The Perfect CHEAP Multimeter/Oscilloscope For Beginners ZOYI ZT-703S

If you are just starting your vintage hardware repair journey this combination digital multimeter and two-channel oscilloscope is the perfect starter tool for you. The ZOYI ZT-703S or Aneng AOS03 packs quite a punch. Let's try it out and see what it can do! Thanks to pcbway.com for supporting this video!
I Pumped My Oscilloscope: • Let's Turn This USB Os...
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Aneng Version: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dd7...
Zoyi Version: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmu...
Chapters:
00:00 - Why This Device?
05:26 - First Look
10:30 - Probes, Continuity
13:08 - Signal Generator
15:46 - PCBWay Ad
16:16 - Typical C64 Testing
24:40 - Pros And Cons
Music used by permission:
“Fakebit World” by Malmen
/ malmen
Other music from the KZbin Audio Library
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#Retro #Computers #oscilloscope #multimeter

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

For your average hobbyist, I think it is an excellent purchase. I often think Dave is too hard of a judge on equipment. People buying this for 80 bucks shouldn't expect it to compete with a 5K piece of equipment. For the price and what you get I think it will suit the needs of most people just fine.

[@kaitlyn__L]

which is somewhat ironic, considering his own multimeters seem to have been gaining a reputation for flakiness…

[@RetroHackShack]

I do hope they release a firmware fix for the current mode problem though. It would throw a beginner for a loop if they weren't careful.

[@brianv2871]

To be fair, Dave also reviewed it at 1.0 release, so many of the bugs he (and other early testers) encountered have been fixed.

[@flymetothemoon5138]

As much as I like Dave, he is massively over the top critical of stuff like this when in reality its more than good enough for a beginner or casual user

[@TheFlow2006]

@@flymetothemoon5138 true but you also have to consider that the companys building these thing very likely watches his videos to since he is very known in the industrie so they can adjust it and basically get free consulting and analyzing from him so that the products can be better in the end. But i think it is absolutly fine that he is strict in his reviews knowing that the viewer can decide for himself if it suits his needs or not. I just ordered this because for my infrequent need for an oscilloscope i just can bring myself to spend 400-600€ on a bigger rigol dho804 or such (i know overkill but if i buy such a thing i want to have headroom needed at the start or not) so this 90€ scope might be a good start and maybe after using it for a while i see the benefits and usecases for myself and decide to invest in a bigger scope, but until now i managed somehow to get around with using multimeters and such but still think an scope might be good for one or another case...

[@therealchayd]

This is absolutely perfect for automotive work where you don't want to lug a large, expensive scope into an electrically and physically hostile environment, I mean I should be reasonable resiliant, and even if you do break it it's cheap enough to replace. Nice!

[@user-mo2vw8yg7s]

you mean it can be usefull for cars check like sensors ... ?

[@frizzlefry1921]

​@@user-mo2vw8yg7scan bus, speed sensors e.t.c.

[@TheGunnarRoxen]

I got one of these and so far I'm really happy. It fits my needs brilliantly especially as I'm fairly new to using oscilloscopes

[@guateque1718]

I have the zt702s, it's a great intro to scopes and it's been very useful. This new one is on my list.

[@ArmpitoftheGiant]

Ordered one based on Dave's review as well, should be here this week, just in time for my flaky Amiga 3000 troubleshooting! To be fair in regards to Dave's review, he did indicate it is a good choice for many, while highlighting its issues, that review made me buy it! For the price, when you don't need or cannot afford hundreds or thousands for a full-out scope (which would probably never get used enough to justify the price or the features), this should serve well, especially for retro systems that don't need high sampling rates and all that.

[@martinkuliza]

"(which would probably never get used enough to justify the price or the features)," Yeah... Everyone who DOESN'T have a scope says that. then when you buy it, you use it everyday and it justifies the price and the features and you wonder how the hell did i live without an oscilloscope when troubleshooting

[@mk500]

When I started fixing my Commodores last year I picked up a ZT-702S as my first oscilloscope. I didn’t want to spent a lot, since I didn’t know what I would need long term. It’s been great for all the 8-bit troubleshooting I have needed. And it’s helped me learn how to use a scope. It’s not perfect, but very cheap, and fine for my needs. Also the sharp probes that came with it have been getting use on my old fluke meter, as they are much easier to use on small contacts.

[@RetroHackShack]

Awesome. That's good validation. Thanks! Good luck with your C64s 😀

[@qzorn4440]

I take these test equipment reviews with the grain of salt. There are many in depth electronic repairs done with budget hobby equipment. 😎 Great video and nice Multi-Scope. Thanks.

[@brianv2871]

Got mine a couple weeks ago and i had the same views as you... I think it's perfectly fine for beginners. I'm no Adrian, most of my usage of an oscilloscope is to just check for signals on pinouts and such, and this does that just fine. i have a regular full sized oscilloscope on my garage workbench i got back in 2018 and i still don't know how to properly use it for more than this, and probably never will. 😀

[@Mike1984-lc9rh]

Adrien is a beginner. His skills don't go beyond testing some data lines on retro tech.

[@fredturk6447]

I purchased one. It’s reasonably logical and easy to use. The things I did not like. There seems to be some inbuilt noise on the oscilloscope traces which just does not go away. You can see the little noise blips on the scan shots in the presentation. The screen is curved and has right angled flat clear returns top and bottom. This causes unwanted reflections of the screen along the top and bottom edge. The manufacturer might have been better to use a flat slightly recessed screen with no clear returns. I found the oscilloscope probes were a firm fit on the top connectors and took a bit to remove. Zoyi provided a tool to adjust the probe calibration. A nice touch. I thought the “case” supplied was of poor quality. The case should have been made of better quality plastic and should have had a separate pouch for probes to avoid the possibility of probes scratching the screen if in the same pouch as the oscilloscope. Might be a good idea to try to purchase a better case. The good thing about a portable scope is you can test circuits which should not be earthed. A bench oscilloscope has grounded earth clips on the probes and the only way to measure non earthed circuits is to use a differential probe and these cost much more than the Zoyi 703s The zotektools website provides firmware updates and instructions how to update. That’s good. For the price you cannot go wrong!

[@Dan8254]

Actually for 2 weeks now, I have been considering buying budget multimeter + oscilloscope. That might be the reason this video popped up in my feed. Hantek was my target, but with half the price and good reviews I think I will proceed to get Zoyi ZT-703S. Thank you.

[@wendang4806]

I've been using this portable oscilloscope for 6 months now. Love the fact that it can provide me with a lot more information than I expected, especially when i work on site (35-40 degrees C)... it works good enough for a single channel oscilloscope and a multimeter... The only thing I can sort of complain about (if i have to) is the battery life... maybe it's a subjective thing depending on what you use it for and how long do you need it to work... mine work continuously for only 4 hours... so i carry a smartphone power bank with me to counter it... so if you're on a budget and wish to have a trusty portable oscilloscope... i highly recommended this

[@RetroHackShack]

Thanks for sharing your experience with it.

[@wendang4806]

@@RetroHackShack Owh yea, and also... It uses the 18650 Lithium battery... So I plan to change the battery myself in the future if the battery degraded or something 😂🫣

[@luimackjohnson302]

Amazing Gadget! Thank you for sharing this video. A good bargain for multiple purpose multimeter, sig gen & scope. Greetings from Madang, Papua New Guinea!

[@timedrington139]

This unit is worth the meager $80 USD all day long! This reviewer spends a lot of time undermining the instruments advantages over the two other instruments he seems to be in love with! I’ve spent thousands on test equipment going back to 1988, and know what the best of the best ever was. I picked this unit up recently and it’s a tool that I would recommend.

[@shaolin95]

Yep Terrible reviewer

[@Airbag888]

@@shaolin95 He was 85% in favour of the device why would you say he was terrible?? Are you a bot?

[@JohanlastZa]

Def a nice option for someone like me who only use or need an oscilloscope maybe twice a year.

[@pvc988]

Nice device. One thing I don't like is that bargraph/"analog" display updates at the same rate as digital readout. Digital readout should update slowly so that the user has time to read the value. But "analog" one should update faster so the user can immediately see how the value changes. And the meter obviously has fast enough data acquisition and enough processing power to do that.

[@jmsaltzman]

Yes the analog-ish meter is eye candy for sales, not built out as it should be.

[@Bianchi77]

Creative video, thank you :)

[@dadadadada4974]

This video popped up on my recommended… is that an Amiga on the shelf… yep… subscribed!!!!

[@richardwaters9284]

thanks for this. I always thought oscilloscopes were a bit of reach between the cost and how often I would use. But for the price this is one nifty item. I used your link and it came fast. Having fun working through all the functions and comparing it to my 10 year old bargain basement multimeter :)

[@johnsmith3945]

Did yours come with a battery? mine didnt

[@RetroHackShack]

Yes

[@Dr_Mario2007]

Bought my own ZT-703S oscilloscope as I figured it would actually be more than enough for sorting out the MEMS oscillators that looks a lot alike for their respective frequency I would need to sort out for certain chips (went with SiTime, because, better long term reliability). Not to mention that I would want to make sure Gallium Nitride higher frequency DC-DC converters, especially those controlled by a dedicated microcontroller, are actually doing their jobs correctly. I may consider doing CPU / FPGA clock mod with better MEMS oscillators so that way I can use it for a good while.

[@Hellhound604]

For me the point about this type of scope is that if I work away from my workshop, I don’t have to take one of my large scopes, UPS if there is no AC power on site, power cable, etc with. Just throw this thing in my toolbox and away I go. On site, you just do basic fault-finding, and if needed the equipment goes back to the workshop where I have decent test equipment available. It is also cheap enough, so if I drop it in a lake or forget it somewhere it is not that huge a deal, unlike the expensive handheld scopes from the professional manufacturers.

[@cyclewisconsin105]

An inexpensive way to find out if you will do enough to justify buying a more expensive one. At 69 years old I'm just learning this stuff.

[@ajlenze8]

In which older video did you "pimp" your USB oscilloscope?

[@monohedron9633]

You Sir should be cosponsored not only by PCB Way (fantastic, by the way), but also for ZOYI/ANENG. I don't remember having my doubts removed about a device so fast & clean :) My use case is I fix not only computers, but hifi, home appliances etc., I'm space limited, on the go, need something multifunctional. I bought the ANENG version 30 seconds after your video ended. Thanks!

[@MrDave6309]

Good review , This would be a good machine for the retro hobbiest.. i hear often from people testing their machines.... i don't have a scope..

[@neddy1287]

Quite like it I would buy one just for troubleshooting broken devices

[@yubinator7455]

For me the signal gen is great if I wanted to do my homework about logic signals at home and somewhat simulate what I we would do in our school lab than just using simulators.

[@paulb4uk]

Seems a handy beginner device and a decent price

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

I need to check that item out. I'd like to find out if the signal generator will work at the same time as the scope. I have an analog circuit or two that I'd like to feed with a given frequency input and check the output. (Or maybe I need a VNA to sweep a range of frequencies and measure the response.)

[@florentk6447]

Nice and interesting video, but I couldn't find the one where you 'pimped' you USB scope. Could you point me to it please ? Thanks, and have a good day.

[@cyclewisconsin105]

Love the Tron ending..

[@RetroHackShack]

Thanks. I am not sure very many people notice that.

[@Aloha_XERO]

7:45 we all must have some birds tripping out in the background,😊now thats content we all should eperience at least once!

[@johndevires5911]

This one is even better, DSO-3D12, 120MHz 2 channel. Thanx for the video. 👍

[@mikebond6328]

Are you saying the DSO-3D12 is better?

[@johndevires5911]

@@mikebond6328 Well, better in the sense that it has a 120MHz bandwidth vs 50MHz, faster rise time, 2MHz vs 500KHz sig.gen output and I like the "benchtop" formfactor more then the handheld . But the DMM has a smaller count. I am sure both will be great for basic hobby requirements.

[@3osufdh4rfg]

I forgot if it was this one or a video on another DMM+oscilloscope, but whichever one it was, the oscilloscope was not very good at showing the real waveforms and was more useful for finding out if the signal looked roughly okay but you'd need to pull out your proper scope if you wanted to see it in detail.

[@GiC7]

Thanks

[@mikescholz6429]

I need one of these… I have a 16 channel logic analyzer but no oscilloscope. And my multimeter only has a segmented reflective lcd ☹️

[@kevindewinter8235]

I bought one. Any os updates since then?

[@JimmyKay1976]

Can this detect the positive /negative sides of audio capacitors?

[@williamchow1624]

Can you reference meters sold on Amazon that are comparable?

[@michaelstoliker971]

The screen black out could be what is meant by anti-burning (Anti-burn in)

[@Embassy_of_Jupiter]

I don't need any of this, so this is perfect for me

[@slightlyevolved]

Haven't gotten through the video yet, but the "Intelligent Anti Burning" tag on the box I think is supposed to be, "Intelligent Anti-BurnIn." If it's an OLED display, burn in prevention would certainly be a thing. Betting it's LCD though, and burn in can happen there too, just not nearly as easily.

[@mikebond6328]

I think it’s Chinese translation for standard protections such as over current, over voltage, polarity, etc.

[@tze-ven]

"I know enough to be dangerous" 😂

[@redtex]

If I were buying now, I would probably buy it for everyday use. A lithium battery can be considered the norm in a modern device.

[@Santor-]

We have the convertible with the smaller space, and it fits 2 persons needs for a trip; 1 large garment bag (goes under the shaderoll), 2 qty airline underseat type suitcases, 1 large shoebag (actually an DJ mixer board bag), a makeup case (hatbox sized), 1 travel bar, 1 6 can cooler, and some loose clothing items. Firs perfectly, while still being able to operate the convertible roof.

[@e303gt]

Does anyone know which video he's talking about when he says he tricked out his USB o-oscope?

[@RetroHackShack]

I put a link in the description.

[@spudhead169]

Without searching through your previous videos for it, can you supply a link to or tell me what brand/model of USB scope you used for that nice "pimped" touchscreen creation you made?

[@RetroHackShack]

Owon vds1022i

[@spudhead169]

@@RetroHackShack Thanks, it's just that the software you were using with it didn't look like the bundled Owon software. Thanks.

[@johndevires5911]

Where can I find the video about your touchscreen usb oscilloscope?

[@RetroHackShack]

On my second channel. Link in the description.

[@lmt200ish]

Can you use the signal generator and the oscilliscope at the same time for audio diagnose.

[@RetroHackShack]

No. I don't think so. I'll try it and update if it's possible.

[@lmt200ish]

@ackShack Thank you

[@martinkuliza]

NO YOU CAN'T You can only use 1 Mode at a time. Just like you can't use DMM Mode and Scope mode at the same time

[@TonyTony-rd4rj]

​@@RetroHackShack That's the only downfall.

[@CelMaiRau]

In circuit you charge all capacitor line :))

[@kingforaday8725]

Hahaha why are folks so fascinated by peeling off those protective clear plastic sheets!!! Now, placing them back on and doing it again just aint the same thing!!!!

[@dieselphiend]

I need a cheap way to read the resistance value of a grounding rod.

[@freednighthawk]

I really want one. I work on a ton of audio equipment, so this would be absolutely perfect for me. I'll just need to get the right probe for tube amp B+.

[@thetechgenie7374]

Typically you dealing with 600VDC you don’t really need a HV probe. I use my Owon and fluke meter all the time for years to measure B+ voltage on tube amplifiers. Just invest in good quality safety probes. For 900VDC and higher then get a proper HV resistor divider probe to the range your going to be measuring.

[@hullinstruments]

Perfect for beginners. Now if they would just add an ESR measuring function. With variable frequency 😁

[@mikepettengill2706]

That is going over a lot of heads, mine included. Looked it up and now I know that ESR means something about capacitors that can test in a circuit and can tell you if they are broken or won't work for some uses, I think.

[@hullinstruments]

@@mikepettengill2706 yes sir. Most electronics repair techs...or even hobbyists.... regularly use esr testers to check caps in and out of circuit. One of the most common (if not THE most common) faults on all boards old and new

[@TonyTony-rd4rj]

​@@mikepettengill2706 Measures the internal resistance of a capacitor by a frequency source.

[@arp_catchall]

How does this hold up over time with daily use? I have quite a few of these chineese things fail within months. Has anyone experienced any issues? LIke stuck buttons, etc?

[@RetroHackShack]

I have been using this as my daily driver since releasing the video. Still going strong for me.

[@kevinbutler-hm1]

What version has the extra oscilloscope probe?

[@RetroHackShack]

When you go to the ordering page there should be an option you can select for two probes.

[@retrodave79]

Zoyi version link is down...

[@RetroHackShack]

Seems to be working now. Or just go to aliexpress.com and search for ZOYI ZT-703s

[@autolancegega599]

Can it Can bus troubleshooting for an automotive technician.

[@TonyTony-rd4rj]

Yes if you know how Can bus works.

[@sunnindawg]

22:22 money shot

[@RonHelton]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@williamsitton]

I'd reccomend shutting off autofocus on your camrea if you are filming a subject that is static in its position, the constant focus changes is distracting and blurry and does not help in this case

[@joewoodchuck3824]

50 mhz bandwidth for the price is amazing.

[@jayfowler4747]

Not a bench tool but perfect field tool.....

[@deanmcclaughlin914]

You definitely sound like they paid you to say this stuff. However I'm sold, I'll buy one

[@klave8511]

Don’t understand the point of those thousands of counts when the actual accuracy of most measurements is 1% or thereabouts. That means 1000 counts covers the parts true specs handily. Seeing 1.4956k resistance should show 1.50k with no loss of accuracy. Maybe it’s good for comparative readings. What am I missing? Just saw that check for ground. Measuring across a board with long leads and seeing 00.000 ohms is obviously wrong.

[@AthosJosue]

You can buy another version without the generator for like 40 bucks, that's a little more than your average sh1tty Walmart Noname yellow multimeter, so it's 100% worth it.

[@scottmm78]

5 MHz or 50 MHz? Not tring to nitpick or be funny but as someone that does not have/use Oscilliscope is the 50 MHz on the box mean that its a 5 MHz and the 10x probe makes it 50 MHz

[@doost6233]

This device does not have inductance meter.

[@test-rj2vl]

It's not fantastic but you gotta take into account the price you pay for. You can't expect it to compete with $800 Oscilloscope when it's only $80. Although I have to say that voltmeter reading for me is a turnoff and makes me ask if I can trust it. It would have been better if they made it display 3 decimal places where 3rd decimal place is not random than 4 decimal places where 4th is random.

[@lezbriddon]

too many good reviews have pushed the price up to over 100 currently

[@RetroHackShack]

Yikes

[@lezbriddon]

@@RetroHackShack Yup I'd bookmarked 4 on AliExpress 3days ago waiting for pay day, were 58 to 63 plus taxes so just around 80, got paid this morning, just gone to buy, now all 70-75 plus tax so 95 and above etc. Unless it's just a currency exchange rate blip and they fall back in a day or so ..... I can wait.... And who knows if there's a 704 lol

[@Rickm505]

it has 50MHZ bandwidth, not 5Mhz!!

[@doost6233]

Only thing is missing is inductance measurement function.

[@tonycosta3302]

Two product generations from destroying all but the pro / high-end of the oscilloscope market.

[@patrickbonner3764]

Hi. You did a small mistake: in your Video decription you write "ZOYI ZD-703S", but it is a "ZOYI ZT-703S" ;-) - have a nice Day!

[@RetroHackShack]

Thanks for letting me know

[@tubeDude48]

Ar 10:06, you incorrectly said "Multimeter Mode", when you should have said "Oscilloscope Mode". This will confuse newbies! Pinned sockets should *ALWAYS* be used! Manufactures always install those *CHEAP* sockets that break-down and tarnish or rust in time!

[@bradl7439]

Okay I admit it, I just find Dave's voice annoying (EEVBlog). And when he gets excited, his voice gets more annoying. And he gets excited a lot. But 🤫, I didn't say it.

[@wolfgangrichter6088]

It has not even a 500W Power supply built in ! Useless crap.

[@Mike1984-lc9rh]

Shutting off the display fast and going into standby is EXACTLY not want you want in any meter. That alone is a horrible feature, forcing to take your probes off the work-piece just to turn it back on. Horrible latching too, makes diode mode useless - one of the most important features of a multi meter. If you go into a new hobby, you should be willing to spend a little more or you will set yourself up for disappointment and end up spending more when you have to upgrade soon after. Guess how many techs are using a meter or scope like that? NONE. Its useless. This thing is a toy. Buy a Fluke 179 meter and a Rigol scope. That Fluke will last over 30 years while staying true, unlike all this cheap nonsense from China. A Rigol scope at around $350 is the lowest / cheapest scope you will want to buy. A proper scope from Rohde & Schwarz will be several thousand, so you get an idea what the real deal costs.

[@martinkuliza]

I Agree... at one point i was buying cheap DMM's and went through like 6 of them. then i get my FLUKE 117 that was over 20 years ago, Still go it, Still works fine, Still in spec. then.. At one point i decide to get a DSO my choices were Rigol DS100E vs Rigol DS2000A it was $800 vs $1100 This was before the 1054Z 4 channel came out. Most people opted to go for the DS100E with the smaller screen, I Opted to go for the DS2000A, NEVER REGRETTED IT !!! still kicking to this day and all these years later it out spec'd the DS100E, it outspec'd the 1054Z and it's still going strong. i then got myself a Rigol MS5000 Series and you want to talk about toys HAHA the TV Signal Industry, TV Antenna Techs, I mean we go back some 20 years You had your combolook which was ok .. I guess but it had a CRT screen and was black and white. the ComboLook bought in the COLOUR, OK i guess, i went for a UNAOHM AP-01 and didn't go for the AP-01HD specifically because when you have the AP-01 and you hook onto a HD channel in TV Mode there will be no picture, telling you i'ts a HD channel. usefule when the carrier changes a known channel to HD without warning. so the AP-01HD and AP-01 and AP-201 got phased out and all else that was left in the industry was the ROVERSAT's which foxtel used, largely useless for the most part. and what do we have now.... we have fucking toys on ebay. Real meters have been cut from the industry Now you have these bullshit SATKING thingies that are not even remotely accurate both for TV and SAT and ROVER has decided to come out with the HD TAB 4 in Tablet format. all that needs to be said here is THEY INTEGRATED A FUCKING SMILEY FACE into it when the signal is a pass A FUCKING SMILEY FACE HAHAHAHA idiots the unit itself is ok.. to a point, if the tech knows how to interpret it. but for the most part the market is flooded with cheap bullshit that isn't even accurate SO YEAH.. I AGREE WITH YOU.. TOTALLY

[@Mike1984-lc9rh]

@@martinkuliza Ever since we started "exporting" our working middle class to China, we have been increasingly flooded with cloned tools and cheap products, that are not worth the few bucks they cost. If you ask me, we should slap a 1000% import duty on this garbage and force companies to developed and make tools state side again.

[@johnpeters6147]

Standby/backlight timeout is configurable to 30S, 60S, 120S, Off(infinite)

[@iconofsin1043]

Is it possible to debug I2C with this?

[@crimadellaphone9374]

It's all in one device, sure, but you still gotta figure out what you did with it.