1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and effective operation of your OWON SDS5032E Digital Storage Oscilloscope. The SDS5032E is a 2-channel, 30MHz bandwidth oscilloscope designed for accurate signal measurement and analysis. It features an 8-inch TFT color LCD display, a 10k point memory depth, and various connectivity options including USB, LAN, and VGA ports.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure proper setup, operation, and maintenance.
2. Safety Information
To prevent electric shock or personal injury, and to avoid damage to the oscilloscope or connected equipment, observe the following safety precautions:
- Power Source: Connect the oscilloscope only to a power source within the specified voltage range (100-240Vac RMS, 50/60Hz, CAT II).
- Grounding: Ensure the oscilloscope is properly grounded. The power cord supplied with the instrument has a protective grounding conductor.
- Probe Safety: Use only probes supplied or recommended by OWON. Do not connect the probe ground lead to a point where a voltage greater than 300V RMS exists between ground and the point.
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the oscilloscope in a well-ventilated area. Do not operate in explosive atmospheres or in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Avoid operating in damp or wet conditions.
- Maintenance: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not attempt to service the instrument yourself.
- Cleaning: Disconnect power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
3. Setup
3.1 Unpacking and Contents Verification
Carefully unpack the oscilloscope and all accessories. Verify that all items listed below are present and undamaged. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your supplier.

This image displays the OWON SDS5032E Digital Storage Oscilloscope alongside its standard accessories. These include two oscilloscope probes for signal input, a USB cable for PC connectivity, a power cable for operation, a printed user manual, and a CD containing software and drivers.
Standard package contents include:
- OWON SDS5032E Digital Storage Oscilloscope
- Two Oscilloscope Probes (1:1 and 10:1 switchable)
- Power Cable
- USB Cable
- User Manual
- CD with Software and Drivers
3.2 Power Connection
Connect the supplied power cable to the AC power input on the rear panel of the oscilloscope and then to a grounded AC power outlet. The oscilloscope supports 100-240Vac RMS, 50/60Hz power sources.
3.3 Connecting Probes
Connect the BNC connector of an oscilloscope probe to either the CH1 or CH2 input on the front panel. Ensure the connector is securely twisted into place. Attach the probe ground clip to the circuit's ground point. Set the probe attenuation switch (if available) to the desired setting (e.g., 1X or 10X) and match this setting on the oscilloscope's input channel menu.
3.4 Initial Power-On
Press the power button located on the front panel to turn on the oscilloscope. The device will perform a self-test and display the main waveform interface.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Front Panel Overview

A front-facing view of the OWON SDS5032E oscilloscope, highlighting the large 8-inch LCD display and the array of control buttons and rotary knobs used for adjusting settings and navigating menus.
The front panel features the 8-inch TFT LCD display, various function buttons, and rotary knobs for controlling vertical, horizontal, and trigger settings. Key controls include:
- Vertical Controls: VOLTS/DIV knobs for adjusting vertical scale and POSITION knobs for vertical waveform positioning for each channel (CH1, CH2).
- Horizontal Controls: SEC/DIV knob for adjusting the time base and HORIZONTAL POSITION knob for horizontal waveform positioning.
- Trigger Controls: TRIG LEVEL knob for setting the trigger threshold and various trigger mode buttons.
- Function Buttons: Buttons for Measure, Acquire, Cursor, Utility, Save, Display, Help, Auto Setup, Run/Stop, Single, and Math functions.
- Menu Buttons (F1-F5): Context-sensitive buttons along the left side of the display for menu navigation.
4.2 Basic Measurement
- Connect Signal: Connect the probe to the signal source you wish to measure.
- Auto Setup: Press the Auto Setup button. The oscilloscope will automatically adjust the vertical, horizontal, and trigger settings to display a stable waveform.
- Adjust Vertical Scale: Use the VOLTS/DIV knob for the active channel (CH1 or CH2) to adjust the vertical scale, making the waveform fill the screen appropriately.
- Adjust Horizontal Scale: Use the SEC/DIV knob to adjust the time base, allowing you to view more or less of the waveform horizontally.
- Adjust Trigger: Use the TRIG LEVEL knob to stabilize the waveform. The trigger level indicator on the screen shows the current trigger point.
- Measurements: Press the Measure button to access automatic measurement functions (e.g., frequency, peak-to-peak voltage, RMS).
4.3 Connectivity (USB, LAN, VGA)

This image shows a side profile of the oscilloscope, detailing the connectivity options such as the LAN port, VGA output, and USB host/device ports, which enable data transfer and external display connections.
- USB Port: Connect a USB flash drive to the USB Host port for saving waveforms, screenshots, or settings. Use the USB Device port to connect the oscilloscope to a PC for data transfer and remote control via the provided software.
- LAN Port: Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN port for network connectivity, enabling remote control and data sharing over a local area network. Refer to the software manual for detailed LAN setup.
- VGA Port: Connect an external monitor or projector to the VGA port to display the oscilloscope screen on a larger display, useful for demonstrations or collaborative work.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior of the oscilloscope with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth lightly dampened with water and a mild detergent. Ensure no liquid enters the device. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Screen Care: Clean the LCD screen gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid pressing hard on the screen.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the oscilloscope in a dry, dust-free environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Probe Calibration: Periodically check and calibrate your probes according to the instructions in the full user manual to ensure accurate measurements.
6. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to common issues. For more complex problems, refer to the detailed user manual or contact technical support.
- No Power:
- Check if the power cable is securely connected to both the oscilloscope and the power outlet.
- Verify that the power outlet is functional.
- Ensure the power switch is in the 'ON' position.
- No Display/Blank Screen:
- Adjust the intensity/brightness settings if available.
- Perform an Auto Setup to reset display parameters.
- If connected to an external VGA display, ensure the external display is powered on and correctly configured.
- Unstable Waveform:
- Adjust the TRIG LEVEL knob to stabilize the waveform.
- Check the trigger mode (e.g., Edge, Video) and source settings to ensure they match the input signal.
- Verify probe connections and ensure the ground clip is properly attached.
- No Signal Displayed:
- Ensure the probe is correctly connected to the signal source and the oscilloscope input channel.
- Check the VOLTS/DIV setting; the signal might be too small to be visible.
- Check the SEC/DIV setting; the signal might be too fast or too slow.
- Perform an Auto Setup.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 01SDS5032E |
| Bandwidth | 30 MHz |
| Channels | 2 |
| Sampling Rate | Up to 250 MSa/s |
| Memory Depth | 10k points per channel |
| Display | 8-inch TFT 65K color LCD, 800x600 pixel resolution |
| Interfaces | USB (Host & Device), LAN, VGA |
| Power Supply | 100~240Vac RMS, 50/60Hz, CAT II |
| Product Dimensions | 14 x 3 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Owon |
| Date First Available | September 13, 2012 |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official OWON website. You can also visit the OWON Store on Amazon for additional product information and resources.





