SainSmart DSO201 Digital Oscilloscope?

[jasonc2]

I am on a tight budget and I want to buy a scope for hobby use; I found this cheap digital oscilloscope:

https://www.sainsmart.com/multimete...torage-digital-pocket-sized-portable-kit.html

It's $70 USD, fits in pocket. It says 80Vpp max input which is a bit limiting but covers most of my uses (it would be nice to have a 240Vrms max for power supply testing), and 1Msps sampling rate which covers all my typical uses. The 12-bit sample depth is a little lower than I would like.

Is it worth $70? It seems to get good reviews on all the sites that sell it.

I'm looking for something to hold me over until I can throw $1000 at a higher quality scope.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

For an order of magnitude better performance in features and much better sampling rates consider a $270 DSO https://www.saelig.com/MFR00062/PSBEB100009.htm

When you ready for more math functions with more memory and resolution and better triggering features, plus more bandwidth move up to TEK scopes.

Don't forget a 10:1 probe will increase the input range of any vertical channel x10. They must be matched matched to the input capacitance for flat response. using 1/9th Cin and 9x R to get a 10:1 ratio. 1/(1+9)=0.1

Biggest differences are in resolution 8 bit vs 12. Depth of memory, Analog BW and real sampling rates of ADC.
12 bit allows more zoom after recording is captured but most people dont need this unless looking for low levels of random noise.

FFT function
Autoscale function
Trigger Holdoff
25MHz Bandwidth
100MS/s real time sample rate 8 bit
Maximum 5000 record length for each channel
Dual channels plus External trigger
20 auto measurements
8-inch color TFT LCD display for large view
PC communication through the USB or RS232 port for real-time data transmission
Advanced triggers: Edge trigger, Video trigger and Alternate trigger

Your USB model
Display 2.8″ Color TFT LCD
Display Resolution 320×240 Display Color 65K
Analog bandwidth 0 - 1MHz
Max sample rate 1Msps 12Bits
Sample memory depth 4096 Point
Horizontal sensitivity 1uS/Div～10S/Div (1-2-5 Step)
Horizontal position adjustable with indicator
Vertical sensitivity 10mV/Div～10V/Div (with ×1 probe) 0.5V/Div～10V/Div (with ×10 probe)

 

[willis...]

If you are looking for a smaller, cheaper oscilloscope, I would look into USB-based oscilloscopes. I had a model similiar to the one in the link that you provided. They are small and portable, and that is about the only advantage. Most of the time you are limited by the software, the size of the screen, and the navigation on the device that consists of hitting a few buttoms. USB oscilloscopes require a computer to run, but feature much more intuitive software, data storage, etc. I would suggest taking a look at these... I have included a few links for some products that are in your price range.
https://www.hobbylab.us/


I would highly reccomend the one from digilent; it even comes with a logic analyzer. Its only $99 if your a student.

Regards,
Willis

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

Analog Discovery™
looks like a winner if you dont mind typing up Laptop or desktop.

 

[tpetar]

I know you want to buy, but see this in free time :

http://www.eosystems.ro/index.php/projects/eoscope

Maximum sample frequency: 40MSPS
Maximum input frequency: 5MHz
Maximum displayed frequency without aliasing: 10MHz
Input circuit bandwidth: 20MHz
Display resolution: 240x128 total, trace resolution 200x125
Sensitivity: 40mV/div
Coupling: DC
Input impedance: 10K
Power supply: single DC source 8V..10V, 1A
No incremental mode
Time base: 1s/div, 500ms/div, 200ms/div, 100ms/div, 50ms/div/, 20ms/div, 10ms/div, 5ms/div, 2ms/div, 1ms/div, 500us/div, 200us/div, 100us/div, 50us/div, 20us/div, 10us/div, 5us/div, 2us/div, 1us/div, 500ns/div
Trigger: digitally adjustable
Trace offset: digitally adjustable

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

nice job.. no ground plane? What does it use for Nyquist Filter? adaptive to sampling rate?

 

[tpetar]

See this PC 4 channel scope (200MHz on 2ch or 100MHz on 4ch). Circuit is more complicated but who knows....

**broken link removed**

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

fascinating probe matching network... I wonder why ... I always though R1C1:R2C2 was all you needed.

no adaptive filter seen for sampling rate

 

[jasonc2]

Thanks guys.

The Analog Discovery looks awesome; and it works well for me because I generally do carry my laptop with me. What a great product! (Also I watched the video and I really like their philosophy.) Unfortunately I'm not a student (missed that boat about 10 years ago) and so far the two students I've asked who could get the discount both saw the 1-per-student limit and said "sorry man, I'm going to get this for myself". :lol: ... :-(

Perhaps Digilent will give me a discount for selling two of their products (or to willissilliw for selling three).

But I think I'm going to go for it. In that price range the PDS5022T looks like a great buy as well, although I really like the portability of the Analog Discovery.

Oh and, incidentally, how cool is this! **broken link removed** -- It's specs are a bit low (e.g. +- 20V max on scope) which is a little disappointing especially for the steep price tag, but what a great idea! I had all the Radio Shack electronic kits as a kid but I would've loved this thing. Maybe a good gift idea for a young future engineer.

tpetar: Nice. I was thinking about building one myself but I just don't want to spend the time on it right now.

Edit: Pardon me, I meant Analog™ Discovery. :roll:

 

[chuckey]

SunnySkyguy, the complicated network is to stop the coax cable ringing. HP used to used a resistive centre conductor on the coax attached to their probes, its a pig to mend!!
Frank

 

[karthick1987]

Hey Jasonc2,

I was looking for an oscilloscope for myself as well. The Saelig looks alright, I also found an Agilent/Siglent/Lecroy one which is pretty comparable in price and since they are quite experienced and reliable I would go with that one. Here they are on Ebay with free shipping and stuff

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=siglent&_sop=15

Have a look at it. I might get one myself. Its got a whole heap of math functions as well!

Hope it helps
K

 

[tpetar]

I dont think that this is portable.



33GHz starting price 202.000,00 USD. 8-O
https://www.lightwaveonline.com/art...ers-33-ghz-oscilloscope-series-126576648.html

 

[karthick1987]

Tpetar,

I had a look at it and most of them are the slim design unlike the old Benchtop one with the extended casing. Have a look at this one for example

**broken link removed**

The only issue is that its got 8-bit vertical resolution compared to 12 bit for the saelig

Regards
K

 

[tpetar]

Yes, I think is better to buy some use in good shape (average class) digital scope then new or nothing for hobbyst, students, but pro should have some killer scopes if job needs that.

I remember my first contact with Fluke scope many years ago, I thought it was some joking about pricing, but....