Whether you’re a novice or an expert, oscilloscopes are indispensable tools for amplifying the signal strength of electronic devices significantly. They’re electronic instruments enabling the observation of various signal voltages in a 2D plane and can be adjusted for parameters such as amplitude, frequency, time, and distortion.
These versatile oscilloscopes can be connected to desktops or laptops, allowing observation of output waveforms on a large screen (LCD). This connection enhances the performance of external devices while minimizing distortions.
This article introduces the top oscilloscope kits currently in use. By the end, readers will gain familiarity with oscilloscope-related technical terminology, operation, assembly, and disassembly, aiding in informed decision-making before purchase.
Best Oscilloscope Kits Table
| Oscilloscope Kits | Weight | Bandwidth | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| DORHEA Oscilloscope Kit | 5.93 ounce | 0-200 KHz | Check On Amazon |
| Gearwoo DSO Oscilloscope Kit | 10.44 ounce | 0-200 kHz | Check On Amazon |
| ICQUANZX Digital Oscilloscope Kit | 4.8 ounce | 0-200 KHz | Check On Amazon |
| KKMoon DSO138 Oscilloscope Kit | 5.6 ounce | 0-200 kHz | Check On Amazon |
| JYETech DSO 138 Oscilloscope KIT | 2.4 ounce | 0-200 kHz | Check On Amazon |
| NooLec Digital Oscilloscope Kit | 0.3 ounce | 0-200 kHz | Check On Amazon |
| Treedex Oscilloscope Kit | 5.6 ounce | 0-200 kHz | Check On Amazon |
Best Oscilloscope Kits Reviews
1. DORHEA DSO Oscilloscope Kit
The DSO 138 DIY Oscilloscope Kit from Dorea is designed for beginners in electronics as well as for hobbyists. This user-friendly kit includes a small digital oscilloscope that is partly built for you. It features an ARM Cortex-M3 processor and a 2.4-inch color screen for displaying information. It can also be used for ARM test development projects.
This oscilloscope offers three modes: automatic, regular, and single-use, which makes capturing waveforms easy. It has a HOLD function to keep the display fixed on a specific point, and it comes with a built-in 1Hz/3.3V square wave generator for various tests. Plus, it can save waveforms to review later, even if you turn it off.
Features:
- 1Hz/3.3V square wave test signal source
- Supply voltage: DC 9V
- Analog Bandwidth: 0-200KHz
- Input Impedance: 1MΩ
- Vertical sensitivity: 10mV / Div-5V
- Maximum real-time sampling rate: 1Msps
- Horizontal time base range: 10μs
- Screen size: 52 X 40mm / 2 X 1.57in
- PCB size: 117 X 76mm / 4.6 X 3in
Components:
- Oscilloscope circuit board
- Probe
- Digital oscilloscope acrylic case
- Manual
2. Gearwoo DSO 138 DIY Oscilloscope Kit
Gearwoo is an affordable oscilloscope packed with many features. It uses an ARM Cortex-M3 processor and has a TFT display screen. This tool also works as an ARM test development board, making it easier to capture waveforms with its standard one-shot modes.
It’s built for electronic engineers, offering functions such as open-circuit and short-circuit detection to help identify soldering errors. The oscilloscope comes with detailed instructions, ensuring easy use.
Features:
- Number of Channel: 1
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 – 200KHz
- Sensitivity: 5mV/Div – 20V/Div
- Sensitivity error: < 5%
- Resolution: 12-bit
- Input Impedance: 1M ohm
- Maximum Input voltage: 50Vpk
- Coupling: DC, AC, GND
- Trigger Modes: Auto, Normal, Single
- Trigger Types: Rising/falling edge
- Trigger Position: 1/3 of buffer size fixed
- Display: 2.4 inch color TFT LCD
Components:
- 1 oscilloscope kit with board
- 1 user manual
- Clip cable
3. ICQUANZX Pocket-Size Digital Oscilloscope Kit DIY
If you’re new to this field, the ICQUANZX oscilloscope kit is designed to be easy for beginners. It’s small and easy to carry around. The kit includes parts that are already set up for you, including a pre-programmed microcontroller unit (MCU), which makes putting it together simpler. It’s made with reliable, affordable parts and offers three modes of operation—automatic, regular, and one-shot—to make capturing waveforms straightforward.
The kit also has a feature to adjust the vertical position, which means you can add new functions or develop your own applications with the hardware provided. Plus, it comes with the source code, so you can tailor it to meet your specific needs.
Features:
- Analogue Bandwidth from 0 to 200 kHz
- Maximum Sampling Rate of 1MSPS
- Less than 5% sensitivity error
- Vertical resolution of 12-bit
- 1024 Points recording length
- 10mV/Div – 5V/Div sensitivity
- 10us/Div – 500s/Div timebase
- Hold function for freezing the wavefunction
Components:
- 1 x Digital Oscilloscope Kit
- 1 x Probe
- 1 x User Manual(English)
4. KKMoon DSO138 Digital Oscilloscope Kit
The KK Moon DSO 138 Digital Oscilloscope kits show measured signals on a 2.4-inch screen. This small tool is easy to use and helps those who want to become experts. It fits in your pocket and shows various signal details like highs and lows, averages, and signal timing on its screen.
You can also turn it into a tool for measuring small voltages or recording data with some extra work, and it easily connects to its main board for easy carrying. It uses an ARM Cortex-M3 processor (STM32F103C8), making it useful for testing and developing ARM projects. Users can move the signal view up and down and pick from different modes to capture waveforms.
Features:
- Analog Bandwidth: 0-200 kHz
- Sampling rate: 1 Msps
- Accuracy: 12-bit
- Sampling Buffer depth: 1024 bytes
Components:
- 1 Digital Oscilloscope
- 1 Probe
- 1 User manual
5. JYE DSO 138 DIY Oscilloscope KIT (13801K) Open Source
JYE has launched a new Digital Oscilloscope aimed at educational use. This basic tool does not include high-end features but is built around a Cortex-M3 ARM processor (STM32F103C8) supplied by ST. It arrives with surface-mount device (SMD) parts already soldered on, and the microcontroller unit (MCU) is pre-programmed, so no additional programming is required.
The oscilloscope has two channels and supports several waveform capture modes such as automatic, normal, and single. It also provides AC/DC/GND coupling options with the ability to adjust the vertical position, all explained through straightforward instructions.
Features:
- Analog bandwidth: 0 – 200KHz
- Sampling rate: 1Msps max
- Sensitivity: 10mV/Div – 5V/Div
- Sensitivity error: < 5%
- Vertical resolution: 12-bit
- Timebase: 10us/Div – 500s/Div
- Record length: 1024 points
- Built-in 1KHz/3.3V test signal
- Waveform frozen (HOLD) function available
Components:
- 1 Digital Oscilloscope
- 1 Probe
- 1 User manual
6. NooLec Digital Oscilloscope Kit
The NooElec Oscilloscope Kit is a great choice if you’re considering the DSO138. It’s a comprehensive set that lets you build your own color oscilloscope. You only need to know basic soldering of through-hole components, as the more complex surface mount parts come already soldered on the printed circuit board (PCB). The kit includes everything you need: a high-quality 100MHz oscilloscope probe, an extra probe with an alligator clip, and an ESD-safe silicone mat to protect your work area while soldering.
When you buy this kit, you get everything to set up your oscilloscope, including a 2.4-inch color TFT LCD screen with a 320×240 resolution. The oscilloscope has a range of features, like an analog bandwidth from 0 to 200kHz, a maximum sampling rate of 1Msps (million samples per second), and a 12-bit vertical resolution.
Features:
- Analog Bandwidth: 0 – 200kHz
- Sampling Rate: 1Msps max
- Sensitivity: 5mV/Div – 20V/Div
- Vertical Resolution: 12-bit
- Timebase: 10us/Div – 500s/Div
- Record Length: 1024 points
- Display: 2.4″ Color TFT LCD (320×240)
Components:
- 100MHz oscilloscope probe
- Additional alligator clip probe
- ESD-safe silicone mat for workspace protection
7. Treedex Oscilloscope Kit
The Treedix Oscilloscope DIY Kit is equipped with a potent ARM Cortex-M3 processor (STM32F103C8) and a vivid 2.4-inch color TFT display, ensuring a high-definition view for effective observation of signal waveforms. With its partially open-sourced design, users have the flexibility for customized software development, allowing transformation into a millivoltmeter or data recorder.
Tailored for students, this kit incorporates various components suitable for hands-on learning about oscilloscope structure and principles, promoting skills in component welding. The assembly process is uncomplicated, making it easily accessible for DIY enthusiasts. The oscilloscope boasts a maximum real-time sampling rate of 1Msps, 12-bit accuracy, and a sampling buffer depth of 1024 bytes.
Features:
- Maximum real-time sampling rate: 1Msps
- Accuracy: 12 Bit
- Sampling buffer depth: 1024 bytes
- Analog band width: 0-200KHz
- Vertical sensitivity: 10mV/Div – 5V/Div (Progress according to 1-2-5)
- Input impedance: 1MΩ
- Maximum input voltage: 50Vpp (1:1 probe), 400Vpp (10:1 probe)
- Horizontal time base range: 10μs/Div – 50s/Div (Progress according to 1-2-5)
Components:
- 1:1 and 10:1 probes
- 1 Digital Oscilloscope
Oscilloscope Kits Buying Guide for Beginners
Oscilloscopes are indispensable tools for electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals alike. These devices allow you to visualize electronic signals in real-time, making them invaluable for diagnosing circuit problems, testing components, and understanding electrical waveforms. For beginners venturing into the world of electronics, selecting the right oscilloscope kit can be a daunting task amidst the myriad of options available in the market. This guide aims to simplify the process by highlighting key factors to consider when purchasing an oscilloscope kit for beginners.
Factors to Consider:
1. Ease of Use
As a beginner, it’s essential to choose an oscilloscope kit that is user-friendly and intuitive. Look for kits with clear instructions, simple controls, and a user-friendly interface. This will help you quickly grasp the fundamentals of oscilloscope operation without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Bandwidth and Sample Rate
Bandwidth determines the maximum frequency of signals that the oscilloscope can accurately measure, while sample rate determines how frequently the oscilloscope samples the input signal. For beginners, a kit with moderate bandwidth (around 50-100 MHz) and sample rate (at least 1 GS/s) should suffice for most basic electronics projects.
3. Portability
Depending on your workspace and projects, portability may be a crucial factor to consider. Compact and lightweight oscilloscope kits are ideal for small workbenches or on-the-go tinkering. However, ensure that portability doesn’t compromise functionality or performance.
4. Input Channels
The number of input channels determines how many signals you can simultaneously observe. For beginners, a kit with at least two channels is recommended, as it allows you to compare signals or observe signal relationships more effectively.
5. Display
A clear and responsive display is essential for visualizing signals accurately. Look for oscilloscope kits with high-resolution screens, preferably with color display options, as they enhance signal clarity and readability.
6. Probe Quality
Probes are integral accessories that connect the oscilloscope to the circuit under test. Opt for kits that include high-quality probes with adequate bandwidth and attenuation settings. Additionally, consider the availability of spare probes for future replacements or upgrades.
7. Triggering Capabilities
Triggering allows you to stabilize and capture specific signal events for detailed analysis. Beginner-friendly oscilloscope kits should offer basic triggering capabilities such as edge triggering and pulse width triggering, enabling you to capture signals reliably.
8. Price and Value
While budget is undoubtedly a consideration, prioritize value over price alone. Investing in a quality oscilloscope kit that meets your current needs and offers room for growth can save you time and frustration in the long run. Compare prices across different brands and models, considering the included features, warranty, and customer support.
Navigating the vast array of oscilloscope kits as a beginner can be overwhelming, but armed with the right information, you can make a confident decision. Remember, the key factors to consider include ease of use, bandwidth, portability, and overall value. By prioritizing these aspects, you’ll find an oscilloscope kit that suits your needs and budget without compromising on functionality. Whether you opt for the DORHEA Oscilloscope Kit or ICQUANZX Digital Oscilloscope Kit, each recommended kit offers a solid foundation for your electronics endeavors.
One Response
Good reviews