SainSmart DDS140 Portable Handheld PC-Based USB Digital Oscilloscope + Logic Analyzer Module 40MHz Bandwidth 200MS/s

All OK no issues, works as stated. while not like the Tektronix scopes that I used in the past and also repaired...those were hardware.This is mostly a software solutions and it looks like software (though it uses some hardware) Nevertheless, I used it to view signals and troubleshoot. I looked into a standalone (no PC) digital scope around $400 and chose to try this first. This one works and was much less expensive. However, it also showed me that my next purchase with be a True Tektronix Scope...all ready pricing$$$$

The hardware seems okay, but the software required to use it is so bad, it's downright unusable. Only buy this if you're going to be looking at continuous waves! For capturing data traces or trying to watch for a particular event, it's useless! It's impossible to browse through the capture: it scrolls extremely slowly and there's no way to speed it up. Doesn't help that it drops you in the *middle* of the trace every time, either. And the trigger functionality really doesn't work, so you're going to be scrolling... and scrolling... and scrolling... and scrolling... forever

The unit itself is fine, works well, but you may run into a couple of potential issues. 1. The "y" usb cable could be bad (partially or completely open) out of the box. My cable was partially open and gave usb malfunction errors on any windows computer we have. Order a spare one if you can, it will save you untold minutes in irritation. 2. SainSmart customer service offered a refund for the cable, for me it wasn't necessary and it shows that they try to keep their customers happy 3. The device software is consistent, for basic measurement needs (automotive and diesel applications), it is satisfactory. 4. Soaks up laptop battery power like a sponge. a: My laptop isn't exactly a powerhouse, and the two cell battery on the laptop did not fare much better either. b: The laptop was an entry level unit, but had no problems calculating the data c: To solve the battery supply problem (time duration), I purchased a usb extension cable, a automotive cigarette power cord, a usb charging port (for the cig. socket),two diodes, and 2 large alligator clips to connect it to a 12v battery, and configured the extension cable to fit the power side of the y usb cable. This solved the power drain problem on the laptop. d: please keep in mind that I was only using a 2 cell laptop battery, so base your situation accordingly. If it runs on my laptop it should run on most of the late generation ones 5. If you use the a/c power portion it works fine also.

It is a decent Scope with 1 weakness that I wished wasn't there.When I use it in single-shot event capture, it does not display the event. My guess is that the capture buffer is not full.I need to see my on-shot event when it happens right away regardless of buffer.

The SainSmart DDS140 is a very basic oscilloscope. The fit and finish is good and it is packaged professionally. However, the feature set is quite limited compared to an entry level bench top scope, and it is not always convenient to have to connect a PC to the device. In my opinion, the logic analyzer is not very useful given the software constraints. If your budget is tight, then you might want to consider the SainSmart DDS120, which lacks the logic analyzer and has a lower sampling rate, but comes at a lower price point. However, if you can afford the difference, you will probably get a lot more mileage in the long run out of something like the Rigol DS1054Z.

Great value for the price.

This is a very usefull device. I works very good, it's easy to install and use. I think the software should let you take a print screen, but it's not big deal, you can use the "print screen" button.

Could not get it to trigger consistently. Attempted to work with XP then Win7 Pro. Returned and purchased a Siglent that we felt good enough to take to a customer site. I use to use Tek4000 and 6500 series as well as other.