This new 50MHz version of the 4-channel DS1000Z series scopes is being discussed in several threads, particularly
this one. However, the price/performance is so outstanding that it surely deserves its own.
A 4 channel, 12 Mpts memory, 30 000 waveforms/second, intensity graded scope of this quality for around 399 USD/299 EUR/235 GBP (plus tax) is nothing short of astounding, even before the hacking possibilities are considered.
Dave has announced that he is getting one, so hopefully we can look forward to a review in the not too distant future, and - unless he finds any unexpected gotchas - a new default recommendation for entry level scopes.
Due to the ever-growing length of this thread, I have added the following section which answers frequently asked questions about the scope:(Additions/corrections welcome - send me a PM)Unless you have specific requirements not met by this model, it is still the default recommendation in its price range.
As of late June 2019 the most recent firmware version available from Rigol is v00.04.04.04.03 , dated May 2019 and available
here. A record of outstanding bugs is being maintained
here.
The oscilloscope does not have a real time clock, and therefore cannot add the current time and date to saved screenshots and other data.
All of the options which were previously extra-cost are now available as standard. Previously, these options were initially enabled but set to expire after 35 hours runtime (not 35 hours since first use). A 'hack' is available to enable all of the trial features on scopes which do not have them enabled. It is still required to unlock 100MHz bandwidth on models such as the DS1054Z. Users considering this should be aware that it is not approved by Rigol and may void the warranty. A website featuring the code generator to enable the features can be found at
http://gotroot.ca/rigol/riglol/. Do
not use the DSFR code suggested on the website. Codes for 500uV vertical resolution are intended for oscilloscopes such as the DS2000A series which have the necessary hardware for this feature. The code DS
ER enables all features
except 500uV, which is not supported on the DS1000Z series and will cause erroneous results at this setting.
The changes can be removed using the SCPI command
:SYSTem:OPTion:UNINSTallFull instructions for both installing and removing the changes via SCPI are provided by alsetalokin4017
here.
Chumanista has produced a quick video guide to upgrading and hacking the scope, available
here.
The US vendor TEquipment offers a discount on this oscilloscope and other products to EEVBlog members. This is available if you mention the offer when ordering. You can also use a discount code, but TEquipment have requested that it not be reproduced on the forum. There is a forum topic where the code can be requested from other members
here.
Some prospective buyers of the DS1054Z are concerned about software bugs. These have been extensively documented due to the instrument's huge popularity, but at the time of writing most have been resolved by firmware updates. There are likely to be a number of bugs with most newly launched budget oscilloscopes, but these typically have less visibility due to much lower sales volumes.
Some of the RP2200 probes supplied with the scope have been found to have intermittent contacts when switched to the 1X setting. A fix for this issue is described
here.
Dave has a number of blogs featuring this scope and its siblings:
A first look:
EEVBlog 522Teardown:
EEVBlog 674Reverse engineering:
EEVBlog 675Jitter problems:
EEVBlog 683Jitter fix:
EEVBlog 699Summary review:
EEVBlog 703Features review:
EEVBlog 704Probe performance:
EEVBlog 707(There is apparently also a performance testing review which has not yet been released.)