I shot a video playing with the GDS2000A series for the first time. I must say I was rather disappointed and underwhelmed.
OH NO. That doesn't sound like a good start - thanks for the pre-notification. I'm quite interested in the DSO, x-ing fingers.
Well, to be fair, I was probably ab it overly harsh on it, and really I made quite a few mistakes and wrong assumptions at first.
It's probably a better scope than my ranting will make out.
But bottom line is it doesn't seem to have the same spit'n'polish like the Rigol and Agilent does.
I need more time to learn to drive it properly.
Also, the function gen is very basic. just sine/square/triangle to 5MHz and no modulation or AWG
Also the dual channel is a bit of a con. You need to buy two separate modules to get both channels. Thus using up all your slots. So no room left for the logic analyser or LAN modules. BUt grant, you can just swap them as needed.
Dave, we're just glad you make the videos - between the product info, the EE insights, and the entertainment they are excellent!
It's hard for us potential users to judge new products from a distance but based on the initial attention the Insteks have been getting alongside the Rigols and Agilents it's not to surprising to hear that the spit n polish aren't quite as strong on the Insteks as the Agilents. Agilent sets the bar very high in a lot of areas and definitely in spit n shine, and Rigol is doing an increasingly fine job themselves. My guess is the Instek is a bit more utilitarian, but a very good utilitarian.
As for the function generator, while everyone would like one and should have one, it just doesn't seem like the built in units are all that strong relative to what can be purchased on a standalone basis - and this seems to go doubly so for the Instek. It just doesn't look like their best accessory. For not a whole lot more Rigol (and maybe others) provide some great standalone units. And then you can free up the slots for something truly useful - like the Logic Analyzer (and/or the LAN/SVGA).
When you look at the big picture of the Instek 2000A series (bandwidth and analog channels, GSa/s and waveforms per second, the LA (assuming it's a good one - hope it's in your review
), the measurements/navigation/search, etc. and especially the price it's hard to see who has a better value in terms of price/performance and features if you want a MSO (combined analog and LA).
Thanks in advance for what will be a fine and fun video no doubt!