A quick review/ summary of my new toy.
I’ve wanted an oscilloscope for ages, so I waited and saved my money until I could finally afford to buy one. But which one? After comparing the different models on offer from various manufacturers and some wise words from Salas
I decided on the “Keysight EDUX1002G”. Costing approx $1000 Aus shipped it wasn’t the cheapest on the market but it has a few extra features.
The scope has 2 channels, a built in function generator, FFT math, Frequency analysis, high resolution screen and more all wrapped up in one neat package. The unit feels very well built. The buttons and knobs are comfortable to use and are cleverly positioned to interact well with the menu system, which is quick and easy to navigate. The screen is bright and crisp.
Considering the cost of other entry level scopes on the market + the cost of a function generator I believe it’s a pretty good deal. Also Keysight has a ton of tutorials, documentation and support on there website + a user forum.
Am I happy with my purchase? Yes.
This was the best hobby purchase so far. A Total game changer. Now I can see the waveform on screen, change shape, start and stop oscillating, rise and fall, cutoff etc etc. All of this I had only read about or watched on various YouTube channels. Being able to build simple circuits and now see the results on screen really helps me rap my head around the principles at work. It’s a whole different ballgame.
As a beginner I have found the theory all very confusing and daunting. Up until now all my measurements were taken with a DMM and written down on paper to be pondered over. Technically this works well but isn’t as interesting and fun as seeing my work on screen.
I have to say, I was quite nervous spending what is a lot of money in my world. After all I’m a chef not an engineer and this is my hobby. But after a couple of days working out how to use the basic functions and setting up a simple “common emitter” circuit I am more than happy with my decision. The theory in practice with the oscilloscope is easier to digest and retain. In just a few days I feel I’ve made significant progress with understanding basic concepts.
If anyone is considering the EDUX1002G for purchase I give it a thumbs up.
I know I’ve bought a piece of test gear but right now I’m loving my new toy.
I’ve wanted an oscilloscope for ages, so I waited and saved my money until I could finally afford to buy one. But which one? After comparing the different models on offer from various manufacturers and some wise words from Salas
I decided on the “Keysight EDUX1002G”. Costing approx $1000 Aus shipped it wasn’t the cheapest on the market but it has a few extra features.
The scope has 2 channels, a built in function generator, FFT math, Frequency analysis, high resolution screen and more all wrapped up in one neat package. The unit feels very well built. The buttons and knobs are comfortable to use and are cleverly positioned to interact well with the menu system, which is quick and easy to navigate. The screen is bright and crisp.
Considering the cost of other entry level scopes on the market + the cost of a function generator I believe it’s a pretty good deal. Also Keysight has a ton of tutorials, documentation and support on there website + a user forum.
Am I happy with my purchase? Yes.
This was the best hobby purchase so far. A Total game changer. Now I can see the waveform on screen, change shape, start and stop oscillating, rise and fall, cutoff etc etc. All of this I had only read about or watched on various YouTube channels. Being able to build simple circuits and now see the results on screen really helps me rap my head around the principles at work. It’s a whole different ballgame.
As a beginner I have found the theory all very confusing and daunting. Up until now all my measurements were taken with a DMM and written down on paper to be pondered over. Technically this works well but isn’t as interesting and fun as seeing my work on screen.
I have to say, I was quite nervous spending what is a lot of money in my world. After all I’m a chef not an engineer and this is my hobby. But after a couple of days working out how to use the basic functions and setting up a simple “common emitter” circuit I am more than happy with my decision. The theory in practice with the oscilloscope is easier to digest and retain. In just a few days I feel I’ve made significant progress with understanding basic concepts.
If anyone is considering the EDUX1002G for purchase I give it a thumbs up.
I know I’ve bought a piece of test gear but right now I’m loving my new toy.
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That looks great 
As you say, an oscilloscope is a game changer and opens up a whole new world where you can actually see what is going on.
As you say, an oscilloscope is a game changer and opens up a whole new world where you can actually see what is going on.
Wasn't it Jim Williams who said: "A digital scope doesn't lie, it just doesn't always tell the truth."
Hi Jack,
Absolutely true! Something to keep in mind as the analogue bandwidth on those is a lot wider than the sampling would suggest.
-Chris
Absolutely true! Something to keep in mind as the analogue bandwidth on those is a lot wider than the sampling would suggest.
-Chris
Hi Bix,
You should pay special attention to the lessons on aliasing.
Congrats on your new toy. A very wise decision that is really helpful, even though you're a chef! I personally think you have bought the best brand of equipment there.
-Chris
You should pay special attention to the lessons on aliasing.
Congrats on your new toy. A very wise decision that is really helpful, even though you're a chef! I personally think you have bought the best brand of equipment there.
-Chris
I have a Tektronix TDS3012B digital scope -- which is now over 20 years old -- I use it every day, but will go with the 2465B -- one serious suggestion with your new scope -- unplug it every night.
These days with the budget digital 'scopes it is an excellent idea to keep an analogue 'scope on the bench also. I also use a Tek 2465B, but it's currently ailing. I'll probably put my HP 1722A in it's place. That 'scope is a 1974 model, and it works very nicely.
So don't pass up an analogue 'scope if offered Bix. It can be a slow dual trace, like 10 MHz. That will also be very useful.
One thing I like about the Keysight products is that it handles much like an analogue scope. I find them to be very intuitive to operate.
-Chris
So don't pass up an analogue 'scope if offered Bix. It can be a slow dual trace, like 10 MHz. That will also be very useful.
One thing I like about the Keysight products is that it handles much like an analogue scope. I find them to be very intuitive to operate.
-Chris
Thanks for the kind words and advice everyone, I really appreciate it. I truly value your experience.
Before my purchase I looked around online for second hand analog scopes for quite some time. Anything decent was between $500 - $1000 second hand. A tek 2465b did come up but the price was $1000 which put me off. Being a beginner and dropping a grand on a second hand scope that may have issues and need repair or calibration seemed to risky for me. Still, I’m always looking out for good deal.
The warranty and customer support from Keysight made my decision easier. I spent around an hour on the phone prior to purchase with one of their support guys and was really impressed with the service.
I’m a happy customer.
Thank you Chris for your suggestion, I’ll read up lessons on aliasing.
Before my purchase I looked around online for second hand analog scopes for quite some time. Anything decent was between $500 - $1000 second hand. A tek 2465b did come up but the price was $1000 which put me off. Being a beginner and dropping a grand on a second hand scope that may have issues and need repair or calibration seemed to risky for me. Still, I’m always looking out for good deal.
The warranty and customer support from Keysight made my decision easier. I spent around an hour on the phone prior to purchase with one of their support guys and was really impressed with the service.
I’m a happy customer.
Thank you Chris for your suggestion, I’ll read up lessons on aliasing.
Large mains transients may be bad news for complex digital instruments, unplugging eliminates the risk of damage when not in use.
I'd recommend protecting with a transient suppressor. I have one that protects my entire bench.
Congrats on the scope purchase! Will make figuring things out much easier.
I'd recommend protecting with a transient suppressor. I have one that protects my entire bench.
Congrats on the scope purchase! Will make figuring things out much easier.
A wise purchase. Always use the x10 probes with it, and never connect signals
directly to the inputs. Also never try to use one of the unbalanced probes as a
differential probe. The probe ground clips must always go to ground, and are
connected internally in the scope to ground.
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Thank you, definitely don’t want to make a rookie mistake and damage it this early on.
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The scope has a switchable input capacitor to block DC in the circuit being measured.
Usually the switch is in software now, with options of AC, DC, GND.
http://eeshop.unl.edu/pdf/OscilloscopeTutorial--Beginner.pdf
Basic Oscilloscope Fundamentals Resources | Keysight (formerly Agilent’s Electronic Measurement)
How to Use an Oscilloscope - learn.sparkfun.com
Oscilloscope Tutorial | Tektronix
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Thanks I thought so. I’m gonna stick to small signal stuff for now until I’m more confident. It’s a long road and I’ve got miles to go. 🙂
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