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[Closed] Oscilloscope

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(@anibal)
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Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 39
Topic starter  

I would very much like to see the inclusion of oscilloscope use and techniques. I use the Rigol DS 1102E but the Rigol website falls short on content quality. Covers many topics and subjects but not in-depth enough to understand the how to. I hope you consider this suggestion as I’m sure many of us out there can use the help as we certainly have the need due to the level some of us have now reach. Thank you Bill so much for your truly well done website. 

best,

Anibal 


   
(@ee-hobbyist)
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I agree, it would be nice to get a session or two on oscilloscope use and techniques.  I purchased a Siglent SDS 1202X-E scope.  I am sure many techniques are nearly identical on different scopes. Website and forum look good.

Jay


   
(@dronebot-workshop)
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I'm definitely willing to do a general article and video about using oscilloscopes. One thing that makes it difficult however is that the control panels of different manufacturers scopes vary a great deal.

I have a Rigol DS1054Z, which is an extremely popular scope among hobbyists due to its low price and wealth of features.  So I would be using that.

So if the suggestion is about a video and article that outline the use of an oscilloscope in general terms than I will happily accept it.  If it is a more detailed article and video you want I'd like to hear what others have to say. So I'll keep this thread open for a while to accept further suggestions on this subject.

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
Anibal reacted
(@anibal)
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Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 39
Topic starter  

I’m glad the oscilloscope video and article has been received warmly and I’m sure we all can benefit from a video or two. I use the Rigol DS1102E and I’m getting the hang of it but would enjoy and appreciate information and tutorials by those with experience.

Best

Anibal


   
(@rogerl)
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Posts: 12
 

I have just acquired a Rigol DS1102E in the last few days.  I would imagine that the basic operation is pretty similar to the DS1054Z, so I would definitely welcome an introduction video.


   
byron
(@byron)
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A how to use would be useful, but for me a when and why to use would be even better.  Several times over the past few years I’ve almost bought one but have held back as I felt I was getting by just fine without one.  A good explanation of when you would dust off your oscilloscope, and what you would do if you did not have one would help those, like me, who are considering whether to get one for just a hobby use.


   
(@rogerl)
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Perhaps Bill could think of ways he could introduce his scope into his normal videos so we could all see examples of it in use.  I think it popped up in a video about PWM a while back, but maybe there would be scope (no pun intended) to see it more in future?

(Edit)  I bought mine because I want to do some experimentation into audio synthesizer circuits, but ideas for other uses would be helpful.


   
(@dronebot-workshop)
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Posted by: @rogerl

Perhaps Bill could think of ways he could introduce his scope into his normal videos so we could all see examples of it in use.  I think it popped up in a video about PWM a while back, but maybe there would be scope (no pun intended) to see it more in future?

Actually I'll be using it in a couple of videos I'm creating right now, so it will be making an appearance soon!

Posted by: @byron

A good explanation of when you would dust off your oscilloscope, and what you would do if you did not have one would help those, like me, who are considering whether to get one for just a hobby use.

That's an interesting take on the subject, thank you for suggesting it!

 

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
(@pugwash)
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Posts: 923
 

@dronebot-workshop

So if the suggestion is about a video and article that outline the use of an oscilloscope in general terms than I will happily accept it.  If it is a more detailed article and video you want I'd like to hear what others have to say. So I'll keep this thread open for a while to accept further suggestions on this subject.

I agree that as most of the knobs on digital oscilloscopes have the same basic functionality, no matter what make the oscilloscope is, I have an OWON XDS2102A. The available advanced functions where access to the menu system is required would be too dependant on the manufacturer. Basic functionality would certainly be a subject worth covering in a video but one advanced function would be an exception to the rule, and that is setting up a single shot to look at serial transmission signals UART/I2C etc..

And even using basic functionality, there would be scope for explaining how to compensate for undershoot and overshoot, and other signal recognition and cleaning methods.

I know, this starting to look like two videos??


   
NewburyPi
(@dale)
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Posts: 97
 

I'm throwing in my vote for an oscilloscope video (or two). The scope (pun definitely intended) would seem to require two videos. The first would cover the basic controls, and display (V/cm, Sec/cm (maybe just touch on the displayed measured values)), basic triggering (auto, normal, and one shot), comparing timing between two signals, and tuning the probes. The second could go into specific measurements. Perhaps the forum could supply suggestions for coverage in part 2. When I get the vestiges of the holidays cleared up, I'll be looking to use my new scope to capture SPI data. This (+ I2C and UART data?) may be a useful topic for the group.

--
Dale


   
(@dronebot-workshop)
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Posted by: @pugwash

one advanced function would be an exception to the rule, and that is setting up a single shot to look at serial transmission signals UART/I2C etc..

Posted by: @dale

I'll be looking to use my new scope to capture SPI data. This (+ I2C and UART data?) may be a useful topic

I agree, there is a lot of interest in using the I2C, SPI, and UART function included in modern scopes. And it would have to be an article/video that followed an introductory video.

So I'm accepting this as a topic for a series of articles and videos, especially as I have often considered doing it anyway but didn't know how it would be received. Now I think I can see that it would be worthwhile.

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
(@dronebot-workshop)
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Posted by: @pugwash

I know, this starting to look like two videos??

Yes, at least two - even with my long videos it would be a lot to cram into one!

I've already accepted this as a topic but before I lock and move the post into the Accepted Content section I'll leave it open, as I'd like to get a bit more feedback about how I can do this in two (or three even?) videos and articles. 

I'll be updating my Trello content board tomorrow with a lot of the ideas gathered here, as well as a bunch that I have on my whiteboard here in my office.

So if anyone wants a say in this now is your chance!

?

Bill

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
NewburyPi reacted
byron
(@byron)
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For decoding I2C, SPI etc isn't a logic analyser more useful than an oscilloscope?   Some certainly cost a lot less. Maybe I will pick up a better understanding from your upcoming video series ?  and I hope you can address some of these fundamental points.  


   
NewburyPi
(@dale)
Member
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Posts: 97
 

A logic analyzer was very helpful when working with parallel bus issues. However most communications is serial today and you only *need* two probes. One for 'data' and the other for 'clock.' A logic analyzer would allow you to also capture 'select,' and 'return data' (full duplex comms). That is what made me buy a four probe scope. However, I expect that much comms debugging can be done with just two probes. 

All that being said... there does seem to be quite a few inexpensive logic analyses on the market. My first "scope" was a BitScope, which had a functional logic analyzer capability. 

 

--
Dale


   
(@zeferby)
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Posts: 355
 
Posted by: @dronebot-workshop

I'd like to get a bit more feedback about how I can do this in two (or three even?) videos and articles

Just thinking aloud...

- setup / calibration / basic functions

- several use cases (analog signal, digital signal, for ex.adjust pullup resist on a crowded I2C)

- what features for what usage (analog bandwidth, sampling rate, memory...)

- maybe a more advanced usage example like in debugging situation ?

Eric


   
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