Good Digital Oscilloscope for Beginners - Hantek DSO5102P

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Links to the Hantek and several other good entry level, low cost digital scopes: -Hantek DSO5102P (apx $240 USD): amzn.to/48d45rv -Siglent SDS1052DL (apx $260 USD): amzn.to/30fChmd -Rigol DS1102Z-E (apx $300 USD): amzn.to/3NZkEwx -Rigol DS1202Z-E (apx $350 USD): amzn.to/3792T9Y -Siglent 1202X-E (apx $360 USD): amzn.to/2AKGbZB -4 Ch Rigol 1054Z (apx $360 USD): amzn.to/2Y8TlYy

[@christianmontanogalvez1279]

Sir how about Rigol DS1102Z-E ??

[@enztime1731]

Yes how about Rigol DS1102Z-E ?

[@MikeysLab]

I was actually looking at that one a few months ago. But given the price and feature set a Siglent 1202X-E is a much better recommendation. The deep memory on the siglent alone is important, especially if you are new and do not fully understand triggers. Being able to capture a much bigger sample is always a plus. I chose to buy the Siglent and having used some very expensive scopes in the past, I can say, the siglent is awesome.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yep, Siglent makes a good scope for the price too. The 1202X-E like the Rigol 1202Z-E is $100+ more expensive than the DSO5102P and for those on a tight budget that don't need lots of memory, that's a big price increase; but if you need deep memory, as you said, the 1202X-E like the Rigol 1202Z-E represents excellent value. Thanks for taking the time to comment with that good recommendation. 🙂

[@markrhine5809]

Dear Mr. Salt, I have now been using this scope when i build radio kits (Tecsun 2P3 and the Elenco AM/FM 108CR and I have learned a lot of tech things, the Hantek works very well on these projects, I enjoy the scope very much. Thank you for posting the video!!):

[@peejwpg]

excellent video, best of all no music. thank you i leaned a lot

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad you liked it

[@Navyfiltered]

Why u leaned so much 😂😂😂😂

[@paulyvinyl2361]

I just purchased one through your amazon link paid $235 free shipping. thanks bro for the honest review and your perspective on why this is such a great value and decent quality for the great price.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Hope you enjoy your 5102P like I have been. 🙂

[@bbradley1589]

FINALLY!! Someone that's not speaking gibberish!!!! This video helped a lot. Thank You

[@andreazecchi812]

Hey John your tutorial is the best on internet. Thanks so much. Best wishes from Rome, in Italy!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks. Best of the season to you too from BC Canada.

[@cjh0751]

After careful consideration of both the Hantek DSO2C10 and the older DSO5072p, i bought the the older model for £150 of Ebay. The User Interface seems a lot nicer and the waveforms seem to update quicker. I also hear people having problems with the newer 2000 series locking up even after updating the firmware. I also understand the DSO5072p can be firmware upgraded to a faster 100Mhz. Love your videos John. Alwsys informative.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@skykingimagery899]

Nice intro. And yes, no music that is so often distracting. I've wanted one of these my entire life.

[@osliverpool]

That's a great review, John, thanks. I'm looking for an entry level 2-channel scope (for audio electronics), so your review is exactly what I need.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad it was helpful 🙂

[@t9cstudio]

Thanks for the rundown of all the scope features. I've been looking for an upgrade from my old Rigol 2ch scope with a 5" screen from a long time ago and this one more than fits the bill.

[@joshm264]

Hmm, once I grow out of my USB scope, this will be on my list!

[@bandhigi]

I've been using it since 2015, it works flawlessly, it's well worth the price.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for taking the time to relay your good working experience with the Hantek. So far, I've been very happy with mine as well. 🙂

[@gregoryhorwitz7373]

What great information!. I’m pretty stoked about this model. I don’t have a scope other than a really small rinky-dink portable one, and this one will definitely serve me for my life. I’m sure. Thank you for this video. It was very, very helpful.

[@josephmagedanz4070]

New subscriber here, and I wanted to say thank you for this very helpful review...the new one of these that I bought from Amazon arrived today. Now this newbie needs to go play and practice and learn. Thanks for helping me get started.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad it was helpful - now go play with your new scope 👍🙂 I still love mine - been working great.

[@tonyd1149]

Thank you so much, John. (Your input is always good, loaded with information and recommendations). Thank you, John.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@northgork]

Excellent review. Thanks! By the way that plug is a Schuko plug which is earthed. Its just that they will only earth in Schuko compatible power sockets. The hole is the earth that connects to a male receptor in the compatible socket. But yep, pretty useless if you do not have the right socket.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for that cool info on the Schuko plug type. I just read the Wiki article on them - learn something new every day. Thankyou much 👍

[@johnnyverhoeven5378]

amazing what this 'entry' scope can do. Much more than my 40 year old analog 'pro' scope.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Indeed 🙂

[@joecandy6490]

I agree the supplied power adaptor is useless as it does not have a ground connection, but the supplied euro type power cord is a grounded type and works just fine here in europe when used with the appropriate socket outlet.

[@roshnivalder1394]

Well done mate cleared up quite few points for me , Very good video for beginners. Thank you.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad it helped

[@batforjustice]

If I had to pick an analog digital scope it would be from the Tektronix 2200 series. Especially the 2246A. You want expensive? Back in the day I bought a Velleman K7105 with nearly 750Khz BW for more than $200.

[@Tobinindustrial]

Thanks for this video. I am acquiring one of these soon and interested in learning more.

[@kevinbowes1974]

excellent. mine just arrived before i found this. Cheers mate, well done.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Enjoy it

[@davidharper4289]

Thank you soooooo much for your time in making this video. Now I know better!! Cheers from Aus.......David

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad you found it helpful - cheers from Canada.

[@RobertoDias63]

Thanks for the explanations about this osciloscope! They really help-me to decide where to point to! :D Good job!!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad I could help a bit.

[@christianmontanogalvez1279]

@@Rchelicopterfun Sir How about Rigol-DS1102Z-E?? It also cost the same with the hantek

[@mattharvey8712]

Bravo.......yes the ground.......hot tip....run scope on separate power source.....and never have ground problem......cheers

[@mr.mrs.witowski29]

I have this scope and recently discovered a problem. I hadn't used it in quite some time. I purchased a new audio tone generator and wanted to test it out with this scope. Everything seems to work in that I can hook it up, set it to 1Khz then hit AutoSet on the scope and it looks great. But, the vertical and horizontal knobs do nothing. They don't move the waveform or scale it. I have to be missing something simple because it worked in the past. Is there a setting that locks those controls?

[@claudiomoles]

Very good Review, I just pull the trigger for the new Hantek 100MHz In 2021

[@BarryPiper]

I would love for some of these low-budget scopes to have a video output, as I use the scope partly for teaching.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Not sure about other entry level scopes, but the Hantek 5000 series is capable of external screen display by running through a laptop with the included software on the CD that comes with it. I would imagine most of these entry level digital scopes offer this feature as well, but you would have to check.

[@williamb3323]

Very well done, I have this scope, and I thank you for your time and effort.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks; hope you are enjoying your DSO5102P as much as I'm enjoying it 🙂

[@MindFlareRetro]

Great review. I am a new subscriber -- I am not an RC guy (I rescue and repair old retro computers over on my channel) but I have been really enjoying your bench tools reviews. I started with an old Tektronix analogue scope about 5 years ago, then I picked up a barely used Siglent SDS1102CML from a gentleman in Vancouver through Craigslist -- I do not have it anymore, but I loved that scope. Anyway, well done and I hope to catch up and comment on your back catalogue.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for the sub and awesome channel you have as well. Very cool projects! Thanks also for taking the time to let other's know how much you liked your Siglent SDS1102CML.

[@steve-si3oz]

You made a good choice.. Siglent 1052dl not the best for entry level. IMO

[@SteveHacker]

Is it sufficient for a beginner in vintage radio servicing, vintage and modern ham radio, audio/music electronics like guitar amps and synthesizers, as well as restoring vintage retro computers?

[@barry7608]

Thanks I used to work for the Dept of Navy Australia as a trainee electronics technician. One of our first jobs was to evaluate a new supplier of test equipment being BWD. All the navy gear was Tektronix Instruments and Hewlett-Packard, our job was to evaluate accuracy and specification claims. This bought back some great memories. I used to love that work as you got to play around with all sorts of bits n bobs at the cutting edge. IC’s wet only just starting out back in the 70’s. Your review was all I needed and I’d be keen to see what the price is here

[@Rchelicopterfun]

🙂👍

[@alocin110]

Thank you John. This is a very helpful short tutorial but it has a lot of information. Great presentation. I boutght Hantek 4 ch 250MHz; it is awesome. Keep up the good work. I liked your channel.

[@kimbellagurl5350]

thanks for the nice demo... I liked how you went thru probe calibration, especially for those new or entry level, goving them the primary features as most new folks these days would have fun pulling a trigger up on a type 556 dual beam if it had previousely been use for a delayed split trigger function at a given chanel sensitivity.. auto reset or auto functions are handdy especially for someone new to scopes.. I like the darker offset for vertical and sweep area easy on the eyes.. intuitively laid out as well.. amazing what a nice light weight portable unit you get for little $$$. The isolation is actually nice.. from earth ground, if you have a noisy environment you have a chassis ground to quiet that, but actually each input has high impedance Diferential amp on the front end... I have seen EEV blog tear some of these down, they seem to be decently shielded from RFI.... myself working in RF / RFI / EMI research lab with a caviot / wide array of HV tube scopes quiescent by nature, fully shielded and also in large racks with HV insulated casters, weighing near 1000 to 1,400 # per cart, all floating, but at diferential potentials in the multiple Kev range.. these newer scopes would bring so much noise in the lab from just their unsheilded display panels it would be like tossing a brick of fire crackers on the stage of orchestra while there is a soft violin or flute solo.. giggle.. but they are handy and for the test bench, and save time not having to read the scope with graticules.. yes for sure, especially some of the handy functions. as for signal processing work, finding harmonics, noise, crosstalk, and such things that analogue phosphor screen face, not a chance.. you are limited by A/D stepping with no true plotting multiple points.. let alone a dozen in the same sample " harmonics" feedback, standing waves etc.. even the highest level spectrum.. 7- $13k range.. that is why this technology is wonderful in general use, all that ability for a couple hundred.. also auto calibration.. yes time and $ cost and transporting calibrated instruments. the younger generation cant really appreciate the conveince this scope provides.. a time and a place for everything.. from your comments you must work on audio or LF signaling RC / and process logic type stuff .... ? ? ? automation and process control, PLC's etc?

[@bobm1435]

John, does only the siglent connect to the computer? Does the Rigol also? Is Rigol better? I liked the Hantek, especially the good english instructions, but is the rigol a better machine and have computer display connectivity? thanks The Rigol is only $304 now.

[@hichamtassi1753]

Hello, what is the difference between this model and the DSO2c10 ? thanks

[@vtradio]

Thanks for the nice video. I'm learning how to use my Tektronix 453 oscilloscope that I got in a ham radio estate sale. It's a good scope, but I found the math hard to do too when calibrating an old signal generator. If and when it comes time to upgrade, I will certainly consider this scope. Paul AA1SU

[@rodolfojuliani6953]

Thank you John! Very nice presentation, I am going to get this one!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Enjoy.

[@pekkagronfors7304]

Great video. Just got my 70MHz. Payed $150 for it brand new from a friend that owns an electronics store.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Enjoy it

[@markrhine5809]

Hi Mr. Salt, After watching this video for a second time last night, today I purchased one of these scopes, I am looking for to learning to use it for my radio build projects, thank you for this video, it made the difference in my mind.... Have a nice day...):

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Hope it works as well for you as this one has been working for me.

[@ZafodB3]

Buying through a U.S. site cost about $30 more than the Asian sites. And they show the same 2 prong not grounded corded plug (European, Asian, ?). You would think for spending the extra $30 you’d get an inexpensive grounded North American corded plug since your paying the shipping cost twice (from Asia, and on top of that cost, from the U.S. retailer). I don’t mind spending a little more for a one week door to door and a place in the U.S. that accepts returns, however, I’ve purchased Asian goods from U.S. sites that were drop shipped from Asia to them and they just slapped a U.S.P.S shipping label over the Asian one and it ended up taking nearly a month when I could have saved the money and ordered from the Asian retailer directly! I hope your experience was better?

[@tonyd1149]

John, kindly (pls forgive my impertinence). ¿Do you know, if this scope will display a very low freq signal (sine/square/sawtooth), ~1,2,4 to 8Hz, please? (I gather they're mostly displaying much higher freq signals). I'm interested in displaying such for learning/showing, generated from low voltage (5-9Vdc) TTL/CMOS circuits. (I'm ignorant of such instruments. The only ones I currently own are a DMM & an ESR meter). (If you're amenable), any input advice you can I appreciate. Thank you much.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

If you check the specifications, it shows the recordable pulse width range is down to 10s so I would presume the lowest it could sample/display would be a 10Hz waveform. I've never used mine with frequency's much lower than 30Hz (which was fine) so I can't comment as to just how low it goes/how well it works when displaying very low frequencies below that; I can only relate the stated specifications.

[@tonyd1149]

@@Rchelicopterfun John, thank you so much for the kindness of a reply. And, your help, and added experienced observations/uses. I appreciate it. Thank you very much again. God[Bible] Bless.

[@Songwriter376]

Good review! Better than many I see. I am however a bit concerned about the small amount of noise I see riding on the top of the calibration square wave. How would we differentiate noise between the scopes self generated noise and that coming from a circuit under test would be my worries.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Suggest you research why all digital o-scopes appear noisy. Dave Jones of EEV did a great video on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ_aoWOmgJ2HsM0

[@Songwriter376]

@@Rchelicopterfun Wow! Never knew that. Thanks for the link.

[@raymondedge8889]

John, I am getting into the AM/FM tuner aspect of my training and the receiver I have is the Pioneer SX-789. The tuning instructions repeatedly refer to 106 Mhz. In your opinion would the Hantec 100-150 MHZ be adequate for my needs? Advice anyone? Thanks.

[@cyberwasp461]

Not sure of you're still makingh videos. If so is there a possibily of doing one on the Siglent SDS1202X-E. I feel I'm missing a few features or just can't find them!!

[@gordselectronicshobby3853]

The RIGOL DS1054Z is a very good scope with deep memory.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yep (for those that need 4 channels).

[@martinkuliza]

it is The DS2000A Series are better though.............MUCH BETTER When i bought mine my choices were DS1000E (DS1052E) DS2000 Series DS2000A Series the DS1000 were around $500 AUD The DS2000A were approx$800 AUD the model i chose was $1,100 i do not regret it FOR A FUCKING SECOND had my scope now.... ohhh i don't know, maybe 8 years, hasn't missed a beat and ... i upgrade it to the 300MHz bandwidth with all options unlocked which would have cost around $3,000 or maybe $5k for all of it the DS1054z comes with a function gen though if i'm not mistaken the DS2000A does not b ut it's a much higher spec

[@MiCoopRS]

I agree with Shane, now I want one of these osillyscopes, i paused at 19:08 to ask this question. Why as a simple hobbiest, me, with arduino and pi projects would I need an ozcope? but they are awesome, i love machines with LOTS of buttons, bells and whistles....can I do simple voltage measurements like a volt meter? like the Owon HDS1021M-N Series HDS Handheld Digital Storage Oscilloscope...i kinda like that there are 2 ways to use that. Any suggestions would help. Keep up the Great videos!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

If you have to ask why you would need an O-Scope, then you don't need one - at least not yet. O-scopes measure voltage changes over time - that's their primary use. Fast and sort duration time frames and that is largely what electronics are all about. You can actually see that digital on/off pulse signal or PWM wave form with a scope for example. Yes, you can also measure fixed voltages with an O-Scope just like you can with a DMM. It will be shown as a straight horizontal line on the display if the voltage is "clean". If the voltage is dirty/noisy, the line will have little (or perhaps big) peaks if the voltage if very dirty, and that is another use of an O-scope - finding noisy/dirty voltage and bad components, etc. Just scratches the surface. I can't give any thoughts on hand held o-scopes since I don't use them & have no experience with them.

[@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529]

I have the DSO5202P and I was trying to find a tutorial showing if it was possible to use the storage function to help see all three phases of a brushless motor. It would not be a problem for a four channel scope. I want to try to design a DIY sensorless driver circuit. I built a triple half H-bridge which could drive a brushless motor open loop. To drive it closed loop I need to see all three phases. I was wondering if I could save phases 'A' and 'B' to memory then test 'B' and 'C'. I want to know if it's possible to superimpose 'B' and 'C' over 'A' and 'B'.

[@jfmax2000]

Yeah.. That's a Pretty Cool Unit.. And Great Demonstration Video.. Thanks a Mil for The Upload ☺😎💯

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for watching

[@tcape72]

I'm watching the video, not finished yet but I saw at the beginning you mentioned about a grounding issue, but kind of glossed over it. Is that in your video, what is the issue so I don't fry the Hantek I just purchased via amazon. I will be using it primarily to troubleshoot vintage solid state stereo equipment. Hope it will be suitable for that.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

As I state in video, I link to Dave Jones's excellent ground caution video for all beginner scope users in the description.

[@omarabdalla647]

Hello which ociloscope would you recommend for Audio amplifiers.

[@markrhine5809]

Dear Mr. Salt, I am watch this video for about the 5th time, every time I learn something new, I am now reading through the manual, One problem I was having is the power on mode, when I would press the power button to turn the scope on, I was getting a message, "Please use the power on mode, along with other messages and then it would say booting on, then it would come on an work just fine. Then by thought I pressed the stop/run button and stopped the system, Turned the unit off and back on and no messages. What do you think?? Great video....):

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Sorry, no idea??? Every single time I turn mine on, it boots up exactly the same way as shown in the video at time index 10:39. Takes about 10 seconds with the "Hantek Your testing solution provider" boot screen. No other messages ever come up. I would contact Hantek or the seller because it doesn't sound right.

[@ponymoore6140]

Great review and just what I need to buy. Thank you

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@FordSeniorMaster]

Very nice presentation John! This is a nice unit that even I can afford for my little electronics lab. Thanks for making this! Patrick P.S. New Sub BTW!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Many thanks 🙂

[@jackjohnson9989]

Very nice review and thank you for this valuable post. This model looks like a good candidate to pipe some automotive signals into as a beginner. Since the BNC connectors are standard, there must be probes that can be purchased for such specific tests. PS:- What are you using for audio production? is it a professional setup with equalizer etc. ? In another past-time this is referred to as 'mother-in-law audio' !

[@Rchelicopterfun]

There are all kinds of different o-scope probes on the market. No idea what specific ones you are looking for, but Google search will show many. As for audio, I had a new lapel mic and didn't know how to turn down the audio record level in the camera yet. It was way too high thus the distortion. After figuring out how to turn down the audio record level in the camera, the sound got better as can hopefully be heard in my more recent videos.

[@jackjohnson9989]

Hmm. Just shows one has to be careful commenting with finality on such subjects as audio where so many variables exist. Actually the sound wasn't distorted at all into my set-up. But I pipe sound from the videos through to a Hi-Fi system. Too high a recording level would probably have overloaded tiny speakers in portable gear. "Mother-in-law audio' refers to that which 'punches' its way through and commands attention.

[@ficklefx2337]

Good chance the power supply cord is not earth ground either. That's why the USA adaptor only has two prongs. Ohm the power cord earth ground and see if it has continuity to the scope. All to prevent the earthy ground burn out you mentioned. Just my thoughts.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

It is grounded

[@sermannhoffman1498]

Great review, I'll get one, thanks a lot Mr Salt

[@marcossoto1616]

Hello, your analysis is very good. I want to say that I am a beginner in electronics and mainly in this tool, I would like to see in your channel an analysis of the new hantek 4254c series since on the internet I have not seen analysis on this oscilloscope. thanks ...

[@philip2.2.12]

Picked this out due to the price, glad my choice was good

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Enjoy it. My 5102P has been working great and could not be happier with it. 🙂

[@philip2.2.12]

@@Rchelicopterfun they are pretty solid, accidentally blew a breaker when working on a ultrasonic cleaner and it came out ok

[@alfonsoincorvaia2595]

Excellent presentation John!!!!!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for watching

[@qua7771]

I'm trying to decide between the scope mentioned or the Hantec DSO4102C. The 4102C is $30 more and has a built in waveform generator. I will most likely use this for repairing/ servicing a few guitar amplifiers and whatever else may end up on my home bench. I think it would be nice to induce a signal into the circuit for testing but some reviews say that it is better to have a separate frequency generator as the menu can be a bit confusing to navigate. Any advice or opinions are welcome. Thanks.

[@dmrsibs27]

I have the 4102C the confusing and frustrating thing for me is when the generator is running and inputting a signal on my DUT ,channel 1 and 2 cannot operate so it's a problem when I want to analyse the output of my circuit. The generator also has a maximum voltage of 3.5V. I ended up buying a Feeltech signal generator.

[@qua7771]

@@dmrsibs27 Thank you for the quick response. I did push the button purchasing the 4102c and have been going through the various functions today. I'm able to use the generator output while taking measurements with Ch, 1 & 2 without any problems. I'm curious if yours may have a firmware issue or something in the settings. I'll agree that the generator is light on features and tactile controls. For the time being I'm happy to be able to trouble shoot with something more than a multi-meter. I paid $279 and it shipped in two days. So far I like it. I may get a generator in the future when I have a project that calls for it. Any suggestions?

[@rondeldebbio9219]

Super Review! One question: What is the min. mV/div sensivity? Will it go to 1mV/div? Thanks

[@Rchelicopterfun]

2mV/div - Right out of the manual in the specifications section: VOLTS/DIV Range 2mV/div to 5V/div at input BNC Position Range 2mV/div to 200mV/div, ±2V >200mV/div to 5V/div, ±50V Analog Bandwidth in Normal and Average modes at BNC or with probe, DC Coupled 2mV/div to 20mV/div, ±400mV 50mV/div to 200mV/div, ±2V 500mV/div to 2V/div, ±40V 5V/div, ±50V

[@rondeldebbio9219]

@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks, that 2mV/div is excellent min.

[@williamechols3798]

Bought a Siglent SDS1052DL 3 years 2 months ago with a 3 year warranty and now it hangs up on boot up to siglent screen only. Googling shows many have this problem earlier than I had. Decided to purchase this one and see if it last longer.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the 1052DL. Hope this 5102P meets your expectations.

[@subliminalphish]

Will this one seek out rogue frequencies that are 30 htz and below? I need and want one to find what is creating sick frequencies. I need one badly. Oh and can we get a paper manual? I still can find things quicker in a book or booklet.

[@xavierpacheco7297]

Great review/demo. This is going on my shortlist. Did you say it can be mod'ed to 200 MHz?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yes. Just google search "Hantek 200 MHz hack" and there is lots of info out there on it.

[@Tekjive]

You mentioned you can “hack” cheaper models into higher end models? Like say the 70mhz to 200mhz, would the hacked 70mhz be full featured like the 200mhz was intended or would it be a janky version of it? Are they physically the same unit, just use diff software? I have a friend that has the 100mhz version and he loves it so considering this brand as well, although budget has me looking into the 70mhz but ambition has me wanting to hack it into the 200mhz version ...lol ;)

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Software.

[@ArtisMiezitis]

Hi John! Great video. Can i log voltage spikes with this oscilloscope? For example for - 220V solenoid? If Voltage spike will be over 470V, which is DSO5000P maximum peak - it will show the maximum value (470) or there will be error? Maybe You can recommend something for - logging/catching voltage spikes? Thank You!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

No logging other than recording. No idea what device you would use for logging high voltage spikes.

[@seahawk_dk]

I got an DSO4204B, the (4ch) 200MHz edition instead of the easy hackable 70 MHz edition only because the extra price of buying the 200MHz probes as an accessory, would make the 70MHz edition +200MHz probes more expensive the 200MHz edition

[@bobm1435]

John, I like the Hantek, what model Hantek above this would have deep memory? 2 channel should be fine. thanks

[@Rchelicopterfun]

@Bob M - I suppose that depends on what your definition of deep memory is. If 8 million points falls within your definition, then the DSO2C15 would be very similar to this 5102P for about the same price: www.banggood.com/custlink/KvvRNrLSLZ If you need more than 8M points, Hantek's largest memory scopes (as far as I know) are their DPO-6000 series; I believe they all have 64 million points.

[@deans2917]

Ok so thats some good info. Im looking for one for my son. Hes doing something with rocket motors at school. My problem is that you mentioned a problem with the plug. Is there a part number for the plug? This is all foreign to me. Thanks

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Presuming you are in North America (120V 60Hz mains), it just uses a standard computer power cord (IEC C13).

[@rachelbest2191]

Hi, I need to check if Copy Generation Management System - Analog (CGMS-A) is enabled on an analog output STB. Can an oscilloscope detect these waves? I read CGMS-A embeds in the media CCI in the vertical blanking interval of the video signal (lines 20 or 21) if that helps at all?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

No idea whatsoever.

[@q12x]

Excellent review , thank you !

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad you liked it 🙂

[@cookieboi4449]

None of the Hantek scopes come with ground pin,,,, I am awaiting Hantek's answer . ! I guess it is because they are double isolated. Am I right in saying that you are not allowed to ground double isolated equipment??

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yes they are grounded! Look at the C14 power input on the back - it's got 3 pins - one is the ground. There is continuity between that ground pin on the C14 and the exterior of all 3 BNC connectors. I don't care about double insulated nonsense; the BNC connector is grounded for safety reasons and so the ground of the test probes are not floating. Also puts the shielded probe wire at zero potential to reduce interference and noise - period. If you watched the grounding video by Dave Jones as I recommend newbies to scopes watch, this is all apparent.

[@cookieboi4449]

@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks Mr. Salt, much appreciate all of your comments. I have two power cables, the one that came with the scope plus the 2 pin adaptor supplied by Hantek. Yes, I have noticed that there is continuity between the input ground pin and the BNC. I have used both cables, the original 2 pin Hantek system and my own 3 pin cable,,, I didn't see any difference in the performance of the scope... As mentioned, I am awaiting Hantek's reply on this issue, as all of their scopes are supplied with no ground pin cable. Yes, I am a newbie to all electricals except household stuff. I am 83 years old and graduated in electrical engineering 61 years ago, but have had nothing to do with the profession in the last 50 or more years... so, yes, I am a newbie, except for the theory, since I am a mathematician. Again Mr. Salt, many thanks for your patience with me.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Earth grounding or not grounding the scope should have nothing to do with its overall performance. The primary reason (dare I say only reason), is so the BNC ground is earth grounded and not not floating. Having the probe ground lead grounded might also dissipate noise in the test leads, but if you're an electrical engineer, you would know better than I if earth grounding a shielded cable suppresses noise or not. All I know is every single o-scope I've used over the past 3 decades from all the analog ones and now this digital one have grounded BNC connectors and thus a grounded probe ground. Google search "floating your oscilloscope" or similar search terms may be useful to help you figure out what the pros & cons are of floating the scope.

[@cookieboi4449]

@@Rchelicopterfun Many thanks Mr. Salt, Yes I have watched Dave's video, it is 8 years old, and he is an Aus like I,,, but he doesn't mention RCD's even though they have been in use in Aus for more than 30 years. The long and short is that I will ground my scope with my 3 pin chord and have my son use my newly purchased $250 I/T Plus some supervision and warning. I do care about the scope, but not as much as I care about my son's life. This is my first contact for 40 years with a scope and then only briefly, that is why I seek some modern help, and thank you again Mr. Salt.

[@pooeyrooey]

Great video thanks for the insight!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

You bet - Thanks for watching 🙂

[@jaackmcmahon8757]

Will this scope do XY mode? Office native shows this scope for $178USD! Sweet price for new scope in warranty!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yes, it's in the display settings menu.

[@packempty2523]

thank you for this video. I hope You are happy.

[@jstro-hobbytech]

There is no need to hack the hantek models anymore: If you buy the cheapest model which is 70mhz they all come with a factory upgrade to 200mhz even if the machine has 70mhz stamped on it so keep that in mind when purchasing the hantek 5102p because purchasing the 5072p is the same. Itll save you money. The fact retailers are not making people aware of this is robbery in my opinion

[@emylrmm]

Nice presentation, but you make several references to "entry level" and "beginners scope" without defining what you meant by those terms other than memory depth. It seems to have all the features any portable Tektronix scope I've used over the years in a professional setting. Any "pro" would be happy with it.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Thus the really good value. Hantek themselves calls their DSO scopes "economy series". That to me logically justifies "entry level" in their lineup. Personally, I don't know a single electrical engineer or professional technician who would consider a sub $300, economy series, 2 channel o-scope with only 40K record length along with limited (likely none) customer or field support; while lacking the robustness and proven track record of a Tektronix or other high-end, big name scope anything but an entry level / beginner / hobby / student digital scope these days; but if you personally think the DSO5102P's performance and features alone deserve it a higher placement on the digital o-scope ladder - that is awesome & I won't argue. Again, demonstrates the great value. All I know is this scope checked off all the boxes I was looking for, was well within budget, and most importantly, I've been very happy with mine over the past two years now. It certainly has all the features and performance I need as a hobbyist. 🙂

[@urnoob5528]

u actually will find deep memory in this range now the dho800 from rigol

[@samueladitya1729]

are usb oscilloscope like Hantek 6254BC recommended as it seems on the same price range with 4 channel and more bandwidth?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

You are almost always going to get better performance with a dedicated o-scope (latency, noise, resolution etc.) Not to mention much less connectivity hassles involved. Nothing worse IMO than trying to diagnose an issue and having waste time messing around with multiple devices, connecting them, and getting them to work. Ease of use is a very important consideration with any test equipment because if it's a pain in the ass to get working every time you need it, you won't use it. All depends on the individual & application of course.

[@mubashirhussain3885]

How do I ground this scope? you said that it came with the adapter and shouldn't be using that since it's a safety risk. Do I just use the adapter or is there another connection that I can make?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

You ground it through the proper & grounded C13 power cord for your specific wall outlet as I mentioned in the video.

[@navinfernando276]

Iam quite new to digital oscilloscopes recently I purchased the hopefully newer Hantek DSO2000 series 150Mhz model. However during my trials I noticed that when measuring be it sine or square at lower amplitudes say aprox 700mv and below there seems to be a lot of jitter on the screen can you enlighten me on this thanks any advice would be appreciated.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Dave Jones has an excellent video explaining digital o-scope noise (what you are describing): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ_aoWOmgJ2HsM0

[@uncleoern5139]

Excellent video. Thanx a lot!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnmarshall2660]

I was looking at getting a Scope, possibly an old Tektronics from local University if they were throwing out any but I saw this on ebay for £199.99 so do I get ... 10 available 33 watching so yes ordered and should be delivered today 6th of Nov ... love the review you did ... Im in to Electronics and Model Railway so will be very useful ... John M

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Hope you enjoy your DSO5102P as much as I've been enjoying mine - have fun 👍

[@ThilinaWimalapriya]

Thanks for the video.

[@cookieboi4449]

Hi John, you are super duper in explaining things,,, I have subscribed and enjoy your channel.... What do you mean "a big fail ? " The scope isn't grounded ! why should it be ? if it is double insulated, the it is prohibited to ground it. You are not allowed to ground any electrical item which is double isolated. Isn't this scope double isolated ? Please comment. I have this scope.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

I think you misunderstood me. The scope is grounded (ground side of BNC connectors and thus ground clamp of probe) to the earth ground pin of the IEC power cord. You never want a "floating" O-scope after all. It's why I specifically mention & link to the great video by Dave Jones where he explains scope grounding. The problem/fail is with the non grounded North American plug adapter that they shipped with it (at least with the one I got). I'm of course using a standard NA IEC grounded power cord with my 5102P so my scope is properly earth grounded through the power cord, but for those that didn't know any better and didn't see that the adapter plug wasn't grounded, they could be in for a rude, dare I say shocking awakening.

[@cookieboi4449]

@@Rchelicopterfun Hi John, mine also came with an adaptor, no ground pin and I used a spare 3 pin plug and socket,,, but I might be wrong in doing that. As you know it it prohibited to ground double isolated electrical equipment,,, at least that is what I have learned. I didn't see any symbol on the scope showing double isolation,, but perhaps it is the manual. I have followed your advice an use the isolation transformer,,, even though I don't understand why, in case of a short to ground will not trip the RCD at 15 mA and say 10 ms. My son will be following your guides, thanks. ps. If I could have afforded another scope, I would have tested my theory out... I have tested my RCD's and they are safe,,, I am sure they also are in the UK.

[@leecrt967]

QUESTION:Could you align the video IF stages on a 40s - 50s vintage television with this scope?

[@blacksmock445]

A 1940s or 50s tv in the UK would have IF frequencies of 16-19 MHz for a Band I (40-70MHz) receiver or 34-38 MHz for a TV with 13 channels. IF's for 525 and 625 line systems were slightly wider spaced, but well within the bandwidth of this scope.

[@xichan1702]

After watching your video, I brought the DSO5102P to replace my broken Tek475. Thanks. I measured my Hantek -3dB bandwidth. It is around 100MHz with sine wave feed direct to my scope. Using a probe it is around 70MHz. That implies the probe bandwidth is also 100MHz. I like the scope, but it will be better if I spend a bit more to buy the 200MHz scope instead. On 3:16, you said a firmware hack can upgrade the bandwidth to 200MHz.I have doubts firmware changes can improve hardware bandwidth. I watched a lot of hack videos. none of them did bandwidth measurements before and after the hack. I like to have your opinion on firmware hack before I make any changes on my scope.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

To the best of my knowledge, the firmware hack on these things works well. Of course I've never done it personally, so have no first hand experience so if you want to know the real story, best to chat to folks who have done it.

[@xichan1702]

@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks for your advice. 100MHz suit me fine for now. I will hold off firmware upgrade until it is necessary.

[@casey360360]

I want a desktop digital, badly. My profession however makes much more use of an 8 channel USB scope (automotive). I can't afford two $300 scopes though. I'd love to find a good mix between the two that isn't a Snap-On Modus. lol

[@salilmahadik9396]

Can you please do a review of Perytech USB Oscilloscope DSO-U2400 400MS/s?

[@curtchase3730]

Nice intro. I recently purchased this scope and the display shows noise on the trace like yours. I find that very annoying. Why did they design the scope and allow that? You use the thing to look at a signal. If your signal has a veil of noise, how do you know that? I emailed the vendor, and he said Hantek says it's NORMAL. IDK.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Do you have the 20 MHz filtering turned on? Did you try better probes since that is a big source of noise on any digital scope. I have 20 MHz filtering on & there is very little noise - even with the low cost included probes. I've never found the tiny amount remaining to cause any reading issues or annoying at all for my applications. Remember, this is a low cost beginner/hobbyists scope, not a $1500 Tektronix. Regardless of price point, you do realize that all digital scopes show noise much more than analog scopes do. Dave Jones has a couple good videos on digital O-scope noise, what causes it, and ways to play with the scope's settings & probes to reduce it along with one showing why digital scopes "appear" more noisy than analog scopes. All I know is my 5102P has been working a treat for over 6 months now, is not in the least bit annoying to use (the exact opposite actually), and is well within the specifications outlined in the manual. No surprises whatsoever other than still impressed that so much digital o-scope & performance can be had for so little outlay.

[@92fsoakcreek]

Nice GMT Master II :)

[@Kurt1968]

Thanks for the video. I bought one of these a few months ago and im generally pretty happy with it. Its my first scope and so I don't have anything to compare it to. One thing that I've noticed which has me stumped and was wondering if you could help me... I noticed that the measurement values for a given input signal vary considerably depending on the Volts/Div setting. For instance if I measure a 100kHz 5V P-P sine wave (via my signal generator) at 2V/div, I get 5.28V and at 1V/div I get 5.12. So the greater the V/div, the higher the measured P-P (and RMS). It bugs me that in order to get close to 5V P-P I have to set it so that the image is clipped off the screen. Perhaps this is a general characteristic of digital scopes? Does this occur on yours too or is mine faulty? I don't feel like I can trust the measurement values like this. Using the cursers seems to be the most accurate but that disagrees with what they claim in the manual. I have a few more days left before I can exchange it so I was hoping I can get some clarification before that. Thanks!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

That's pretty normal. Using your exact numbers on my function generator @ 100 kHz 5V pp sine into scope at 1V/div, my DSO5102P was showing 5.08V. After it warmed up for 15 minutes, it then dropped to 5.04. At 2V/div, voltage climbs a bit, at 0.5V/div, voltage drops. Frequency is bang on regardless of vertical resolution jumping between 99.99 and 100 kHz. Have you run a calibration to see if that helps it get a little closer? Only run cal after it has been turned on for a while so everything is at operating temp. Regardless, this still WAY better than any analog scope I've used in the past where our reading accuracy was only as good as how well we could count the grid lines on the screen and approximate where the phosphor line was intersecting them. By the end of a 2 hour lab session with eyes burning, everyone's numbers were different. 😄

[@Kurt1968]

@@Rchelicopterfun very much appreciate you reconciling that for me. I'll try recalibrating again after a long warm up. I may exchange it if i get the same values. Being 280mV off from nominal doesn't seem right to me. Also measuring RMS with my Uni-T DMM is spot on against the calculated value. There's a good 15% percent difference with the Hantek RMS. And it changes with frequency too which is no bueno. Other than the measurement qualms, I like this device and how easy it is to use.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

@Kurt Nowak - No O-scope is going to be as accurate as a DMM for voltage measurement so if that is what you are after, no matter what you get, you'll be disappointed. If you want to understand why, just use your Google Fu; there are lots of great articles in engineering blogs & electronics forums on the topic. An o-scope is designed primarily for waveform & noise observation and is generally less accurate than a DMM used to measure voltages.

[@Kurt1968]

@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks, I didn't realize that. Being a newbie at electronics tech work and this being my first and only Digital scope to reference, its hard for me to judge. I think Ill just keep it then.

[@DerangedTechnologist]

Splendid video. Thanks!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@henryrobinson9837]

good video, i'm into automotive electronics, do any of these scopes have ant high or low pass FILTERING?

[@Rchelicopterfun]

As shown in the video, there is a fixed 20mHz BW filter, but you can also filter out unwanted noise other ways such as altering the persistency or refresh values.

[@henryrobinson9837]

@@Rchelicopterfun thanks for the reply,i'm used to the cheap hantech 1008 POS

[@keithy4129]

A lot of scope for the price! Good stuff!

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Yep, Hantek & Siglent are both hard to beat in this price segment.

[@caseykittel]

but does anyone know how to test a standard audio cable? I have a pile of various audio cables and a tone generator. I'm just wondering if there's a good simple way to view say 5hz-20khz. I figure I'll just come up with a base line using a new audio cable and then compare it to the older questionable cables. thanks!

[@damianLsmith]

Kinda off topic, but do you have a link for the bell helicopter in the beginning of the video? I’m surprised it’s not painted to look like Airwolf! 👍👍

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Here's the link to the FunKey fuselage page on my site with links to all the scale birds they have (including the airwolf 222 version): www.rchelicopterfun.com/funkey-fuselages.html You may find this video useful as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIunpZxqj92sfZo