Cheap logic analyzers?

I purchased an cheap and affordable logic analyzer from China.  I have used it a couple of times and have found that despite it is a little basic when compared to professional analyzers which I worked with 20 years ago on the job, it does give you reasonable insight to data signal flow.  I wouldn't recommend this item for trouble shooting a complex signal for analysis but for a basic visual understanding of data I/O of Arduino interfaces it's more than adequate.  What really makes this cheap test equipment great and a bargain is the free / low cost software which is available to analyze and display the signal. The analyzer interfaces with your computer's USB and the software displays the data signal on your computer screen. Nice graphics in color to distinguish channels and time. Some included software tools to further explore signal pattern.

Affordable, easy to use, ideal learning tool, reasonable price.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2020974930.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dxdKMIQ

Hope my opinion gives you some insight.

Search YouTube " Logic Analyzer " there are many videos which you may find helpful and informative.

Syd

@yurkshirelad  @76plus

I've been curious about these as well, by looking at the specs my thought is that the limiting factor would be the maximum frequency they can work at. They seem to top out at about 16-20 MHz, which would be fine for an Arduino AVR board, but newer boards like the ESP32 run at higher clock frequencies and (I suspect) higher data-bus frequencies.

But you can't argue that they are a bargain, might be worth getting one just to see if it has any practical use. Even if it is just more as a learning tool than a proper diagnostic instrument.

😎

Bill

I've been wondering myself if a $20 analyzer would be useful for understanding circuits.  Perhaps a video showing it working and benefits would be useful.

I have the same logic analyzer and I managed to use it a bit, but I couldn't get I2C or SPI decoding working. After I upgraded the s/w, I couldn't get it to do anything. That probably means I was doing something wrong though.

I briefly used it as an oscilloscope alternative as I didn't have one. So I was using it for simple stuff only.

I've been eyeing up this unit - but haven't needed a scope yet. If I start building capacitance measuring circuits, I'll undoubtedly pull the trigger on it. 😉

ETEPON Digital Oscilloscope Kit Handheld with Power Supply and BNC-Clip Cable Probe (Assembled Finished Machine) : Amazon.ca: Everything Else

Posted by: @binaryrhyme

I've been eyeing up this unit - but haven't needed a scope yet. If I start building capacitance measuring circuits, I'll undoubtedly pull the trigger on it. 😉

ETEPON Digital Oscilloscope Kit Handheld with Power Supply and BNC-Clip Cable Probe (Assembled Finished Machine) : Amazon.ca: Everything Else

I have one of these, and I think they're a great little device for beginners who don't need a bench scope. Yes they're very limited, but plenty for my current needs.

@yurkshirelad Yeh, I don't see myself getting into high frequency work (if I do, I'll look into rentals, lol). Most of my projects are going to be logic and automation once I truly get rolling.