The Best Gets Even Better! OWON HDS2102S 100MHz OSC/DMM/AWG Review/Teardown, Compared to HDS272S

[@KerryWongBlog]

Please turn off "Stable Volume" in the video playback setting (the first menu item after clicking the gear icon) as for some reason, this new KZbin playback feature made the video much noisier than usual.

[@barrykery1175]

I saw a video comparing the HDS272S to another brand. In that video I learned how nice the Owon was. My needs are a little then most but I ordered the HDS242S. What a great hand held oscilloscope. I am so happy with it. Barry

[@MrJinXiao]

Thanks for the review! Mine just came in a week ago, from aliexpress. I ended up cancelling my banggood order because they kept delaying the ship date, from "ready to ship" to eventually 40 some days. The device is fantastic. I'm genuinely amazed by the price/performance ratio. Only complaint so far is the direction pad input directions seem backwards. I think all the expensive chips in these devices are usually copies. I do wonder who is making them.

[@poormanselectronicsbench2021]

I agree about the "direction pad input" for the vertical and horizontal, as it is counter intuitive to have the left-right buttons control the vertical gain and the up-down to control the horizontal timebase. Why is it that so many items do so well with everything else, but then have one annoying fault such as this? 🤢

[@neptunevibe]

The chips are copied from Texas Instruments and they are made by communist kids with hammers and chisels! Do you remember those robotic children playing huge guitars moving like robots and lifeless!? Is a common sight in North Korea at Kim John Un parties! Well those are the Asian kids making the chips!

[@arnolduk123]

Using a HDS242S here and is good upto 50Mhz. Do you know that the Signal Generator and Multimeter are always on and active. If you turn them both off with the Stop button so it goes red the current draw is much less. The LCD brightness can also be set to minimum 10% and it is still clear to read. There is also a a hidden menu option to show the frequency in the top right corner of the display instead of the bottom corner. I just found it by accident and it was not in the manual. These are excellent scope meters for the price. I can't really fault this meter apart from the quirky menu system.

[@MoesKeckeEcke]

how tdo you enter that secret menü?

[@TradieTrev]

Hey Arnold could I ask how she performs on continuity mode? The old one Kerry reviewed was slow as! Just want to know if they've made her faster, thanks mate.

[@arnolduk123]

​@@TradieTrev Continunity on my model is very good, almost instant. Much better than my multimeter. Its latching too, you still need good contact with probe tips. Capacitance measurment ranging is pretty slow, but still an excellent auto-ranging multimeter.

[@arnolduk123]

@@MoesKeckeEcke Not really a secret menu, just a setting not in manual. In oscilloscope mode, press HOR button then press F4 then select COUNTER to ON. The frequency will then show permanently in top right corner.

[@TradieTrev]

@@arnolduk123 I'm sold now! Was on the fence between the older Hantek.

[@qzorn4440]

all the portable O-scopes are getting really nice 🤩my wish is a budget cat 3 or 4 with isolated a/b channels to work on 440vac 3 phase equipment, now that's why go portable. thanks

[@TradieTrev]

I'm in the same boat, these things will be kick arse in the field! Maybe get yourself an isolation probe for that protection.

[@zyghom]

you made me buying it today, but I took 272S instead ;-)

[@eman59461]

finally got to order this. Great video.

[@bob1505]

Owning the latest and greatest lasted about 24 hours. Bought a HDS272S yesterday. Toffler's Future Shock is alive and well.

[@Noodles.FreeUkraine]

What do you mean, did I die on you after a day, and you needed a replacement already? 😮

[@JohnBailey39]

@@Noodles.FreeUkraine I suspect he means he just bought the "old model", and sees the new shiny being reviewed here.

[@scottyanke655]

Having received a 2102S from Amazon, I actually got 2 (two) 100Mhz probes included. One was a 6100, and the other a 3100, which is grey vs the black of the 6100. From what I can tell, they operate the same. It's a nice scope, easy to use. Weighs about the same as my Fluke 75. I appreciate your review of this.

[@emraharslan7361]

Hello OWON I am undecided between HDS2102S and FNIRSI DPOX180H, which one is better, I would be glad if you can help me. Thanks.

[@benjammin1001]

I'm assuming the DMM display/behavior is the same as the HDS272(S). Another video reviewing the HDS272(S) complained of the lack of an analog-scale for the DMM mode... and the fact that display shows moving digits while the display settles after changing ranges without any other annunciator. LIke - they could do a software update for that. So it seems like a quality hand-held scope, but lacks a bit from some of the most basic DMMs. If anyone has one of these and the DMM mode is better than the HDS272(S) -- please let me know... I'm on the fence about buying the unit.

[@eman59461]

My DMM works great. I measured a 150uF cap in a power supply it read spot on. This the best cap meter since my fluke got stolen.

[@danielken4428]

Looks like OWON released a new series already, the HDS300, different case, some more memory and few extra functionality. I wonder if they improved the acquisition time for Multimeter functions.

[@callejohansson5732]

That was a while ago. They have also released the HDS400 series. These scopes definitely have some unique features, like RS-232. You can see a review from 2011 of a HDS300-series scope here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKXHap6MgLx6fNk

[@yankovalsky7696]

@@callejohansson5732, he probably means the "new" hds300 series which looks almost like the hds200 series. The new version differs slightly in parameters and housing color.

[@robbieaussievic]

...... Well done Mate, articulate, broadcast quality, entertaining, even without a BNC T-piece. I don't care what INTERPOL say, I think you're a Gentleman and a Scholar. These are attractive to me because of their isolation, and 18650 source.

[@whiskyguzzler982]

The 100mhz is quite a bit more expensive, so I did likewise and bought 272S.

[@randypullman1155]

Another fantastic analyzation of a OWON handheld. I hope OWON offers test accessories for the HDS series scopes soon. I like the idea of a all in one to test motorcycle electronics. Everything from pulse generators to secondary current. Even wire continuity stability issues with a single pinch. Bravo!

[@greenkid336600]

Oh wow. Contact Tly's post is a bit buried, but as he points out, "In this video at 11:05 Kerry is testing 100MHz signal. Are 4 divisions between peaks instead of 5 divisions. 4 divisions equals 8ns, that means 125MHz." That seems like a really big flaw. Source: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXeWq3V-gs2Eoq8&lc=UgxhAGqvQlHgZOginw14AaABAg.9YLTS-IEac_9YMZe09hJnA

[@KerryWongBlog]

I will do more testing and report back.

[@contacttly6398]

The hardware and build quality of these devices is OK for the price point. The problem with them is firmware. And Owon customer service that refuses to suply updates. Edit: 4 days later Owon started to suply updates for these devices. Nice.

[@MoesKeckeEcke]

that means if you email them directly they wont give any firmware updates? that is some real bullshit they should get their hardware hacked from people to open up all bandwidth available instead of just not software support.... There are some cheap "real" digital cope out there that run on 12V and maybe a tool battery and a step down regulator make them more portable to the point where i pay 270€ für dual channel 100Mhz digital scope that is marketed as "non-portable" and burn these toys with the same NOSOFTWARE SUPPORT BULLSHIT

[@contacttly6398]

@@MoesKeckeEcke In this video at 11:05 Kerry is testing 100MHz signal. Are 4 divisions between peaks instead of 5 divisions. 4 divisions equals 8ns, that means 125MHz.

[@nicwilson58]

based on your review, I went to buy one but bought the new HDS2202S 200Mhz version. Are you planning to do a review and comparison of this new model?

[@CarunoBautista]

Kerry, thanks for these detailed reviews - definitely a terrific resource that I use to support my own purchasing decisions. One question that came to me during this review was if you gave consideration to screen brightness and the impact it may be having on power consumption on the newer HDS2101S? The brightness of the newer model was something I noticed immediately in the side by side section and when you measured consumption later in the clip I was left wondering if your process took that into consideration (e.g. set screen brightness on all models to max/min/default setting). It does appear the newer model could be notched down slightly to match the equivalent brightness of the HDS272S in which case perhaps that makes up for some of the distinctly higher power consumption of the HDS2102S?

[@MethodMan-]

@Kerry Wong how important is the sample rate? Would you recommend the HDS2102S with 500MSamples or the HDS272S with 250MSamples? How good is the signal generator, should I buy the S Version or a separately signal generator instead?

[@siderov777]

Hi. What about OWON HDS320S Digital Oscilloscope?

[@ramiroruizdecastilla3085]

Can the time scales be adjusted separately between channel 1 and 2?

[@3dsmaxrocks699]

Wish it was just a scope and not a DMM too. I can carry 2 tools no problem. Wish they made one with a built in RF frequency meter with pull out antenna

[@tetsujin_144]

The DMM features do seem a little pointless to me. Though, sadly, probably still better than any meter I currently own.

[@volterd.6304]

What better Hantek 2c10 or Owon Hds2102 (hds272)?

[@heyyy4783]

Isn't the GD32Fxxx a clone of ST's STM32F microcontroller range? Doesn't speak well of OWON if they're using clone microcontrollers.

[@modorangeorge4991]

Gigadevice makes these under arm license, not exactly a copy of ST version. There are other manufacturers as well.

[@davidgrey943]

Hi, Kerry there looks like a diode that has blown one corner off its case it is in the top left-hand corner just below the flat-pack voltage regulator under the LCD display. Have a look at the video recording of the teardown. See what you think if I am correct.

[@KerryWongBlog]

I think it was flux residue on the diode.

[@humanresource9659]

Please keep making review videos as thorough as yo do. What is your take on the the tablet oscilloscope from Owon? Im still on the fence about buying it Thanks

[@KerryWongBlog]

Thanks! I unfortunately don't have the tablet scope but if I do get one I will for sure make a video.

[@keltecshooter]

Is the dvom faster when set on manual rather than auto ? I ran in to this with my Siglent ....

[@skipdalu5805]

I think your current consumption statement is off by three orders of magnitude: mA means milliamperes, not microamperes. This thing has a power consumption spec of 6W.

[@andreasmoll_0924]

An adujstable resistor to dimm the brightness especially by sunlight would be useful....

[@neptunevibe]

What the hell is that noise when you started to use 50 MHz generated signal? Is awful!

[@ВладИванец-й6у]

I recommend the author to become a commentator at football matches because of his voice, good speech and good knowledge of the subject. What is the difference between commenting on a match and reviewing? Thanks for the review.

[@treadmillrepair754]

I bought one HDS242s for use with my curve tracer only. Making some testing I found the next. Very limited trigger options. Annoying interface. Short time battery operation. Good things Price. Good contrast screen Aceptable screen refresh.

[@user-rf47CwB72]

No square wave measurement. At what frequency does it become sinusoidal?

[@Flamenawer]

Would this work to analyse analog/digital video PAL,NTSC, 720p? What about can, uart, dshot protocol for ESCs for drones?

[@melike7842]

HDS2102S vs Tektronix THS720A Which of these two devices would make sense to buy?

[@Rastameister]

I am an automotive and marine technician. Since I like the eases of portability, can you help me to decide. Can the HDS2102S handheld perform the functions as the VDS3104 which requires a laptop computer?

[@poormanselectronicsbench2021]

It would be nice if you could have tested to see if they made any improvements to the DVM function as far as time to read resistance and capacitance and the minimum capacitance value as well, but it was good to see what you did check as far as frequency specs and power consumption.👍

[@KerryWongBlog]

The DMM side is identical. Same speed, nothing new unfortunately.

[@unclenemononame]

just bought the HDS2102s from aliexpress. Questions. instead of just turning on 2 channels and measuring one. What happens having both channels connected to 2 different signals? will still be as accurates as your tests? The signal generator is a little frustrating, trying to set duty cycle on a pulse wave. anyone figure that out?

[@KerryWongBlog]

When both channels are on the sampling rate is halved. But it shouldn't affect measurement accuracy as long as the frequency of the signals are within the spec'd bandwidth.

[@kekekeernest8920]

Does it show RMS

[@nomibenz5016]

Which one is latest model...?

[@prfssrleee]

thanks for the review - wondering if you've characterized the rms noise for this scope? haven't been able to find that spec on any of the documentation. thanks!

[@davidgrey943]

Kerry if you check your video between 27 minutes and 29 minutes you will see the faulty diode.

[@msmith2413]

HEY, WHAT ABOUT HDS310S? THANKS FOR VIDs. 😁

[@mdtohin6839]

Brother Please Review Hantek 6022BE....

[@ssarpakai]

ıs there no rise time fall time and duty cycle? nah

[@td_44]

how to calibration a multimeter 2102/2202 ?

[@cryscrystiii7023]

You can also take a full review for Fnirsi 1014D and Mustool MDS120M?

[@keanMechanic]

Kerry would this model or indeed the 272 be a capable of capturing motor vehicle can network signal? Thank you.

[@KerryWongBlog]

These scopes do not have decoding capability so while they can capture the signal it would be difficult to narrow in what you are looking for without decoding.

[@keanMechanic]

@@KerryWongBlog thank you, we have a picoscope,but was looking for something more portable that could use to confirm presents or absence of a clean signal at a particular module etc. Would this device work?

[@KerryWongBlog]

@@keanMechanic Yes. If you are just confirming the presence of signals this one is more than capable.

[@theredbomb]

@@keanMechanic Hi, did you happen to buy the HDS2102S and test it to see if it can keep up with the Picoscope in terms of the ability to test the various sensors like cam, crank, wheel speed and if it's suitable for use with a current clamp using the scope interface for relative compression test. It would be pretty awesome if it can handle a pressure transducer, of course, it will never be as good as the Picoscope.

[@keanMechanic]

@@theredbomb Haven’t committed yet

[@arnolduk123]

Hey Kerry, does the frequency get measured with the COUNTER set to ON ? Press HOR button then F4 button then set COUNTER to ON.

[@f2lo2]

Can you record screen somehow? Ex on pen drive? As video or as image?

[@woolfy02]

Would you say this is a good model to start with? I do basic electronics repair, and looking something like the multimeter / scope option-built in. (Still learning how to use an oscilloscope) ty

[@icnivad9762]

Did you bought ? Im new too

[@derkeiler2573]

today i got my HDS2202S with 200MHz and it is an awesome scope

[@KerryWongBlog]

I will be getting a 2202S, will publish a review video in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

[@mochouinard]

can you manually set the timing and voltage range ? I can't seem to really control both individually.

[@KerryWongBlog]

Yes you can, it's done via the channel button/horizontal button in conjunction with the arrow keys. It does take a little bit to get used to.

[@neptunevibe]

I bet Mr Wong in here is from China

[@JeremyCook]

Hi, thanks for the review. Your purchase link takes you to a page that has a picture of the "S" version, and seems to describe it, but appears to only have the model number: HDS2102 implying no waveform generator. Any thoughts on what model this is?

[@KerryWongBlog]

If the model number is HDS2102S then it has the built-in function generator, if it is without the "S" then it doesn't have the function gen.

[@JeremyCook]

​@@KerryWongBlog Thanks. No S on what was linked. Perhaps you'd consider changing it, as I imagine I wasn't the only one confused. - All the best!

[@KerryWongBlog]

@@JeremyCook I think it's because they don't currently have any in stock. Thanks!

[@TradeWorks_Construction]

Any chance if you happen to know whether the non “S” model boards were Identical except for AWG Chip (i.e. had all the other component support in place ) or whether all the architecture was identical and the function locked on the firmware side? Purely curiosity in this case, I’m not about to deprive a manufacturer of an extra $30 when they are currently producing a portable oscilloscope of this caliber at a compelling price point. Even if the functions were limited through firmware, short of the fix being to download and install the “S” versions firmware update instead, I’m not so desperate to save $30 as to waste my precious few free hours looking into it nor do I want to discourage others from giving less financial resources to companies who are ACTUALLY PRODUCING GOOD PRODUCTS @ REASONABLE PRICES. I’m not worried that a simple software update is all it takes but it’s good hearing confirmation.

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

Hello Kerry do either of the implement a software spectrum analyser?

[@KerryWongBlog]

Unfortunately no.

[@vicedapic4159]

Is it possible to use a signal generator and the oscilloscope at the same time?

[@yankovalsky7696]

Yes, they work simultaneously, but you must switch between the screens.

[@ats89117]

Excellent video, as usual. There is actually a faint marking on the HDS2102S FPGA which should be readable with video from a few different angles...

[@KerryWongBlog]

I tried that, no luck :-(

[@MarineElectrical]

May I ask if 2102S is with fully isolated inputs? Thanks in advance!

[@gwolf8807]

I found it in the manual of the scope "The two channels of the oscilloscope are non-isolated channels. Note that the channel should use a common reference when measuring, and the ground wires of the two probes cannot be connected to two non-isolated places with different DC electrical levels, otherwise it may cause a short circuit due to the ground wire connection of the oscilloscope probe."

[@yankovalsky7696]

Ch1, ch2, signal generator output, usb - have the same ground. Only multimeter is isolated from the rest.

[@erroh1t35]

Hi Kerry, As a Beginner which version of OWON oscilloscope 40mhz or 70MHz or 100mhz or 200mhz I should buy....? Thanx In advance ❤❤❤

[@KerryWongBlog]

It will depend on what you are trying to do in the short term. If you are unsure, I'd suggest get a scope well within budget and once you gain more experience you can decide on what to get next.

[@erroh1t35]

@@KerryWongBlog IM NOT going to build anything basically I'm sound engineer, so I needed it calculating the watts and checking distortion of amplifier looking for stable and little bit accurate oscilloscope for my work😃😃😃

[@KerryWongBlog]

@@erroh1t35 In this case, I think you will need a bench scope that has more capabilities (e.g. FFT).

[@erroh1t35]

@@KerryWongBlog Actually Looking For Handled Due To My Work Place in Not Fixed As im Freelance Sound Engineer so need to travel across india 😌

[@bujin5455]

That was a quality review and comparison!

[@АндрейАльтов]

This is not a review. The oscilloscope must be checked on a square wave. At a frequency close to maximum. It is not clear how much it distorts the signal.

[@michaels3003]

At your desired frequency, obviously it will not be displayed as a square wave. This is basic physics, not a problem with the product.

[@АндрейАльтов]

@@michaels3003 Yes. This difference shows the quality of the device. The closer the square wave is to the ideal, the better the device.

[@michaels3003]

@@АндрейАльтов , my problem was with you saying "at a frequency close to maximum." For 10 MHz square wave signal, 100 MHz analog bandwidth will allow ten 11 harmonics (from 20 MHz to 100 MHz) without attenuation. Get yourself a 1000 MHz scope for a displayed 100 MHz square wave. It will be very expensive...

[@АндрейАльтов]

@@michaels3003 Professional devices are always expensive.) On entry-level devices, many signal harmonics are not visible.

[@MrDjohi]

Nice review. 👍 Will this handheld oscilloscope be good enough to use for fixing audio equipment? Power amps, preamps, tuners, etc?

[@KerryWongBlog]

For troubleshooting audio equipment, this scope should be plenty capable.

[@MrDjohi]

@@KerryWongBlog thank you for fast reply. I was aiming for hds2102s, but i see now hds2202s, and might buy that one. Hope will see some review off hds2202🙂

[@Cleofizoid]

My HDS2102S just arrived yesterday to my office. Picking it up this morning. Bought it from Digi-Key.

[@KerryWongBlog]

Enjoy!

[@Cleofizoid]

@@KerryWongBlog I should've mentioned that your video alerted me to the upgraded Owon HDS2102S model, thank you! I really, really want the Rohde & Schwarz RTH1022 Scope Rider, which has been on-sale for a coupla months and sale price will expire end of March. TEquipment price for a few days more is $3,810.00...but I'm buying a new car late this month and need every penny. Anyway, this cheap handheld scope meter will have to suffice until Siglent introduces new handheld scope models to replace their discontinued models. Thanx again.

[@powerserviciosmith3021]

No tiene modo roll? 😮

[@СергейКирисупов]

Привет. Он умеет измерять Vrms ?

[@vin605]

Very informative, thanks

[@thesmartass57]

any improvement on the capacitance metering

[@richt7231]

Is the basic 40mhz ok for just testing vintage stereos??

[@KerryWongBlog]

For stereos 40 MHz BW is more than enough.

[@richt7231]

@@KerryWongBlog am I better off with analog? Or would this unit be fine?

[@stereojos86]

are the channels isolated?

[@zoozolplexOne]

cool !!!

[@nvdcreative102]

Verry good 👍

[@frankbeckman2663]

any recommendation for a screen protector?

[@doogsm6013]

you can buy protector sheets for ipads or similar and cut to size

[@Andycap2009]

Looks like a failed diode D4 under the display.

[@anthonyheak3479]

Great video as always!

[@KerryWongBlog]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Chris-Brown-]

a 200MHz version exists

[@KerryWongBlog]

Yes, I just did a review on it.

[@truthful3777]

Will the smallest model 242 good enough for most applications? As this is a go to Oscilloscope I am more keen on the cheaper the better for this application. Your comment most appreciated.

[@pkcyrus]

It really just depends on the type of signals you're going to scope. 40MHz bandwidth will be serviceable up to about 10MHz for most uses. So for things like audio, pwm dimmers, and switch mode power supplies you'll do just fine.

[@Daveyk021]

#1: No fine vertical settings (scope), #2: Does not retain last settings when turned off (scope). Other than that it is fairly descent. Returning to Amazon because of my #1 and #2, especially #2. Not remembering its last settings and having to set it back up from scratch every time you turn it on is a killer.

[@jalius7878]

Did you try the save button? I'm on the fence about buying this model.

[@Daveyk021]

@@jalius7878 It's working now. Maybe the battery wasn't charged enough to save last settings before? Maybe it just doesn't save last settings intermittently. No fine vertical gain is just plane weird. The DVM is about as good as the old free harbor freight. Continuity test is not real fast. It would be difficult to hold one probe to say B+ and drag the other one to find where it connects to the chip, unless you drag slowly. I am returning it tomorrow. I was real excited but wanting is better than having. I guess there is a reason a portable battery operated 100MHz Siglent Scope meter is $800.

[@yeyuan6273]

The memory depth, is it 8Kbit or 8000 points?

[@Janamejaya.Channegowda]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Noodles.FreeUkraine]

Thanks for the timely review, appreciate it very much! 👍

[@KerryWongBlog]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@clems6989]

The name Owon and the term "The Best" should not be used together. Owon is a cheap toy in the electronics world.

[@0000Vlad0000]

Thanks! You got me interested. I wait test with difficult signals on 30-100 mHz. I want choose between this or DSO2D10.

[@kariemmohamed1446]

What did you choose? I am facing the same choice! Thanks

[@0000Vlad0000]

@@kariemmohamed1446 New model HDS2202 200MHz.

[@kariemmohamed1446]

@@0000Vlad0000 Thank you very much for your quick reply! May I ask What is the main thing you choose over a bench oscilloscope?

[@0000Vlad0000]

@@kariemmohamed1446 a) 100% galvanic isolation. b) small size and weight for emergency evacuation

[@0000Vlad0000]

@@kariemmohamed1446 it is convenient to service machine tools, cars, overall machinery