[Thermionic Dude]

Finally getting to the point where I need some of the capabilities of digital scopes. I'll probably never abandon using analog scopes (especially for audio) because I simply like using them, but it's not easy to photograph traces on a CRT (I have an old Tek Polaroid adaptor that works well, but Polaroid cameras and film have gone the way of the 8-track) and obviously cannot do all the math functions.

I have a little Velleman portable (10 MHz), but it's single-channel and does not have much functionality (use it mainly when working on cars).

I think I prefer a stand-alone unit vs. computer-based, but some computer scopes have very tempting features (there is a new Velleman model that has an O'scope, generator, transient recorder, and Bode plotter all-in-one). I know I'll have to spend a bit of money to get something "good" (I'm not impressed with entry level brands like Owon, Rigol, Instek, Protek, etc. that appear to have all been built in the same factory and have Chinglish manuals), but not sure where to look first. I'd rather spend $1000 on something used by Tek or Agilent than something new by an off-brand (same as with analog scopes). I'd like to have something as well-built as my Tek and Telequipment scopes, but I'm not sure who the "big players" are in the digital realm.

In terms of audio applications, I'd like to be able to do some basic math functions, including FFT, as well as take some quantitative measurements. The real impetus to go digital is due to my increasing interest in hardware programming (dabbling in robotics and various gizmos for R/C aircraft). It would be GREAT to find a reasonably priced scope with a built-in logic analyzer, but all the MSOs I've seen are $$$$$.

I don't really have a solid budget number in mind, because prices are widely variable and I'm not 100% sure what I need at this point. I'm willing to spend a little if it gets me what I really need, and cost is not my primary consideration here. It would be GREAT to find something as well-built as my Tek scopes (515A, T922R, 465), but I'm not sure that's possible (Tek gear has, hands-down, the BEST electronics construction quality I think I've ever seen-true engineering masterpieces).

Any suggestions/personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

 

[luvdunhill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thermionic Dude /img/forum/go_quote.gif including FFT!

If you want FFT, then I would think my recommendation would be a used TDS1012. If you'd like color screen or USB, then you'll have to step up to the appropriate model numbers for that.

 

[tangent]

At the DIY hobbyist price level, all scopes are Chinese.

What you're paying for in the "American" scopes is service, availability of accessories, etc. Personally, I chose Tek when I bought my DSO, though if I were back in the market, some of the new low-end LeCroys look very interesting.

As a rule, you're right to avoid PC-based scopes. It's not that they couldn't possibly be done right, it's that there's usually a concomitant move to all-around cheapness whenever a designer sets out to make a PC-based scope. I think it's because there's this fundamental idea in PC-based scopes that they're already saving on the screen, RAM, etc., so who not just keep on cheaping out all around? This is probably reinforced by the buyers, who tend to look at PC-based scopes to save money, so the one that appears to save the most money gets the most interest. So, you end up losing things like high voltage tolerance, calibration, usability... There are exceptions; NI gear, for instance.

 

[frex]

Dear Dude,


I use everyday at my job many Tek scope, and particularly the TDS3014(DPO).
It is a awesome device, and the DPO allow to display signal very near of old analog scope (no under-sampling issue).

I'm also an electronics hobbyst, and i do not have 5000 € to pay me such a device !
So, for my home use i have buy a Rigol DS1022CD DSO.
Yes, it 's Chinese device. But no, it is not a low-end device !
Building quality is very good, the display is better than many Tek DSO.
For about 500€ (2 year ago), it include two 25MHz (400Msps) analog channels, and 16 digitals channels for logic analyser including all probes with mini-grip.
The USB host interface made very easy the backup of files & screenshoots.
A second USB interface allow fully drive the scope from a computer.
As Tek scope(and others DSO), it perform many measurements, and can display FFT.
Rigol is the first DSO company from China, and others Chinese brand just try to copy it.
I was very impressed by the value price of this unit.
Probably the best purchase of equipment that I did.
Furthermore, it's user interface is very good ! Many of it's functions are not available on TekScope !

About FFT..
You must make attention when using FFT with DSO, because input resolution is low (generally 8bits) and because of that the dynamic measurement range is poor compared to a real spectrum/FFT analyser. For instance, you will not be able to make THD measurements with it ...


Frex