Help on new Oscilloscope and function generator

[Maurizio]

Hello dear all, this is my first post on this blog.

I'm on the market for a scope and signal generator for renew my home lab.
I was an OM since 70's, and experimented in electronics for many years. Up to now in my lab I have a Tektronix 2205 analog scope, an Escort EFC-3203a 2,4 GHz counter, and an homebrew digital function gen up to 100 kHz (square, sine, triangle) and some multimeter.

With my son (freelance computer consultant), we are starting to work with Arduino boards, but are interested also in others simple analog-digital mixed environments as temperature control, intrusion detection systems, an so on.

So, new instruments are to cover our general needs for the next 5-7 years, i hope :-)

For a new scope, I selected a Rigol DS2102A for the big screen, 2Ms/s, and I hope 100 MHz bandwith meets my needs now and in future. Never used a DSO, but saw many videos about, firstly on EEV. The italian representative of Rigol told me the A model is coming in 20-30 days, so I prefer the new model: and selected 100 MHZ because if the A models are not upgradeable in the future, 70 MHz would be cheaper, but remain 70 and not 100 :-)

Function generator is Rigol DG1032Z, 30 MHz. I don't know if in future i will need arbitrary forms, but if I will need, I just had it. Price and speed, as for the scope, is a crossing between money and performance. But at this point perhaps is better a 60 MHz.

Note: I have not considered the Rigol 1000-S line with generator inside because:
1) I don't need (I think?) 4 input
2) 2 Gs/s (DS2000 line) is better than 1 GS/s
3) I don't know performance of the inside generator
4) have no problem of space on workbench and a separated gen could be useful also in other manner.

Please, help me to understand how many bugs have my choosing path...
Other firms? Models?

Many thanks

Maurizio

[echen1024]

You will always be able to use 4 channels.

[Maurizio]

Thanks for reply.
Generally speaking, have 4 channels is more useful than have 2 GS/s? Really I don't imagine, never have had a DSO.

Maurizio

[echen1024]

1GS/s is fine for most things. 4 ch is MUCH more useful.

[Maurizio]

Obviously I'm starting to be confused.
I selected Rigol DS2000A series for the sampling rate and some new (perhaps not to relevant) features, and firstly for the UltraVision screen, that is much better, IMO, regarding EEV videos, than the basic DS1000B series.

Not considered 4 input are much better than 2. I have now an old Tek with 2 input and until now never have had necessity for more inputs, but now, with digital circuits I'm starting to work, perhaps it's true.

Considering that DS4000 to have 4 inputs are out of my budget, somebody can advise me if the downgrade from 2000 to 1000Z (that have the large UltraVision screen) is a good idea firstly to have 4 channels and mantain a good screen and a good level of features for general use? DS1000Z are upgradeable?

There is some other brand/model to consider?

Thanks

Maurizio

[JimmyMz]

Can somebody advise me if the downgrade from 2000 to 1000Z is a good idea?

Read this thread for great information --> https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-ds1000z-and-mso4000/

[Maurizio]

Mny thanks JimmyMz, very interesting thread. I am more convinced about 2000, but i'll read all to take de right decision.

Maurizio

[Maurizio]

Please, one more question: 100 MHz bandwith is sufficient to see Ethernet 100 Mbit signals on the twisted Cat5 wire? It needs a differential probe?

Tanks

Maurizio

[SeanB]

You will see a sine wave but the data and the actual waveshape will be totally gone. To see them you will need a 1GHz bandwidth scope to get a good representation of the signal.

[sprocket]

I just bought a Rigol DS2072 and unlocked all the options on it, so for me the Ds2072 was bit of a no brainer for me. I had been browsing for a scope for well over a year, but what I wanted I either couldnt justify cost wise.

Originally I wanted either a Agilent 3000 series or rigol 4000 series, and I could afford them if I wanted too, but thing is, IF I by some chance wrecked a 800 euro scope I wouldnt be crying over it as much if I wrecked a 3-4000 euro scope. And the way I look at it, a 800euro scope is about the same I would pay for a mid range lap top, and with a price tag like that I can justify buy a new 800 euro scope 3 years from now that probably will have close to the spec's a 3-4000 euro scope cost now.

Only 2 down sides I figure the DS2072 has, is that it only have 2 channels, and that SPI decoding with only two channels is a bit a meh.

[Maurizio]

Many thanks to all for precious contributions. I picked up a very good discount over the new DS2102A (arriving before Christmas, i hope) and ordered it. Also ordered the generator DG1032Z from same source here at good price, and it will arrive in some days.

I read carefully all the thread suggested by JimmyMz, very interesting. Really, in some cases 4 inputs are better, i.e. when debugging tx and rx at both ends of an rs232line (I worked alot on it, many years ago), bus frequently it's not matter to see really all signals at the same time, and often there are many workarounds. So, for general usage, bigger is better and 2000 series is the top I can afford.
I also agree with Sprocket calculating the general cost of the item and his train of thought .

Hope Rigols arrive soon... ;-)

Thanks to all

Maurizio