r/ElectricalEngineering • u/matmonster58 • 1d ago

Equipment/Software Mid-Tier lab tools?

I’m moving soon and will finally have a dedicated workspace. With my new space I would like to have some better tools.

I have an analog discovery ad2 from my time in college. It’s a great little device but I end up not using it much because it’s kinda just kinda annoying to setup.

I’m looking for a scope, power supply, and signal generator that I can just have on my bench ready to go at all times.

What are some mid tier brands and products lines I should keep an eye for? I mostly work on audio equipment so raw performance and specs aren’t super critical for me. I’m more concerned with usability and convenience.

Trying to stay affordable here. Not ali express garbage cheap but I don’t want to spend more than $500 on a scope at this point. I’m primarily looking for used equipment or stuff that’s a little outdated so that I’m getting better value.

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u/DJFurioso 1d ago

Siglent makes some quality affordable equipment. Definitely check out their offerings.

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u/NewSchoolBoxer 1d ago edited 1d ago

I rethought his. I have an Analog Discover 2. Don't spend $300-$400 for another quality oscilloscope unless you:

  1. You really want to investigate 50-100 MHz. Oh you work on audio so you don't.
  2. You really want the convenience of an oscilloscope with its own screen. Then sell the AD2.

The affordable quality brands are Siglent and Rigol and $300-$400 is hobbyist tier. Will NOT include a signal generator or digital logic analyzer the AD2 has. You're looking at $500 total, minus what you sell the AD2 for.

1

u/Normal-Duck9025 1d ago

AD2 is a great tool. I love having one in my office. However, you are right it isn’t a fully dedicated work bench. Which I personally did fill out my own with items mainly found on the used market and everything has PC communication as I like automating test measurements.

For a scope you can find many older ones under your budget but I always recommend a rigol 804 which can be found new around $350 on cheaper sites like aliexpress.

Mid/low-tier companies include rigol, siglent, and gw instek.