy to have a second screen on the bench which is clearly visible from a distance; ergonomics rarely gets a mention when we talk about lab setups, but a well positioned screen makes it easier to concentrate on the thing you're probing.

author: chromesphere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 08:43:56 am
content: Hey Andy,I was thinking more of resolution then size, but yeah that's an option. Not sure i'm wiling to 'roll the dice' with a Owon, so will prob end up with the Rigol. Or just wait till Owon sort out their stuff...The journey continues.Paul

author: Surge
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 10:27:03 am
content: Hi Paul,You could have a look at TiePie engineering USB oscilloscopes/function generator combinations, such as the Handyscope HS3 and HS5. They can be used with a Windows PC/laptop/tablet, so you can use a large display.Key specifications of the Handyscope HS5 oscilloscope:2 channels, 14 bit, 500 MS/s, 250 MHz bandwidth, 20 MS/s 14 bit continuous gap free streaming, 32 MS memory per channel, 1 ppm time base accuracy.Key specifications of the Handyscope HS5 Arbitrary Waveform Generator:1 µHz to 30 MHz waveforms, 240 MS/s, 14 bit, 64 MS memory, -12 to 12 V output (24 Vpp), 1 ppm time base accuracy.See:-http://www.tiepie.com-http://www.tiepie.com/products/Oscilloscopes/Handyscope_HS5-http://www.tiepie.com/products/Oscilloscopes/Handyscope_HS3Marthein

author: chromesphere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 10:29:22 am
content: Thanks for the suggestion Surge! Unfortunately as this is just a hobby for me I have to keep the cost below $400.Paul

author: hammil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 11:01:44 am
content: The 6062 looks pretty good.

author: chromesphere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 11:08:15 am
content: It looks exactly what I was after. Except...it's recently been found to have serious ground noise issues after some h/w or s/w revision. So you 'roll the dice' if you buy one I guess.Paul

author: hammil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 11:51:06 am
content: Buy it from a reputable dealer, communicating with them the fact that if you do get this issue, you'll want to get a working replacement or refund.It's entirely possible that it was a firmware issue that has now been fixed, however.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 01:58:27 pm
content: Quote from: chromesphere on March 20, 2013, 10:29:22 amI was looking for a cheap scope too and ended up with a 3000x on my benchto be fair, its cheaper then the 500MHz 4 ch 7000 series I'm used to at work... yeah thats my story and im sticking to it.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 05:36:03 pm
content: yes you can. it's a matter of time and bit of luck.i got a 54831b for 300$... that's a 4 channel 600Mhz machine...but like i said ... time and luck

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 06:08:17 pm
content: Pay a bit more and get a Rigol DS2072

author: chromesphere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 11:31:46 pm
content: The rigol DS2072 is $1000. My max is $400. All im looking for is a DSO with a decent sized screen and no major flaws. I was hoping to get it soon, but i think the search is going to continue. Or i get a Rigol. Ill think about it anyway, thanks for the responses.Paul

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 11:47:45 pm
content: Yeah, the DS2072 is a bit much for most hobbyists. I'd love to have one, but can't really justify the cost.