Micsig Tbook Mini TO1104 Tablet oscilloscope teardown & review

A look at Micsig's recently released tablet-format touchscreen oscilloscope.

[@boonedockjourneyman7979]

Now that my students are hooked on you I have to limit how much they watch. Only because your material is deep. Every hour of video takes two days to work through. Your stuff is the best and most challenging material for young minds. The beginning of this was absolutely priceless. As a EE, I had the chance to drag their econ guy in to explain it. Please keep it up. Your 11 + 1 fans out here in the wilderness really appreciate you.

[@uzaiyaro]

The nice thing about Chinese companies and Chinese gear is that they do tend to listen, and they're not really afraid to take risks, which is part of the reason why they can respin things so quickly. I was watching a documentary about this, if someone points out a problem to the manufacturer and offers a solution, that solution can be implemented next week, even if it's a hardware change. If Micsig takes feedback seriously and wants to improve their products, I think they should listen to what people like you have to say, and you might just see changes implemented fairly quickly.

[@CondoreComputing]

I've noticed this with the products i have purchased form Chinese and Taiwanese based companies. Had a few defective product's when i buy them immediately after release but they exchange them vary quickly with no questions asked and usually the item i get back is already couple revisions newer with the issues resolved.

[@tacticalsavage]

@@CondoreComputing Had same issues, they did not replace the products, instead some little partial pay back only.

[@kathyquinlan5922]

I feel like it is Christmas with all the posts from Mike, He may not post as often as some KZbin creators BUT he certainly does have great well commented videos when they come out :) Keep up the Great work Mike :)

[@iwtommo]

Nice to see you back uploading again mike. Missed this good stuff.

[@Coolkeys2009]

Seems like a very positive and fair review, I'm sure the engineers and others at the factory will be happy, they should shift a few more units.

[@ShALLaX]

The marketing team on the other hand…

[@tonyfremont]

It's been 4 years, I'd love to see another review by you on the current firmware. I think they've added serial decide and triggering and perhaps some other shortcomings you addressed. It's my understanding that there is a decent phone app now for remote control. I'd also like to see if the internals have cheapened up. I'm looking for a replacement for my old rigol DS1102C and would love a self contained portable/battery powered scope for automotive as well as desktop use. Not sure if the STO1104 is better, or would the buttons become a nuisance. I see you have a review of the STO1204, in going to watch it next. Thanks for reading.

[@timturner7609]

I like the mouse option. I have arthritis and dragging around on a touchscreen all day really does my fingers in. The mouse puts that strain on the wrist which is s lot bigger and can handle the motion better

[@AureliusR]

I almost shit myself laughing when he mentioned the stereo speakers... "Stereo speakers on a scope? ......why not."

[@Pieh0]

Same here, then i heard him say that it can play videos, and was instantly turned off from even considering buying one. Well done Micsig, my Rigol DS1054Z shall not be moved, yet.

[@CondoreComputing]

Was going to go with something like a DS1102E or DS1054z depending on how cheap i could get either but as i'm a collage student that's usually using a ridiculously small area for my bench and am moving around a lot i'm probably going to go with something like this.

[@Pieh0]

i'd go for the 1054z, mainly because you can use riglol to bump it up to a 100mhz, and its a great little work horse. No point in going for the 1102e, that's ancient and the fact they still sell them is shocking.

[@mikeselectricstuff]

You;d be nuts to buy an 1102 when the 1054 is so cheap and offers so much more

[@Morbuto]

And not just that... a really nice Wolfson audio DAC too! If it wasn't for the tiny speakers it would have great sound ;)

[@ZegaracRobert]

Mike you give them so much feedback, they should send you new scope for free for review every time they make one!

[@benadams6332]

Excellent review, thanks. I thought these tablet-like touch scopes were going to be a lot more expensive, but they seem very competitively priced even compared to many of the cheap bench scopes.

[@fbonacic]

You have the best tech reviews on KZbin!

[@martinda7446]

Finally someone offering Dwart functions.

[@alexsorin9346]

Thanks for showing the screwdriver trick. Had to open up a similar PSU case this morning and it worked surprisingly well.

[@AureliusR]

If someone is able to submit Chinese subtitles for this, I guarantee Micsig would love to watch it. Mike, I think KZbin has a facility to allow viewers to submit subtitles.

[@InXLsisDeo]

They probably won't like to see the serial number and enabling code being displayed in public like this, though.

[@0xbenedikt]

I think the enabling code is specific to this device, so it shouldn't really matter. Also why would anyone care about his serial number? It is probably not that easy to change the serial number to his.

[@RobB_VK6ES]

Don't think it is possible to read Chinese at Mikes data rate :)

[@ZEROSTATIC72]

Thanks again Mike for the great videos.

[@navusx]

With the tilting angle issue. I've used the "cricket laptop stand" or similar it works really well with this unit, sturdy yet leaves all the ports open freely accessible.

[@AzCcc]

Conclusion @ 53:20 Note: The rambling part is also interesting.

[@NoName-bt3oy]

Great vid as always Mike. Doing better than the beeb with the xmas specials already.

[@MarkGarth]

Great review Mike. I don't need a portable scope at the moment, so will stick with my hacked Rigol, but like you say, this could become a popular format in a year or two.

[@tubical71]

Very nice work, Mike :-D These stange menue operation, feel and usage is a NoGo for me, thanx for showing this in great detail....:)

[@dan_]

The mouse input is probably most useful when using the scope over HDMI on an external monitor, I'd imagine.

[@tHaH4x0r]

Actually at 53:00, I think it is very good that you mentioned there is no fine vertical control, I really miss that on the rigol ds1000z series, and didnt know before hand because almost no review even mentions it.

[@lolman123401]

KZbin is blocked in China

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

tHaH4x0r if I'm not mistaken, the owners manual shows that it is adjustable by zooming in with two fingers as you would a smart phone. Hopefully the reviewer can chime in and confirm this, i still don't own one. But definitely have my sights on it

[@Graham_Langley]

Those zero-ohm links at 18:10 are marked 'LB' on the ident, so they replace ferrite bead inductors they decided they didn't need.

[@FireballXL55]

Good honest review thanks, if you show how you normally do something and say this is the best way you have found to do it. then it will not go smoothly. I also open cases your way and usually they will crack open without too much effort.

[@backyardbasher]

I went to see the doctor today about my hearing problem, he asked me to describe the symptoms so I told him Homer's a fat guy and Marge has blue hair.

[@Pieh0]

**Badum-TISH**

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

Just catching up on your videos, nice scope! All it needs now is a built in bluetooth speaker and patient monitor!

[@Roobotics]

You commented how you liked that the BNCs were full Metal, but on a mobile unit like this I don't think that is to code. you don't have an earth ground reference so you can turn the chassis to live potential and not even realize it until you grab the metal shell of the BNC. Mobile units always have them insulated for this reason. Dave on EEV has commented on this a few times.

[@mikeselectricstuff]

What code ? This is for low voltage use (marked as Cat I)

[@Roobotics]

mikeselectricstuff appologies I didn't catch the cat rating. As long as it stays away from mains type voltages I suppose there is no risk of making the chassis go to mains potentials then.

[@alien8r33d]

I think the bumper surround makes it look cheap. In all other respects, I think it's a great product and I'd be happy to have one.

[@bluephreakr]

You know, if you're doing lab electronic work, _you probably have some money around._ Which is why i can say with some degree of confidence that there may be manufacturers completely eschewing trhe screen altogether on units and instead expect users to have a tablet with a type-C connector to relay information. Manufacturers would, of course need to accommodate both tablet and handheld form factors for people with high-end smartphones, but the basic premise would be the same, and the software would most likely be easier to use on a larger display. For somebody doing this kind of stuff professionally, a tablet would be a major asset to someone doing field work, since these add-on scopes for USB type-C I am theorizing would have a removable battery (probably borrowing from a laptop manufacturer with commonly-used battery forms), and for tablet users they would need to affix their tablet's display, which would both keep the phone charged, and power the scope. Throw in a means to charge the scope via aux power and someone on-the-go can charge between jobs very easily, keeping the scope battery topped and plugging it in only when absolutely necessary in a semi-permanent scenario. Combine with that tablet phone-based functionality and the tablet's bluetooth can allow for those in the field to take and make calls as they do their work, making the tablet function as a multi-purpose device with some extra specialized equipment attached to it, rather than this bullocks where users are stuck with a manufacturer's screen and interface decisions. If people need a bigger display, smartphone apps _by nature_ autoscale so plugging it in via HDMI should provide an enhanced experience, and when paired with stuff like the Neonode Airbar, would allow for any display to be touchable. About things like aftermarket touchscreen enhancements for external displays, it would require a small PC like the RPI2 or RPI3 with software for the touch display unit and system to run it on, so the connected display can interpret touches on the otherwise non-touchable screen as input, and while having something so modular requires a lot of re-learning things, it would overall allow for easy replacement of components and enhanced mobility, so long one wishes to haul with them a display if they want something larger than their phone or tablet's display and go through the bother of setting such things up in the field.

[@Autofixpals]

any idea where i could get a replacement display for this micsig. I broke mine and the company doesn't answer emails. Thanks.

[@kennydotson4511]

Good video I do love way battery is easy to get to. Yes they could have done better with it. I've been looking at scopes for long time. I really like this one. I have autel scanner but I don't want all in one package. I like look scanner voltage and check voltage at the sensor or something. Pico I do like but jeez they just take advantage of things. One day I'll buy one but starting a business is not easy nor cheap. The speakers I like that as well if u need watch video and need to hear it be very nice. That is lot nicer board than I expected. I think this will be good to get off the ground and build my business

[@OneBiOzZ]

I have an owon desktop scope that has a battery option its only 2ch 25mhz but it has found quite a bit of field use!

[@Gameboygenius]

Negative edge trigger: $7. Are you kidding me?

[@Doom2pro]

The corporate bureaucrats have a very expensive bone to pick with you, with a caviar side dip.

[@MobiusHorizons]

As to the time base, there is a little slider at the very top center of the display, that seems to denote the scroll position. If you tap into that area, are there further controls? It seems like that might be a reasonable place to put fine time-base controls. Just a thought. Love your videos, thanks for making them. -- Paul

[@f7497]

The only battery powered traditional scope I've ever seen/used is a decade+ old Tektronix TDS3014B that belongs to my high school electronics instructor.

[@tonysfun]

I have MICSIG STO1104C oscilloscope. I was measuring Vpp and my signal generator was set at 1Vpp, but my Micsig said it was 1.3xx Vpp! So I measured it with my KEITHLEY DMM6500 and it was measuring 1Vpp! I made sure I had everything set right, tried all 4 channels (one at a time) and I was getting about 1/3 more volts an all of them! I also rerun the internal calibration without the probes attached (if you do calibrate even with one probe connected, you'll get an error) and attached probe 1,2.... and squared the probes.... Nothing is helping at this point to improve the accuracy in Vpp. Do you, or anyone else reading this, knows why is this happening? (I'm using the original probes that came with my scope). Te Amp. measures 1.080 V! I also updated the firmware/software and recalibrated again, but to no avail. I like your videos also. Thanks

[@WolfmanDude]

Why the 1k resistor to ground? If you connect the scope earth to live the 1k resisor will just smoke up and go open circuit, leaving the scope at live potential.

[@ram40andy]

Please,could shade some more light over the AUX OUT channel? And about that relay, also. Mine is clicking when switch the voltage range from 200mV to 500mV.

[@bluefoxtv1566]

Puts a heat sink on the chip, but no air holes in the RF shield.

[@gilgameshismist]

So that enable code is tied to the serial number? Hmmm. interesting... :P ;)

[@pavelartemov2379]

Hello. The STO1104C can be used as a recorder recording device with subsequent analysis on a computer. Can a 4 channel signal be stored in memory for a long time more than 10 minutes for further analysis?

[@eigenvector7035]

It's the 3rd of 4th video where i can see those white led matrices on the pink foam. An ongoing project?

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

it might not do the 65536 bins FFT.

[@benadams6332]

23:18 looked like you just cracked the screen, but it's just reflection, phew

[@Pieh0]

42:35 IT'S THE CURRENT YEAR, GUISE! ;) #SerialDecodeMatters

[@emmanuelmagdaleno6019]

Hi there good morning can you give me an idea how to trigger a signal to stay steady I'm checking 4 injectors at once on a fuse that feeds them all with a low APM tester but I see them all but i can't hold the signal at one place it just passes from one side to side thank s I have the TO 1152 150 MHZ THANKS AGAIN

[@ibrahimabukharmeh489]

I doubt that it use the camera port, probably fpga is interfaced with USB3/ USB2 Ports with ARM SOC

[@JanicekTrnecka]

All chinese suppliers would be more sucesfull if they had their pages more tidy, not in such mess!

[@scientist100]

Agreed, can't even get an upgrade code for my Launch Pad II, they could be selling those codes on their site and not have "an authorized dealer" selling those codes that I have no idea where to find them or their page to get a code for that matter.

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

Back then your predicted that there would be more "competition" in this market space. Have you seen any ?

[@slap_my_hand]

Why are there no touchscreens on "normal" oscilloscopes?

[@TheDigitalAura]

Does this mean you'd consider selling the Owon handheld scope? Only asking as even that is way better than I currently have access to.

[@RobB_VK6ES]

A Hard shell front cover would be nice

[@redtails]

WHAT A WORLD WE LIVE IN, stereo speakers on an oscilloscope

[@MRooodddvvv]

install VLC and watch anime ! YAY !

[@redtails]

I'd do that. Catch up on some Yuri on Ice while probing an RF signal

[@gnomishworks]

Awesome review! Just picked up the TO1104 (not M) without the battery. I hope to build my own battery pack and adapter daughter board. Did you happen to measure the pin output of the battery daughter/charger board?

[@dabinn]

FYR bbs.38hot.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=171437&extra=page%3D1&page=1

[@stonent]

I noticed a 2013 copyright on the startup, so they've been at this one for 3 years now. I remember when we were all arguing with their rep that kept posting on the forum when it seemed like vapor-ware.

[@mikeselectricstuff]

The 10" model is quite a bit older - date is probably from that.

[@stonent]

There was a spelling mistake in one menu, Multi Channel was Muti Channel.

[@jeanious2009]

The biggest mistake was where they stated "ALL NUMBERS ARE CAPITAL" ....NUMBERS??? WTF is a capital number, capital letters or alphabet I've hear of but never of numbers.

[@Doom2pro]

I'm about to scream at you PI to 16 digits... Are you ready? .... 3.141592653489793

[@gsuberland]

65358, not 65348.

[@AureliusR]

@@gsuberland shots fired

[@hermannschaefer4777]

on ebay for 19 Euro... + 490 Euro shipping..

[@SkuldChan42]

Report that shit - its against the eBay posting rules.

[@benadams6332]

and the shipping is non refundable, sorry

[@JanicekTrnecka]

It definitely is, but here it might help you with ridiculously stupid tax

[@0xbenedikt]

Not really. Import tax is on item price + shipping so it does not really matter a whole lot.

[@AureliusR]

Not true. The import tax is on the item's declared value. Shipping does NOT play into the taxes, at least here in Canada.

[@goyabee3200]

Nice shirt.

[@M0WFC]

Damn, that PSU is once again a Class 1 made to look like a Class 2. I hate it when they do that, so it is a good idea to invest in a true class 2 12v PSU, can be clearly spotted a mile away as the mains input socket for it is usually a figure of 8 connectors.

[@lraffini]

Still happy with this scope?

[@Stefan_Payne]

That's a Delta "Notebook" Brick, that should be rather good! Nice choice from them! But is this Tablet thingy really running an Android version?!

[@khronscave]

Not entirely - i've yet to see a notebook brick, Delta or otherwise, with a normal IEC input socket. Printer power supplies yes, but laptop bricks no. But i *WAS* impressed to see it's a Delta :D What're the odds Micsig spec'd an "oversized' power supply thinking that would be "chinese watts", originally? And just happened to get an actually GOOD one (Delta) for a good-enough price...

[@Stefan_Payne]

Yes, you normally don't expect to see Delta. Either way, I've seen some Laptop Bricks (one for my Samsung S24A850D, one for one of my Laptops) with the Mickey mouse plug. And something like that: The Power Supply on my XBox 360, but that one has an unearthed IEC plug.

[@Monkeh616]

More like a monitor power brick. Used to be quite common to get 45W and 65W 12V supplies for monitors.

[@lolman123401]

Yep, got an old monitor that has a similar power supply.

[@ComfortElectrics]

Mike what about a fluke 123 or something similar to that? (and yes i know it's ancient)

[@mahmoudhantouli5434]

Dear friends what do you think it's worth it to buy it ? Please let me know

[@jwserge]

Does this scope work w/o inner battery?

[@user-hryuser]

В fft функции нет показания частоты по пикам?

[@jamest.5001]

what's the cost ? and are they still available?

[@Alexander_Sannikov]

1:20 lol why do you have ads in russian?

[@Sailingon]

If I knew what I was buying I'd have bought one, instead I bought a Rigol DS1054Z, I'd have loved a decent battery powered scope but was worried I'd endup not getting what I ordered

[@djmips]

PCB is reminiscent of the clean look of Sony designs.

[@andyseven6723]

hello mike - is there an X/Y mode , so that i can make pretty lissajous curve shapes using the stereo outputs of my music making machines?

[@JAKOB1977]

On the STO model there is an XY mode, it can be seen here briefly kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYPFm4J3Zb2rj8k though if it also was the case on the TO, cant say. Its this model i.imgur.com/0ItpkVC.jpg

[@ddlsmurf]

Heh how did you get that phasing heart beat signal on there ?

[@jaguarpaw5]

Could I use this in the automotive field? For example to pic up coil signals?

[@tonyfremont]

Absolutely, I believe it's well loved by diagnostic techs. There is an ATO1104 that has some preloaded settings for automotive tests, but I think it's the same scope, not sure if it has higher voltage limits on the inputs. Either way, you're going to want to use 10x probes and a 20:1 attenuator for injectors and coil primaries. I can't seem to find any max limit specs for this scope. Price seems to have significantly increased over what Mike here paid.

[@regs8671]

Jeez how much, cheaper to get a standard DSO like a Rigol for less money.

[@KX36]

Skip to 1:05:34 for the abridged version

[@malinsg1]

have you done anything to the audio Mike?

[@cargoudel]

I think he is a little sick.

[@fbonacic]

are input grounds isolated?

[@tonyfremont]

No, not on this model, but being battery powered opens up a lot of possibilities without shelling out for differential probes.

[@evangelistjaphethcj.7755]

Is there automotive version of this scope

[@JAKOB1977]

Mike what your take on this device here 2 years down the road.. hence the 1104 4channel 100mhz version, still an attractive candidate in today's market- it seems to go for around 460USD for 1104 model before any national VAT Denmark. but it seems there is also other versions in play not least a STO1104 version with knobs 650USD but also 8" display. though not sure if that's a newer model.. spec-wise seems to fall in play with the 1104. Don't got a big bench so gotta settle for portable and my 20bucks portable it not gonna cut it.. it got a few shortcomings, though only a few..imgur.com/a/MrUrzle

[@JAKOB1977]

Hmm the micsig sto1104 seems to be a relative new model??... cant find any info online or on EEV and not even one thread takes notice when searching for STO1104C and same here on youtube and Micsig own site is sadly down.. perhaps a new model just landed?? is a TO1104 just with some button control.??

[@Whitesatin478]

I was so pleased when I found a review on this scope but found watching it made me feel ill. Stop waving things around

[@FennecTECH]

They should send poor geeks a scope to do up their page for htem. The cost of a free product would be significantly less than they would benefit from having a neat and tidy page

[@victornpb]

I cannot import desktop scopes to brazil, what scope do you recommend me to get as a daily driver? This one or one of those usb scopes, like owon hantec?

[@mikeselectricstuff]

USB scopes are only good if you need minimum size or cost - the Owon is very good - I have reviewed it in the past. This would be way better as a general purpose scope

[@victornpb]

nope, it just that I can't afford it, the shipping alone is $150+ imgur.com/a/wQPly

[@twwenmark9368]

they have special price for brazil, and shipping fee is $30, seems reasonable, no thanks :) dwz.cn/mic1104

[@starlights50]

The Espotek Labrador is finicky but has been useful..

[@victornpb]

@@starlights50 if you commented that 5 years ago 😅

[@MichaelBeeny]

My brain is bleeding!

[@tychothefriendlymonolith]

All numbers are capital.

[@Dasdembo]

No wonder why it's confusing. You buying it from Ali!

[@corneydasilva5831]

This guy complains for a good low price product. I like to see this same made by British, 10x the price. This guy!

[@guyfamily5323]

your mumbling is hard to understand

[@kchoudri]

english.... always MOANING...