Tag: affordable

Is the Rigol DG822 Pro the Best Function Generator for Your Money? | Voltlog #490

If you’re in the market for a high-quality, feature-packed function generator that won’t break the bank, the Rigol DG822 Pro is definitely worth considering. This dual-channel, 25MHz arbitrary waveform generator packs a punch, offering a wide range of capabilities that make it a versatile tool for hobbyists, students, and professionals alike.

One of the standout features of the DG822 Pro is its comprehensive library of built-in arbitrary waveforms. With dozens of custom waveforms to choose from, you’ll have a wealth of options at your fingertips for generating complex, non-standard signals. Additionally, the instrument allows you to create and run sequences of up to 64 arbitrary waveforms, giving you even more flexibility in your signal generation.

The user interface is a highlight, with a well-designed, intuitive layout that makes it easy to navigate and adjust settings. The 7-inch touchscreen display is clear and responsive, and the dedicated keys for common waveforms and functions streamline the operation. While the circular keypad arrangement may take some getting used to, it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise user-friendly design.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the DG822 Pro. With LXI over LAN and web control capabilities, you can easily access and control the instrument remotely, a huge convenience for collaborative projects or remote testing scenarios. The built-in 32GB of storage and the option to add external storage via USB further enhance its versatility.

Performance-wise, the DG822 Pro delivers solid results for its price point. While it may not match the absolute top-tier instruments in terms of raw specs, it offers more than enough capability for most hobby, educational, and small business applications. The ability to output signals from 1mVpp to 10Vpp, with a frequency resolution of 1uHz and a wide range of modulation techniques, should meet the needs of most users.

Of course, no product is perfect, and the DG822 Pro has a few minor drawbacks. The high-pitched fan noise, while not uncomfortably loud, may be a nuisance for some users. The font rendering on the GUI could also be improved, though this is a cosmetic issue that doesn’t affect functionality. Overall, the Rigol DG822 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a capable, feature-rich function generator at an affordable price point.

With its impressive array of built-in waveforms, intuitive interface, and robust connectivity options, it offers exceptional value for the money. While it may not be the ultimate performance powerhouse, it strikes a great balance between capability and cost, making it a solid investment for a wide range of applications.

Infiray T2S Plus My New Favorite Smartphone Thermal Camera | Voltlog #447

Thermal imaging has become increasingly accessible, thanks to companies like Infiray disrupting the market with high-quality, affordable solutions. In this Voltlog, we explore the Infiray T2S Plus Thermal Camera, a versatile and feature-packed device compatible with iOS devices via a Lightning connector.

Unlike its predecessor, the T2S Plus reviewed in Voltlog #442, this model boasts an adjustable 8mm lens and a convenient handle mount, making it a compact, single-hand usage package. The mount’s sturdy build quality, ergonomic design, and multiple tripod mounting points add to its appeal. Upon connecting the camera to an iPhone, it prompts the installation of the required app, streamlining the setup process.

The live feed immediately impresses with its high resolution and refresh rate, delivering fluid, detailed thermal images that almost resemble visible light. The user-friendly app offers various color palettes, video and image capture modes, and temperature measurement tools like point, rectangle, and line markers.

Adjustable settings like emissivity, distance, and temperature units further enhance the camera’s accuracy. While the app’s simplicity is appreciated, more advanced users may desire additional options like image flipping or mirroring for better cable management and positioning flexibility. In practical tests, the T2S Plus excels in electrical panel and HVAC inspections, allowing precise focus adjustment and temperature measurements within defined areas.

Remarkably, it can also handle up-close PCB inspections, clearly displaying 0402-sized components and 0.3mm traces, although not as optimized as the dedicated macro lens model. Priced at just $30 more than the T2S Plus, the adjustable lens and included mount make the T2S Plus iOS version a compelling choice for its versatility and value.

Infiray’s high-resolution, high-refresh-rate thermal sensors outperform similarly priced FLIR models, disrupting the market and driving innovation.

New Micsig Current Probe CP503 | Voltlog #443

In the world of electronics testing and troubleshooting, having the right tools can make all the difference. Micsig, a renowned manufacturer of test gear, has recently released the CP503 current probe, and it’s a game-changer for professionals and hobbyists alike. The CP503 is a high-bandwidth current probe that can measure up to 50MHz (or 100MHz for the CP1003 variant), making it an ideal choice for analyzing current waveforms in various applications, including power supply design, automotive electronics, and more.

With its impressive bandwidth, the CP503 can capture even the most dynamic current waveforms with precision, allowing engineers and technicians to identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. One of the standout features of the CP503 is its UPI (Universal Probe Interface) connectivity option. This interface allows the probe to communicate directly with compatible oscilloscopes, enabling automatic calibration, parameter adjustment, and data transfer.

The result is a seamless user experience and increased accuracy, making the CP503 a true premium product. But the CP503 isn’t just about performance; it’s also built with quality in mind. The probe boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The cable feels soft and flexible, and the overall build quality exudes a sense of durability and reliability.

In terms of specifications, the CP503 impresses with its ±1% DC accuracy, low noise levels, and the ability to measure currents as low as 20mA on the 6A range and 50mA on the 30A range. These features make the CP503 a versatile tool for a wide range of applications, from measuring inrush currents to analyzing power factor correction circuits.

Infiray P2 PRO Good Yet Affordable Thermal Camera | Voltlog #442

Thermal imaging has become an indispensable tool for electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike, allowing for detailed inspection and analysis of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic components. In this review, we take a closer look at the Infiray P2 PRO, a compact and affordable thermal camera that promises to deliver impressive performance for PCB inspection tasks.

Designed specifically for PCB work, the Infiray P2 PRO stands out with its high-resolution 256×192 pixel sensor and a blistering 25Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and detailed thermal imaging. With a temperature range spanning from -20°C to a scorching 550°C, this camera is well-equipped to handle even the most demanding applications.

One of the key highlights of the P2 PRO is its optional macro lens, which allows for incredibly close-up inspections of PCBs and individual components. With a working distance of approximately 30mm, you can easily identify hotspots and thermal anomalies on silicon dies, IC packages, and even tiny 0402 resistors – a capability unmatched by many competing products in this price range.

The camera’s compact size and included USB-C extension cable make it highly versatile, allowing you to easily maneuver it into tight spaces and enclosures for thorough inspections. The intuitive Android app offers a wealth of features, including multiple color palettes, emissivity and ambient temperature adjustments, and advanced measurement tools like spot, line, and area measurements.

While the P2 PRO doesn’t offer image merging capabilities found in higher-end thermal cameras, it does provide a picture-in-picture mode for general orientation. Additionally, the ability to record video and audio simultaneously proves invaluable for documenting your findings and observations. Compared to alternatives like the UNI-T UTI260B, which lacks a dedicated macro lens out of the box, the Infiray P2 PRO shines in its out-of-the-box readiness for PCB inspection tasks.

Its combination of high resolution, macro capabilities, and user-friendly software make it a compelling choice for hobbyists, repair technicians, and electronics professionals on a budget.

New Joulescope JS220 Better Specs Same Cost | Voltlog #433

The world of energy measurement and analysis just got an exciting upgrade with the launch of the new Joulescope JS220. This cutting-edge instrument promises to revolutionize the way we monitor and optimize power consumption in modern electronics, particularly in the realm of IoT and low-power devices.

Developed by the brilliant mind of Matt Liberty, the creator of the original Joulescope, the JS220 builds upon the success of its predecessor while offering improved specifications and enhanced capabilities. Despite the global challenges, Liberty has managed to maintain the same affordable price point, making the Joulescope an even more compelling choice for engineers, researchers, and hobbyists alike.

The Joulescope JS220 boasts an impressive array of features, including the ability to measure current, voltage, power, energy, and charge with unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Its autoranging shunt ammeter supports an exceptional dynamic range, ensuring precise measurements across a wide spectrum of power consumption levels.

One of the standout features of the JS220 is its improved ADC performance, with an increase in effective bits and bandwidth, enabling more detailed and accurate data capture. Additionally, the instrument now offers more general-purpose inputs, a new trigger in/out function, and a software-controlled fuse, enhancing its versatility and ease of use. But the improvements don’t stop there.

The JS220 also boasts an extended dynamic range, with a measurement range of ±3A sustained and ±10A pulse, as well as improved resolution down to 0.5nA. The voltage measurement range has also been expanded to ±15V, providing even greater flexibility in analyzing diverse electronic systems.

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the Joulescope JS220 is its open-source drivers, which enable users to automate test measurement setups using their preferred software, streamlining the process and maximizing efficiency.