Fnirsi 1014D Review: Full Hands-On Evaluation
If you’re looking for your first proper oscilloscope without spending a fortune, you’ve probably come across the Fnirsi 1014D. I’ve spent considerable time testing this budget-friendly 2-in-1 digital storage oscilloscope and function generator, and I want to give you an honest, detailed breakdown of what you’re actually getting for your money.
The Fnirsi 1014D has sparked plenty of debate in the electronics community. Some call it a bargain; others warn about its limitations. In this comprehensive review, I’ll cut through the marketing claims and show you exactly what this device can and cannot do, so you can decide if it’s right for your workshop.
Key Takeaways
- Best budget oscilloscope for UK hobbyists at £127.50
- Actual bandwidth is 30 MHz (not 100 MHz as advertised)
- Built-in function generator with 14 waveforms
- USB powered — runs from power banks for true portability
- Ideal for Arduino, audio, and basic electronics projects
Order your 1014D today – 2-day UK delivery, 60-day easy returns
Check the manual for 1014D
The Fnirsi 1014D positions itself as an entry-level benchtop oscilloscope aimed at hobbyists, students, and anyone working with basic electronics. What makes it interesting is that it combines two essential workshop tools into one compact unit: a dual-channel oscilloscope and a function generator.
At £127.50 from fnirsioscilloscopes.store (compared to £239 on Amazon), it sits at the absolute budget end of the market. For context, professional-grade oscilloscopes from brands like Rigol or Siglent typically start at £300-400 and climb rapidly from there.
The device features a generous 7-inch TFT LCD display, which is surprisingly large for this price point. It’s powered via USB, drawing just 5 watts, which opens up some interesting possibilities I’ll discuss later. Physically, it weighs around 1.1kg and measures 310mm × 145mm × 70mm, making it genuinely portable while still being substantial enough for comfortable bench use.
Key Specifications of the Fnirsi 1014D
Before I dive into real-world performance, let me lay out what Fnirsi claims this oscilloscope can do. I’ll be honest with you upfront: some of these specifications don’t tell the whole story, and I’ll explain exactly where the reality differs from the marketing.
Display and Interface
The 7-inch TFT LCD offers 800×480 pixel resolution, which provides a sharp, bright display that’s easy to read even in well-lit workshops. The screen quality genuinely impressed me—it’s clear, responsive, and displays all the essential information (voltage readings, frequency, duty cycle) without feeling cluttered.
The interface uses a combination of dedicated buttons and menu navigation. You get physical buttons for horizontal and vertical cursors, which simplifies measurements considerably compared to navigating through endless menus. There’s also a one-button auto-set function that automatically configures the oscilloscope based on your input signal, which is brilliant for beginners who are still learning.
Channel Count, Bandwidth, and Sampling Rate
Here’s where I need to be completely transparent with you, because this is where the Fnirsi 1014D’s marketing gets a bit creative.
What Fnirsi claims:
- 2 channels with 100 MHz bandwidth
- 1 GSa/s (GigaSample per second) sampling rate
What testing actually reveals:
- Actual usable bandwidth is closer to 20-30 MHz
- Real-time sampling rate is 200 MSa/s, not 1 GSa/s
Let me explain why this matters. The “1 GSa/s” figure is only achievable through something called equivalent-time sampling, which works by taking samples across multiple repetitions of a signal and combining them. This technique only works with repetitive, stable signals. For single-shot events or capturing glitches, you’re limited to the actual real-time rate of 200 MSa/s.
Regarding bandwidth, while the device technically meets the -3dB criterion at 100 MHz (meaning the signal only drops to 71% of its true amplitude), the frequency response isn’t smooth. Independent testing shows the passband is “wobbly,” which can lead to inaccurate measurements at higher frequencies. Above 30 MHz, signal quality degrades noticeably, and the frequency counter becomes unreliable.
Now, before you dismiss the device entirely, consider this: for Arduino projects, audio work, Raspberry Pi debugging, and basic electronics repair, you’ll rarely need to measure anything above 20-30 MHz. A 25 MHz system clock? The Fnirsi handles that fine. Audio signals? Absolutely no problem. It’s only when you push into higher frequencies that the limitations become apparent.
Memory Depth and Triggering Features
The Fnirsi 1014D has a memory depth of 240 Kbit, which sounds reasonable until you understand what it means in practice. The device typically displays only 700 to 3,000 samples on screen at once. This is exceptionally shallow compared to competitors—the Rigol DS1202Z-E, for example, offers 6 million points.
Why does this matter? When you zoom out on the time base to capture longer events, the limited memory causes aliasing—where high-frequency signals can appear as completely different, lower frequencies. If you’re trying to capture long data strings or hunt for intermittent glitches, this limitation becomes frustrating.
Triggering options are basic: you get edge triggering (rising or falling) with single, normal, and auto modes. There’s no pulse width triggering, no protocol triggering, and no advanced options. For hobbyist work, edge triggering covers most needs, but professionals will find this limiting.
Unboxing and First Impressions of the Fnirsi 1014D
When the Fnirsi 1014D arrives, you’ll find it reasonably well-packaged. Inside the box, you get:
- The oscilloscope unit itself
- Two switchable 1×/10× probes
- One 100× high-voltage probe
- A BNC-to-alligator clip cable for the function generator
- USB power cable and adapter
- Probe calibration adjustment tool
- User manual
My first impression upon unboxing was genuinely positive. The unit feels solid despite its low price, and the large screen dominates the front panel in a good way. The fold-out stands angle the device nicely on your workbench, and there’s even a carry handle built into the top, reinforcing its portable nature.
The probes are nothing special—they’re standard budget fare—but they’re perfectly functional for getting started. The inclusion of a 100× high-voltage probe is a nice touch that you don’t always see at this price point.
One small aesthetic inconsistency that some users have noted: the Channel 1 buttons are yellow, but the ring around the BNC connector is orange/red. It’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect functionality, but it hints at the cost-cutting measures throughout the design.
Setup and Calibration Guide
Getting the Fnirsi 1014D up and running is straightforward, but proper calibration is essential for accurate measurements. Here’s how I recommend setting everything up.
Connecting Probes and Grounding
Start by connecting your probe to Channel 1. The BNC connectors are standard, so the probes click into place securely. Make sure the probe switch is set to the appropriate attenuation (1× for low-voltage signals, 10× for higher voltages and better frequency response).
For the function generator, use the included BNC-to-alligator cable. Connect it to the generator output on the front panel.
Important grounding note: The Fnirsi 1014D’s ground is connected through the USB power supply. This means if you’re using the standard wall adapter, the scope’s ground is referenced to mains earth. I’ll explain why this matters—and how to work around it—in the portability section.
Quick Calibration Steps
Calibrating your probes ensures accurate measurements. Here’s the process I use:
- Connect your probe to Channel 1
- Connect the probe tip to the alligator clip from the function generator output using the BNC cable
- Navigate to the function generator menu and select a 1 kHz square wave at 50% duty cycle
- Turn on Channel 1 and press the Auto button to automatically configure the display
- Look at the square wave corners on screen
If the corners appear rounded or have overshoot (spikes), the probe needs adjustment. Take the small calibration tool included in the box and insert it into the adjustment hole on the probe. Turn it slowly while watching the screen until the square wave corners are sharp 90-degree angles.
That’s it—your probe is now calibrated. Repeat for the second probe if needed.
Performance Tests in the Fnirsi 1014D Review
I put the Fnirsi 1014D through various real-world tests to understand exactly what it can handle. Here’s what I found.
Signal Fidelity and Noise Floor
Signal clarity at typical hobbyist frequencies (under 20 MHz) is genuinely good. I tested with audio signals, 1 kHz calibration squares, and various microcontroller outputs, and the waveforms displayed cleanly with minimal noise.
However, I need to mention the power supply issue. The included USB adapter introduces noticeable noise into your measurements—you’ll see small spikes on your traces that aren’t actually part of the signal you’re measuring. I strongly recommend either using a high-quality USB charger (Apple iPad chargers work well) or powering the scope from a USB battery bank. The difference in trace cleanliness is remarkable.
Rise Time and Frequency Response
Testing with a quality signal generator, I found the Fnirsi 1014D handles signals up to about 30 MHz acceptably. At 60 MHz, waveforms are still visible but amplitude accuracy drops significantly. At 100 MHz, while you might see something on screen, the readings shouldn’t be trusted for any serious measurement work.
The frequency counter becomes unreliable above 30-50 MHz, often displaying incorrect values or failing to lock onto the signal entirely.
For the 1:5 rule that engineers typically use (your scope bandwidth should be 5× your maximum signal frequency), this means the Fnirsi 1014D is realistically suited for signals up to about 6-10 MHz for accurate measurements, and up to 20-30 MHz for general observation.
Trigger Stability and Capture Accuracy
The basic edge triggering works reliably for stable, repetitive signals. The auto-trigger function is particularly good—it quickly locks onto whatever signal you’re feeding it and adjusts the display sensibly.
Where the Fnirsi struggles is with capturing single-shot events or fast transients. The limited real-time sampling rate (200 MSa/s) and shallow memory mean you might miss brief events entirely, or capture them with insufficient detail to be useful.
For most hobbyist applications—checking PWM signals, debugging serial communications, analysing audio—the triggering is perfectly adequate.
User Interface and Controls
The user experience is one of the Fnirsi 1014D’s genuine strengths. Despite its budget price, the interface is intuitive and responsive.
Menu Navigation
The menu system responds quickly to button presses with no noticeable lag. Main functions are accessible through dedicated buttons rather than buried in menus: you get direct access to channel settings, trigger controls, and cursor measurements.
The learning curve is gentle. Within an hour of first use, most beginners will feel comfortable navigating the essential functions. This is a significant advantage over some professional scopes that can feel overwhelming initially.
Waveform Display Options
You can display both channels simultaneously, adjust vertical and horizontal scales independently, and use cursors for precise measurements. The scope automatically calculates and displays key values including:
- Peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp)
- RMS voltage
- Minimum and maximum voltage
- Frequency
- Duty cycle
- Average voltage
You select which values appear from a menu, keeping the display uncluttered.
There’s also an X/Y mode for Lissajous figures and a basic FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) display for frequency-domain analysis. The FFT is quite simple—you can’t zoom in or change the scale from dB to linear—but it’s functional for basic harmonic analysis and more than I’d expect at this price.
What’s missing: There are no math functions (add, subtract, multiply channels), no protocol decoding (I2C, SPI, UART), and no adjustable averaging depth. The device uses fixed averaging, which some engineers view suspiciously as it may be hiding limitations in the underlying hardware.
Battery Life and Portability
This is where the Fnirsi 1014D genuinely shines and offers something that much more expensive oscilloscopes often don’t.
Because the device runs on 5V USB power at just 2A (10W maximum, typically around 5W in use), you can run it from any decent USB power bank. Using a standard 12,000mAh power bank, I achieved approximately 5 hours of continuous operation. A 20,000mAh power bank extends this considerably.
Why this matters beyond just portability:
When you run the oscilloscope from a battery bank, it becomes electrically isolated from mains earth. This is incredibly valuable for safely measuring switch-mode power supplies, mains-referenced circuits, and other situations where the ground reference isn’t earth.
With a traditional mains-powered oscilloscope, connecting your probe ground to a “hot” ground (one that’s at a voltage relative to earth) creates a short circuit through the scope’s earth connection. This can damage your scope, your circuit, or trip breakers. Professional engineers use expensive differential probes or isolation transformers to work around this.
The battery-powered Fnirsi simply floats at whatever potential the circuit is at. This makes it surprisingly useful for switch-mode power supply repair and diagnosis—a task that typically requires much more expensive equipment to do safely.
The manufacturer’s caveat: The manual states that you should use the original power supply. Running from a power bank is technically at your own risk. That said, I’ve experienced no issues during testing, and this capability is one of the device’s most compelling features for repair work.
Software and Firmware Updates
The Fnirsi 1014D stores its firmware and user data on an internal 8GB microSD card—an unusual approach that makes updates straightforward but also represents a cost-cutting measure versus dedicated flash memory.
Updating firmware:
- Download the appropriate firmware file (.bin) from Fnirsi’s website
- Connect the oscilloscope via USB and select “USB Export” from the menu
- The device appears as a removable drive on your computer
- Copy the firmware file to the appropriate location
- Disconnect and restart the oscilloscope
Critical warning: There are different firmware versions for oscilloscopes with “old” versus “new” screens. Installing the wrong version can cause display offset issues. Check which screen version you have before updating.
Firmware updates have historically addressed bugs including display value errors (showing “52 volts” instead of “5.2 volts”) and the AC/DC coupling indicator showing the wrong mode. If you encounter these issues, check for firmware updates before assuming hardware failure.
Comparison: Fnirsi 1014D vs Competitors
How does the Fnirsi 1014D stack up against other options in the budget oscilloscope market?
Value for Money
At £127.50 from fnirsioscilloscopes.store, the Fnirsi 1014D is genuinely difficult to beat on pure price-to-features ratio. You’re getting a dual-channel scope with a large display, built-in function generator, and USB portability for less than many single-function devices.
Hantek DSO2D10 (approximately £180-220): The Hantek offers protocol decoding (I2C, SPI) which is hugely valuable for microcontroller work. It includes an arbitrary waveform generator with adjustable output levels (unlike the Fnirsi’s fixed 2.5V output) and features a built-in help system that explains each function. For the extra £50-90, you get meaningfully more capability. If your budget can stretch, this is worth serious consideration.
Rigol DS1202Z-E (approximately £300-350): The Rigol operates in a different league. You get 200 MHz true bandwidth, 6 million points of memory depth (versus the Fnirsi’s ~3,000), protocol decoding, and professional-grade measurement accuracy. If you’re doing serious electronics work or need to capture long, complex signals, the Rigol is worth saving for.
OWON SDS1104 (approximately £200-250): Offers better voltage measurement accuracy than the Fnirsi, particularly at low voltage ranges where the 1014D struggles.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fnirsi 1014D | Hantek DSO2D10 | Rigol DS1202Z-E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £127.50 | ~£200 | ~£320 |
| Bandwidth (actual) | ~30 MHz | ~100 MHz | 200 MHz |
| Memory Depth | ~3,000 pts | 8M pts | 6M pts |
| Function Generator | Yes (fixed 2.5V) | Yes (adjustable) | Optional |
| Protocol Decode | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Operation | Yes | No | No |
| Math Functions | No | Yes | Yes |
Pros and Cons from the Fnirsi 1014D Review
Pros:
- Exceptional value at £127.50
- Large, clear 7-inch display
- Intuitive interface with fast response
- USB powered—runs from power banks for true portability
- Ground isolation when battery powered (safe for SMPS work)
- Built-in function generator (14 waveforms)
- Compact and genuinely portable with carry handle
- No cooling fan (completely silent operation)
- 1GB internal storage for screenshots and waveforms
- Good enough for Arduino, audio, and basic repair work
Cons:
- Bandwidth and sampling rate significantly overstated in marketing
- Very shallow memory depth causes aliasing issues
- No math functions or protocol decoding
- Function generator has fixed 2.5V output (no amplitude control)
- Voltage readings inaccurate below 1V sensitivity
- Known manufacturing defect with AC/DC coupling relays
- Included power supply introduces noise
- Minimum sensitivity of 50mV/div (most scopes offer 10mV/div)
- Limited trigger options (edge only)
- No PC control software (USB only exports files)
Typical Use Cases and Who Should Buy the Fnirsi 1014D
The Fnirsi 1014D is ideal for:
- Arduino and ESP32 projects: Checking PWM outputs, debugging timing issues, and verifying sensor signals are all well within this scope’s capabilities.
- Audio electronics: Building amplifiers, testing filters, checking preamp stages—audio frequencies are comfortably within the accurate range.
- Raspberry Pi debugging: Verifying GPIO signals, checking I2C/SPI timing visually, and general troubleshooting.
- Basic electronics learning: If you’re studying electronics or teaching yourself, this is an excellent first “real” oscilloscope that won’t break the bank.
- Consumer electronics repair: Checking power supply rails, verifying clock signals, and tracing signal paths in TVs, monitors, and other equipment.
- Switch-mode power supply diagnosis: The battery-powered isolation makes this surprisingly capable for SMPS work that would require expensive differential probes with other scopes.
- Automotive diagnostics: Battery operation means true portability. Checking sensor signals, injector pulses, and ignition timing is straightforward.
Who should look elsewhere:
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Through my testing and research into user experiences, several common issues emerge with the Fnirsi 1014D. Here’s what to watch for and how to address problems.
AC/DC Coupling Not Working Correctly
This is a known manufacturing defect affecting many units. Two internal solid-state relays (KAQY214S) were soldered upside-down at the factory, preventing the AC/DC coupling from switching correctly. You’ll notice the display shows “DC” when you’ve selected AC mode, or vice versa.
The fix: Open the oscilloscope (7 screws total—4 on bottom, 3 on top), locate the two KAQY214S relays near the input section, desolder them, rotate them 180 degrees, and resolder. This requires intermediate soldering skills and a fine-tip iron.
Display Showing Incorrect Voltage Units
Some units display values like “52 volts” when measuring 5.2V, or show “volts” when the reading should be “millivolts.” This is a firmware bug, not a hardware fault. Check Fnirsi’s website for firmware updates that address this issue.
Noisy Signal Traces
If you’re seeing noise spikes or fuzzy traces on signals you know are clean, the culprit is almost certainly the included power adapter. Replace it with a high-quality USB charger or run the scope from a power bank. The improvement is dramatic.
Screen Flickering or Display Issues
The LCD connects via a ribbon cable internally. If you’ve dropped the unit or it’s been jostled significantly, the connector may have loosened. Opening the case and reseating the ribbon cable often resolves flickering issues. If the screen is physically damaged internally (common after drops), replacement screens are available online—search for the screen serial number from the original display.
Oscilloscope Not Recognised via USB
When you select “USB Export” from the menu, the device should appear as a removable drive. If it doesn’t, try a different USB cable (data cables, not charge-only) or a different USB port. The device requires no special drivers—it presents as a standard mass storage device.
Probe Compensation Issues
If square waves show rounded corners or ringing despite calibration attempts, your probe may be faulty or you may be using 1× mode when 10× would be more appropriate. Higher-frequency signals generally display better in 10× mode due to the probe’s frequency compensation network.
Accessories and Optional Add-Ons
The included accessories get you started, but a few additions can improve your experience:
Recommended accessories:
- Quality USB power supply: An Apple iPad charger or similar well-filtered supply dramatically reduces noise. Budget: £15-25.
- USB power bank (20,000mAh+): Essential for portable use and ground-isolated measurements. Budget: £20-40.
- BNC T-adapters and cables: Useful for connecting the function generator output directly to scope inputs for testing. Budget: £5-10.
- External attenuator: Since the function generator outputs a fixed 2.5V signal, an adjustable attenuator lets you reduce this for testing sensitive circuits. A simple resistive voltage divider in a BNC housing works well. Budget: £10-20 to build or buy.
- Better probes: While the included probes work, quality replacements from brands like Hantek improve signal fidelity. Budget: £20-40 per probe.
- Protective case: If you’re using the portability features, a padded case protects your investment. Budget: £15-30.
Final Verdict: Is the Fnirsi 1014D Worth It?
After extensive testing, here’s my honest assessment: the Fnirsi 1014D is a genuine bargain with genuine limitations.
It’s not a professional instrument. The inflated specifications, shallow memory, and measurement inaccuracies at low voltages mean serious engineers should look elsewhere. As one expert put it, professionals should “not touch it with a 10-foot pole.”
However, for hobbyists, students, and makers working within its actual capabilities, the Fnirsi 1014D delivers remarkable value. A functional 30 MHz dual-channel oscilloscope with a built-in function generator for £127.50 is, frankly, astonishing compared to what similar money bought even five years ago.
The USB power capability—enabling battery operation and ground isolation—is a genuinely useful feature that more expensive scopes often lack. For switch-mode power supply work alone, this saves the cost of differential probes or isolation transformers.
My recommendation:
If you’re buying your first oscilloscope, understand electronics basics, and will primarily work with Arduino, audio, or general hobby electronics, the Fnirsi 1014D at £127.50 is an excellent starting point. You’ll eventually outgrow it, but by then you’ll understand what features actually matter to you for your next scope.
If you can stretch your budget to £200-220, the Hantek DSO2D10 offers meaningfully better capability. And if you’re serious about electronics as more than a casual hobby, saving for a Rigol will serve you for years.
The Fnirsi 1014D is exactly what it is: an affordable entry point that gets the job done for basic work. Buy it with realistic expectations, and you won’t be disappointed.
Where to Buy and Pricing Overview
The Fnirsi 1014D is available from multiple sources at varying prices:
fnirsioscilloscopes.store: £127.50 — The best price for UK customers with dedicated support.
Amazon UK: £199 — Significantly more expensive but offers Amazon’s returns policy.
AliExpress: Variable — Prices fluctuate; watch for shipping times and import duties.
For UK buyers, fnirsioscilloscopes.store offers the best combination of price and local support.
[Buy Now – £127.50 with UK Delivery]
Here’s the updated FAQ section with your new questions added
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Fnirsi 1014D
How do you calibrate a FNIRSI-1014D?
Calibrating your probes is straightforward and essential for accurate measurements. Connect your probe to Channel 1, then use the included BNC-to-alligator cable to connect the probe tip to the function generator output. Set the generator to produce a 1 kHz square wave at 50% duty cycle, turn on Channel 1, and press the Auto button. Look at the square wave on screen—if the corners appear rounded or show overshoot, take the small calibration tool included in the box and insert it into the adjustment hole on the probe. Turn it slowly while watching the display until all corners are sharp 90-degree angles. Once you see clean, square corners, your probe is properly calibrated.
Does FNIRSI-1014D support waveform saving?
Yes, the Fnirsi 1014D supports both screenshot and waveform saving. You can save measurements as screenshots (image files) or as actual waveform data that can be loaded and analysed later as if the original signal were still present. The device has 1GB of internal storage for saved files. To access your saved data, connect the oscilloscope to your computer via USB and select “USB Export” from the menu—the device appears as a removable drive, and you can copy files directly without needing any special drivers or software.
How often should I calibrate my oscilloscope?
I recommend calibrating your probes whenever you first set up the oscilloscope, after changing between 1× and 10× probe settings, and periodically every few months during regular use. You should also recalibrate if you notice square waves appearing rounded or distorted, if you’ve dropped or knocked the probe, after significant temperature changes in your workspace, or when switching probes between channels. Calibration only takes a minute and ensures your measurements remain accurate, so when in doubt, it’s worth doing a quick check.
What is the sampling rate of the FNIRSI-1014D?
The Fnirsi 1014D is advertised with a 1 GSa/s (GigaSample per second) sampling rate, but this requires clarification. The 1 GSa/s figure is only achieved through equivalent-time sampling, which works by taking samples across multiple repetitions of a stable, repetitive signal and combining them. For single-shot events or non-repetitive signals, the actual real-time sampling rate is 200 MSa/s. This is still adequate for most hobbyist applications—audio work, Arduino debugging, and basic electronics—but means the scope may miss brief transients or capture fast single events with limited detail.
Is the Fnirsi 1014D really 100 MHz?
Technically, the device meets the -3dB bandwidth criterion at 100 MHz, meaning a 100 MHz signal will display at about 71% of its true amplitude. However, the frequency response is uneven, and practical usable bandwidth is closer to 20-30 MHz. For accurate measurements, stay below 20 MHz.
Can I use a power bank to run the oscilloscope?
Yes. The device runs happily from any power bank that provides 5V at 2A or more. A 12,000mAh bank provides roughly 5 hours of operation. The manufacturer states the original power supply “must” be used, so technically this is at your own risk, but countless users report no issues.
Is it safe for mains voltage measurements?
When powered by a battery bank (not mains adapter), the oscilloscope is isolated from earth, making it safer for measuring mains-referenced circuits. However, ensure your probe rating exceeds your measurement voltage. The included probes and 100× probe extend measurement range, but always exercise appropriate caution with mains voltages.
Why does my AC/DC coupling seem backwards?
This is a known manufacturing defect where internal relays were soldered upside-down. It can be fixed by opening the unit and reorienting the two KAQY214S relays, or check for firmware updates that may correct the display indicator.
Can I control the oscilloscope from my PC?
No. Unlike some competitors (Rigol, Hantek), the Fnirsi 1014D doesn’t support PC control. USB connectivity only allows file export—the device appears as a removable drive, and you can copy saved screenshots and waveforms.
How do I update the firmware?
Connect via USB, select “USB Export” from the menu, and the oscilloscope appears as a drive. Copy the appropriate .bin firmware file to the device, disconnect, and restart. Ensure you use the correct version for your screen type (old/new).
What’s the function generator output voltage?
Fixed at 2.5V peak-to-peak. Unlike more expensive units, you cannot adjust the amplitude. For lower voltages, you’ll need an external attenuator.
Is it good for automotive use?
Yes, particularly with battery power. Checking sensor signals, injector timing, and ignition waveforms is straightforward. The portability is a genuine advantage for workshop use.
How does it compare to the Hantek DSO2D10?
The Hantek costs more (around £200) but offers protocol decoding (I2C, SPI), adjustable function generator output, deeper memory, and a built-in help system. If your budget allows, the Hantek is the better technical choice. The Fnirsi wins on price and battery-powered portability.
Should I buy this as my first oscilloscope?
If you’re learning electronics, working on Arduino projects, or doing basic repair work, yes—it’s an excellent entry point at an accessible price. Just understand its limitations and don’t expect professional-grade accuracy.
