Advice on a used Rigol DS1052E

[Abstr7ct]

I've been looking for modern and solid lab equipments recently. I would like to get a digital oscilloscope, a function generator and a dual power supply. While searching for instruments, I stumbled upon a website where people can show their new or used products for sale. Luckily, I found a guy who wants to sell a collection of lab equipments. Among them is a Rigol DS1052E and a KYORITSU 1009 multimeter. Now, I'm resolute in respect to buying the oscilloscope while considering the multimeter if it's of a good type. Below are two image links of the two instruments:

http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-10-13/525ab76fd11ee.jpg
http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-10-13/525ab85c06b36.jpg

He told me that the instruments are brand new and have been used just for a little while and all the accessories, including the box, are still there. What do you suggest me to proceed in this case? of course, I should see the oscilloscope running to make sure that it's working before I buy it and this can be easily done since the guy is, luckily, living in the same city of mine. Any other advices or methods to make sure that the oscilloscope is fine? and what about the multimeter, is it a good investment or not?

About the price, he fixed a 226 USD for the oscilloscope. Checking for a brand one on amazon, it goes as far as to 399 USD let alone the shipping costs.

[ZeroAviation]

I've had my DS1052E for several years now. I sold mine for $200 on here. Its a super awesome scope, and could not recommend it more. I sadly outgrew the bandwidth :/

The picture of the rigol, does look a little used, not new. (or close)

Make sure that both channels work, you can use the calibration output of the scope.

Good luck.

-Matt

[Abstr7ct]

Would it be enough to test the two channels just by connecting a DC source to them or do I've to run more test on them? on the calibration, I don't understand it. Would you please elaborate on where this calibration output is, what it's used for and how I should test it? excuse my little hands-on experience with oscilloscopes.

[mdanh2002]

You can't test the channels of the oscilloscope using a DC source since it's just going to show a straight line on the display. Most oscilloscopes have a calibration signal (usually at the front of the device) which is a square wave of approximately 1kHz 2V peak-to-peak. This is originally meant for probe compensation (e.g. adjusting the trimmer of the probes so that the square waves looks the best) but can also be used to verify overall functionality of the scope. If both channels work well with the calibration signal, the scope is likely to be fine.

[Abstr7ct]

I understand now. I can see the square wave symbol at the lower right cornet. Any more advices? also, what about the multimeter, is it good for measurement or would it be better to invest in a better one like the Fluke series?

[mdanh2002]

Well, as a hobbyist I just use cheap multimeters which I purchased for $5 or less from eBay. They work well for my needs (measuring resistance and mostly low voltage DC in my micro-controller and other hobbyist circuit running on batteries). But of course it depends on what you want to do, a Fluke is suitable for professional work where more accuracy and reliability is needed I guess. As a beginner use cheap, affordable equipments and you won't regret if you damage them by mistake.

With that in mind, I think the multimeter in your post should be sufficient as a learning tool. Once you have gained more expertise and reached their capabilities, it will be time to think of buying those high-end Fluke multimeters. 

[Abstr7ct]

Currently, I own a a cheap DT-830D multimeter:



The auto range feature of the KYORITSU 1009 is an attraction for me given the fact that the above meter doesn't have this feature.

[Fabiusp98]

I advice even for the beginners a fused autorange multimeter, first for security and because manual ranging is a pain in the ass ; but I also started with a dt-830d  . I teared one down recently, check it out https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tektronix-1230-logic-analyzer/

[Abstr7ct]

I bought the oscilloscope and it works fine and dandy. One more thing, when the probe isn't connected to a circuitry, a mains hum of a frequency of 60 Hz is displayed on the screen with an ever-changing peak-to-peak voltage that goes up 200+ mV sometimes. Should this be a source of concern when I make measurements as this could add noise to the waveforms of interest? 

[electronics man]

i use the extech ex330 it's not the cheapest but probably the most feature pact for its price and is built realy well I defiantly recommend it.

[Robomeds]

The scope price sounds very good to me.  The meter is basically the same as the Elenco Dave reviewed in the $50 shootout. 
Note the similarities to this one (no affiliation, not a recommendation)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Elenco-multimeter-M2625-/301067292385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4619024ee1

[jadew]

I bought the oscilloscope and it works fine and dandy. One more thing, when the probe isn't connected to a circuitry, a mains hum of a frequency of 60 Hz is displayed on the screen with an ever-changing peak-to-peak voltage that goes up 200+ mV sometimes. Should this be a source of concern when I make measurements as this could add noise to the waveforms of interest?

That's perfectly normal, don't worry about it.

Edit: And congrats on your purchase, it's a great little scope.