Signstek Pocket Sized Oscilloscope – Photo from Amazon Digital Oscilloscopes or also known as O-scopes are the type of electronic device which can measure waveforms of electricity through its screen. This device comes in different sizes in which you can choose from large to medium. There is also the compact type of O-scopes which have big screens.
When talking about O-scopes for hobbyists, these are those manufactures separately and less professional. Though it is also referred to as less professional, you can still choose an o-scope with great features.
In this list, we are going to present the best digital oscilloscopes for hobbyists. You may suit yourself and find the best choice.
This outstanding oscilloscope by Siglent Technologies provides detailed information about the electrical currents running through anything. It is a 4-channel standard decoder meaning it can operate at IIC, SPI, UART/Rs232, CAN, and LIN. It is rated at 100Mhz, 1Gsa/use, and 1Mpts fft. Beyond that, you can see 16 digital channels in the four-channel series, only. Also included are a USB AWG Module and USB Wi-Fi adapter.
A math co-processor speeds up the operation of your front panel while a waveform screen captures up to 100,000 wfm/s in normal mode. If using sequence mode, you can expect up to 400,000 wfm/s. It is very quiet to operate and gives you a true measurement, which is then displayed on its large 7-inch screen. The LCD screen display has a resolution of 800 * 480. This unit measures 11.8 x 10.2 x 16.1-inches and weighs 8.3-pounds.
Conclusion: No matter what type of electrical currents you are trying to trace, this is a good device to have on hand. It has a memory that can show you how currents change over time. It is responsive and accurate. You can use it whether you are a hobbyist or a professional. This is why we feel that most people will be happy to have it.
Pros
Easy to Use
Accurate
Large Screen
Cons
No Clock
Noisy Cooling Fan
#2. Rigol DS1202Z-E Digital Oscilloscope – Two Channel / 200 MHz
This 200 MHz Digital Oscilloscope offers two channels, 1GS/s, with a 24Mpoint memory. In short, it provides very high performance. Whether you need basic visualization or an advanced analysis of what you are working with, the RIGOL promises to meet or exceed your expectations. It is ideal for most applications and even works as a learning device. Some of the major features this device offers are Advanced Triggering Options, Memory Depth range of up to 24 Mpts, Real-Time Waveform recording, and relay up to 30,000 wfms/s, and even serial bus analysis. All information is displayed on a graph using a 7-inch WVGA TFT intensity graded color display.
Conclusion: Overall, this oscilloscope is fantastic to have as a part of your toolbox. It is easy to operate and simple to use once you get used to actually using it. Some say that the auto button isn’t ideal because it can start to read the wrong signals, but if you choose to use the interface of options, you can get it quickly. We like its function, size, and everything else about it. We think that most people who need an oscilloscope will like it as well.
Comes in 4 channels and a bandwidth of about 50 MHz, Rigol DS1054Z digital oscilloscopes is one of the best choices of O-scopes in the market. This unit comes in grey color and has a body Benchtop body style and weighs about 6.6 pounds. Looking at its style color, and size, this unit might suit anyone.
When it comes to its performance, this Rigol O-scope is loaded with innovative technologies as well as leading specifications to meet the needs of most users. It has powerful functions and the ability for broader analysis which one of the most important features an o-scope must-have.
Featuring the innovative “UltraVision” technology of about 7 inches, this o-scope provides you various displays on multiple levels. Added to that, its capture rate reaches up to 30,000 wfms/s waveforms contribute to its overall efficiency. On the other hand, when it comes to capacity in decoding, analysis, deep memory, and integrated channel, this unit is highly able to give you an exceptional performance. Most of all, all of these offers come at a reasonable price.
Conclusion: If you are looking for an o-scope which is highly capable of meeting all your needs, then you can consider this recommendation Rigol DS1054Z as part of your top choices.
Siglent SDS1202X-E comes in grey color with a weight of about 16.53 pounds and a dimension of 12.3 x 5.3 x 5.9 inches, this o-scope is a good choice for hobbyists who are looking for units with high bandwidths.
Having a total bandwidth of 200 MHz, this o-scope can provide a record length of about 14 Mpts. This will allow you to have a higher rate of sampling for you to catch a better signal. This will also let you zoom out and focus the area of your interest for a more precise result.
Siglent is one of the most trusted makers of high-quality oscilloscopes. Siglent SDS1202X-E has added to all its features, this o-scope has history waveforms mode and segmented acquisition which will help you triggered events. As a great choice of o-scope, this unit provides quick and accurate results in every use plus it also offers high performance in every use.
Conclusion: Silent Technologies SDS1202X-E Digital Oscilloscope is capable of providing great results in each every use. More than that, despite all its features, this o-scope has come at a low price which makes even more valuable by most hobbyists.
The OWON XDS3104E Digital Oscilloscope 100Mhz DSO 4 Channels 1GS/S 8 BITS LCD with Touch Screen Function is just so impressively created for its excellent features. It comes with a bandwidth of 100mHz and a sample rate of 1GS/s and a vertical resolution of (A/D) 8 bits. It also has its record length of about 40M.
Its display is an eight-inch color, particularly an 800×600 pixel display. It comes with a trigger type of pulse, edge, video, runt, slope, timeout, windows, Nth edge, logic, SPI, 12C, CAN, and RS232.
Highlighted is the communication interface of the USB device, USB host, USB port for PictBridge, LAN, VGA, and Trig Out (P/F). The other accessories included in this product include the quick guide, USB cable, Probe, Probe Adjust, Power Code, and XDS3104E.
Its strengths include the trigger that works well. You also will be enabled to fast sweep just so you could catch the 2 types of waves right through the signal. With a long sweep 1S, all the waves are then shown as they happen.
Once you apply it, it would have a 5ms wave for every two seconds with a 2ms wave once in a while. It would show that, and it would show what detail of each wave work.
Conclusion: The product is great in so many applications that may serve its purpose. You also will be able to see the waves and how they work well with each other.
For such an economical choice of a digital oscilloscope, the Rigol DS1102E Model is a good way to go. This is designed to best introduce one external trigger channel and dual channels. This also brings about twenty types of wave parameters for automatic measurement. And this contains ten-time parameters and ten-voltages.
As it is turned in its cursor mode, users could measure also by using the moving cursor. There are three optional types of cursor measurement the Auto, Track, and Manual. This is also best for providing seemingly powerful personal computer application software.
The featured Ultrascope enables the ease of capturing and measuring wave. This also can perform the remote or local operation. This could also save waves often in the .bmp format. Other features to love about the product are the built-in help menu enabling the process of obtaining information to seem more convenient.
Display the signal automatically by using the AUTO. The pop-up menu also lets you readily read it and use it. And many more features await you to discover.
Conclusion: The Rigol DS1102E Digital Oscilloscope is a great product for its great value, too. This modern scope is just so perfectly enough for you as it can easily be set while you be in control of it.
When you consider yourself a beginner, it’s when the Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope proves to be a good choice. Personally, play with this scope, and you will believe that it’s a good way to go. Although the set of buttons may seem overwhelming, they still are good to play around as they seem. This one is pretty handy to use. You won’t have any bugs or issues as everything seems working as it should.
As for the probes, they are so decent enough. The screen resolution is also decent. The frequency and the sampling rate are not that bad. Later on, you will get used to the FFT function and the menu setup.
Serve yourself well with this beginner’s scope. You’ll appreciate this more for the good experience it could bring. This is worth it even for a hobbyist. Moreover, this is highly recommended, for it leaves you satisfied with a 100-hundred or 200-hundred MHz scope.
Nothing can compare to its outstanding quality, especially as you verify its probes and time base against the Air Force PMEL standards. This seems more perfect for touch with more documentation.
Conclusion: The Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope is a one-of-a-kind for its impressive functionalities needed for a scope. Run the probe check and realize that everything has just got been so okay.
The third spot in this list is the Tektronix 1052B 50 MHz, 2 Channel Digital Oscilloscope. Weighing about 6.85 pounds with an overall dimension of 17.1 x 12.2 x 8.4 inches, this o-scope for hobbyists offers up to 50 MHz with overall 2 channels. This unit is designed well for increased portability since aside from its lightweight feature; it also comes with a handle that offers a comfortable grip.
Featuring an active TFT color display of 7” WV GA (800×480), this o-scope can help you a lot with your waveforms monitoring activities. In addition to its performance, this device also offers you a service that will enable you to acquire detailed waveforms. Thanks to its maximum record length of about 2.5 Kpts per channel.
On the other hand, when it comes to the overall quality and safety, this unit has also something to boast. This is because Tektronix 1052B 50 MHz, 2 Channel Digital Oscilloscope is UL certified, CE approved, and CAT II 300V safety rated. With no cooling fan included, this o-scope is reliably noise-free which some hobbyists are more preferred with.
Conclusion: Tektronix 1052B 50 MHz, 2 Channel Digital Oscilloscope is another O-scope that suited for most hobbyists. Just like other units in this list, this one offers many features that provide better performance for its users. Aside from that, the fact that this o-scope is safe to use, it is also a suitable choice for beginners. You can check out more on other Tektronix models for your comparison.
This o-scope from SainSmart has a lightweight feature since it only weighs about 2.08 ounces yet it has an overall measurement of 4.2 x 0.4 x 2.2 inches. More than that, despite the lightness of this o-scope, when it comes to performance and features, it is a heavy-duty one which is an ideal choice for everyone.
Offering 72 MHz of analog channels and two digital channels, this o-scope is a great choice for many hobbyists out there. Added to its performance is its ability to provide a reliable converted result of analog channels from 35MS to 72MS. These features help you come with come up with reliable results of waveforms.
On the other side, other features you can enjoy in this o-scope are its signal generator, auto measurement, various triggering options, easy waveform storage, Firmware upgrade, user application, and Open-source. All these options and features are highly needed even if you are just a hobbyist. They are playing an important role in the overall efficiency of an o-scope.
Conclusion: SainSmart Mini DS0203 Handheld Pocket-Sized Digital Storage Oscilloscope may be light in weight but when it comes to good performance as well as reliability, this unit is highly able to provide what you need.
SainSmart Mini DS0203 Pocket-Sized Oscilloscope – Review and Test
With a dimension of 6.2 x 12.7 inches, this o-scope is highly portable as well. Featuring a bandwidth of 50-150 MHz, this device is highly able to provide you great results in every use. This o-scope also features a total of 6 digits of hardware frequency as well as a real-time counting display which contributes a lot to the capacity of this unit to read waveforms. Added to its features is its embedded 12 languages, online help, as well as one key storing and one key printing that make the job for you becomes easier.
Packed with different applications like electrical circuit function tests, electronic circuit design and debugging industrial control and measuring, and many more, this o-scope is highly able to help your different jobs easily and conveniently.
Conclusion: Siglent Technologies SDS1052DL + 50 MHz Digital Storage Oscilloscope has many features that you can enjoy and use easily. Though it is not the most powerful o-scope, it is suited to use for hobby users plus its price is quietly affordable as well.
Another affordable o-scope for a hobbyist like you is the DW Instek GDS-1054B Digital Storage Oscilloscope. It comes in 6.17 pounds with an overall measurement of 20.8 x 12.73 x 38.0 cm.
This o-scope has a bandwidth of 50MHz with 4 channels input which helps you work out well in your waveforms checking. Despite its small size, this unit offers high functionality at an affordable price which makes it a hobbyist-friendly o-scope. It features a gradient display with 256 colors that help in strengthening the performance of a waveform.
On the other hand, this o-scope has included different features that are highly useful for any hobbyist like parameter measurement, cursor indication, digital voltage meter, and many more.
Conclusion: This o-scope is another good choice for any hobbyist like you. The fact that it comes at an affordable price; it is a good choice since it works well for your convenience.
If you are looking for a highly portable o-scope, then this handheld mini digital storage o-scope from SainSmart might be what you are looking for. This pocket-sized device has a weight of 5.6 ounces and an overall measurement of 5.9 x 3.6 x 2 inches. With its small size, this o-scope is easy to use too. You can use it easily through its one button in the touch area as well as gestures of one-click, double-click, press, and slide.
Featuring 320×240 displays with 8M of memory card, this o-scope is suitable to use for academic experiments, electronics maintenance and engineering, and many more. With its small size, this device is easy and convenient to use as well as SD card, USB flash, and USB charging. Other than that, since it uses a chargeable battery, this o-scope is suitable for use every day and everywhere.
Conclusion: This pocket-sized o-scope is a good choice for students and hobbyists who want to bring their device anywhere. Though it has a small size, its performance can still compete with those o-scopes with a bigger size.
Hantek DS05072P Digital Oscilloscope is the 8th rank on this list which might be the answer to what you are looking for. Having an overall size of 11.8 x 15.8 x 7.9 inches and a weight of 4.59 pounds, this o-scope also offers portability to give you comfort in every use.
This o-scope offers a total bandwidth of 70 MHz together with two channels; it is a device which is ideal for serious and real hobbyist since it can help them a lot. Added to its features are its trigger modes which will let you come up with precise results of edge/pulse, width/line selectable, video, slop, overtime, etc. with 7 inches display, this device can provide you reliable results without any hassle.
Conclusion: Hantek DS05072P Digital Oscilloscope is a better choice for serious hobbyists. This is because it comes with many features that can help you a lot but has a price that any hobbyist can afford.
Another highly portable o-scope is here is a note; it is an upgraded one. This unit from Signstek has super light in weight yet it has many features that will help you a lot with your waveforms evaluations. This o-scope is complete with measurement markers like, signal characteristics, as well as trigger modes in which all of these are important that a certain o-scope must-have.
Added to that, this device also features a built-in signal tester to enable you to evaluate signals easily anywhere and anytime. More than that, together with its high portability property, this device is open source and has a chargeable battery. Since its battery can survive up to two hours of operation, this meant that you can use this o-scope anywhere and anytime.
Conclusion: Designed to be used anywhere and anytime, Signstek Upgrade Portable Mini Nano ARM DS0211 Pocket-Sized Handheld Digital Storage Oscilloscope is a good choice for any hobbyist. With all its features as well as its good performance, this o-scope deserves to be part of your choices.
This o-scope offers a total bandwidth of about 100 MHz which makes it a good choice for most hobbyists. This grey colored device comes in a weight of 2.2 pounds and an overall dimension of 13.4 x 7.3 x 4.85 inches.
On the other hand, this device features the New Generation SPO technology which increases its sensitivity of up to 500 UV /div. To help you with complex measurements, this o-scope also offers its 10 types of one-button shortcuts. It makes the job easier and is good enough for any hobbyist. More than that, this o-scope provides different color temperature modes as well as intensity grading of up to 256 levels which contributes to its ability in providing a precise result in every use. With a capture rate of about 60,000 wfs/use, this o-scope is one of the most suited devices for a hobbyist like you.
Conclusion: This o-scope has many excellent functions which make it one of the best choices in the market today. It is a device that is worth the price plus it comes with good quality. All in all, choosing this device is also a wise choice.
Pros
Large display
Works well
Has many features
Cons
Problem with the USB port
Some users have problem with software for scope control and capture
#16. Makerfocus DS0211 Pocket Portable Handheld Digital Oscilloscope
This recommendation is another good choice for hobbyists who are looking for o-scopes which are highly portable. It comes in a weight of 2.4 ounces and an overall dimension of 4.2 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches, this device is suitable to use anywhere and anytime. Aside from its lightweight feature, this o-scope is easy to use as well. It has buttons on each side for its settings while its compact and rectangular shape offers a clear and decent display.
The fact that this device is an updated type, you can be confident that it has many features and properties that will work together in helping you get the job done easily.
Conclusion: Makerfocus DS0211 ARM Nano Mini Storage Pocket Portable Handheld Digital Oscilloscope with its lightweight and easy to use features, this o-scope is a good choice for any hobbyist.
The last recommendation on this list comes from Tektronix. However, despite being the last, this o-scope remains to be part of the top choices in the market because of its great performance.
Giving you a total bandwidth of 60 MHz, this o-scope provides a total of 4 channels for your convenience. Added to that, this unit is designed to provide detailed waveforms and has the capacity to record up to 2.5 kpts per channel. Since it features a vertical sensitivity of about 2mV per division, this o-scope is highly suited even for low levels of signals.
Conclusion: Tektronix TBS1064, 60 MHz, 4 Channel Digital Oscilloscope comes in good quality as well as different features and properties which make it a good choice for everyone.
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Best Digital Oscilloscope Buying Guide
An oscilloscope is ideal for measuring and analyzing electronic signals. If you are going to put your faith in one, you need to know that it is well placed. For this reason, we have put together a buying guide that will help you choose a great one for your needs, whatever you are testing or keeping track of. We hope that it helps you make the best choice for yourself.
Choose Your Bandwidth
There are some who say that you should choose an oscilloscope that has approximately 5x more bandwidth than the maximum frequency of your signal. However, the price can influence this decision for some people.
Probes
Choose a device that does not skimp on the probes. You should get probes that match, if not exceed, your scope’s bandwidth. The Sampling Rate. Overall, you will find that oscilloscopes read RTS (Real-Time Sampling) or ETS (Equivalent-Time Sampling). You should decide what you need before you consider bringing any of them home.
Resolution
If you need to see clearly what you are looking at, you may want to choose an oscilloscope that has at least 12-bit resolution but may even want to go a little higher than that. Some can go up to 16-bit and are much more accurate than standard 8-bit.
Memory
If you need to keep track of your readings, you need to make sure that it has a good memory and that you can access those readings with ease. To keep track over a longer time period, you want to make sure it doesn’t dump the memory quickly.
Channels
In the past, we had 2-4 channel oscilloscopes. With all the technology around today, this may not be enough. There are mixed-signal options that can provide up to 16-digital channels and 2-4 analog channels.
Tips and Tricks: Do You Need an Oscilloscope?
Tips and tricks can be very helpful if you are new to using oscilloscopes. The best option is to discover what an oscilloscope is and whether you need one or not. The truth is you will often need one for:
1. You can use these things when determining the frequency or amps of a signal. This can be helpful if you are debugging a circuit input, output, or internal system.
2. If you have noise in your circuit or feel that it is not performing well, you can easily find out what is going on with these devices.
3. Do you need to know the shape of the wave?
4. Are you trying to discover what the quantifying phase difference is between two different signals?
5. How accurate should it be? Accuracy matters when it comes to these devices for some people and some applications. You have to make sure that it will meet your needs with an accurate, digital display.
Digital Oscilloscope FAQs
We have some very common questions and their answers to make your life easier. They are things that every buyer must consider, especially if they are novices when it comes to using an oscilloscope.
Q. What Is a Good Probe? A. For oscilloscopes, the most commonly used probe is going to be a passive probe. This makes them ideal for hobbyists and more.
Q. Are They Safe to Use? A. Overall, using these devices is safe. However, you should always use a probe that is rated for the volts and frequencies that you are working with. You should also never connect to anything without proper protection.
Q. Can They Download Waveforms to a PC or send them to a TV? A. Some of these devices do have that ability. You will have to check the oscilloscope that you want to make sure that it will do what you want them to do, especially if you are looking for these features.
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5 comments
Can you please further explain your cons-point on Nr. 10 Siglent Technologies SDS1102X: “Uses software for scope control and capture”? I don’t understand what you mean by that and what that means for me in contrast to other oscilloscopes. Also, doesn’t this affect Nr. 2 Siglent SDS1202X-E, too, as its also a Siglent SDS1xxxx-Series?
some users have problem with software for scope control and capture.
How come no Owon scopes .. just purchased an Owon XDS3104E and it is pretty damn good .. better than the scopes i have had before at a fraction of the price .. Have used a TEK TDS320 for years now and this new scope is better and cheaper by far
thank you for your valuable comment. we will list it in the next update.
can you comment on Rohde & Schwarz RTB2000? Also their RTC1000. I now use the RTB2000 and love the UI and display. I tried an RTC1000 and didn’t like it at all.
5 comments
Can you please further explain your cons-point on Nr. 10 Siglent Technologies SDS1102X: “Uses software for scope control and capture”? I don’t understand what you mean by that and what that means for me in contrast to other oscilloscopes. Also, doesn’t this affect Nr. 2 Siglent SDS1202X-E, too, as its also a Siglent SDS1xxxx-Series?
some users have problem with software for scope control and capture.
How come no Owon scopes .. just purchased an Owon XDS3104E and it is pretty damn good .. better than the scopes i have had before at a fraction of the price .. Have used a TEK TDS320 for years now and this new scope is better and cheaper by far
thank you for your valuable comment. we will list it in the next update.
can you comment on Rohde & Schwarz RTB2000? Also their RTC1000. I now use the RTB2000 and love the UI and display. I tried an RTC1000 and didn’t like it at all.
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