Rigol DS1102E Fan Noise: Another Thought - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Harrzack
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 04:22:05 pm
content: Greets to all! Just (1/23/2013) received my DS1102E and as a quick overall impression: For the hobbiest, Arduino-tinkerer this is a super device! I've read ENDLESS reviews and finally said 'YES'. If you are in the novice ranks this is just the ticket for you!Having read many gripes about the noisy fan, I can now confirm that yes - it IS noticeable but not a show-stopper.Next - having read the comments here and elsewhere about replacing the fan, I was considering that route... but then it may NOT be the fan itself. When the unit comes on, the fan is fairly quiet. Then after a few mins it ramps up to what appears to be full speed, and the noise becomes apparent. And the sound never changes after that... I'm now thinking - maybe it the temp-sensing system that is a fault.Some years ago, Apple Computers had an issue such as there where certain machines would have the fan go into "Ram-Jet" mode and suddenly ramp up to full speed. So perhaps the heat sensing/cooling system in the 'scope has too steep a curve and just goes from low to instant high... Not sure how this could be fixed... maybe a bogus or cheap thermistor or heat sensor... maybe badly placed...Just another thought=Alan R.

author: nixxon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 07:43:44 pm
content: The fan in my Rigol was (is) running at full power all the time. The original fan had to go. It was replaced by a silent fan within a few weeks. (Noiseblocker, BlackSilent XR2, 60x25). I just cut and tied up the RPM wire.Some specs:Size : 60x60x25mmWeight : 60gOperating Voltage : 6-12,0 VStart Voltage : 4,5 VoltInput Power : 0,9 WattRPM at 12V : 2200 (+/- 10%)Airflow max. m /h : 24 m³/hAcoustical Noise (dB/A) : 15 dB/AMTBF (25°C) : 30 000 Std.Connector : 3 Pin Molex incl. RPM signalPictures athttp://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-020-NB

author: Harrzack
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2013, 08:56:58 pm
content: Well - if I can't figure out how to have the Rigol not run the fan at full speed all the time - that fan sounds great! I even found it on Amazon for $15 USD. When you say you 'cut the RPM wire' - is that just a signal lead FROM the fan that isn't used?=Alan R.

author: nixxon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2013, 09:17:20 pm
content: Quote from: Harrzack on January 25, 2013, 08:56:58 pmI believe the Rigol runs at 100% fan voltage all the time. There is no RPM connector from the Rigol to the fan. The RPM wire I cut was on the fan wire harness, as the Rigol only had 2 wires (positive and negative).

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2013, 11:08:10 pm
content: Quote from: nixxon on January 24, 2013, 07:43:44 pmThe problem with replacing fans is that you'll need to make sure the amount of airflow stays the same or the scope may overheat.

author: M0pmz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 09, 2013, 10:03:33 am
content: ...interesting! These guys tested and did dB(A) sound-metering. Good to see and hear some real results:youtube also compares DS2000's with DS1000.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2013, 10:37:53 am
content: I got my DS1102E about three weeks ago and there is almost no fan noise (yes it's working).

author: DanHamer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2013, 01:23:17 pm
content: I got my Rigol DS1102E about a month or so ago and although the fan is noticeable I'd say its no nosier than the fans in many other appliances. I've used PC with fans that are just as loud and louder. I'm easily annoyed by noises and I've had absolutely no problem working with my DS1102E. I fact I'd say its currently my number one favourite bit of kit. No disappointments what so ever.Its my first proper oscilloscope. I've had pocket scopes in the past and use Analog Tek scopes at work and I can honestly say that getting the DS1102E has opened up whole new areas for me. I've also already user it to chase down a fix problems on two separate projects that I've been working on so its already justifying its cost. Highly recommended.

author: Len
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2013, 01:58:58 pm
content: I also got a DS1102E a few weeks ago, and I found the fan noise very annoying after using it for just a few minutes. It was much louder than my PC (even my old overclocked one). I replaced the fan with a quieter 60mm one and it's much better.Overall I'm very happy with the DS1102E. Realistically I don't need anything fancier, and I like the compact size because I don't have a big workbench.

author: travellerw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2013, 05:09:52 pm
content: Strange it seems like there may be some versions out there with a upgraded fan.I got mine (1052) about a month ago and the fan is very quiet. Its quieter than my PC fan (standard HP fan) by far.