The old Rigol on the shelf is too slow and poorly responded as an entrance level DSO for the members. It’s time to replace it with a proper modern one—Siglent SDS804. Which has 12bit ADC with uv level noise, flat Gaussian response that allows measurement over 300MHz, touch screen, hardware FFT on FPGA and most importantly, goes much faster on its user interface, actually let it useable in chacing the signal and doing a meaningful measurements! This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a game changer!
The directors are going to defray half of the cost of scope itself with the budget, so the primary goal is to reach 150£ by space members. Any exter received pledge will be used for preaching consumables like probes. If lucky enough for another 170£, we can even get a full test set, with an external generator for advanced functions! After that, we can eventually have the ability to set up the risk assessment and proper introduction for members, by having a basic electric bench that is fully functional:)
£25 from me. This in undeserved to be under the radar tbh, though afaik Ni has already agreed with some people to participate. Let me try explaining why I think we need this and make some things clear.
First, we are not “replacing” an oscilloscope here (that is completely separate topic), but getting another one. This would go nicely with new expanded electronics benches. Two digital scopes are better than one. Also it is compact and portable.
Second, the device we’re talking here is a general purpose all-round machine on a tight budget. It does not do things that modern professional equipment would get you nor costs this much. It’s essentially the same price range with the Rigol we have. It is one of the best offers on the market for the money (thus the choice, homework been done here), but not special in any way for a modern scope.
Despite that being said, it is better than Rigol we have pretty much on everything just because it is brand new series. To put things into perspective, our Rigol is from 2014 which is same year iPhone 6 was released. We would get:
2x more memory means longer storage for protocol decoding
4x capture rate for chasing glitches
2x sample rate and 3x bandwidth (machine is hackable, so we effectively get the top one in the line for less) allows to see signal edges better
12bit and less noisy ADC shows low voltage signals cleaner, ones we’re usually working with
Also better ADC gives us more precise measurements and FFT where you can actually see something. I should mention that on Rigol some measurements are borderline unusable.
More modern software, with a ton of functions. This can test filters for example.
Siglents in general have less clunky UI than Rigols, less problems finding “where is it”. This one would have faster CPU so more responsive UI in general, should be no half a second waits after clicking a button. Also touch screen.
Better screen resolution which translates to an external display.
Being the one of the most used pieces of equipment on the electronic bench, I’d argue that we should have a nice thing.
Actually, i think it’s 4x more memory after being hacked, pretty much close to the upper middle level DSO in the last generation which cost more than 3000$ ; )
Right now, we have 45 + 80, which is 125 in total, close to the baseline. Hopefully it’s reachable soon!
