I've been reading and watching reviews of oscilloscopes of all varieties; handheld, USB and bench. I have another topic on USB scopes, but I thought I'd post my findings on bench scopes. Two scopes that repeatedly pop up in reviews are (including links to Canadian purchasing options):
- Rigol DS1102Z-E from https://shop.electro-meters.com/collections/digital-oscilloscopes/products/rigol-ds1102z-e-8560281
- Siglent SDS1102CML+ from https://www.transcat.ca/brand/siglent-store/oscilloscope/siglent-sds1102cml-100-mhz-oscilloscope-2-channel
Both are around C$400+tax and shipping, which is quite a bit of money for a newbie to drop. Having said that, if I ever decide to go this route, is one brand preferred over the other?
I have a Siglent and love it. Rigol makes quality products also. Can't go wrong with either.
Here is a very handy list of scopes: Scope Spreadsheets
Keep in mind that some require you to purchase a license to get some functions. Note that the Rigol says "24 Mpts with the deep memory option" but it does not list what you get without that option. Some of these can be hacked. Do at your own risk. EEVBlog has the answer to many of these questions. Since both are 100MHz, you should look into the memory to decide.
To be honest, I'd be happy with either one. For most things, they will work just fine.
Thanks - I've seen that spreadsheet. Its easy to get carried away as a beginner with things like oscilloscopes when there are so many options.
I purchased one of the OWON scopes a few years ago and didn't use it much at that time.
Then one day I pulled it out and discovered the display had faded such that it was almost unusable.
Ended up selling it for parts - and getting a used HP-54645 digi-scope.
Technology of the 80s :-]
It doesn't compare to the Siglent or Rigol in functionality - but I enjoy using it anyway.
Other possible options are the GW Instek GDS-1202B or GDS-1102A, which is cheaper. Anyone familiar with this brand?
I think I'm leaning towards the Rigol DS1102Z-E. After more research I realised I kept adding models to my list, which made any decision even more difficult. I imagine anything on my list is more than I need, and the Rigol consistently gets good reviews.
Hi There about 2 years ago i had the same dilema which oscilloscope to buy after researching the different models available in my budget swayed by EEVBLOGs rave reviews i opted for the Rigol 1054 4 channel model
i found it difficult to set up due to the many buttons and sub menu's so later on i bought a Owon SDS 1102 model which i found a lot easier to use because it has basic controls after a few months the operation of oscilloscopes started to sink in and i started to use the Rigol more often and find it is the better machine
Now i have them set up side by side and monitor signals on both of them and find they are not that far apart in functionality and operation (The Rigol has the better graphics)
Hope this Helps
Regards
Martin