OWONVDS1022I USB PC Oscilloscope, MIT USB Isolation, 25 MHz

The Owon vds1022i seems to work well on a Raspberry Pi 2 using the software published on githubby florentbr for use on Linux. Even on that very low-powered platform the display is responsiveAs someone who learned to use oscilloscopes on Tektronix 500-series instruments the menu-drivenformat is somewhat alien to me. However, the ability to easily capture single-shot events is wellworth the learning curve. With only 100 megasamples per second for both channels, I think a 10MHz single channel and 5 MHz dual channel analog bandwidth is probably more realistic than 25MHzin practice.Attempts at single-shot risetime measurement were subject to the usual artifacts of digitalinstruments. Tapping the probe on a battery terminals reported a sub-10 ns risetime in somecases, an obviously impossible result (100 MS/sec implies a single data point collected).On recurrent signals the risetime measurement looks reasonable.For audio and mains-frequency signals the performance is perfectly adequate. Given thesophistication of the software an "out of range" warning for situations like this would be ahelpful added feature.The role of the "sampling" mode is not clearly specified. It's possible that the instrument candeliver 25MHz bandwidth on _recurrent_ signals, a well-established technique used to extendthe frequency range of digitizers on stable, repeating pulse trains.The record mode looks extremely useful, but the recording parameters are not very clearly described.A glossary of terms and a description of the data format would be very helpful. Allowing the instrumentto function as a data logger would extend its utility immensely.I'm far from an expert with the Owon and may still find problems, but for the money it looks quite good.November 2, 2024:A recent attempt at installing the factory-supplied software on a Windows 10 laptop has so farbeen a frustrating failure. The setup program runs and creates an icon in the start menu butthe 1022i isn't recognized when connected. In particular, when the software CD is insertedin the laptop and the setup file is run it seems unable to find drivers. Searching on the Webfinds the Owon website, but the download menus is confusing, with the 1022i not appearingby name in the menus.

I both own and have used many digital and analog scopes due to my career as an engineer. However, I wanted an inexpensive scope that can be used with a PC for presentations. I bought a Hantek 6022BE for that purpose, and while it is very similar in features and performance to this OWON VDS1022i and nearly half the price, the software was not very good. The OWON was purchased based on positive reviews. I was not disappointed. While the features and performance are good for an inexpensive scope, the software is a big improvement to the Hantek. One example is the FFT feature, which I use, is pretty useless in the Hantek as it is displayed in a manner that does not make it easy to view or take readings. The OWON allows for a better display of the spectrum information and allows for easy measurement as well. Preset measurements, such as rms, rise time, etc., are much better with the OWON. The software allows for Printing, Screen Capture, and saving the data of the wave form(s) in a file with several popular formats to choose from.Now as an oscilloscope it has the advantages (easy to save and display data) and limitations (low bandwidth and waveform distortion near the the top end due to low sampling rate) of an inexpensive digital scope. The 25 MHz bandwidth is limiting, but the 100 MS/sec allowed for display of about 30MHz sinusoidal signals with minimal distortion. The record length is surprisingly limited at 5 kB. It comes with 2 basic 60 MHz, hard plastic, 1x/10x probes. [The Hantek's are a bit better.] It was relatively easy to setup with the software, documentation and drives included on a CD. You can download all the material from their website as well. The units gets it power directly through the usb connection on my laptop. However, it has an additional usb connector that can be plugged into a 5vdc power supply if you wanted to use it on an Android phone like the Hantek can with a proper adapter and software not included. It runs well on my 8 year old HP laptop (i7 with 8 MB)using the latest version of Windows 10.

Great simple econ scope. It shines in the class room. I teach Electronics classes. Fits in my laptop case. It connects to my lap top (WIN11) and two HDMI 55 inch monitors. Beautiful displays. I can save .png images, full motion video, mark up the image, etc. It's much easier to use (logical controls, etc.) than a $1000 plus scope. Yes some limitations in bandwidth etc. but not much. I am getting another one for the benchtop here at home. Good enough for almost all typical non-pro scope use. Not a toy.

Considering what it is, and how much it cost, this oscilloscope is excellent. It isn't as good as an expensive bench oscilloscope, but I'm impressed by the features you do get with it.Very easy to set up and use. I use it on Ubuntu Linux and Windows, works well on both.Great oscilloscope for beginners and hobbiests, and for technicians to use in the field (very mobile compared to a bench oscilloscope). Nice sturdy build.The supplied leads are a bit noisy, but you can use better quality leads.

Description failed to indicate YOU ARE BUYING A USED ITEM!Obviously used.