Entry-level Oscilloscope

I've been dabbling with the Arduino/electronics for about a year now and it's becoming clear to me that I need an oscilloscope to help me tackle more complex projects. I'm interested to know, what scopes are others using out there and how have your results been?

Ideally, I would spend less than $1000 CDN.

My usage needs: general hobbyist, but in particular I'm looking at an ultrasonic project.

Cheers,
Mike

Also think about other uses, a logic analyser may be more useful, especially once your data become digital. But if you were thinking $1000 you can buy both and have $500 left over.


Rob

one year in and you're willing to blow $1000? damn rich kids...

people already suggested the products on seeed studio, great, however i prefer the Mini Logic http://iteadstudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_31&products_id=221 instead of the Open Bench Logic Sniffer

the performance isn't the same, but the software is MUCH better

At USD349, the Rigol 50 MHz DS1052E is awesome!

frank26080115:
one year in and you're willing to blow $1000? damn rich kids...

people already suggested the products on seeed studio, great, however i prefer the Mini Logic http://iteadstudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_31&products_id=221 instead of the Open Bench Logic Sniffer

the performance isn't the same, but the software is MUCH better

Lol, I'm in my mid thirties so I'm not sure I qualify as being a kid. :slight_smile:

48X24X48X:
At USD349, the Rigol 50 MHz DS1052E is awesome!

Thanks I'll check that one out.

Cheers
Mike

For a logic analyser I can highly recomend the Salaea Logic (http://www.saleae.com), great unit, software and support.


Rob

There is a lot of good opinion out there on older analog scopes purchased from used equipment dealers.
Apparently you can get a decent scope for about $100.

I like my TDS210 (small), but if it died I'd be looking at the Rigol...

48X24X48X:
At USD349, the Rigol 50 MHz DS1052E is awesome!

And hackable. :slight_smile: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hacking-the-Rigol-DS1052E-Oscilloscope-with-Linux/

Regarding the mention of the DSO Nano v2, I own one of those. With the latest "BenF" firmware, it's a pretty awesome little device for what it is (and what it cost), especially for those of us with very little bench space to spare; but, recognize the limitations (which it sounds like you have: 1MHz, single input, etc). If you're at even remotely considering it, you might want to save a your pennies and hold out for the DSO Quad to become a little more "production-ready"; it looks to be a significant improvement over the original two Nano designs.

logic:

48X24X48X:
At USD349, the Rigol 50 MHz DS1052E is awesome!

And hackable. :slight_smile: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hacking-the-Rigol-DS1052E-Oscilloscope-with-Linux/

Regarding the mention of the DSO Nano v2, I own one of those. With the latest "BenF" firmware, it's a pretty awesome little device for what it is (and what it cost), especially for those of us with very little bench space to spare; but, recognize the limitations (which it sounds like you have: 1MHz, single input, etc). If you're at even remotely considering it, you might want to save a your pennies and hold out for the DSO Quad to become a little more "production-ready"; it looks to be a significant improvement over the original two Nano designs.

Do check David's full review on DS1052E!

At USD349, the Rigol 50 MHz DS1052E is awesome

I second that!

Don't forget the bitscope:
http://www.bitscope.com/

USB or Ethernet. Dual/Quad oscilloscopes with logic analyzer and wave generator in one box. It's an open source design.

AWOL:

At USD349, the Rigol 50 MHz DS1052E is awesome

I second that!

It seems that Rigol is quite good. So far it's the leader.

Any other suggestions?

estratos:
Don't forget the bitscope:
http://www.bitscope.com/

USB or Ethernet. Dual/Quad oscilloscopes with logic analyzer and wave generator in one box. It's an open source design.

The Bitscope looks interesting, but I'm on a Mac and I don't think there is software that supports Mac.

The Rigol has it for me - it is simply astonishing value.
If only the fan were quieter...

Groove:
The Rigol has it for me - it is simply astonishing value.
If only the fan were quieter...

Does the Rigol come with probes? If not, which probes should I get?

Mine came with probes, full accessories clips and a cable with crocs.

dezguy:

estratos:
Don't forget the bitscope:
http://www.bitscope.com/

USB or Ethernet. Dual/Quad oscilloscopes with logic analyzer and wave generator in one box. It's an open source design.

The Bitscope looks interesting, but I'm on a Mac and I don't think there is software that supports Mac.

Bitscope does support Windows and Linux. I remember having read about Mac support too but I'm not sure.

Expensive too.

In the low-cost/diy camp, has anyone here tried this out:

http://xoscope.sourceforge.net/

It apparently uses a buffer circuit between the probes and the sound card of a Linux PC or laptop. I think this might be my next small project, if I can figure out why it won't build against a recent version of GTK+...

Downside: really low sample bandwidth (it's a sound card, after all).