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

Joseph Ogbonna•1/8/24, 9:04 AM

Thanks for the recommendation

techielew•1/16/24, 3:23 AM

This is a great guide. Do you own any of thse at the moment, @Petr Dvořák ?

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 5:49 AM

No, I don't. I have a simple 100 MHz 2-Ch Siglent SDS1102CML for about 11+ years.

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 5:51 AM

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.

PPetr Dvořák My scope still works, and I don't want to get rid of it because of some new shin...

techielew•1/16/24, 6:35 AM

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?

Ttechielew If you were to buy a new one, advanced or budget, what are the must-have functio...

techielew•1/16/24, 6:36 AM

I’m thinking this is one of the future demo series we’ll do btw

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 6:39 AM

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.

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 6:45 AM

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.

PPetr Dvořák I usually need three channels (What?). It means I need to separate measurement s...

techielew•1/16/24, 8:20 AM

What's the accuracy/bit resolution you usually require or look for in your projects?

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 8:22 AM

My scope is of course 8-bit one.

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 8:25 AM

What accuracy do I require? 1-3% of the entire signal chain.

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 8:27 AM

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.

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 8:30 AM

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.

PPetr Dvořák For instance, the Smith chart. The first time was presented in 1939. In the pre-...

techielew•1/16/24, 8:47 AM

Do you routinely use Smith chart in your work?

Petr DvořákOP•1/16/24, 9:05 AM

Only when dealing with RF things.

PPetr Dvořák After my contribution to the LinkedIn collaborative article https://www.linkedin...

melta101•10/7/24, 3:07 PM

Hello @Petr Dvořák
Do have any suggestions on displayless oscilloscope?