Oscilloscope and how to use them

Posted by: @anibal

Hi all;

I hope to find a few video here if they have not been presented already on the use of the oscilloscope and other test equipment. I myself have invested in a Rigol DS1102E and I'm very eager to jump in. I have found a few websites that offer the how to's, some good some not so. I hope Bill will put together a few how to videos on the oscilloscope for those like myself who really want to get the most out of their equipment. 

Best,

Anibal

I hate to disappoint but I think that is a wish that is not going to come true. The DroneBot concept seems to me to be introducing and explaining predesigned circuit boards and sensors (modular build), leading ultimately to the completion of DB1. A mini-series on oscilloscopes would probably turn some followers away.

With the availability of reasonably priced digital scopes, they are now well within reach of the hobby market. But the functionality of these scopes is way beyond the requirements of hobbyists. I know because last year I bought one and I don't think I have used more than 5% of the built-in features. But it looks nice on my workbench! ? 

There are some excellent tutorials from Rohde & Schwarz on YouTube, and they are the real experts!

Thank you Pugwash,

I understand perfectly your position, however I have found the DroneBot Workshop so well done it would be an excellent place for such a course. 
My interest in the use of a scope is based on the fact I’m interested in original design and applications and thus I need to know about circuit behavior so I can fully avail myself all there is to get me there. I did find one site in particular I enjoyed concerning the use of the Rigol but I’ve become especially appreciative of the style and content of the DroneBot Workshop. 

Again thank you for your input and certainly will use R & S as the authority and source of my needs and learning. 

best,

Anibal 

Posted by: @anibal

I hope Bill will put together a few how to videos on the oscilloscope for those like myself who really want to get the most out of their equipment. 

Actually I have considered it, but as Pugwash correctly points out there are already some excellent resources to learn how to use a scope. And It would be very hard to do in one video or article.

I'd suggest going to YouTube and searching for your scope model.  Although all scopes have many of the same basic features, the operation of two scopes by two different manufacturers is quite different. When I was a bench tech I used Textronix and Hewlett Packard scopes, but I'm still trying to figure out all of the features of my Rigol DS1054Z.

?

Bill

@dronebot-workshop

Thank you Bill, I have indeed found one or two websites Im comfortable with that deal with my particular brand name and model. I will also spend much time with on the job learning as I’m doing this very moment. 

best,

Anibal 

This seemed as good a place as any if you'll excuse resurrecting an old thread...

I too am considering a first scope.  I saw in one of Bill's video's he used the apparently very popular 4 channel Rigol.  I expect that model would be more than I'd ever need our likely use.  My question is even with it being reasonably priced at around $350 from everywhere, is it more than I should get for hobby use?  Would the 2 channel variant mentioned by the OP be "enough"?  To do things like anyone here might do, as Bill did in the encoder video I watched.  I may make a microprocessor circuit from time to time, I don't really know enough to know what I might need.  I presume the 4 channel for only $50 more is a no-brainer.  And I understand it's software upgradeable "fully enabled" for a trivial effort as well.  There are lots of 2 channel's for sale used, but I'm afraid of getting a used one, lacking the experience to know if anything was wrong with it.

DS1054Z

or

DS1102E

Any gotchas I should be considering?

Shorton,

I went with the DS1054Z this past February (2020). After reviewing a few others (DS1102E was one) and asking for advice on a few other sites everyone came back and said the DS1054Z is the standard Oscilloscope spec'd out now for Electrical Engineers in the Field.

Picked it up from ValueTronics International Inc. (Not associated/Work for them in any way and it was my first Order with them)

To my door (tax/shipping/etc) it was $349.00. Fast Shipping.

Plus they have a Customer Loyalty program that gave me another $17.50 off a future order. Which will be a Isolation Transformer (Probably a B&K PRECISION 1604A).  Or possibly a Function Signal Generator (Suggestions anyone?). As I guess these are commonly paired all together for Troubleshooting circuits. Which and how they are used depends on what your doing I am told...I am still learning this and would really enjoy a good YouTube video on the topic.

Just my two cents,

Chris

Hello all,

Some time ago I was considering the purchase of one of the handheld oscilloscopes (models such as DSO138 or DSO150). I finally went for a larger model, capable of displaying radio frequencies, and not be limited to a 1 mHz bandwidth.

Last week, after a long wait, I received my Hantek 5072P oscilloscope.

This Chinese product has a decent price /performance ratio, for my needs.

I still need to see how well it meets the published specifications.

HJ

Hey all,

I found that Tektronix has a great site with all kinds of useful information. Here is a link Tektronix: Primer XYZ-Scope.pdf  I'm new to using an Oscilloscope myself. I purchased a Siglent SDS1052DL+ about 6 months ago and all I did was look at it with fear. The PDF is very detailed for us beginners. From Understanding Waveforms, Types of Oscilloscopes, Operating the Oscilloscope to Oscilloscope Measurement Techniques. The PDF even has a Written Exercise to help with the Vocabulary and Applications. 

It has given me the push I needed to use my Oscilloscope versus collecting dust on my bench. Hope it helps one of you!

Thanks, -Chris

I don't think I'll get an oscilloscope but I have watched some really good instructional and review videos on YouTube. It's quite the rabbit hole. I quite like the channel "learnelectronics", as he covers oscilloscopes and also reviews a few models.

I pondered what I would get, and a handheld would work better for me, but reviews seem to be split between "they're toys!" and "they're great for what they do".