Best MDO Oscilloscope - for the money - the MDO-2204EG  

Tony Fleming Thank you! I’ll be demonstrating the cool features of this scope, and I can’t wait! I hope someday I’ll be able to help vendors do giveaways;)

@@KissAnalog Thanks for a quick reply! I was joking, but if you can help someone, that would be great. I have more toys than I deserve! I'm now a subscriber, thanks for your videos!

Nice to have you!

@@KissAnalog Thank you and I like people like you, explaining it well and your tech. place look so much more organised than mine! I need to reorganize this place!

Tony's-Fun YW - and thank you for the nice comment!

Thank you - I appreciate you! Scopes today are amazing!

That’s great! It sounds like there’s been a number of people that buy this scope based on seeing it on my bench, but its too bad that they won’t sign me up as an affiliate. But I like to show the people watching this channel this scope as it is one of my favorites;)

Thank you Syed - you are very generous! Great to hear from you!

Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad it helped:)

YW, and thanks for watching and commenting!

Thank you - I appreciate that! I think this one is somewhat similar to the R&S, but less than half the cost. I’ll let you in on some advance info, I think I’m going to get an Keysight to review - pretty excited about that! I think they and R&S are two of the $$$ scopes out there that are doing it right these days.

Thank you!

Thank you so much for this feedback - I appreciate you!

gearstil Thanks - it really is an awesome scope;) Glad to hear from you!

LOL The new scopes are pretty awesome! The Instek MDO family does the Mixed Domain so they have the Spectrum Analyzer function as well as FFT, like the one I show here. But here's a lower cost version: amzn.to/38YCCL5 BTW, using these amazon links help support the channel;)

Thanks - it is very nice!

Thanks Jeff and that is great feedback! I almost went for the built in power supply - and maybe I should have;). It will be great to hear what choice you make.

Bert van Lelieveld I like that idea - thanks for the feedback!

Thanks Stuart! I’ll do more videos using the Bode plot (FRA) but here is an example in the last few min of this video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0BjV4WU2OeA.html

BTW, the apps were free from the good folks at instek. They are very helpful and friendly. I’ll post a video showing the steps to do this upgrade and/or update.

Kevin Carlin Ok I’ll look into that. Thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks Peter for the great feedback! I will be doing more of the Bode plots and FFT as time goes on. Have you seen the playlist with the Keysight scope? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9f3zoQG6krE.html

I haven't seen the playlist but I'll take a look. I look forward to your further exploration of the BODE plots and FFT on the Instek MDO. I just commented on a different video of yours, regarding this video (kind of a negative-feedback arrangement :) - which led me to purchase a Instek 2074EX. By the way, I discovered that all the specs in the Instek MDO 2000 E/X series are exactly the same except for the Analog bandwidth (70 Mh. 100 MHz, and 200 MHz), 2-ch or 4-ch inputs and whether or not they have the Voltmeter and 5v+1A power supply. They all have the built-in Spectrum Analyzer and 2-ch 25 Mhz ARB Generator. This all breaks down to 12 actual models in the MDO 2000E/X series. Enough to make your head spin. Looking forward to your next videos on the BODE and FFT.

Thanks Adam! The spectrum analyzer is really great as it covers down to Audio Frequencies. I’ll post a video demonstrating the spectrum. The Apps feature is also really cool and Instek is great at supporting these for no cost.

I agree Torsten! I need to do more videos using this scope to demonstrate just how cool it is! Cheers!

Thank you so much for this feedback! I bought the 200 MHz because of this channel and because I usually fault to the side of more than I need;) I think the 1104 is going to cover most things, and honestly the 200 MHz vs 100 MHz is not that big. So, it is really if you want to spend the extra just to feel better;)

@@KissAnalog I decided to go for the 200MHz too. Better to have extra then short off :-)

You bet! I’ll do some videos showing the cool SA performance. I’ll try to show some Transmitter captures to see what I can get. The 70 MHz version of this scope should have the same spectrum analyzer bandwidth because it is a function of the 1GSa/s.

@@KissAnalog That would be great, your channel would really stand out when you can show some real engineering or Ham radio applications with the test equipment you show. To many channels only unbox and show simple cases. For an engineer you want to know how it works in the field!

Paul Hollander Thank you for that! Great point! It feels like it’s taken me some time to basically introduce myself and my bench - as well as provide some foundation. I think it’s time to jump into the higher level stuff while still going back to help everyone come up to speed. I hope to make a bunch of expert analog engineers out there. You don’t need the degree - just the degree of desire to learn;)

That’s great to hear - are you happy with it? No, I’ve meant to but haven’t had the time.

@@KissAnalog Yes! very happy. Quite a lot to learn and the navigation takes some getting used to. Currently trying out I2C data functions.

Thanks Brad! I’m happy these videos are helping. I really like my Siglent, but I am so happy with my GW Instek! I think 2 channels are fine, but 4 channels is useful, so that really is up to how you think you will use it. I see you are talking about the EX instead of the EG. The EG gives the generator which then means you get the generators so that you can do the FRA or Bode plot capability. If the tradeoff is bandwidth vs EG, I’d go with EG and 70 MHz rather than EX and 200 MHz. If you are not using my amazon link and are buying thru a local distributor - ask them for a 10% discount.

@@KissAnalog Thanks!. I did not realize the EX did not have a generator.

@@KissAnalog Thanks! Going to get a 4 channel 200MHZ MDO. Make sure I do not grow out of my first scope. What are you thoughts on a scope that has electable front end impedance settings? I mess with HF radios that re 50 ohms. Keep the scope videos coming!

Thanks for the feedback. Sadly GW Instek doesn't support my channel... Here's a video that I show this scope doing a bode plot. I have a few more as well: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HPumQ83bgb4.html

I agree - I really like this to save screen space;)

You bet!

Thanks for the feedback. Which scope are you using?

Hi Eddie, I have about nine oscopes but, I use the GDS 1202B, 2 channel, 200 MHz most often. The trace suffers from the same guesswork that the measurement menu displays. I have learned my lesson. It tells the truth about edges if I use appropriate sweep speeds. This is my only scope that displays fall times numerically. I should have unloaded my old Teks years ago but they are too heavy to ship, 4064,4066,4068 etc. I am old and I still use analog meters occasionally! We really enjoy your reviews and teaching. Thank you

Thanks for asking! That would be really cool if they came up with an app for that. I've had this scope for a few years now and I haven't seen any new apps:(

Great questions Jeff! I would definitely go for the 4 channels over the 200 MHz.

Thanks for the feedback! I know what you mean. I’ve thought about buying some uni-t devices but I keep getting reminded by folks not happy - to not buy;) I think there’s at least one good meter that 5hey make. I do have a low cost generator that I’ll post by the weekend.

@@KissAnalog Awesome. Thank you!

Great question! The price really changes with the Siglent depending on the options. That's where they get you. My first oscilloscope for this channel was a Siglent, but I don't think I'd buy one again given the other options. Do you plan to get the ARB generator option and/or the digital channels (with probes) with the SDS22104X Plus? Here are my thoughts. First, between these options I like the Siglent over the GW Instek because of the Siglent 10 bit vertical resolution vs the 8 bit of the GW Instek. But other than that the GW Instek gives you the decoding, the ARB generator, and the ability to do Bode plots - all of which cost extra for the Siglent. Siglent link: amzn.to/40Vx7HE GW Instek link: amzn.to/44rHohY What I don't like about the Siglent is that all the extras cost so much. I'm actually not happy with the pricing for the add-ons as I think they are far too expensive. Also, when they come out with a new series - they stop supporting the old series. They have already discontinued the SDS2000X series and one of the models in the Plus series. I'd recommend looking at the PicoScope. Super deep memory and can go to 16 bit vertical with high res mode. Also comes with the ARB generator and the software support goes on and on as it works with all their scopes so is continuously updated. Here are two models, the first link is to a good comparison to those above, but IMHO a far better option: amzn.to/3LJ7mG4 Here's a link to one of the ones that I have. It is a special model with each of the 4 channels a differential input with probes and case: amzn.to/3NoGCMm

@@KissAnalog Thank you for your kindness in making time to reply back to me. I wasn’t thinking about any options because as you said, they are a bit too costly. I was just trying to compare the base model scopes without any options. So based on your reply, it seems like you would choose the Siglent over the Instek if you ignore the options. My biggest concern about Pico scopes is OS compatibility over time. I’m a Mac user, and while the Mac seems to be supported, I read that the latest version of the Pico software has issues with the newest macOS and the newest Apple Silicon (ARM) Macs. So if I buy a Pico scope now, assuming I am even able to use it now on my Macs, if I’m not able to use it later due some kind of crazy software compatibility a couple years hence, I’m in a world of hurt. Again, that’s my biggest concern about the otherwise great Pico scope. I’ve also been evaluating Micsig, but the best one in my mind is the version with turntable knobs. Sadly, that model is becoming harder to find in stock because they seem to be pushing the newer model with the joysticks, which I absolutely do not like the concept of at all, and they are also pushing the even newer model which has no joysticks or turnable knobs at all. Either their target customer is a much younger audience that is very different from me at age 52, or the Micsig company simply doesn’t know their customer base at all. Knobs matter. If you have any follow-up comments, I would love to hear them. But if you’re too busy, I fully understand. Thank you!

Thanks Brian! I have meant to do more with the X-Y feature. I'll have to compare this feature with the various scopes that I have;) The FFT is great on the Siglent, so I think you are good to go;)

Thank you Jose! Yes, the MDO has the spectrum analyzer and the MSO has the logic analyzer. I think the fan noise is not too bad, and it seems to be about the same as my Siglent. I actually have a meter that I keep meaning to review that I can take this measurement;) I'll do that soon!

I have the MSO-2102EA and the fan is really my only complaint. Seems loud to me. This is my first scope and have not been around other.

Hi Brad, It does have those settings, so you have your choice how to set it up. The spectrum analyzer is a different function than the BODE plot. The Body plot is what they call the FRA (Frequency Response Analyzer) application. So the SA is found using a button for this option, and the FRA is found in the Application options where the digital decode is also found as well as other applications.

Thanks for this feedback! The Siglent is a great scope - no worries there;) How do you like it? I didn't know that the GDS was much different than my MDO. I thought this was just the SA feature but I guess there is more;)

LOL That’s a great choice and it will be fun;) I have a number of videos that I use this scope and I will do more soon. Here’s one that you might like! BTW, thanks foe letting u s know about your scope choice. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nleoe4CptII.html

Great question - thank you! Even though the Nyquist theorem requires 2 samples per cycle to rebuild a sign wave, most scopes have 2.5 samples per cycle. So it is common to see a 200MHz 4 channel scope with 1GSa/s. But I think to rebuild a square wave, it requires 4 samples/cycle or more. The rise-time is important.

@@KissAnalog Thank you for the answer. Yes, Nyquist theorem requires 2 samples per cycle to rebuild a sign wave. But, as a user, I expect more than that. As you wrote, to rebuild a square wave, it requires 4 samples/cycle or more. In this case, how can have a good measurement for the rise time or the fall time of the signal. How can you measure overshoots with a good accuracy?

Brad Rich Yes the Siglent has a big screen, BW res down to 1Hz, low noise floor 98dBc/Hz, and goes down to 9 kHz. Impressive! I like GW Instek products and this guy looks good, but to compare it has a low BW res if 30 kHz, not near as low. The noise floor is about 10dBc higher, and the min BW is 150 kHz. So if the numbers are good and worth the savings - I’m sure that both will be very fun and very useful! Thanks for being part of the team!

@@KissAnalog Better stick with the Siglent. Is there a Insteck MDO with good SSA specs?

Yes the GSP 9300B is impressive; Built-in P1dB point, Harmonic, Channel Power, N-dB bandwidth, OCBW, ACPR, SEM, TOI, CNR, CTB, CSO, Noise Marker, Frequency Counter, Time Domain Power, Gated Sweep Built-in Spectrogram, Topographic and Dual-View Display Modes Remote Control Interface: LAN, USB, RS-232. But more expensive too...

Thanks for the great question! Yes, it uses a software via usb connection called OpenWave. I'll have to show this in a video.

@@KissAnalog For now I went on ahead and picked me up a Siglent SDS-1104X-E for the meantime, but probably before the end of the year I will likely get one of these MDO-2204EX models to play around with the spectrum analyzer function for another project. So far I like the native web server on this Siglent, but I would really love to see the proposed video you make to show the GW Instek OpenWave software implementation. That would be very helpful. Remote features can be a necessity for some techs. Thanks again!

That's a great scope to start off with, but the GW might only be a smaller upgrade. I'd suggest a real upgrade to a picoscope - you will love it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HuZZ9Bi0eZI.html

Thank you - I appreciate the great feedback! I do need to find a great scope in that price range. I think I’m still too small to get free items like that to review... Soon, that will change;) GW Instek was going to send me a trainer board that helps demonstrate the scopes functionality, but it took forever to get approved, and then they needed a shipping account. Someday I’ll have one, but all I could do was offer a cc but that didn’t work for them. I guess my time to do a review isn’t as valuable as shipping costs...

@@KissAnalog Okay, I think it's about politic, but why not try, contact some places and talk to them, who knows, it may give a positive answer. :-)

You are right - I got to keep trying... The doors that have closed on me will eventually open. Actually, I’ve been approached by companies that I wouldn’t have even considered. Nothing solid yet, but very interesting!

Don’t do it. Once you get your first free oscilloscope they will want you to Worship them and talk bad about all the other companies. Look at what has happened on the EEVBlog and other creators that have given into Big Money. Dave use to give such a great review on Rigol products 6 or 7 years ago. Now Keysight has Dave talking So Bad about Rigol products and others that it’s hard to watch any of his videos anymore knowing that he’s been paid off. Go look at Dave’s video were he FOUND 5 NEW $2,000 dollars KEYSIGHT Oscilloscopes in the dumpster and he decided to give them away. OK, Great video and good luck on any sponsorship that may come your way. THANKS.

Knight Ranger 222 I know what you mean. I started watching his channel and first wondered why he liked RIGOL so much more than Siglent and could see the bias there. But now there’s so much bias towards the expensive equipment. There’s even a video showing completely unrepresentative type power blowing up meters. Also since doing my channel I can see he doesn’t want to bring any attention to what he must see as competitors while smaller channels have no trouble giving a shout out. But to make money or even break even, it seems like sponsors are the only way. I’m still too small to get a sponsor;)

yes I do;) I think I found a lower cost scope that might do the FFT as well and has the FRA. I might buy it and demonstrate it in a few weeks. Thanks for asking!

Oh, that's not one video, it's a whole series ! It'll take months, but I feel it's very useful & not to be found presently

YW, and thank you for the great feedback! I like your ideas - a fresh way to look at it! I do want to start delving into some topics that I specialize in - which I think will start other series. Just need time to do more videos;)

@@KissAnalog An afterthought : Sponsors don't like to hear you advicing people to buy cheaper models, not upgrade yet, repair instead of replace, etc. Take care.

BR Gurunandan You might be right - but this is our forum;)

Andrew Johnson For a mixed domain scope with the spectrum analyzer - I think it is awesome for the price. I think the 70MHz is fast enough and even more amazingly priced. Yes it is interesting, I demonstrated that after the 47:30 mark - I know - long video;). It provides the full 1GHz between any two channels, then with 3 or 4 channels it goes to 500MHz per channel. So a little different than Siglent where they share between banks ch 1 and 2 and 3 and 4. So to get a full 1 GHz on two channels, you might use ch 1 and 3. The Instek seems more flexible and the probes seem to be built better. Also I really like that you can hide the menu bars and save the screen size on the instek.

I must have missed that, sorry. I’ll rewatch and pay more attention! That is a lot more flexible than the Siglent which is set up the way you say. I understand the principle of the bandwidth but can’t grasp the implications yet, that is, what are the typical applications I would need 200Mhz, 100Mhz, 70Mhz etc. It’s the type of thing I’d prefer to get at the start rather than upgrade. I shall rewatch it now it’s morning, rather than late at night, that way I won’t miss anything and ask dumb questions!

Always like your comments and questions. Remember the only dumb ones are the questions not asked;)

I hear that it isn’t possible to make the fonts larger. Something about the languages...

Tony Fleming Great question, I’m going to ask them for a discount code, after all I know they’ve made sales based on my videos. Thanks for the idea Tony! It really is a great scope!

I'm not sure why that matters - but I guess they know more about how to program their scope than I do. You should see the really small text that Tektronix came out with on the very large screen with their latest scope (at $20k plus). I gave them an ear full;). They just came out and loaded a new firmware with larger font;)

That’s a great question - I’ll check with the GW Instek folks. I think that might be tricky though, because not only would it have to sync with the sweep generator, but it would have to insure that the signal level was solid through the sweep range. But I’ll check and get back to you.

This scope uses FFT to spectrum analysis.

I know - it is sometimes not East to find. Here’s the link and thanks for asking! amzn.to/3aFIkBY

I answered my own question . FYI you CAN set the phase on one of the channels: "The output phase can only be set for the GEN1 output. GEN2 is always set to an output phase of 0 degrees". That's ok, because you only need one channel to be out of phase with the other :) As stated on page 190 of the manual, you can set the phase from -180 degrees to +180 degrees. Great stuff!

Great question. I think you can - I'll have to see if I can and make a short video;)

Nice research! I might do that video anyway. Here is a link where I showed the generator option: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ieU85XfLm1Y.html

@@KissAnalog Its incredible the amount of features they put into this scope. I don't have room for a separate function generator or power supply or Spectrum generator. All in one! (EX model). The fact they put in a power supply too just blows my mind. I think this is the only scope in the world right now that has an integrated PS. Granted its low power (up to 5V, 1A) but that's PERFECT for microcontroller work

There is one that has a power supply and volt meter input. Maybe I should have got that model so that I could demonstrate it... I'm looking for a discount code. Hope to hear back tomorrow.

@@KissAnalog Thanks Edddddyyyyy!

LOL - when you figure that one out - let me know;)

If they were the same cost, I think its a tough choice. But at the 70 MHz option, the extra high 8 GSa/s is probably way over kill. If you have 4 channels on it would be 2 GSa/s per channel. The GW is 1 GSa/s for 2 channels but If you have 4 channels on its 500 MSa/s which is 7 Sa per cycle and is awesome for 70 MHz. I think it is this high for their 350 MHz version. The Rigol doesn't seem to have the FRA analysts (Body plots), but I' call and ask. I love that feature! The FFT looks to be the same for both. If I'm looking at the 70 MHz, I think maybe the Instek but I'd delve a bit deeper. If we are talking the 200 or 350 MHz, then the Rigol's high bit rate and deeper memory looks great (if they were the same cost as the Instek, but they look a lot more expensive. Does that help?

@@KissAnalog Yes you are helping. And I am grateful that you would answer so quickly. My reason for selecting the 70 MHz BW is that the 100 MHz does not even amount to an octave increase and the extra 200 $ (1 US $ = 1.33 $CAD !!!) for the Instek does not seem warranted - let alone the extra 500 $ for the Rigol. This is intended strictly for personal hobby use and both units at 70 Mhz are already overkill. 350 MHz is not a realistic option for me. But I am very enthusiastic about the spectrum analyzer and frequency response features and I am willing to splurge for good units. I am a retired engineer specialized in radio-communications systems - not circuit design. My interest is learning electronics circuit design and I find your channel extremely useful. No, I do not think I will go into UHF and beyond. My other concerns with the Rigol 5074 is that it is a new design based on an ASIC and that there might be some bugs lurking somewhere. Plus, Rigol's sudden marketing decision to give away for free a boatload of serial decoders - including MIL 1553 ! I can only think how unhappy campers those who paid for the option must feel like now. I wonder if Rigol's decision (temporary, valid until end of March) is based on poor sales of their 5000 series ... The 5074 + extra cost serial decoding was more expensive than the 2074EG. Plus the Instek seems to be a more mature product and better executed. I have not seen any web posts indicating unreliable serial decoding for the Instek. Mind you, I still have to face the CFO at home who is asking "do I really need it"... (life based on real needs alone would be boring.) I guees the main difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Regards

LOL I know what you mean by the CFO! ;). You are clearly experienced and making good choices IMHO. Instek has been around for a long time - and I think they have done a solid job. I’m really happy with my MDO. Also, I totally agree about the slim difference in bandwidth for the dollar difference! Keep us up to date on your experience. Thanks for the great feedback!

Great question Ray! I think what you are asking if there is an option to take in multiple channels, like 16 digital channels? If so, yes there is an option for this in another model that looks just like this one. This one will do the various buses though. I'll do a video soon on how it reads and decodes the buses. Thanks!

Kiss Analog Yes, I’ve seen the Tektronix MDO’s and GW Instek MSO’s have digital channel inputs, but not this model.. or am I wrong? I like the logic analyzer and spectrum analyzer in one oscilloscope. They come handy in embedded microcontroller projects. For a hobbyist, I don’t like how Tektronix price their 3 series MDO’s let alone you still need to purchase their expensive probes separately.

I chose to use a separate power supply, but I think having the built in power supply might be worth it. Thanks for the great question!

Thank you for the fast reply, I appreciate it. My concern is the quality of such a built-in power supply. To have so many features in the same product, something suffers somewhere. Did you get the opportunity to use this model?

No I didn’t. The power supply was simple and basic so I opted out for similar concerns;) Great question - thank you!

Dear friend, the 3.3V, 5V and 12V seem like the voltages most used in today’s electronics (e.g. PC), and a variable output voltage is appreciated. If you were to recommend a good power supply, what would it be?

LOL Thanks for this creative feedback! I purchased this scope to get the ability to do Bode Plots as well as the other great features! Too bad GW Instek doesn’t do anything to support my channel even though I know a number of people have purchased one after watching these videos. Geez, not even a T-shirt;)

It is 1 Hz to 500 kHz. Not bad;)

@@KissAnalog Good. I bet it slows down at 1hz RBW but they all do unless you spend maybe $10,000.

That’s a great idea - thank you!

@@KissAnalog Thanks

Most scopes have a 1k Hrz square wave signal for probe calibration because you are adjusting the low frequency RC network matching for the probe to the input. IF there’s a special purpose probe associated with the scope it might have a reference for that too. Many older Tektronix scopes included a current loop style test point. The amplitude MAY be a voltage calibration verification reference too. This helps to verify you didn’t leave a vertical vernier engaged. Since the vertical inputs are typically 3% systems, it’s pretty easy to supply a voltage reference that’s 10x accuracy of the inputs. Therefore, the vast majority of professional-grade oscilloscopes have a 30p mv to 5 volt 1kHz square wave calibration signal. Examples are: My Rigol MSO-5074 has a 3v x 1 kHz square wave probe compensation signal, my OWON SDS7102 provides a 5 v 1 kHz square wave calibration signal, but my Tektronix 475 has a 300 mv, 20 ma, 1kHz square wave current loop probe calibration test-point.

Thanks - you are right! This scope is not only a mixed domain, it also can do digital bus decoding;) I’ll have to cover that in its own video.

Great information!! Yes DC coupling lets everything thru. AC coupling essentially uses a capacitor in the signal path - so DC is blocked, but AC gets across the capacitor. Ok, so what is ground coupling? This essentially shorts the signal to ground, and this is for checking to see where your ground reference is on your screen. Some people might use this to adjust the ground reference to the position that they want. So, let’s say your signal is off the screen, you may be wondering where is it? So Ground couple, and you see your trace appear back on the screen - at the ground reference. This is a hold over from the old analog scopes where each channel might not be on the screen and, unlike these new digital scopes that show a ground icon on the screen - you needed your trace to be at ground to know where it is on the screen. I remember just touching the probe tip to ground to do the same thing;) Make sense?

@@KissAnalog Thanks! Got it.

That's a great question Mike! I'll make a video looking under the hood;) Thank you!

@@KissAnalog hi ) i made some recearching and they use former NSC (now TI) 8 bit ADC

Bert van Lelieveld Always the optimist! ;)

Tony Fleming Yes Tony, it sure does;) I still need to do more videos with the SA. So much to do;)

@@KissAnalog OK, that alone is gonna save a lot of $$ and causes less trouble, when you needed and it isn't available! Thanks for detail video!!!

You get full sample rate using any 2 channels, then if you turn on either 3 or 4 channels it is divided by 2 - so 500 MSa. That’s still 2.5 samples per cycle at the highest bandwidth of 200MHz. I think this is minimal for 200 MHz, but if you have the 100MHz or 70MHz it is fantastic! My Siglent is 2 channels and divides in half if both are on, and it is also 200MHz. So 2.5 samples per cycle. Great question - thanks!

@@KissAnalog No, sample rate is 500 MS/s when using two to four channels, this info is direct from GW Instek. Siglent 4 channel 200 Mhz (SDS1204-EX) has dual ADCs, so two of the 4 channels are sampled at 1GS/s. The Siglent can be had for about $750 ($379 for two channel, a real bargain) while the Instek MDO is $1550. The Instek gets points for the independent channel controls and the spectrum analyzer, but I suspect many people would opt for the Siglent and get by with the FFT function for occasional spectrum analysis. The Siglents also have 500uv vertical sensitivity. Perhaps you can demonstrate the Instek's "spectrum analyzer" feature at audio frequencies compared to FFT. Thank you for your excellent videos.

That is absolutely gold!!! And I suspect that it would apply to a lot of us. 👍

I think you are right:)

Great Idea!

I really like this MDO scope! I would recommend 4 channels and the generator, so the EG version. But I think the 50 or 70 MHz is probably fast enough for most things. GW Instek is having a Promo sale right now. Here’s a contact. Give him my name if you contact him;) Rick Parizot Eastern Region Channel Manager INSTEK America Corp. Office: 909-399-3535 Mobile: 862-243-0738

@@KissAnalog Thanks a Bunch! I am still a little confused about the difference the FRA application provides versus what a Frequency Analyzer does?

Brad Rich the spectrum analyzer is like the scope mode but shows the picture in frequency across the bottom instead of time. So the scope mode would show a 1kHz square wave across the screen. It shows voltage versus time. The spectrum shows a spike at 1kHz (amplitude in volts or log volts) but then it would show spikes at 3kHz, 5kHz, 7kHz and so on showing lower and lower amplitude spikes on these ‘Odd Harmonics’. The FRA shows a bode plot - frequency vs frequency, and it uses its own built in frequency generator to sweep across the frequencies of interest to draw the Bode plot. I have meant to do another video on this subject, so I’ll have to get to it.

Thanks for clearing that up! I think it is my short hand that makes me use the lower case 'd' instead of the upper case delta triangle symbol. What I really meant in the dV/dt was change of voltage/change of time. So, it is nearly the same but not quite;) I should show the uppercase delta triangle over the uppercase delta triangle time (so change of voltage divided by change of time). I have to be more careful - thank you;)

@@KissAnalog Ah, OK, makes sense!

Video Game Tips, good explanation but I think the dv/dt value is correct on this oscope. The common references I have seen are usually seconds or micro-seconds. This scope uses the seconds unit and so -79kV/s is correct. For example if you had an 800 mV change in 10 usec than 800mV/10usec = 80 kV/sec. The math-data is correct on the oscope screen but as you mentioned in most real world scenario a device would not be able to swing that voltage change in one second. However as an example the uA741 opamp has a slew rate of 500kV/sec but many data sheets show it referenced to usec and that would be 0.5V/usec and so the slope is the same for both these values. Hope I didn't make any errors and that this is helpful.

;)

LOL Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate you!

I agree...