[Dprglist] I need some opinions....

[Carl Ott]

I'm really torn on this question. I think it really depends on one's
priorities.  Personally - I'd like (at least) a decent one of each (a
dedicated mixed-signal scope AND a USB mixed-signal scope).  To be honest -
I've survived since forever with just a 2 or 4 channel scope - really
haven't had to rely on a logic analyzer or even a JTAG adapter.  I'm sure
they add value, but...

It's hard to beat a decent physical scope with it's own screen and well
laid-out physical knobs. No worries about allocating a laptop or screen and
no concern for uncertified hardware drivers or aging hardware drivers for
Windows. And unless you pay a premium for one of the better USB scopes,
I'll bet you'll generally find better analog front ends and better controls
(like BW limit) on a dedicated scope.

On the other hand - I've really enjoyed my old Hantek DSO-2090 USB Scope.
It fits in a backpack for easy travel but most of the time it sits on my
desk with a 2012 era laptop that would otherwise collect dust. For those
rare occasions that I actually need it - e.g. to check signal voltages /
pullups or watch activity on my custom SPI interface from a Pi 3B+ to a
Mega 2560 - this setup gives a 19" oscilloscope screen. Just try to find a
dedicated scope with a built-in 19" display.  And by default - it let's me
easily and cleanly share the 'scope screen during our online DPRG meetings
without a 'relatively kludgy' camera. I'm sure that modern dedicated
portable scopes can do great screenshots. But if the oscilloscope is
already just another window on the desktop - seems that could provide great
flexibility.  Also - a caveat.  After dinging 'cheaper' USB scopes for
likely having 'lesser' analog front ends - I have to say that the USB
DSO-2090 range knobs do just fine. I can hear relays click to scale
different voltage ranges to make best use of 8 bit resolution. Stay away
from working on high dynamic range low noise analog amplifiers and it'll be
just fine.

Side note - Sorry Harold I feel really bad about upselling those Pokit Pro
gadgets knowing that they were so late the first time. This delay makes
twice in a row for them. I hoped they would have learned from their first
outing which had a similar delivery delay.  Unfortunately this 'oh sorry -
slipped again' excuse thing is clearly part of their DNA. Fortunately,
their first model remains well done & really cool. So hopefully the new
ones we ordered will finally show soon and wow us as 'worth the wait'...

- Carl



On Wed, Feb 2, 2022 at 4:11 PM Harold Pulcher via DPRGlist <
dprglist at lists.dprg.org> wrote:

> Yeah, that may be that path to take.
>
>
>
> harold
>
>
>
> *From:* Doug Paradis <paradug at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 02, 2022 4:00 PM
> *To:* Harold Pulcher <pulcher at killercomputing.com>
> *Cc:* rud.merriam at gmail.com; DPRG <dprglist at lists.dprg.org>; Rud Merriam <
> rudmerriam at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [Dprglist] I need some opinions....
>
>
>
> Harold,
>
>      I also noticed that Siglent sells a wifi dongle for that scope ($49).
> That might mean that you could put the scope screen out on the web.
>
> Regards,
>
> Doug P.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 2, 2022 at 3:50 PM Doug Paradis <paradug at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Harold,
>
>      Most of the portable oscilloscopes have the ability to take
> screenshots and transfer via USB (not sure about the Siglent, but would be
> greatly surprised if it didn't) . When I am teaching I often use the screen
> shots in a PowerPoint presentation. This allows you to make your point
> without fumbling around in real time.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Doug P.
>
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 2, 2022 at 3:43 PM Harold Pulcher via DPRGlist <
> dprglist at lists.dprg.org> wrote:
>
> I have some debuggin’ to does….. 😊
>
>
>
> I will also be streaming with this.  I can always put a camera on the
> siglent when I need it.  Not that big of a deal.
>
>
>
> I pretty much tired of working with the various protocols and haphazardly
> trying things till they work.  What I mean by trying things, is guessing at
> whether board(s) have/need pull-ups,  is the signal getting to where I
> think it is getting, etc….
>
>
>
> I want to more than just digital stuff, so a logic analyzer only type deal
> isn’t going to work for what I need.
>
>
>
> I have the pokit pro stuff supposedly about to be shipped.  But after 2+
> years of waiting… I figure those will be good transportable testing things,
> if/when they show.
>
>
>
> Harold
>
>
>
> *From:* DPRGlist <dprglist-bounces at lists.dprg.org> *On Behalf Of *Rud
> Merriam via DPRGlist
> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 02, 2022 3:02 PM
> *To:* dprglist at lists.dprg.org
> *Cc:* Rud Merriam <rudmerriam at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [Dprglist] I need some opinions....
>
>
>
> What is your use case?
>
> Having the computer display tied up with the Digilent display while
> working on code at the same time would be a hassle.
>
>
> -73 -
> *Rud Merriam K5RUD*
> *Mystic Lake Software* <http://mysticlakesoftware.com/>
>
> On 2/2/22 12:04, Harold Pulcher via DPRGlist wrote:
>
> I know that is opening up a big ol’ can of something with our group. 😊
>
>
>
> Anyway, due to Christmas and Birthday dollars accumulating in my pocket, I
> was thinking about getting a new tool for the “lab”.
>
>
>
> I am torn between:
>
>
>
> SDS1104X-E (100 MHz) - Siglent (siglentna.com)
> <https://siglentna.com/product/sds1104x-e-100-mhz/>
>
>
>
> And
>
>
>
> USB Oscilloscope and Logic Analyzer - Digilent Analog Discovery 2
> <https://digilent.com/shop/analog-discovery-2-100ms-s-usb-oscilloscope-logic-analyzer-and-variable-power-supply/>
>
>
>
> I have funds to cover either.  I have my own thoughts about which one to
> get, but I know most(if not all) have opinions as well.
>
>
>
> I was giving a talk last night, so I couldn’t join and ask this question
> directly.
>
>
>
> Harold
>
>
>
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