I recently picked up an Instek GDS2204E scope. I’ve got to say, it’s really nice. These scopes take Value/Dollar crown away from Rigol.
If we are considering new scopes for the lab, it would be a mistake to buy Rigol without checking these out first.
For a basic scope with serial protocol, the GDS2074E is about the same price as the DS1054z upgraded with serial triggering and serial decode options, except it offers
- higher bandwidth (70 MHz vs 50 MHz)
- higher sample rate with multiple channels active (1GSPS with 1 or 2 channels, 500 MSPS with 4 channels, compared with 1GSPS on 1 channel, 500 MSPS 2 channels, 250 MSPS 4 channels on the Rigol)
- similar larger memory depth / channel
- MUCH better serial decode, with the decodes operating on waveform in memory rather than the displayed waveform. This gives better accuracy and more reliable decoding when changing horiz scale. You can search for a symbol in a long sequence with the Instek, not the Rigol.
- more serial decode protocols, including CAN and LIN.
- better FFT
For basic $400 scopes, the GDS1054B has similar specs to the Rigol, but a better UI, with 4 vertical knob pairs for 4 channels, instead of the multiplexed knob for the Rigol. Easier to understand and use.
If one were to buy the cheapest Rigol and hack it for higher BW and serial decodes, then it may be a somewhat better value than the 1054B, but still only has one vertical knob, and the specs and decodes are still inferior to the 2074E
I strongly suggest we take a look at the Instek before buying any more scopes. I would be happy to loan mine to the Electronics lab for a while, to allow folks to check it out.
Dave