Low-cost but still excellent oscilloscopes for SOHO
After my contribution to the LinkedIn collaborative article https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-choose-right-oscilloscope, I was asked multiple times for an oscilloscope recommendation.
Believe it or not, I have used a simple 100 MHz 1-Ch Siglent SDS1102CML for about 11+ years. Have I ever needed a better one? Sure, I have but I always find a way how to get my results.
My tips for low-budget scopes:
- 100 MHz 4-Ch 1 GSps https://uk.farnell.com/multicomp-pro/mp720025-eu-uk/dso-4-ch-100mhz-40mpts-1gsps/dp/3107583
- 100 MHz 4-Ch 1.25 GSps https://rigolshop.eu/dho814.html
- 70 MHz 4-Ch 1.25 GSps https://rigolshop.eu/dho804.html
- 250 MHz 4-Ch 1.25 GSps https://rigolshop.eu/dho924.html
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Digital Oscilloscope DHO814
NEW! 100 MHz, 4 analog channels, Real-time sample rate up to 1.25 GSa/s, Memory Depth up to 25 Mpts, up to 12-bit vertical resolution, 7'' touch display
Digital Oscilloscope DHO804
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NEW! 70 MHz, 4 analog channels, Real-time sample rate up to 1.25 GSa/s, Memory Depth up to 25 Mpts, up to 12-bit vertical resolution, 7'' touch display
Digital Oscilloscope DHO924
NEW! 250 MHz, 4 analog channels, 16 digital channels, Real-time sample rate up to 1.25 GSa/s, Memory Depth up to 50 Mpts, up to 12-bit vertical resolution, 7'' touch display
10 Replies
Thanks for the recommendation
This is a great guide. Do you own any of thse at the moment, @Petr Dvořák ?
No, I don't. I have a simple 100 MHz 2-Ch Siglent SDS1102CML for about 11+ years.
My scope still works, and I don't want to get rid of it because of some new shiny possibilities. Plus, I hate having two comparable tools because it would be a waste of money. I will wait until the end of days of my scope.
If you were to buy a new one, advanced or budget, what are the must-have functions on it that you would use every day?
I’m thinking this is one of the future demo series we’ll do btw 🙂
I usually need three channels (What?). It means I need to separate measurement steps into more substeps using only two channels. I don't care about the scope bandwidth for my everyday measurement.
For the next scope, I will buy a 4-channel one. Most probably, the 100 MHz model (not because of the bandwidth requirement, but because I've had a 100 MHz scope, and I don't see it reasonable to go for 70 MHz just because of the lower price. I've had a Siglent. I consider Siglent, Rigol, and Multicomp as a rebranded Hameg or something, and RSpro as a rebranded Siglent, Hantek or something. I am not considering buying Keysight (I find them more expensive than their competition). If I should catch in the more expensive lake, I would consider Rohde and Schwarz because their prices seem to be reasonable.
What's the accuracy/bit resolution you usually require or look for in your projects?
My scope is of course 8-bit one.
What accuracy do I require? 1-3% of the entire signal chain.
Frankly, I don't require it. I sit, measure and see. Accuracy, uncertainty and errors are to be processed by experts. I am not such an expert.
For instance, the Smith chart. The first time was presented in 1939. In the pre-computer era. Requiring only a pencil and a ruler. Why is the Smith chart so legible? Exactly because it avoids all complexities and complications.
Do you routinely use Smith chart in your work?
Only when dealing with RF things.
Hello @Petr Dvořák
Do have any suggestions on displayless oscilloscope?