Another cheap scope: $18, shipped! (FNIRSI DSO152)

I picked up this $18 oscilloscope the other day because I was curious how good something this cheap can actually be. For me, the ultimate test to see if something is useful is to try to fix a broken 8-bit computer with it... so let's do exactly that!

-- Links

FNIRSI DSO152: (Currently $24 as of making of this video, price will fluctuate, was $18 a couple weeks ago)

Zoyi ZT-703S (2 channel model seen in my video, currently $75 shipped)

Zoyi ZT-702S (1 channel model, currently $56 shipped)

Hantek 2C42 (currently $98 shipped, the model I use and have reviewed)

My previous review of the Hantek 2C42:

Adrian's Digital Basement Merch store:

Adrian's Digital Basement ][ (Second Channel)

Support the channel on Patreon:

My GitHub repository:

-- Tools

Deoxit D5:

O-Ring Pick Set: (I use these to lift chips off boards)

Elenco Electronics LP-560 Logic Probe:

Hakko FR301 Desoldering Iron:

Rigol DS1054Z Four Channel Oscilloscope:

Head Worn Magnifying Goggles / Dual Lens Flip-In Head Magnifier:

TL866II Plus Chip Tester and EPROM programmer: (The MiniPro)

TS100 Soldering Iron:

EEVBlog 121GW Multimeter:

DSLogic Basic Logic Analyzer:

Magnetic Screw Holder:

Universal ZIP sockets: (clones, used on my ZIF-64 test machine)

RetroTink 2X Upconverter: (to hook up something like a C64 to HDMI)

Plato (Clone) Side Cutters: (order five)

Heat Sinks:

Little squeezy bottles: (available elsewhere too)

--- Instructional videos

My video on damage-free chip removal:

--- Music

Intro music and other tracks by:
Nathan Divino
@itsnathandivino

[DeadCat-]

I grew up very poor so I'm thrifty, I have a budget in my head that I balance each days costs, food transportation entertainment etc. So do I pack a sandwich?make my coffee at home, go out to eat, order door dash? Buy a cheap Scope? I literally skipped lunch and bought this scope. I wasn't hungry that day, so I have one. I'm working on old Atari ST's power supplies so this does most of what I need and I can blow it up(I'm not that skilled lol) and learn what not to do with it..

[jimsteele]

Back in the Elder Days, when I was building my homebrew z80, I didn't have a scope either... To test the clock, I clipped a lead to the signal and tuned in the 4mHz on my shortwave radio.

[ShALLaX]

This was an excellent video. You walked through an entire diagnosis and repair without patronising your viewers. You've earned a subscriber.

[cannabiscomet]

Dear Adrian, I really appreciate you taking the time to test equipment and repair tools on your channel. I’ve made a couple of purchases based on what I’ve seen here over the years sincerest thanks.

[jorgensigvardsson]

Adrian, just wanted to let you know that your videos have inspired me to learn electronics again. I started some 15 years ago, but then I got children and family responsibilities. Now the children have grown up, and I have spare time. I've committed to learn electronics again, and I'm awaiting a shipment of analog and digital components to get going.

Many thanks for your videos! You make electronics look fun, easy and approachable. Keep up the good work!

[WowplayerMe]

This video has much more value than just a simple review of a cheap oscilloscope. In just under an hour, this is a master class on C64 troubleshooting.

[Agnarian]

You are the Bob Ross of computer repair!

[spookytoes]

Absolutely awesome. Not just for testing the cheap scope, but to see your methodical diagnostic technique. Bravo.

[broganmcintyre]

I've purchased a few items from that brand on AliExpress. So far I've been only blown away by the quality for the price. The last thing I purchased was the FNB58. Very impressed.

[eddie]

Thank you for this video, I bought this for myself from Amazon with the adapter and regular probe. You showed me how it works, and since you think it's worth it, then I feel better about buying it.

[jeffreyyoung]

As a test gear junkie, I have to say that, that $18 scope would have been a very welcome addition to my test bench as a kid, and it would remain on my bench even with my Tektronix scopes, today!

The only problem with it, is the low bandwidth, but for the majority of my work, I suspect it would be an easy to use troubleshooting tool.

But, the fact it isn't connected to a computer to display the information, makes it faster and with a true scope display, is icing on the cake!

[TerryLawrence]

Thee videos bring me back to my early days of computing. I had access to a Commodore warranty depot and got hold of many "Binned" VIC20s and C64s. I used am AM radio to listen for signs of life to do a quick triag on my haul of rejected units. Just bring the AM pocket radio near the clock circuit and the harmonics will make noise in the speaker that sounds cool and shows some signs of life. I use the test on all sorts of calculators and mini games.

[tedsteppe]

I also ordered a ZEEWEII DSO1511G from China. And it was worth every penny! Does a great job in T/Sing.

[Snowsea-gswu]

Love this “toy testing” adventures Adrian! Thanks for the video!

[LambdaTechnology]

I just purchased the DSO-152 for about 35$, but it came with an upgraded (and useful) hook probe with a bunch of adapters (having the upgraded probe justified the cost for me). I have to say, for the job I'm using this for, it really is very handy. I'm working down at the TTL logic level and this thing just works. It's not perfect, but it does its job and pretty decently at that. I watched about 3 review videos on this little guy after I'd purchased it and I have to say, your video is the best review by miles! Easy to follow, the format is fantastic, and I really like the way you implement your screen splits. Many other content creators could learn a thing or two from you. Subscribed and following! Keep up the awesome work, and thanks for the time, effort, and great explanations you put into this video. (I REALLY liked the explanation of validation of the video signal...there was so much information packed into that bit; anyone would benefit from watching this!)

[HamzaThy]

One of the best review videos I have ever seen!!
Thank you so much Adrian ☺️

[TheRepeatloader]

I never thought of this before-- but if you solder a piece of Solder Wick to a wire and attach that wire to ground, its great for clipping your alligator clip onto (just a real tiny piece and you can pull it into the rubber of the clip to protect it from short) and the Hanmatek brand is fair for a low price table scope incase anyone is looking.

[reiisthebestgirl]

I got one of these to quickly check analog sensor outputs for automotive use. Got one with BNC adapter and hooked it up to test leads that cost almost as much as the whole scope alone. It is quirky and quite janky to use, but if you know what you are doing it does give good enough readings for anything that isn't data bus. Of course you need to stay away from high voltage stuff too. I have computer based scope, but that is really cumbersome to setup to get a quick read or two and for those situations this is just golden! I wouldn't get this as my first and definitely as only scope, but for 2nd quick deploy option this is very much worth it. I have used mine approx. 7 months almost weekly basis and it has held up just fine.

[jamesraymond]

Fascinating. Adrian is really talented and he speaks well, too.

[fabio-franco]

First time I enjoy a real world usage, uncut, of an oscilloscope for repairs. Congratulations, this is real good content.
I own another oscilloscope from the same brand and have been quite pleased with it, but I'd really like to see you put it to the test. It's a dual channel 20MHz and 500MSPS, .with built-in function generator. It's the FNIRSI-DPOX180H