Do you need analog? Would a digital logic probe be sufficient? Are you specifically looking for a desktop appliance or would a computer-attachment be acceptable?
this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2026
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Yah, I don't want to go that cheap, pretty sure I'll be using it for analog a fair bit. I thought about the Hantec etc but that's probably just money wasted when I decide I need an adult scope.
I've got a Rigol DS-1054 and the serial decoding is terrible. It can capture 24 million sample points, but it will only decode from the few hundred points that are displayed on the screen. That means it will only decode a few bytes of data. I don't know if any of their newer models have gotten any better.
Definitely get a 4 channel scope. The extra channels will come in handy even if you think you don't need them. The digital channels tend to be less useful. The 16 channels you get on a scope are not enough to probe a parallel bus, but way more than you need for serial. I would rather use a USB logic analyzer. It's easier to work on a PC with a big monitor and the ability to write your own protocol decoders if needed.
This is all really good advice. Appreciate it.
From what I"ve read, Siglent, not Rigol.
There's an Aussie yt-channel who does basic-electronics reviews, he's done a couple vids on Fnirsi products ( whining about the name, of course ), so that may help you find the channel..
He, & others, have found problems with the Rigol stuff, re accuracy, iirc.
PLEASE CHECK THAT: MY MEMORY ISN'T PERFECT!
I'm certain that the recommendations I've seen are Siglent NOT Rigol or Hantek
( because I've looked into this stuff repeatedly ),
but I'm NOT certain which sources were doing the recommendations.
& the Siglent digital-input ( for logic ) is a costly add-on, but on SOME models it's possible.
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If you need a plain scope, the Rigol entry-level ones are all decent. But if specifically looking at serial/CAN, may want to take a look at a Saleae-8. The device is headless and comes with probes. Connects to a computer via USB. The software runs on the computer and is what sets them apart.
If too expensive, suggest finding a used 8 and not succumb to cheapo knockoffs on EBay. The software gets regularly updated and runs only on their devices. That alone is worth the investment. You can even extend it by writing your own analyzer code to handle event sequences.
No relation. Just a happy long-time owner of a Saleae-16. Has saved my bacon a few times. Also have an old DS1054, but haven't had to use it for eons.
I am leaning towards just getting the scope without logic analyzer and getting that afterwards, for use with Sigrok or the like. I'll keep this in mind.