Siglent SDS1104X-E vs. Rigol DS1054Z Advice?

[wpwrak]

Dave's teardown shows that the correcponding locations on the SDS1104X-E's PCB are left unpopulated).

Where on the PCB would that be ? I didn't see anything that looks like an RTC or a power source for it on mine. Unless it's in the PSU or in the analog FE cans.

I took some pictures of the innards of my 1104X-E (leaving out the PSU, which doesn't seem to contain anything programmable, and the analog cans which I haven't dared to pry open yet). I still have to post-process (crop, contrast-adjust, annotate, webify, etc.) them, but they may already be useful if you want to research some details (warning: that repo is currently ~425 MB, twice that if checked out):
https://github.com/wpwrak/1104xe-pix

[KungFuJosh]

And it seems that both of them haven't got a real time clock (Rigol for sure and Dave's teardown shows that the correcponding locations on the SDS1104X-E's PCB are left unpopulated). If this is still the case with the "Curr."    production models is soemthing that needs to be figured out. Scopes with RTC usually also memorize the file designation counters in the battery-backed CMOS ram. It's also big "Plus(es)" to be able to sort stored waveforms / screenshot via the file date.

Absolutely agree! There should be a timestamp on the screenshots and the filename in my opinion.

[KungFuJosh]

Buy another memory stick just for use with the scope, simple !
In the US you should be able to get 8G sticks for less than $5.

Make folders on it and save project file to the same folder, simple !

Or if you want to properly document screenshots, save them from the Webserver using a PC connection and mouse and keyboard to properly name them, date them or whatever.

I spent about $11 and bought a 32GB USB3.1 memory stick just for use with the scope. And I don't want to leave every screenshot I take for the next 10 years on it, even though it can store them all just fine. That's ridiculous. Everything you're describing is extra steps to make up for the shortcomings of the scopes.

In other word(s): fail.

[MT]

So the SDS1104 X is better then Rigol 1054, but how do the Sigletto fan sounds? Needs replacement?
so buying from Batronix or https://www.siglent.eu/sds1104x-e.html is just a euro difference.
Ah! Batterfly dude is 416+vat https://www.batterfly.com/shop/siglent-sds1104x-e

[nctnico]

Siglent.eu isn't Siglent themselves but a dealer. Why Siglent allows to use their brand name like that by a third party is beyond me.

[TurboTom]

Dave's teardown shows that the correcponding locations on the SDS1104X-E's PCB are left unpopulated).

Where on the PCB would that be ? I didn't see anything that looks like an RTC or a power source for it on mine. Unless it's in the PSU or in the analog FE cans.
...

Sorry, seems like I confused the teardowns, the one I was referring to was the one of the SDS1202X:


(at about 5:00 minutes into the video).

My fault...the SDS1204X-E indeed has no indication that Siglent ever planned to include an RTC.

Seems like the manufacturers started to add RTCs only above the 1k$ limit (SDS2000X, >DS2000(A)...)

Cheers,
Thomas

[KungFuJosh]

So the SDS1104 X is better then Rigol 1054, but how do the Sigletto fan sounds? Needs replacement?
so buying from Batronix or https://www.siglent.eu/sds1104x-e.html is just a euro difference.

I didn't do a db level to compare fan noise between models, unfortunately. I didn't find either of them to be obnoxiously loud, or quite quiet enough either.

I would probably replace the fan in the Siglent, but it has the stupid warranty sticker on the bottom, and it isn't loud enough for me to warrant a void warranty.

[bhishmar]

@KungFuJosh
I am planning to acquire the Rigol DS1054Z DSO.

Can u please provide the following details for the DS1054Z unit acquired by you?

1. Firmware Version Number
2. Board version number
3. Were you able to successfully unlock/upgrade to all the upgrade options using rigol-1.03d @ http://www.gotroot.ca/rigol/riglol/    using option= "DSER" ?

4. Which method is used:  Telnet or front-panel buttons?

5. Did u detect any side effect (Self-Calibration ... etc ) after this upgrade?

[KungFuJosh]

@KungFuJosh
I am planning to acquire the Rigol DS1054Z DSO.

Can u please provide the following details for the DS1054Z unit acquired by you?

1. Firmware Version Number
2. Board version number
3. Were you able to successfully unlock/upgrade to all the upgrade options using rigol-1.03d @ http://www.gotroot.ca/rigol/riglol/    using option= "DSER" ?

4. Which method is used:  Telnet or front-panel buttons?

5. Did u detect any side effect (Self-Calibration ... etc ) after this upgrade?

I updated to the latest firmware while I had it, but I returned the DS1054Z last week.

I didn't do any of the hacks. I bought the DS1054Z from an authorized dealer that included all the "options" for free, except for the bandwidth, which is a hack. The extra bandwidth isn't useful to me, so I didn't bother with it. If you buy from an authorized dealer, you should still get all the options free. Unless you need more than 50MHz, I don't see the point in the hack, you're asking for other potential issues including needing better probes.

[bhishmar]

I updated to the latest firmware while I had it, but I returned the DS1054Z last week.
....................

Thanks for ur quick reply KungFuJosh.

a) What was the original firmware rev num ?
b) What was the latest version number to which you updated?
c) Board Revision number?
d) Would you care to share the dealer website url?

[KungFuJosh]

I updated to the latest firmware while I had it, but I returned the DS1054Z last week.
....................

Thanks for ur quick reply KungFuJosh.

a) What was the original firmware rev num ?
b) What was the latest version number to which you updated?
c) Board Revision number?
d) Would you care to share the dealer website url?

a,b,c, don't remember.

d) Not impressed by the dealer. Any authorized dealer should give you the options free, it's a Rigol promotion, not specific to the dealer.

I'm in the US anyway, and you would need a local dealer unless you're gonna be ordering from a US dealer?

To give you an idea why I'm not impressed, Tequipment (the dealer) shipped the Rigol to me in the Rigol product box by itself. Naturally, UPS damaged the box (assuming it wasn't already damaged). When I returned it, the dealer (obviously) wanted me to return it double-boxed (as it should have been in the first place). I'm still waiting for my refund. So, no, I don't recommend them.

By contrast, I ordered my Siglent from CircuitSpecialists. They shipped the Siglent double-boxed in the first place, and neither box was damaged. They were very friendly and helpful on the phone, and included a cheapo DMM for free. It was a much better experience.

[bitseeker]

@bhishmar: The DS1054Z hacks still work, even on the latest hardware, using either the front panel or telnet. If you run into any issues, it's best to visit the BIG DS1054Z thread.

[bitseeker]

To give you an idea why I'm not impressed, Tequipment (the dealer) shipped the Rigol to me in the Rigol product box by itself. Naturally, UPS damaged the box (assuming it wasn't already damaged). When I returned it, the dealer (obviously) wanted me to return it double-boxed (as it should have been in the first place). I'm still waiting for my refund. So, no, I don't recommend them.

Well, that's no bueno.

By contrast, I ordered my Siglent from CircuitSpecialists. They shipped the Siglent double-boxed in the first place, and neither box was damaged. They were very friendly and helpful on the phone, and included a cheapo DMM for free. It was a much better experience.

Very nice. I got mine from Saelig. It was also double-boxed, but appeared to have been that way from Rigol (both boxes were Rigol-branded). Saelig opened it prior to shipping to add a promo carry bag.

[Fungus]

@KungFuJosh
I am planning to acquire the Rigol DS1054Z DSO.

Can u please provide the following details for the DS1054Z unit acquired by you?

1. Firmware Version Number
2. Board version number
3. Were you able to successfully unlock/upgrade to all the upgrade options using rigol-1.03d @ http://www.gotroot.ca/rigol/riglol/    using option= "DSER" ?

4. Which method is used:  Telnet or front-panel buttons?

5. Did u detect any side effect (Self-Calibration ... etc ) after this upgrade?

There can be no problem with unlocking options on the DS1054Z, every hardware/firmware version is known to work.

Entering long codes with the front panel is very fiddly, Telnet is much easier. Apart from that, there's no difference.

[bitseeker]

So, Josh, what's the story with your avatar? There's a resemblance to Chuck Norris there.

[Fungus]

To give you an idea why I'm not impressed, Tequipment (the dealer) shipped the Rigol to me in the Rigol product box by itself. Naturally, UPS damaged the box (assuming it wasn't already damaged). When I returned it, the dealer (obviously) wanted me to return it double-boxed (as it should have been in the first place). I'm still waiting for my refund. So, no, I don't recommend them.

AFAIK: All Rigols come double-boxed from the factory. If you only had a single box then somebody must have RMA'd it before you.

I think the main point of double boxing is so that there's a second, clean box to send it out again after an RMA. The spare box just happens to be stored inside the first box.

UPS can pierce/rips a double box just as easily as a single box.

[KungFuJosh]

Well, that's no bueno.

Tell me about it.

Very nice. I got mine from Saelig. It was also double-boxed, but appeared to have been that way from Rigol (both boxes were Rigol-branded). Saelig opened it prior to shipping to add a promo carry bag.

Saelig seems cool. I was going to get my Siglent from them originally, but they were out of stock.

[KungFuJosh]

So, Josh, what's the story with your avatar? There's a resemblance to Chuck Norris there.

lol, my face was covered in icicles after using the snowblower on a windy evening a couple winters ago. My wife took the photo as soon as I came inside. I was probably grouchy because it was freezing, so there's the Chuck Norris resemblance.

[KungFuJosh]

To give you an idea why I'm not impressed, Tequipment (the dealer) shipped the Rigol to me in the Rigol product box by itself. Naturally, UPS damaged the box (assuming it wasn't already damaged). When I returned it, the dealer (obviously) wanted me to return it double-boxed (as it should have been in the first place). I'm still waiting for my refund. So, no, I don't recommend them.

AFAIK: All Rigols come double-boxed from the factory. If you only had a single box then somebody must have RMA'd it before you.

I think the main point of double boxing is so that there's a second, clean box to send it out again after an RMA. The spare box just happens to be stored inside the first box.

UPS can pierce/rips a double box just as easily as a single box.

Double-boxing is to add protection. It should have space and some sort of packing material between the boxes, but even if it doesn't, two boxes are stronger than one. Anything to protect from UPS (pronounced "oops") is a good thing.

I like TE even less now that you mention that about them all supposed to be being double-boxed. I'll be avoiding them. If I don't have my refund in a couple days, I'll start a PayPal dispute.

[bitseeker]

lol, my face was covered in icicles after using the snowblower on a windy evening a couple winters ago. My wife took the photo as soon as I came inside. I was probably grouchy because it was freezing, so there's the Chuck Norris resemblance.

Ah, OK. Here's how my brain computed it:

guy with mustache and beard + Kung Fu in screen name = Chuck Norris.

UPS (pronounced "oops")

I hadn't heard that one before. I like it!

[bhishmar]

Thanks to all : KungFuJosh, bitseeker & Fungus.

As per KunFuJosh all official unlock options are currently provided free by Rigol itself.
The only remaining upgrade-option is 100 MHz BW, &  is un-official.

Is there any practical improvement in the unit BW by doing this unlock [DSEA], even with higher BW probes?
What are other's experiences with DS1504Z?

[bitseeker]

Is there any practical improvement in the unit BW by doing this unlock [DSEA], even with higher BW probes?

Yes, the unlock makes the scope 100MHz BW instead of 50MHz. The BW of the probes doesn't really matter if the scope's front end has less.

What are other's experiences with DS1504Z?

There are many threads in the forum with others' experiences with the DS1054Z. It's best to peruse them as not every owner will be visiting this thread.

[Fungus]

Is there any practical improvement in the unit BW by doing this unlock [DSEA], even with higher BW probes?

Yes - double bandwidth!

(even with supplied probes)

What are other's experiences with DS1504Z?

It's a really good oscilloscope. Buy with confidence.

[bhishmar]

@bitseeker @fungus
Your reply seems to indicate that,  the front end analog circuitry of DS1054Z (50MHz) Unit &  DS 1104z (100Mhz) Unit  are essentially the same, in terms of  frequency response characteristics,
& the only difference by doing this hack is probably simply configuring the input BW  (anti-aliasing) filter from 50MHz to 100 MHz.

Is the above statement correct?

[Fungus]

@bitseeker @fungus
Your reply seems to indicate that,  the front end analog circuitry of DS1054Z (50MHz) Unit &  DS 1104z (100Mhz) Unit  are essentially the same, in terms of  frequency response characteristics,
& the only difference by doing this hack is probably simply configuring the input BW  (anti-aliasing) filter from 50MHz to 100 MHz.

Is the above statement correct?

Yes.

All models are really 100MHz. The only difference is that the software switches an extra capacitor on the 50Mhz model.