Micsig DP10013 High Voltage Differential Probe 1300V 100MHz 3.5ns Rise Time 50X/500X Attenuation, Tektronix P5200A P5205A P5210A,White

Playing with mains voltages (240v RMS in the UK - that's around 680v + peak to peak, which 'aint no joke!) should be undertaken with a great deal of care. I have used my standard oscilloscope probes for measurement in the past, but there's a chance that a slip up would destroy my 'scope. Using a differential probe will reduce that possibility significantly. That was the main reason for purchase but this device allows other measurement possibilities too. Exploring a circuit where I want to look at some electrical features that are in reference to a common ground I can use the standard scope probes. I may want to look at other elements in the same circuit that do not share the same ground, however. With the probe I can make both measurements simultaneously.Enough of the purchase justification already.... On with the review.The probe requires an external power supply; a standard USB output connected to a separate PSU would work. Given that this is such a ubiquitous power source however, and with the isolation on the USB power supply socket in evidence, i.e. there's no continuity from the input or output leads, you can power this from your PC, laptop or even from the 'scope if required.My Rigol (like most scopes these days it would seem) has a USB socket on the front of the device that powers the probes nicely. The kit comes complete with a standard Male USB A to Male USB B cable so it can be plugged in without recourse to seperate PSU's immediately and with no recourse to worrying about batteries.There is a USB socket on the DP10013 that allows you to plug in and power additional devices, which is good. However, when connected to the 'scope for power, plugging a USB stick into the DP10013 unit, one that works perfectly well when plugged directly into the 'scope, does not work. The power is there, but the data connection does not appear to be; you can't use the port on the probe to attach a USB key, which is annoying.In practice, I do all my work on a bench, so I'll either use a USB connection for my PC, or if I'm using it for high voltage measurement but still need the capability to store screenshots, I'll use a stand-alone USB power bank to power it just for extra isolation. This issue erk's, however. It will be annoying if i was ever in the field. Having this port available but not able to use a data key in it makes me wonder what the designers thought this would be used for?Data key issues aside, the device is easy to use and seems to be completely compatible with my 'scope (Rigol DS1054). The paperwork states that any 1M Ohm input will be, which will be most oscilloscopes I would think.Given the quality of measurements I'm making, spending many hundreds on a similar device was simply not an option for me. This device, in comparison to other high voltage differential probes, offers great value for money. It gives me the extra safety and advanced functionality I need without breaking the bank and offers a higher bandwidth then other items at around the same price.It comes with an excellent hard-case, a really nice selection of connection tools: Probes that have lift-off shields that are then 4mm banana jack compatible, a good set of crocodile clips and long, flexible grippers/hooks for clipping onto wires or components.With the only gripe that the USB port on the unit appears not to facilitate data transfer when using the USB port on the 'scope as the power source, this is a great little unit. For the first time buyer who doesn't need state of the art kit, this is ideal.I'm very happy with my purchase.

I bought this for point to point floating measurements i.e. non-referenced to mains ground of high voltage, typically for work on switched mode power supplies. The 50x/500x divider I don't see as a limitation at these high voltages when working at lower voltages these are not designed for such purpose. If you require to work with lower voltages power your projects with an isolation transformer and if absolutely necessary use attenuators inline 20-1. If you are having difficulty matching the attenuation to your scope you might need to multiply or divide manually in your head or with a calculator to derive the results. For all those new to working with Oscilloscopes never ever directly connect an Oscilloscope to a mains electricity supply or high voltage. The results could prove fatal i.e Death to you, Death to your work and Death to your Oscilloscope. The reason is the Oscilloscope measurements are ground-based reference all negative connections are joined and grounded. So when you input mains high voltage into the Oscilloscope it becomes LIVE at that high voltage and if you touch you will become a path to earth electrocuted. If you choose to live dangerously with a floating Oscilloscope one with an internal battery best keep one hand in your pocket. The best and safe way is to use Differential Probes for high voltages keeping your hands away from potential points of live electrical contacts and in other methods power, your projects in input using and an isolation transformer.

First these probes come in a nice hard case to protect them and second these are amazing value. Despite what others have said you absolutely can use this at low voltages, I am indeed doing that. I use a variac to test my boards I am designing and then buy the appropriate transformer for completion. So I am using these probes so as not to have the earth ref problem. My scope goes 100x so I use the 50x and half the results. Definitely a good buy for beginners and hobbiest.

Works very well for switching power supply debugging with Rigol ‘scope