Buying first Scope. Need input

[tony3d]

Hi all, thinking about buying my first scope, and was wondering what you guys think about the Owon SDS5032E? I want a digital scope mainly because I don't have enough room for a CRT scope. Only have about $300.00 to spend. Like to buy new for the warranty.

[zapta]

Hi all, thinking about buying my first scope, and was wondering what you guys think about the Owon SDS5032E? I want a digital scope mainly because I don't have enough room for a CRT scope. Only have about $300.00 to spend. Like to buy new for the warranty.

What do you plan to do with it (e.g. what signal frequency range)?

[tony3d]

Mostly for audio circuits. Also super capacitors. I guess mostly low frequency applications. Are there any good sites about getting the most from your scope?

[echen1024]

A Rigol DS1074Z. 4 channels for $585.

[Maturola]

Get you the Rigol DS1102 for that budget. It will cover all your needs.

the Hantek DSO5102P is also one to consider.

They are NOT top of the line, but best bang for buck on your budget.

[echen1024]

Why not a DS1052 and hack it to the 1102

[Maturola]

Why not a DS1052 and hack it to the 1102

Not sure where the OP is located, but in the US you can get the DS1102 for just $30ish  - $40ish more than the DS102. In my opinion, it worth to have it pretty much factory hacked and you don't have worry about voiding your warranty or messing with the scope.

[tony3d]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'll look into all this, and let you know what I decided on.

[rogersyd]

I used the on-ilne chat feature at http://tequipment.net/ and got the Rigol 1102e delivered for $330.  I asked them for a deal on the 1052 and they sent me a quote for the 1102e at the same price as the 1052e... No need to hack a 1052e at this price!  I researched scopes in this price range for a while, and it appears that these Rigol's are the scopes to beat.  Good luck!

[AndersAnd]

http://tequipment.net offers a 6% discount for all EEVblog forum members. During chekcout you just have to enter the 6% discount code mentioned here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/first-impressions-and-review-of-the-rigol-ds2072-ds2000-series-dso/msg268124/#msg268124
 
DS1052E price including free shipping within the US:
Listed price: $329.00
With 6% EEVblog discount: $309.26

But if you can get DS1102E for $330 you might want to do that instead. You might even be able to get the same 6% discount on top of that if you mention the EEVblog discount while after getting a price quote.

[AndersAnd]

Are there any good sites about getting the most from your scope?

Check the biggest oscilloscope manufacturer's websites for primers, application notes and videos.
The two biggest players are Tektronix and Agilent.

Tektronix's Oscilloscope Tutorial Learning Center http://www.tek.com/learning
Requires registration to download any documents, but it's free.
Start out with XYZs of Oscilloscopes  - Primer and then ABCs of Probes - Primer.
And of course read your scope manual too.

Also check Agilent's Application Notes http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/facet.jspx?t=79831.g.1
Start with Evaluating Oscilloscope Fundamentals http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-8064EN.pdf

But you could also try to check other big manufacturers like LeCroy, Rhode & Schwarz / Hameg etc. Probably best to stick mostly stick with the Western manufacturers. The Chinese manufacturers don't seem to have that many tutorials, they tend to primarily focus on price.