Oscilloscope Quality: ATTEN ADS1102CAL vs OWON SDS7102

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing two models of oscilloscopes, the ATTEN ADS1102CAL and the OWON SDS7102, focusing on their specifications, reliability, and user experiences. Participants explore considerations for purchasing oscilloscopes, including brand reputation and personal needs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concerns about the reliability of low-end oscilloscopes, suggesting that user mishandling is a common cause of failure.
  • There are mentions of brand preferences, with some participants favoring established brands like Tektronix and Agilent for professional use, while considering lower-cost options for personal use.
  • One participant highlights the importance of reading reviews and gathering user feedback to assess the reliability of the ATTEN and OWON models.
  • Specifications such as frequency range, sampling rate, and display size are noted as critical factors in choosing between the two models, with the ATTEN being cheaper but with potentially lower specifications.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality of manuals and software for low-end models, which may be poorly translated or difficult to navigate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which oscilloscope is superior, as opinions vary based on personal experiences and preferences. Multiple viewpoints regarding brand reliability and model specifications remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion is based on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, which may not represent the broader market or user experiences. There are also mentions of specific features that may be important depending on individual use cases.

Basher1
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Hello people, I am wondering if anyone is familiar with these brands of oscilloscope. I would like to know so I don't end up investing in something that breaks in a 2 months

ATTEN ADS1102CAL 100M Hz 1G Digital Oscilloscope 7" LCD -price $336

OWON 100Mhz Oscilloscope SDS7102 1G/s large 8" -price $467.49
 
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Hello Basher - these really are the low end of the market - and one or two experiences you may find here probably not too much help ( soo small of a sample set). I have seen the Owons on e-bay so there will be some reviews there, check amazon as well.
I bought a used Fluke Scopemeter - but for my home use I am also looking at these.

However -IMO - most scopes die at the hands of their owners, not due to self-immolation (;-).
 
Windadct said:
However -IMO - most scopes die at the hands of their owners, not due to self-immolation (;-).

haha i agree. We saw a used tektronix for $350 but no probes, an older model. I would really love an agilent or tektronix scope. However, i am a lowly student that can't afford such extravagence. But I will look to see if i can get some reviews on ebay/amazon. Thank you
 
While for work, even if it was my money for my business I would pick name brands, but for my personal use, I will be getting a similar unit "off the boat"... I am sure they are fine.

The brand names are getting some pretty good prices - 3-5 x your numbers above though ( http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70230720 ) - there is acually a 4 Ch, 200MHz w 8 Ch digital ( mixed signal) for about $4K - I really can not see too many cases where you would need more then that. I work in power - the probes are actually the expensive parts.

When I read the reviews of the low end models there seemed to be a good number of issues with poorly written ( translated) manuals, software in Chinese - etc. Usually fixable, but a pain.
 


I would recommend carefully considering the specifications and features of both oscilloscopes before making a decision. It is important to understand your specific needs and budget when choosing equipment for scientific research or experimentation.

In terms of quality, both ATTEN and OWON are reputable brands in the field of oscilloscopes and have been used by many scientists and engineers. However, it is always wise to read reviews and gather feedback from other users to get a better understanding of the reliability and durability of these specific models.

Some factors to consider when comparing these two oscilloscopes may include the frequency range, sampling rate, display size, and price. While the ATTEN ADS1102CAL may have a lower price point, it also has a lower frequency range and smaller display compared to the OWON SDS7102. On the other hand, the OWON model has a higher sampling rate and a larger display, but also comes at a higher price.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and budget. It may also be helpful to consult with colleagues or experts in the field for their recommendations and experiences with these brands. Investing in a quality oscilloscope is important for accurate and reliable data analysis, so it is important to carefully consider all factors before making a decision.
 

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