Rigol DS1054Z
Rigol · DS1000Z series · also: DS1054Z · 1054Z
The most recommended hobby scope of all time — a decade as the default answer to 'first scope?'. Still fine; just no longer the answer.
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At a glance
⚑ flag an error| Bandwidth | 50 MHz |
|---|---|
| Channels | 4 |
| Resolution | 8-bit |
| Sample rate | 1 GSa/s (shared across channels) |
| Memory | 24 Mpts |
| AWG | No |
| Screen | 7" (non-touch) |
| Typical price | $280-360 (street, varies) |
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Which one do I buy?
vs DHO804: the DHO is 12-bit, quieter, touch, and similar money — the 1054Z's only remaining arguments are the mature hack and a decade of tutorials. The generational hand-off is essentially complete.
Firmware unlock status
Community-unlockable. The classic: mature, stable keygen unlock to 100 MHz plus all software options. A solved problem for a decade — no firmware cat-and-mouse. The thread that tracks it → Unlocking may void your warranty; firmware updates can relock or brick. This site reports status, it doesn't endorse.
Good for
Gotchas to know
- 8-bit ADC: fine for digital work, coarse for small-signal analog next to any 12-bit DHO/SDS-HD.
- Fan noise is the classic complaint.
- Buying new in 2026 usually means paying DHO804 money for older tech — check street prices both ways.