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Buying a Digital Oscilloscope.

Steamysteve

Dec 17, 2021
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I am replacing one of my old CRT Oscilloscopes with a Digital version. I am looking for recommendations - under £250 hopefully. Does anyone have experience of the FNIRSI range of oscilloscopes - they are reasonably priced but what is the quality like?
 

Steamysteve

Dec 17, 2021
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Hi Bertus. I need a 'scope for general monitoring of electronic circuits, setting up RF transmitters, fault-finding digital and analogue circuits, test and repairs to audio equipment, etc.
Portability is a useful feature too. I have looked at Telequipment, Tektronics, and used most makes in the past but now just need something for occasional hobby use.
Thank you for the links to the reviews - these are most useful, except that the ones I have been able to find prices for are aimed at 'professionals', not hobbyists!
I am looking at the currently available brands, e.g. Hantek, Rigol, Siglent, Owon, & Hanmatek, but I have no experience of using these products. I am looking to spend up to £200.00 so some of these will not be applicable, but if you or anyone is able to offer me their thoughts or experience and offer recommendations for the most suitable oscilloscopes I would be very grateful. As I mentioned - I am looking for anyone's experience of the FNIRSI range of oscilloscopes - they appear to be good value for money but are they really?

Thanks,
Steve. G8DMS
 

Steamysteve

Dec 17, 2021
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Bertus,
Thank you for this post. The Tektronix one is a very useful refresher course for me! The 'allaboutcircuits' website has lots of interesting information but I didn't find answers to my specific query, however, I may use it for other assistance. The 'eevblog' site is indeed an extensive data source for 'scopes. However, it is 6 years old and things have moved on since then, and looking at the guide prices they are aimed at the pro user, not a poor Ham!
Anyhow, many thanks again for the research and I'm sure to refer back to some of the sites you recommended.
Steve G8DMS
 

bertus

Moderator
Nov 8, 2019
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Hello,

You may have seen this on the eevbolg page I posted:
Updated on 01 January, 2021
It is almost a year old, but not 6 years.
As for you budget, the table at that page shows scopes upto 50 MHz.

Bertus
 

darina99611

Aug 9, 2022
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Aug 9, 2022
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I am replacing one of my old CRT Oscilloscopes with a Digital version. I am looking for recommendations - under £250 hopefully. Does anyone have experience of the FNIRSI range of oscilloscopes - they are reasonably priced but what is the quality like?
have you bought one? how is it?
 

danadak

Feb 19, 2021
751
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Feb 19, 2021
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I bought 4 years ago a DS1074Z Rigol, and very happy with it. Including build quality,
regular periodic updates of firmware and now no longer because firmware is up to
date and complete. Very good FFT for this price range. The two channel model
of this will meet your budget I think.

I like its digital filter to process waveforms to create a math based waveform,
unusual in this price range scope. It does NOT have a f() generator.

Just bought a Hantek 2D10, build close to rigol. Firmware in a lot of turmoil
but I see progress. Display excellent in brightness. Onboard function generator,
seems OK but very basic capability. No bode plot (yet). Math capability not as
good as Rigol.

I also have a significant collection of analog scopes, and will retain a couple as
I downsize. The plugin models have sampling to 10 Ghz, excellent differential
uV signal analog plugins, curve tracer, spectrum analyzer....so they will always
be in my lab.

Regards, Dana.
 

hevans1944

Hop - AC8NS
Jun 21, 2012
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Jun 21, 2012
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@Steamysteve: I bought a Hantek DSO5202P from Circuit Specialists in Tempe, AZ, USA for less than US$300.00 a few years ago. At current exchange rates, this would be close to ₤250, but be aware that there is currently rampant inflation of the US dollar. So, who knows what it sells for today... or even whether Circuit Specialists will sell and ship to foreign countries. But I like this digital storage oscilloscope very much. I do wish it was available here with a rechargeable battery option for truly portable operation "in the field" but for all practical purposes, there is always mains power available when I use it.

I have no information on the function or reliability of FNIRSI-branded equipment, but if the price is "too good to be true" that should raise all sorts of red flags. Here is a link to a page with lots of reviews.

I would give a "like" to @danadak's post #8, but I can't seem to find the "like" button. There is a bunch of stuff "missing" from the "upgrade" and merging of Electronics Point with Maker Pro. Enough to perhaps warrant moving to another online electronics forum...
 
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