OWON XDS2102A 12 Bit Oscilloscope Review and Teardown

OWON XDS2102A 12 Bit Oscilloscope Review and Teardown

FAQ:
Me: Paul, 49 from USA
Education: United States Navy, University of California at San Diego B.S. E.E., University of Pittsburgh M.S. E.E.
Experience: United States Navy STS, Bayer Intnl Process Engineer, C.C.A.C AP of EE
Current: Retired
Health: BAD (Congestive Heart Failure)
Hobbies: Electronics, flying, amateur radio, music (classic rock)

[mikeoliver]

Nice scope I really like that huge screen and the 12 bit ADC. That would be fun to play with.

[celsiusswatt]

This is a nice oscilloscope, however, when operating in 12-bit mode it is 500Msa/s in a single channel mode, and 250Msa/s in dual channel mode. The successor, XDS3102AP, has 14-bit mode but at 100Msa/s only. The good news that Owon clearly spelled it in the manual, meaning that they can be trusted as reputable instrument vendor to give accurate spec.

[sorin.n]

I like the big display of this scope and the fact that is supports a battery. Thanks for the review!

[opalprestonshirley]

Just received my XDS2102A today. There have been some changes although small, but over all very impressed with this scope. Thanks for your reviews and recommendations.

[ZeerobForever]

Thanks for the test. I have just ordered one!

[roccorid]

The comedic timing of the train is always right on the money. Have a shot of whiskey every time it's passes during filming. Haha

[MrPenguin]

Nice. Amazon has it for $399. You can get it by Sunday for prime delivery. I like this one.

[Slesar.]

кнопка сильно утоплена в корпус прибора, по этому, когда жмешь, иногда получаются множественные нажатия. Слетают настройки от множественных нажатий или от чего другого пока не определил, если редко пользоваться, настройки слетают редко.
В целом пока все устраивает, на дисплее качественное изображение, но изображения сигнала на экране компьютера пока не увидел, хотя с компьютера функции вроде переключались. 12битный режим плохо различим, вероятно будет заметен на каких-то особых сигналах. Но шум в 12битном режиме действительно меньше напрягает, так как красивее прорисовывается на экране. В некоторых позициях входного делителя, например 0.5В/дел, очень редкие проблески шума на 1 пиксель, по этому луч на экране смотрится практически статическим. в 8битном луч бы размазывало на несколько пикселей. Реальная разрядность АЦП около 9.5 бит для множества режимов.
Выигрыш от покупки 12битного ОВОН всего в 1.5 бита, стоит ли переплачивать???
Батарея приобретается отдельно. Как понимаю, обычную батарею включать рискованно.

[michaelpadovani]

Back from vacation, really awesome to see this scope features. Decoder is sweet.

[robertcalkjr.]

Thanks Paul. Nice scope for the price. I wonder why they have that e-cap laying on the board instead of using a SMD e-cap? It's also nice that you can put the battery in it and carry the scope with you.

[hairlesshippy]

I just ordered my OWON XDS2102A yesterday on your recommendation.. first scope!! can't wait.. hmm.. what will I test first?? THANK YOU!!

[teh]

Great review, looks like a killer scope.

[qzorn]

Wow I did not know there was a budget OWON XDS2102A 12 Bit Oscilloscope 100MHz bandwidth, 1GS/s sample rate 55, 000 wfms/s for $400 😎 Thanks a lot.

[helistorm]

Hi! I just bought this scope, and found your channel via this review
What are your thoughts 2 years later? I would love if you could make a followup of this video, you've been VERY helpful in my learning experience

[cibercut]

Hello. Have you tried to solve the problem of parasitic noise of input cascades? Best power supply filtration? Soldering of contacts of shielding cases? and what else can you do for better quality?

[willyrivero]

Wow. Nice scope.
I have a Tektronix TDS 2022 I bought it pretty expensive a few years ago and Owon was just another chinese name that popped up with cheap and simple scopes. and look at them now how these scopes are moving up keeping the price low. Amazing.

Great video. Thanks a lot.

[pinoyuzie]

It would be nice to have a long term review of this product. I'm keen on it because of the features but I really would like to know your long term use/opinion if you remain positive about it. Besides the fact that it has great features, it seems that my budget will most likely agree with me purchasing this.... thanks for the video. (Hobbyist perspective :)

[GautamKumarGoswami]

We can add more & more money to get much better scopes than this one! Costly scopes like R & S, Le Croy(Iwatsu make) & Tech. But at a much lower price point, I think Owon, with a big display, is a great scope to use. Moreover, I have heard it is very easy to use even! Congrats Owon!
I request other viewers here to express their feelings about this scope - I wish to buy this scope as I have a limited budget for a DSO.

[Popart-xhfd]

Odd that with such a huge display it doesn't show the wave frequency right away on the screen!

[ramazans]

Hello, i have issue with cam decoding. Could you please make a quick tutorial for can decoding?