Banggood DS212 2 Channel Pocket Oscilloscope Review!

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It's time for another review! This time when Banggood asked me what I would like to review I thought it was finally time to see if the e-Design series of diminutive pocket oscilloscopes were really worth their pricetag. I choose the DS212 as it is a lower end model that still had 2 channels (the minimum of what I would consider useful). This guys boasts a 1MHz analog bandwidth with 8K sample depth. I will be honest, from what I've read in the past I had a limited expectation on whether this little scope would be able to deliver. Here's what I have found: Pros: - Super conveniently tiny, smaller than most smart phones/mp3 players - Having an isolated (from ground so long as it isn't plugged in to charge) scope has many safety benefits - Controls feel intuitive after spending a couple of minutes learning the menu system of the device - Build quality is great, anodized aluminum body feels premium - Quickly diagnose simple problems, measure characteristics of power supplies, check clock and data signals sub 1MHz - Can capture screenshots directly to internal memory and upload via usb - Simple function gen output for square/sine/triangle/sawtooth super useful - Built in tools for delta-t/v cursor measurements as well as rms, frequency, duty and math functions between channels - PCB and assembly quality is top class! - Ease of uploading/modifying firmware Cons: - Claims "Open" source but really just open firmware (as far as I know the schematics are not available) - A 2 channel scope that only comes with 1 probe and 1 clip lead? Why not two? - 40V max inputs with included 1x probe (a separate purchasable 10x probe would allow 400V measurements though) - Logic decoding functionality (UART, I2C) would've been really nice but hopefully due to the open software aspect someone makes this a reality - The longevity of the dual rotary encoders is questionable especially since just about every function requires heavy use of them - Not up to par for higher speed digital logic or analog video signals and the like - Doesn't automatically remember settings when switched off (unless you manually save them through the menu) So in summary, if you just want a convenient way to quickly check/capture something in the field with an isolated scope this guy is a godsend especially for the price of around $100. That being said if you are doing particularly heavy duty/fast stuff I would advise investing in a used analog scope which will be a better value for specs albeit will chain you to a desk. Either way this meter really surprised me and once you know it's limitations you start to see useful situations arise where it really shines. Here's to hoping users add even more useful features via firmware mods and updates! Get yours here: https://www.banggood.com/MINI-DS212-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-Portable-Nano-Handheld-Bandwidth-1MHz-Sampling-Rate-10MSas-p-1202288.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=USA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special thanks to Eric Skiff for freely providing the music used in this video off his album Resistor Anthems. His music can be found at http://ericskiff.com/music/ Visit my site: www.diytronics.blogspot.com My RGB Gameboy Backlight Controller is now available at www.roarkesretrocorner.com!!! Use the code SJM (all caps) to receive 10% off of your order! Consider supporting me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/sjm4306