Long winded quesion if Agilent DSOX 2000 series is still a good buy

[ehsmeng]

Hi all,

I've got a Tek 465 and I'd like a good digital one as well. I haven't touched electronics so much while doing software for 15years, but would like to pick it up, and introduce the kids to a meaningful hobby/future career. Compared to 15y ago, I have an actual proper income now so I can spoil myself with not buying the cheapest junk, and instead pay a little bit more and get quality.

It would be nice to stay sub $2k, but if I pay over $1k, I'd like to be sure it will stay in service for a while.

Looking at reviews back and forth, it basically boils down to Agilent 2000 series. Latest reviews I've seen are a few years old, and Rigol got their competitor out after that, but it feels like Agilent doesn't cut corners. I also have a historic weak spot for hp in general which might bias.

http://www.distrelec.ch/search?q=oscilloscope&filter_Manufacturer=Agilent&filter_Bandwidth~~MHz=100&filter_Series=DSOX2000

It seems like I can upgrade to the digital input later, should the need arise. And with the 2k series I have upgrade options to 200Mhz and 4x inputs. Should I in the future need to go higher in frequency, I expect prices have gone down by then and I can get another entry level scope of a new generation or higher spec generation (Say Agilent 3k).

Is a DSOX2012 a good purchase? Should I look at Tek or recent Rigols instead?

and.. this has been baking my noodles:
What does the X in DSOX stand for?

Thanks,
Marcus

[Hydrawerk]

Is a DSOX2012 a good purchase? Should I look at Tek or recent Rigols instead?

Yes, DSOX2000 is still a good purchase, if 1Mpoints per each channel is enough for you. It also has no advanced triggers like Runt, Rise/Fall Time, Setup/Hold, but I have never missed it.
Recent Rigols in this cathegory? It is just DS2000A-S. A powerful scope, but it still has some bugs and I doubt what the lifespan is. But no other manufacturer offers a two channel function generator in a scope. http://www.rigol.com/prodserv/DS2000A/
Tektronix still has no competitor for Agilent DSOX2000, only that MSO2000 introduced in 2008. http://www.tek.com/oscilloscope/mso2000-dpo2000 It is not a bad scope, but i prefer DSOX2000. The Tek MSO2000 has rather poor resolution display, no function generator, no Trigger output and a low waveform update speed. On the other hand, it has many advanced trigger possibilities.

Then you might consider that new Siglent SDS2000. But it is a first DPO scope ever made by Siglent so I would expect some problems...


Someone might also like the GW Instek GDS2000A, but i don't. I think that it did not meet with a commercial success.

[nowlan]

I think consensus is that Rigol is best bang for buck once unlocked.

I believe toploser has a agilent for sale still.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-%28uk%29-agilent-dso-x-2004a-scope-with-mso-pod-new-and-boxed/

Other deals to be had on the official refurb store on ebay. Be sure to take advantage of the 'make offer'. I think it was 15%.
http://stores.ebay.com.au/Agilent-Remarketing-Solutions-Store

[Hydrawerk]

I think consensus is that Rigol is best bang for buck once unlocked.

Yes, but I doubt what the lifespan is like. Rigol might not be suitable for everyday use.

[iRad]

If you decide on the Agilent, don't forget to get the "Upgrade to your Ultimate Scope" offer before time runs out. Personally, I think the upgrade itself is a primary reason why one would consider the Agilent above any other scope in its class.

http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pc-1152185/oscilloscope-software?pm=CM&cc=US&lc=eng&pidL=2401576%2c2401593%2c2401610

What you get for $500 (you can even bargain down this price when purchased):
Included options
• DSOX2AUTO Automotive trigger and analysis (CAN/LIN)
• DSOX2COMP Computer trigger and analysis (RS232/UART)
• DSOX2EMBD Embedded trigger and analysis (I²C/SPI)
• DSOX2MASK Mask limit testing
• DSOX2MEMUP Memory upgrade to 1 Mpts per channel
• DSOX2SGM Segmented memory acquisition
• DSOX2WAVEGEN Integrated 20 MHz function generator
• DSOXDVM Integrated digital voltmeter
• DSOXEDK Educator’s training kit

You get much more on the 3000X series for another $300.

[georges80]

I recently purchased a msox2024a on agilent's ebay store. Refurbished to new with 5yr warranty, all new probes/accessories etc etc.

It's to replace a 7yr old tds2024b (also bought refurbed back then). So, if you consider 7yrs of use until the next upgrade that means < $350/yr amortised cost (in my case) less whatever I can sell it for at that time.

I do have some Rigol test equipment and it is pretty decent stuff for the $. I looked at several options prior to choosing the agilent (rigol & tek). I checked out some of the 'opposition' at a couple of local trade shows. After about 2 - 3 months of going back and forth on features/cost I decided on the agilent. It is a great scope and given I use it for business it became a simple choice once I committed to spend the $ to go with a tier one instrument manufacturer.

At this point Tek is not competitive in the ~$2k scope area. I talked to a few Tek folk at the trade shows and as soon as I mentioned the 'class of scope' I was looking for and that the dsox/msox 2000 was my primary contender they basically gave up - knowing they were outclassed.

Now, if you are just looking at home use and mostly hobby tinkering, I would suggest a Rigol unit would likely do everything (and more) than you need and save you a bunch of $. Lots of support and help for the Rigols on this forum.

cheers,
george.

[ehsmeng]

I got the scope from Toploser. Lovely scope (once it's done booting windows). Thanks for your advices!

[iRad]

Lovely scope (once it's done booting windows).

It seems that stripped-down embedded versions of commercial OS (Windows CE in this case) are the future for these class of scopes. Really, it’s not like you need an ultra-fast boot time for most tasks on a scope, like you really need with a multimeter and/or some other often used bench test equipment. And the time to boot is really not that terrible. Also consider that your scope would most likely not be hackable to a MSOX2022A with full software options if it were not for the OS running CE. That is a BIG bonus… Congrats on your purchase!

[jimjam]

Congrats on the new scope! Is this for business / work or hobby?