Oscilloscope training class (long) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2011, 03:08:58 am
content: I helped teach a class on the basics of oscilloscopes to the New Jersey Antique Radio Club. This club is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of antique radios - mainly from the golden age of broadcasting. The class was geared entirely around analog scopes, since that's the type of scope that these guys would most likely come across or have access to for their radio restoration projects. We affectionately called the class "Scopes for Dopes", and it was a great success.Fortunately, the session was videotaped. We had two projectors going - one with presentation slides, and one with a video camera feed that was focused on a few scopes on a table for demonstration.To make it easier to navigate this long video - over 2 hours long, here is a list of time-stamps and the topics that begin at those timestamps. Using this "table of contents", you can easily move the youtube player location to the topic of interest.0:00:00 Opening and Agenda0:02:50 Brief History of Oscilloscopes – with Al Klase0:15:00 Start of Basics of Oscilloscopes – with Alan Wolke0:19:00 Basic Block Diagram of an Oscilloscope0:19:50 Oscilloscope / Display Overview0:23:00 Display Section Functions and Controls0:28:10 Vertical Section Description0:33:17 Vertical Scale / Coupling Controls, Input Impedance0:38:04 Vertical Mode Controls0:48:05 In-circuit Example of using two traces on the oscilloscope0:52:41 Horizontal Section Description0:53:48 Horizontal Sweep Types & Controls1:10:15 Triggering (Synchronization) Section Description1:13:19 Trigger Source, Mode and Coupling Controls1:19:56 Trigger Level and Slope Controls1:23:29 Introduction to Oscilloscope Probes1:31:45 1X and 10X Passive Probes1:34:00 10X Probe Compensation and Use Considerations1:48:48 XY Mode of Operation2:00:12 Front Panel Control Layout2:02:20 Pop Quiz!2:03:00 Wrap Up: Oscilloscope adds Intuitive Feel to circuit operation2:04:45 Questions and Answers2:13:35 Brief History of Oscilloscope TubesAlso, if you are interested, I have a couple of other oscilloscope videos on my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/w2aew...including a tutorial on 1X and 10X probes...

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2011, 08:32:55 am
content: Unfortunately,I don't have the time to watch all of this right now,--But it is excellent!!I highly recommend that those of you who are unfamiliar with Oscilloscopes & in fact,anyone, watch this.It's not just a quick demonstration of somebody's bench 'scope,but a full on tutorial which you would pay real money to attend if it was held in your home town!Just watching the first section I learned a lot of stuff I was a bit vague on about the history of these wondrous devices!VK6ZGO

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2011, 10:32:42 am
content: Wonderful tutorial job, including indexing if you want to speed through.

author: pklawit
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2011, 07:07:03 pm
content: Hi,I have just watched the whole 2:20 long movie.This is really good stuff.For me the most interresting was the part about 10x attenuating probesand the probes compensation.P.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2011, 07:52:15 pm
content: Quote from: pklawit on June 15, 2011, 07:07:03 pmI actually made a separate video, just on the 1X and 10X probes. This video is here:

author: Flavour Flave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2011, 07:24:14 pm
content: Obviously sticky this!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2011, 05:09:48 pm
content: In addition to the very long oscilloscope training video posted at the head of this link, you might also want to check out a shorter video posted by some of the Tektronix factory guys, talking about the basics of using basic digital oscilloscope.And, from time to time (and sometimes by request), I'll be adding more oscilloscope and practical measurement videos to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/w2aew

author: tekfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2011, 05:59:21 pm
content: I hope everybody saw this in the tektronix contest videos:RIP Jim Williams

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2011, 12:38:43 am
content: I have been looking for that thing since I first thought I needed a scope. I want to Master the Operation of the Oscilloscope (sounded like a manual, right?). Awesome. Thanks a lot!

author: Armin_Balija
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2011, 02:53:21 am
content: Thumbs up! Really really cool! I hope you can do more videos. I like your style of teaching.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2011, 02:09:22 pm
content: Quote from: Armin_Balija on June 27, 2011, 02:53:21 amThank you Armin - I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Which video did you view - the long oscilloscope class, or the 1x/10x probe video? Or, some of the others on my YouTube channel?What other related topics would you like to see videos on?

author: Armin_Balija
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2011, 07:01:10 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 27, 2011, 02:09:22 pmI watched the long oscilloscope class video. I really liked the humor and good energy you brought to the class room. I'd really like to see some classes on transistors and a little about yourself so we know your background. Excellent vids!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2011, 12:19:35 am
content: Quote from: Armin_Balija on June 27, 2011, 07:01:10 pmI'm glad you liked it. My quick background - life-long ham radio operator, worked in a TV repair shop while in school for Engineering (back when people actually did component level debug and repair!). After getting my degree in '85, I spent the first 20+ yrs as a analog design engineer, IC design engineer, application engineer, test engineer in various fields ranging from high speed fiber optics, to disk drive electronics, to RF, and a lot of stuff in between. For the last 5 years I've been a Field Application Engineer for Tektronix.I've got a couple of other videos in the works. I'll add some transistor vids to my to-do list... Keep an eye on my YouTube Channel...https://www.youtube.com/w2aew

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 28, 2011, 06:52:00 am
content: Quote from: rico1974 on June 16, 2011, 07:24:14 pmDone

author: Armin_Balija
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2011, 07:03:08 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 28, 2011, 12:19:35 amI've already subscribed! That's really great. I'm in school right now and I'm LOVING analog over digital. I'm hoping it'd be possible to do just that, debug on an analog level, but sadly, I feel as though systems have become far too complex in the last 10 years for me to be able to do that.If I haven't already made it clear, I have a huge level of respect for you and others that have done the fantastic work you've been doing for so long. I only hope to become as half a good engineer as most of the people on these boards.Subbed and always looking forward to more of your videos!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2011, 05:28:42 pm
content: Quote from: Armin_Balija on June 28, 2011, 07:03:08 amArmin - if you are interested in analog troubleshooting, I would highly recommend the "Troubleshooting Analog Circuits" book by Robert A. Pease. Bob Pease just recently was killed, a tremendous loss to the Analog Design community. Thankfully, he was a prolific writer, with a regular column (Pease Porridge) in the Electronic Design magazine.Here's a link to Bob's troubleshooting book:http://www.amazon.com/Troubleshooting-Analog-Circuits-Design-Engineers/dp/0750694998/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309281830&sr=8-1

author: Armin_Balija
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2011, 12:32:44 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 28, 2011, 05:28:42 pmThat cover is amazing! Look at that jumbled mess of wires! Beautiful! I will definitely check it out! Thanks for the recommendation.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2011, 08:45:39 pm
content: FYI - I recently added another video to my YouTube channel that discusses the AC / DC Coupling control on the vertical channels of the scope - and how to get the most out of them.Keep an eye on my channel for other short scope and measurement topics, and let me know if there's something you'd like to see.https://www.youtube.com/w2aew

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2011, 03:24:50 pm
content: Careful,w2aew,you might educate some of the people on this forum,so they can figure things out for themselves.A lot of beginners seem to think of an Oscilloscope as a Multimeter with a picture on the front, rather than the amazingly useful piece of equipment it is.I'd like them to turn off all the additional readouts,& just learn to analyse a displayed waveform,as per your video.73,VK6ZGO

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2011, 03:48:39 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on July 01, 2011, 03:24:50 pmI hope I'm helping someone to get more out of their scope! Here's another video that talks about the Trigger controls of an analog scope...Enjoy!

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2011, 02:21:55 pm
content: Seriously,though,these videos are great!If I could have had something like that when I was a beardless youth,just learning how to drive an oscilloscope,I would have "thought all my birthdays had come at once!"Unfortunately,I had to learn in "the School of hard knocks".They do say that experience is the best school,but the fees are very high!VK6ZGO

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2011, 02:59:09 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on July 02, 2011, 02:21:55 pmThank you - I'm glad you like them. The ones on my Channel are just shorter topics that address questions that I received after people attended the "Scopes 4 Dopes" class I taught a few months ago to a local Antique Radio Club - or those that viewed the long video of the class (which is the video that is the first entry of this topic).The school of hard knocks usually has the best lessons! You know what they say - Good judgement comes from experience, but experience comes from bad judgement!73,Alan W2AEW

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2011, 06:05:08 pm
content: I've added a number of new videos to my YouTube channel regarding oscilloscope usage. The two most recent additions illustrate how to properly simultaneously capture and visualize two signals that are at dramatically different frequencies. These could be a baseband signal and it's modulated RF carrier for example (hmm, gives me another idea for a video...).Here's the video of how it's done properly today with a modern digitizing oscilloscope first:And, here's how it was done "old school" before the days of digitizing scopes using a delayed timebase:As always, comments and suggestions are always welcome!

author: Joshua
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2011, 06:20:37 pm
content: Just last night I was trying to find information about 1x vs 10x probes, ac vs dc coupling, and triggering. I found your channel and it was exactly what I was looking for! Great videos with great explanations! Thanks!

author: ToBeFrank
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2011, 01:03:54 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on September 10, 2011, 06:05:08 pmDo I understand it correctly that this is what Agilent's MegaZoom technology is for?

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2011, 01:51:09 am
content: Quote from: ToBeFrank on September 11, 2011, 01:03:54 amI remember Megazoom as a memory management technology from Agilent's digital scopes from about a decade ago, like the 54600 series - to make it easy to navigate through deep record memory. Of course, back then, 1Mpoints was considered deep memory. Are they still using this Megazoom terminology today?

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2011, 01:53:09 am
content: Quote from: Joshua on September 10, 2011, 06:20:37 pmJoshua,I'm glad you found the videos useful! It's a good thing I did three videos specifically on those topics!! Of course, please let me know if there are other similar topics that you'd like to see in the future.Best Regards,Alan

author: ToBeFrank
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2011, 04:10:54 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on September 11, 2011, 01:51:09 amYes, they are. I was really confused by your video. I couldn't figure out why your scope didn't always use all its acquisition memory. After some searching, I think this is because my scope has the MegaZoom feature. If I understand it correctly, MegaZoom allows them to always fill memory at max possible sample rate without affecting update rates. Thus, MegaZoom equipped scopes don't have a record length selection.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2011, 08:03:47 pm
content: Quote from: ToBeFrank on September 11, 2011, 04:10:54 pmOk, very good, I didn't know that about the MegaZoom. I assume that this means that you'd be able to make an accurate measurement (like a frequency measurement) on these two signals simultaneously, even though their frequencies differ by 10,000. I know that some of the older scopes made the measurements on thedisplayedpoints, and not on the complete max-sample rate points, which would result in errors in the frequency measurement for the higher frequency signals when time/div was adjusted for the lower frequency signal. Has this been addressed in the newer incarnations of MegaZoom? What scope do you have?

author: ToBeFrank
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2011, 10:50:27 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on September 11, 2011, 08:03:47 pmThat's still the same on my DSOX3000 scope. You zoom in on the higher frequency signal to make the measurements.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2011, 11:18:59 pm
content: Quote from: ToBeFrank on September 11, 2011, 10:50:27 pmOh, OK. I guess that's part of why the scope feels fast, because it's making its measurements on the decimated data points rather than the full set of samples. Does it give you any indication that the displayed result may be inaccurate due to the sample decimation?

author: Snapcase
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 29, 2011, 10:42:55 am
content: This is awesome. Thanks so much!I've got a Tektronix 2225 for cheap some time ago. But I've never learned how to use it quite well. I decided to fully go over it along this week and finally fully learn how to get the most of it. I've made some searches and found Dave's #196 video. That was a great start. He fully describes the 2225! Never heard of the EEV blog before, watched a couple of dozens of his videos and went very curious about the forum. Just joined a few minutes ago (my very first post here) and just found this. Amazing! it's been a very fruitful week!Thanks so much, guys. You both made my day!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2011, 02:06:33 am
content: Quote from: Snapcase on September 29, 2011, 10:42:55 amCongrats on the 2225! Be sure to ask if you have any questions. If the loooooong "Scopes for Dopes" class video doesn't answer your questions, or any of the dozen or more videos on my youtube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/w2aewdon't help, be sure to ask - we'll be happy to help you out.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 15, 2011, 03:48:18 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 15, 2011, 03:08:58 amAwesome work.People always keep asking me for a "simple" and "short" beginner oscilloscope tutorial, it's just not possible, there is just so much stuff to cover. I'm surprised you got it all into in a 2 hour presentation!Dave.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2011, 01:10:27 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 15, 2011, 03:48:18 amThanks Dave. Of course, this only covers the basics of the old school analog scopes. Lots more to cover on these (advanced triggering, delaying timebases, etc.), so I've tried to cover those with some of my other vids.Then there's a whole host of additional topics when you get into digitizing scopes, with issues such as sample rate, aliasing, memory length, automatic measurements, etc. It hit me one day when speaking with a younger colleague about a scope, and I said something like "...now change the sweep speed...", and he stopped me and said, "What's a sweep speed?" All he had ever seen was a Horizontal Scale control on a digital scope. Sad. I hate to see the genius and power of the analog scopes fade away.

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2011, 01:01:45 am
content: Excellent class, however, the sound quality was very poor and hard to understand. You gotta focus real hard to hear what they say

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2011, 03:22:54 am
content: Quote from: MintyCondition on November 19, 2011, 01:01:45 amI'm sorry about the audio quality. Unfortunately, the decision to record the class was a "last minute" decision, and thus the right equipment and setup wasn't available. Originally, I was just going to teach the class to the group in attendance only. I'm glad that it was recorded, but you are right, the audio isn't great.So, if you have any questions on what was said - just ask me! I should remember what I said... ;-)

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 01:40:30 pm
content: ...reposted here by request...A question I'm often asked is - how much BW do I need get with my oscilloscope. I usually answer with - get as much as you can afford! Even low frequency circuits can do some wacky high frequency things. Check out my latest video for an example...

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2012, 09:37:19 pm
content: I posted another video (by request). This on describes the function and use of some of the Vertical controls on an analog scope - specifically the ALT, CHOP, ADD and INVERT functions.

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2012, 08:37:30 pm
content: I believe that if an independent like yourself did a short video on choosing a `scope for automotive (engine analysis) work it would be both popular and very useful. All the ones I have found save a few by ScannerDanner on YouTube, have been by people trying to sell you their product, and I have found them couched in tech speak that hides the products weaknesses whilst extolling their (fantastic) strengthsMemeory depth and the ability to run a slow timebase seem essentials, but how would an analogue `scope fare, is it essential to go digital? One maker of specialist USB `scopes for automotive use says their floating inputs are essential, another very popular maker poo poos this and says it's not necessary, then a month later, on their own forum, goes into a diatribe of the risks of injudicious probing.

author: sdscotto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2012, 10:43:06 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on September 10, 2011, 06:05:08 pmThanks for doing these series of tutorial videos.I have always struggled with the delayed timebase feature on my analog scopes. I followed along in your tutorial with both a 2252 and 2232 (in analog mode), and learned that my most basic mistake was incorrectly triggering on the B sweep.However, I found that the B trace was almost invisible at 50ns, even with max brightness/contrast. At first I thought it was because of the age of my scopes and the possibility that the CRT was not as bright as it could be, but in reality, they are extremely bright.Is it normal for the B sweep to be so low in contrast well within the bandwidth of the scope? Are there certain analog scopes that are better than others for displaying delayed timebase?Thanks in advance!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2012, 01:57:29 am
content: Quote from: sdscotto on February 11, 2012, 10:43:06 pmThe low brightness of the B sweep is most likely normal - it depends a lot on the difference between the sweep speeds of the A and B sweeps. The larger the difference, the dimmer the B sweep will be. Some scopes (like the 485) had a separate intensity control to help brighten up the B sweep when using high levels of "zoom" in the sweep speeds between A and B.A few "special" models of scopes, like the 2467, included a very special CRT - something called a Micro-channel Plate CRT. This CRT had an electron multiplier immediately behind the CRT's face which dramatically improved the writing rate - and thus the brightness of these very fast sweeps. I show this scope in a few of the videos, like the one that shows the characterization of the RF Power Detector.For most scopes - yours included that do not have have these special features, the intensity of the B sweep can be improved by using a smaller ratio of A:B sweep speeds when possible. Or simply change the Horizontal Mode from ALT (alternating between A and B) to using just B only. In other words, use ALT-A/B to properly set the delay and B sweep speed. Then, once they're set, change the horizontal mode to B-only to just show the B sweep.

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2012, 07:40:52 pm
content: I think I can guess the answer, but why have most CRT type analogue and digital scopes historically had relatively tiny screens compared to say a TV? Is it something to do with cost of tube manufacture that is either accurate enough, or trace refresh fast enough, in large sizes that is / was the limiting factor? I know some of the automotive engine analysers from the likes of Sun had TV sized screens, but i guess they are being used at low refresh rates? Where there any relatively fast scopes ever made with large screen sizes? Just curious.I am also curious as to why analogue scopes have vast amounts of set up "adjusters" inside them for calibration purposes, yet even a high end USB scope has virtually nothing obviously adjustable within them.Great video re triggering again, the last one on auto triggering. I thank you for these.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2012, 08:54:43 pm
content: Chris - as you guessed, it all comes down to speed. TV screens are scanned at much slower rates than even a modest analog scope. The lower scan rates allow for magnetic deflection (coils on the outside of the neck of the tube), which would generally be incompatible with fast deflection speeds. CRTs in analog scopes used electrostatic deflection (deflection plates inside neck of the tube), which lend themselves to much faster drive frequencies.As for calibration adjustments in the analog scopes... There are a lot of variables that enter into the accuracy of the analog scopes, mainly due to the multitude of circuitry between the front panel connector and the deflection plates (attenuators, preamps, amplifiers, offset control circuits, drivers, final amps for the plates, etc. - and that's just a portion of the vertical analog path). Each of the analog circuits will have offsets, non-linearities, etc. that need to be zero'd out to calibrate the response). Similar adjustments would be need for the horizontal and trigger circuits.By contrast, the digital scopes are much simpler. There is some analog conditioning circuitry between the front panel connection and the ADC (analog to digital converter). Once the signal is sampled by the ADC, any calibrations adjustments to the signal can be applied digitally before being displayed. Thus, ALL of the complexity of amplifying the signal to drive the deflection plates of the scope is gone. Basically all of the calibrations and corrections are applied to the sampled data numerically after the data is sampled using calibration data installed at the factory.

author: jahonen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2012, 12:47:03 pm
content: I think that the analog CRT could be bigger with an electrostatic deflection without any sacrifice of a speed, but deflection angle of an electrostatic deflection system is usually small. Correction of non-linearities resulting from larger angle becomes more difficult considering faster sweeps.That means if the scope screen would be bigger (keeping the deflection angle constant), then the CRT neck would become impractically long (it is already very long even with "small" scope screens). Scale that length in proportion of your desired screen size and think whether or not you would want it to your bench. TV CRT's used 90 or 110° deflection angle, thus it makes shorter tube necks possible.Regards,Janne

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2012, 01:28:13 pm
content: Quote from: jahonen on February 13, 2012, 12:47:03 pmhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OSCILLOSCOPE-COUNTER-TIMER-MULTIMETER-TEKTRONIX-2236-/150757466948?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item2319d86344He obviously doesn't know thisThanks for another detailed and helpful reply, I have to say one of the nice things about my USB scope is I can be working on a vehicle and have the 17 inch laptop display show the traces, or even a 24 inch monitor or one could use a projected image. It's a big time saver being able to watch traces without coming out of the footwell, or walking upp to a tiny screen.

author: tekfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2012, 02:41:38 pm
content: Somewhere I read a story about Tektronix. Sometime in the late 80's they were designing transient digitizers that used a scan converter tube. They made digitizers that could capture 4 GHz transients. The russians then invited the guys from Tek to show them their transient digitizer. While the Tek digitizer fit into a 19'' rack the russian version had a scan converter tube that was 10 feet long and worked well into the 20 GHz range.QuoteA nice site for old tubes:http://www.lampes-et-tubes.info/p/sc.htm

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2012, 06:55:42 pm
content: Quote from: jahonen on February 13, 2012, 12:47:03 pmThe voltage swing was also limited by the output transistors avaliable at that time. You may be able to do something about the plate geometry to increase deflection, but I'm not sure if this can be done without any reduction in bandwidth.Quote from: jahonen on February 13, 2012, 12:47:03 pmThere's definitely a correlation between deflection angle and bandwidth. For example the 1 GHz Tektronix 519 (ca. 1959 or so, the input directly drove the vertical plates, without any amplifications/attenuation) had a very small CRT surface, only 4x2 divs or so. The low-bandwith Tektronix 5000 series, designed for biomedical experiments, had a very large CRT. Bandwidth was ultimately limited by the depth of a standard 19" rack as used by the US army (how many people do atomic bomb tests in their backyard?). I believe the USSR had a scope with a larger bandwidth, which just used an extremely long CRT. No idea if this idea ever made it into production.

author: WBB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2012, 09:19:53 pm
content: Thanks for the excellent videos. They have been very educational, easy to follow & understand. Excellent work that is very much appreciated.A few questions about the coax video. Would other faults show up? eg, a hole in the shield but not a complete break? A compressed shield but not touching the center conductor and creating a short, yet? Also, is it possible to calculate the distance to a short?Sorry for all the questions. All your videos have been great but the coax one is a subject that I am specifically interested in! Again, thanks for the great work.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2012, 09:56:31 pm
content: Quote from: WBB on March 13, 2012, 09:19:53 pmThe answer is - it depends....- a hole in the shield without a complete break, or a compressed shield may or may not show up. It all depends on how much of an impedance discontinuity it creates. Impedance discontinuities cause reflections, just like the mis-termination of the end of the line (like the open circuit example I used, or the shorted example I showed). The worse the impedance discontinuity of the defect, the easier it will be to detect. Once observed, you can measure the round-trip delay and calculate the approximate position of the defect.- Yes, you can determine the distance to a short (only the first short!). You can see this at the end of the video where I dialed the pot down to zero. You can measure the width of the pulse that's shown, and that will be the roundtrip delay from the scope to the short and back. Calculate the distance the same way as I did for the open.For those that missed it, here is the video that WBB is referring to:

author: WBB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2012, 10:24:17 pm
content: Thanks for the response!. Somehow I figured there would be an "it depends" in there, such is life! It does sound promising though.Some of the stuff is easy to find. Shields like to break near connectors, or if the cable passes through trees I can pretty much bet good money a squirrel has gotten my coax mixed up with his acorns. Never knew aluminum was so tasty.The worst for me inevitably turns out to be a couple shotgun pellets shorting out the cable. Not exactly the easiest thing to find and they NEVER radiate when you're looking for them!What would be the maximin rise time that would be preferred in a function generator for this?(I don't own a fc or I would have tried to answer those questions myself!)

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 12:02:40 am
content: Quote from: WBB on March 13, 2012, 10:24:17 pmIdeally, you'd want the risetime to be a few times faster than the propagation delay through the cable of interest, so that you get a clean "plateau" between the incident edge and the reflected edge. For typical coax with a 0.66 velocity factor, the speed of a signal is 7.79 inches per nanosecond. Thus, a 10ns rising edge of the pulse will be spread out over about 6.5 feet of cable (i.e. the voltage 6.5 feet from the generator is just starting to move at the same time that the rising edge has finished moving at the generator). If the pulse's risetime is slower than the roundtrip delay, then the reflection will be seen during the edge, making it much harder to accurately measure the delay.For basic coaxial work like was shown in the video - for 10, 20, 30 feet or more of cable, a 10ns risetime is good enough.You might check the risetime of calibrator signal on your scope - it might be fast enough to use for this application.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 01:00:10 am
content: I remember using a TU-5 Pulser for this purpose,which used a tunnel diode.In use,you connected it to the 100 volt calibrator on a 545B or similar,& the TU-5 produced a very much lower level,(but very much faster rise time) pulse which was excellent for checking the 'scope,& for TDR purposes.I had one hanging around for years,but I don't have a 545B,or anything similar,so no high voltage calibrator.I thought of making a vacuum tube multivibrator to produce a 100volt square wave,but "put it in the too hard basket".Eventually,I gave it to a friend who collected 545s.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 01:14:13 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on March 13, 2012, 09:56:31 pmGreat tutorial video as always W2aew, thank you Sir !This video inspires me to learn & tinker with this poor man TDR thingy, and since you did mention high speed rise signal as a reference in that video, I assume I can also use my vintage Tek 2901 time mark generator that generates those really sharp spikes for this purpose too right ?Example of the time mark signals generated by that 2901 at various speed at my Tek 2465B.

author: WBB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 01:24:18 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on March 14, 2012, 12:02:40 amThanks again! Normally if the problem is in the 1st 30' or so I'll find it by other means, usually when I'm not really looking! It's those few hundred feet that follow that can be a royal pain. Thanks for the tip about the Cal signal as well. A function gen was the next thing that I wanted to get anyway, but the Cal signal should give me a bit of a starting point to help determine what I should get. Again, much appreciated!

author: sdscotto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 01:33:34 am
content: While I can't find it at the moment, I remember one of Jim Williams Application Notes on building a ~400ps pulse generator for testing oscilloscopes and probes.IIRC is was AN47, but doesn't appear to be on the Linear web site anymore.I'm dumb as a stump compared to most of you real engineers, but still got a kick out of reading his stuff, much like Alan's recent tutorials.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 01:39:45 am
content: Quote from: sdscotto on March 14, 2012, 01:33:34 amIf I go to linear.com and search for AN47, the first link is a PDF of the correct appnote. The later circuit with a charge line, as described in LT AN79, 94 and 122, might be better, since it generates something approaching a step, as opposed to a semi-Dirac pulse.

author: sdscotto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 01:40:26 am
content: I played with some old coax after watching Alan's latest video and used my 2901, too. Here are the rise time measurements on mine:

author: sdscotto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 01:42:44 am
content: Quote from: alm on March 14, 2012, 01:39:45 amYeah, my bad, I just went to this link and saw it missing in the first section.http://www.linear.com/designtools/app_notes.php

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 02:51:06 am
content: Those time mark generators are cool. Wish I had one myself! You can give one of them a try. Since it isn't putting out a pulse, but rather an "impulse", you can measure the delay between the peak of the incident impulse to the reflected impulse (which might appear on the trailing edge of the incident impulse). Just be sure to make the repetition interval of your marks much longer than the expected round trip delay so that you don't mix up a reflected impulse for a repeated incident one.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 02:58:00 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on March 14, 2012, 01:14:13 amWow - impressive photos! You'll have to tell me how you get such nice photos of analog scope screens like that! No reflections of the camera, etc. Nice. Are you using some sort of a hood like the old polaroid style scope cameras?Now, go grab some coax and let's see what those TDR reflections look like!

author: sdscotto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 04:01:32 am
content: Here's a little test with some cheap thin CCTV coax, probably 75?, both with open end, and 50? termination.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 02:01:49 pm
content: That looks like a long length of coax!

author: sdscotto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 03:31:29 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on March 14, 2012, 02:01:49 pmI'm guessing it's about 50'... 400ns / 7.79ns per foot = 51.3

author: WBB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 03:57:54 pm
content: Not nit picking here, just trying to be sure I understand the principle. In the above examples, using the really fast & small pulses. The first pulse is transmitted from the generator, and the second pulse is the reflection? So at 240ns between pulses the length would be about 80 feet?

author: sdscotto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 04:12:31 pm
content: Aw heck! I wrote down the 400ns in the above post from notes on another piece of Coax.You're absolutely right, the return pulse is coming at 240ns.

author: WBB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2012, 04:25:21 pm
content: Quote from: sdscotto on March 14, 2012, 04:12:31 pmI was just going by the markers on the scope which look to be reasonably well placed.I think your error was the 7.79ns/foot. Its more like 7.79"/ns.

author: WBB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2012, 12:14:53 am
content: Another question, not that I haven't already veered this far enough off topic from oscilloscopes to function generators, sorry. Would it be possible to use the TTL signal for short distances and switch to the normal square wave type signal for longer distances? I really like the older equipment (both for budget as well as nostalgia) but looking up the specs for the older models isn't the fastest thing in the world. Better than it used to be though! Anyway, it seems pretty common to find TTL rise times of <50ns but the square wave rise times seem to hover around the 100ns range. So I thought the TTL signal would be decent for short distances and the normal square wave would work fine once cable length exceeded rise time delay. Or am I completely off base?Thanks again!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2012, 01:11:50 pm
content: Quote from: sdscotto on March 14, 2012, 03:31:29 pmOops - not quite! For coax with a velocity factor of 0.66, the speed is 7.79 INCHES per nanosecond! (7.79ns/ft would be faster than the speed of light!).You measured about 240ns. Thus that would be 240ns * 7.79in/ns * 1ft/12in *1/2 = 78'

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2012, 01:16:21 pm
content: Quote from: WBB on March 15, 2012, 12:14:53 amWhatever gives you a fast enough risetime to discern the difference between the incident edge and the reflected edge would work. It all depends on the typical lengths/distances that you need to measure. 10ns edges work pretty well for lengths greater than several feet. for a 50ns edge, you'd probably have trouble measuring distances less than 30-40 feet or so.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2012, 07:02:58 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on March 14, 2012, 02:58:00 amI will post my results on this poor man TDR once I did it, its just I don't have any long coax with me right now, most are only 1 to 2 meters max.About those scope screen photos, thanks, actually its quite easy and no fancy hood at all.I was using an entry level dslr with just stock lense, the secret is I used a camera remote that made it so easy to shoot in the dark, hence no reflections at all.Also the handy part of using remote is, once the scope is ready with the camera placed and set properly like the focus & framing and etc, then all I need is just switch off my bench table light for few seconds while I pushed the remote in my other hand, and then turned the light on again.About the reflection, usually I turned off any background light when I'm going to shoot scope's screen, and with only my bench table light which was the only light source in the room.Actually even using a P&S camera is possible too, as long it has a self timer, but using remote is far more convenient, no need to rush in the dark accidentally bumping or knocking out things around.Now, the other part is altering the photos, for scope's screen shot, I altered it using program to make it better since this is just a scope's screen. And the procedures that I used are not complicated and pretty fast I'd say.Example of the original photo straight from the camera, only cropping and resizing applied, nothing else.Using the popular freeware PAINT.NET, you can get it here ->HEREor other graphic editor like Photoshop if you have it, adjust the brightness level & contrast using the simple level menu.This is the default setting when we opened this Levels Adjusment sub menu.Just a few adjustments on the those levers, after few trials, you will get used it easily.The result with just those few drags, no fuss nor complicated tasks, then save it, that's it.Hope this helps.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2012, 09:49:08 pm
content: Nice - thanks for the tips. I'd have to run across the room to hit a lightswitch!

author: wolfrum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 23, 2012, 04:09:56 pm
content: One of the best videos and very good explanations

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2012, 11:59:39 pm
content: I've posted a few videos in the recent weeks, the most recent was today where I discuss some of the auxiliary input/output connections on the rear panel of many old analog scopes. Enjoy!

author: Tube_Dude
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2012, 01:46:08 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on April 25, 2012, 11:59:39 pmThank you! Very useful. I love analog scopes too...

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2012, 02:14:19 pm
content: I added another video over the weekend, showing how to use a pair of 555s and a pair of NPN transistors to create a "marker" on the trace(s) of an old analog scope by applying a sweep-synchronous, delay-adjustable pulse to the Z-axis input.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2012, 04:37:31 pm
content: Alan, thanks for this excellent tutorial, I've been looking for a good practical example using that extra Z axis input, yours is the best imo.Did a quick circuit capture from that video to complete that video, hope you don't mind.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2012, 04:34:53 am
content: I added another "Back to Basics" video to my channel tonight - showing how to make a frequency measurement on an analog scope. Enjoy...

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2012, 10:23:50 am
content: Re your circuit for checking modulation of amateur radio transmitters on a `scope. Someone who saw my effort at recreating this box of tricks has told me not to use it to monitor transmission on air, as diodes can cause frequency multiplication and cause me to transmit spurious harmonics. I am not sure if germanium diodes can cause this, what's the score with using it to monitor real time transmission on air please Alan?http://www.chriswilson.tv/RF/rf.htmlis my attempt. Forgive the rusty nuts, I built it at home at the weekend, with no access to my my normal boxes of hardware odds and sods at work (I am in the race car game). Cheers

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2012, 02:50:31 pm
content: Quote from: Chris Wilson on May 17, 2012, 10:23:50 amYes, he is correct. Any diode, germanium or not, is a non-linear device, and will generate harmonic distortion products as well as intermod products. While these diodes are not "in" the RF path, they are tapped onto it. Thus, there will be a small amount of harmonic components injected back into the RF line - both through the coupling cap as well as from simple stray pickup through the air. The latter can be reduced by shielding the detector circuit from the main RF thru-path. Lowering the load impedance seen by the detector will also help. In my tests, these distortion products were 45-50dB down or more from the main signal. So, technically, he is correct, and you should be careful regarding this. You can check it yourself by listening for your third harmonic (3x your operating frequency), which will typically be the largest product generated. Maybe have a buddy listen to your main signal, then listen for you at 3x that frequency. It is likely that you will not be heard at 3x. However, it is definitely worth checking out to be sure that you are being compliant with spurious emission levels.The simple resistive divider used to monitor the RF envelope (the most useful thing anyway) will not introduce any distortion effects at all.Note also that the demodulator circuit is typically used for linearity measurements of an amplifier. Thus, the demodulator would be connected to the RF before the amp, and the resistive monitor connected after the amp. The only reason that I have both of these circuits connected to the same RF line was to demonstrate the function of each circuit - they'd never be used simultaneously in this way.

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2012, 11:37:49 pm
content: OK, thanks, I'll be very careful with it, probably just use it into a dummy load for now. I can "borrow" a friend with a spectrum analyser at some point

author: Bonati
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 02:12:59 pm
content: Alan these videos are wonderful, thanks for doing them. Learning a bunch!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2012, 08:09:43 pm
content: Quote from: Bonati on June 08, 2012, 02:12:59 pmI'm very glad that you are enjoying them. There are plenty more on my Channel that I haven't posted here. And, I'm always up for suggestions for new video topics that you'd like to see. I'm just trying to live up to the quality of Dave's videos!https://www.youtube.com/w2aew

author: Devian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2012, 12:20:58 pm
content: Thank you for this, it is really impressed and I will finish watching.

author: kingjay1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 24, 2012, 01:40:25 am
content: So exciting and helpful.Compare to the book knowledge , these videos give me something more.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2012, 01:49:29 am
content: Quote from: kingjay1 on August 24, 2012, 01:40:25 amI'm glad you enjoyed the video(s). Please let me know if there are other topics that you'd like to see.

author: kg4arn
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 25, 2012, 04:21:06 pm
content: I'm glad you enjoyed the video(s). Please let me know if there are other topics that you'd like to see.I would like to see your take on compensating the scope probes that have both the low and high frequency compensation trimmers.And if you would explain why some probes have both and some only have the low frequency compensation.I have Agilent N2863B probes. There is a trimmer in the tip which is adjusted using the familiar 1KHz square wave output from the front of the scope. There are 2 more trim adjustments for the high frequency at the base of the probe where the BNC connects to the scope. It appears that a fast rise time step is used to make the adjustment.I have seen some other manufacturer's probes with this set up as well. Here's one from Pico TechnologyTA049: 500 MHz Oscilloscope Probe x10The TA049 is a passive high–impedance oscilloscope probe designed and calibrated for use on instruments having an input impedance of 1 M? shunted by 15 pF. However, it may be compensated for use with instruments having an input capacitance of 10 to 35 pF.The probe has a further three trimmers for high–frequency compensation adjustment

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2012, 04:20:35 pm
content: Re-posting a link here another w2aew's excellent video ->https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/new-tutorial-video-basics-of-plls/

author: cookie
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2012, 02:22:09 pm
content: Thumbs up!!I really like them,but dont got enough time to watch all,could u recommend some?

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2012, 12:09:52 am
content: Quote from: cookie on September 05, 2012, 02:22:09 pmLet me know what topics you want to learn about, and I'll recommend any of mine that might be of help.

author: Alana
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2012, 05:34:35 pm
content: I loved the main video and entire cycle of materials showed by w2aew.For me this is kind of "back to school" and school lab.Which reminds me, in our oscilloscope classes we had sort of practical exam on how to make oscilloscope draw a line, two lines, dot, two dots - all using function gen and xy mode. This may be a good idea for another video, or on checking if people in class understand the basics.

author: arekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 11, 2012, 05:53:51 pm
content: I would like to see some info about using oscilloscope with high voltages (like 1-2kV) in inverters or power sources in analog oscilloscopes or analog tv.

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 07:52:35 am
content: I too would like to see details on the safe viewing of high voltage DC power supply ripple. I am building a couple of supplies for big RF generators, one 3kV and one 5kV I also want to view the AC output of the transformers when they are under load. Thanks, it's a great resource Alan.

author: awkhim
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 07:35:36 am
content: where i can buy the cheaper price for digital oscilloscope my requirements is 100 MHz, dual channel and there's a data we can save

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2012, 06:38:57 pm
content: I added a few more videos over the last several weeks. The most recent is a basic tutorial on how to use the FFT function in a digital oscilloscope.

author: MrQuan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 10:47:36 pm
content: Hi w2aew,Just wanted to say I found your AC/DC coupling video on YouTube and it was very helpful. Big fan of all your oscilloscope videos. Cheers

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2012, 03:43:57 am
content: I posted another video in the "scope basics" series tonight - this one talks about oscilloscope probe ground lead length, and it's affect on measured signal integrity.

author: nadona
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 09:10:59 am
content: @w2aew;I have a question about my Hantek 200MHz. Why is the square wave Rise Time change when the FG frequency change? For example; 10us@100Hz, 1us@1KHz, 200ns@10KHz, 80ns@100KHz, 76ns@1MHz.Regards.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 04:52:06 am
content: Quote from: nadona on December 27, 2012, 09:10:59 amMaking the assumption that you are changing your horizontal time scale (sweep speed) at the same time that you are changing the FG frequency, I would say that the change in rise time is not real. It is due to the fact that the at the slower horizontal time scale setting, the effective sample rate is decimated (lowered), reaching a point where very few if any samples actually land on the rising edge at all. The scope interpolates between the waveform points. At the lower effective sample rate, the interpolated waveform between these widely spaced points does not accurately reflect the true rise time. To test this hypothesis on your scope, setup the 100k or 1MHz square wave and make the rise time measurement. Without changing the horizontal controls, simply change the square wave frequency on the FG down to 100Hz. You should still have a rising edge on the screen, and it should still be reading the same fast rise time. This is the true rise time. If the rise time slows as you move the horizontal timescale to a slower setting, then the scope is lying to you at these lower speeds due to the sample rate decimation.This is a fairly common problem, that measurements are made on only the displayed point or on severely decimated samples. Some scopes give you the ability to control the sample rate and memory independent of the horizontal sweep settings so that this type of distortion due to under sampling can be avoided.However, if the experiment above (changing FG frequency, leaving scope horizontal alone) results in slower rise time at slower FG frequencies, then it has nothing to do with the scope and is a property of the FG.

author: nadona
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 08:20:08 am
content: @w2aew;"To test this hypothesis on your scope, setup the 100k or 1MHz square wave and make the rise time measurement. Without changing the horizontal controls, simply change the square wave frequency on the FG down to 100Hz. You should still have a rising edge on the screen, and it should still be reading the same fast rise time. This is the true rise time. "Exactly! Same rising edge & same rise time.As usual, thank you very much for your detailed explanation.Regards.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 04:04:22 pm
content: Quote from: nadona on December 28, 2012, 08:20:08 amIt is very unfortunate that your scope LIES to you at the lower sweep speeds. Better digital scopes will at LEAST tell you that they have "low resolution" or "insufficient sample rate" for a given measurement in these types of cases. It's good that you now know about this characteristic of your scope.By the way, I touch upon this topic of insufficient sampling a little bit near the beginning of this video that I did regarding risetime measurements:

author: tinhead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2013, 11:13:28 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on December 28, 2012, 04:04:22 pmas the manufacturer of his DSO designed their first model (2008), it was a 1:1 TDS2000 (A/B) series clone. I have here one,and even with chinese firmware on it, knowing TEK, i can completly blind navigate through almost all menus. And gues what this DSO can, yes, it shows (a chinsese character) when measured values can not be properly calculated.I have no idea why the "current" model, which was however designed already 3.5yrs ago, is not having such simple functionality.Maybe simply lazy developer. I did reversed (partialy) their firmware and i know that they at least analyzing waveform risetime before they applying filters - so the data "valid, not valid, value" is there somewhere.But this is exactly the "small" difference between some old known manufacturers and the rest of the world.Or maybe simple question of price (diff between Hantek and Tek is already >500USD) ?Maybe both, but this is what all the beginners out there should realize before they buy anything.

author: FrozenHaxor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 01:41:34 pm
content: @w2aewYou have done such a great job on all of your Oscilloscope tutorials, it's amazing how certain things can be explained on completely another level by the right person.

author: RjSa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 03:16:55 pm
content: This is excellent! I have been looking for videos like these for a long time.Thanks

author: EExtrom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 04:19:40 pm
content: Thank you soo much, regardless of the sound!

author: RobB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2013, 06:01:29 pm
content: Yep I have to agree. Some of the clearest and concise tut's on O'scopes and circuit theory around.I have subscribed the the Youtube channel for some time.

author: usreworkstationsMODS
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 22, 2013, 05:54:19 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 15, 2011, 03:08:58 amAwesome! Really really cool!I like your style of teaching. I am learning more about Oscilloscope as we are more interested in this market.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 12:36:01 am
content: I recently added a video that discusses the waveform sampling process in typical digital oscilloscopes.

author: Branqazwsx
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 11:30:51 pm
content: great info, I learned a lot

author: coreybus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 11:45:37 pm
content: Perfect. I have been searching everywhere for something like this to help me out with my electrical engineering degree. One word of advice. Do something with your youtube tags, because i searched 'Oscilloscope Tutorials' and the like on youtube and never did your video come up. But great none the less

author: ttyz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 07:54:16 am
content: Great! that was very useful! Thanks!

author: georgedone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 12:23:57 pm
content: Really nice ! Thanks for sharing !

author: deanriverson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 04:32:52 pm
content: Really great material, thanks for the pointers!

author: shk1d29
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 08:17:42 pm
content: Great tutorials. I used them back in highschool, but its been over 20 years or so ago. I'm just relearning again as a hobby. This is fun stuff.

author: kalobg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 05:25:19 am
content: Great video!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 11:57:39 am
content: Quote from: kalobg on October 08, 2013, 05:25:19 amThanks! Which one? There are over 100 on my channel now, most of them are tutorials of some sort.

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 12:01:29 pm
content: IMO all of them!Yet to see a boring or bad oneAppreciated, great YouTube channel!

author: roach969
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 04:22:42 am
content: Thank you for this. I've been out of the electronics field for quite some time and am getting back into it. As life goes, if you don't use it, you lose it! So I'm a bit rusty and this is a great start. Thanks again!

author: npnlamp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 04:57:25 pm
content: Thanks really good tutorials! Also i found this online oscilloscope emulator:http://www.virtual-oscilloscope.com/simulation.htmlHope that helps someone

author: roach969
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 10:51:57 pm
content: Quote from: npnlamp on October 12, 2013, 04:57:25 pmGreat tool, thanks for posting!

author: npnlamp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2013, 05:29:30 pm
content: Quote from: roach969 on October 21, 2013, 10:51:57 pmGlad it helped!

author: leno
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 10:17:15 am
content: thank to you all I have learnt a lot

author: BeerCannon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 02:40:30 am
content: Watching this has been on my 'to-do' list. Finally put in the time today to watch the whole thing. Very informative and enjoyable. Thanks so much for posting the video!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 04:06:06 am
content: Quote from: BeerCannon on December 06, 2013, 02:40:30 amI'm glad you enjoyed it. I have many more (shorter) videos on my channel, dealing with everything from various scope and Test & Measurement topics, circuit tutorials, troubleshooting vids, and ham radio topics.Http://www.youtube.com/w2aew

author: Tallie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 07:54:54 pm
content: Thanks for posting this!

author: NikWing
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2014, 08:05:51 pm
content: greatI have a question, I hope it wasn't asked yet and it's alright to ask here:is it possible to measure the (real) power usage of any device with a DSO?I ask because I must do something wrong here.I've got a Rigol DS2xxx DSO and connected a current clamp and a differential probe to itI try to find out how much power a PSU unit "eats".I used a tRMS multimeter to compare the current clamp value and it's about the same.Alright, I set the DSO to measure voltage RMS and current RMS values, then I used math to multiply both channels and also set it to show math RMS(sorry, no screenshot atm)of course, the current is no real sine, DSO shows 1.4 Arms, voltage is 241 Vrms. That multiplied should be 337 Wrmsbut DSO shows 430 to 440 W ...So I tried something else. I have a 3-phase power meter (UMG 503) installed in my house connection box (or whatever it's called).I can monitor several values via serial connection, so I opened the rms current display and the current jumped up 1 A after I switched on my "PSU" with connected load.The load consists of 4 LEDs running at around 42 W each, add to this 2 PSUs and 4 step-up converters, I estimate the total wattage at around 200 W, this should be 0.85A @ 240VACThe 1 A measured by the power meter device are way closer to the estimated current/wattage.Is there a way to display the real/true wattage on my DSO?

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2014, 09:27:03 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 22, 2011, 05:09:48 pmHa! They didn't see your 1x,10x probe video! Right? It looks to me like they have not adjusted the compensation on their probe. The capacitor was adjusted a little too big.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 02:57:43 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on February 05, 2014, 09:27:03 pmYeah, I spoke to them about that!

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 04:25:42 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on February 06, 2014, 02:57:43 amProbably a lot easier to hear it from you then a novice like me.I've watched 3 of your videos, they are dense for me (as-in filled with info). The scopes for dopes was interesting but I will have to watch some parts again. The 1x10x was useful and I can apply that. The component tester will also be easily applicable someday soon. Do you have any video recommendations out of your playlist for a novice? I've picked up a lot just watching Dave's videos on various topics where he uses a scope. I've also watched various videos on scopes, some that were a waste of time and some that offered practical and interesting bits. Like the fact that the ground (or reference) probe is actually an earth ground. Easy for a novice to get lulled into safety coming from using a handheld multimeter.Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 11:05:59 pm
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on February 06, 2014, 04:25:42 amIt really depends on what you feel you need to learn. I've got about 130 videos on the channel now - ranging from entry level topics to some more advanced. There are topics on various subject concerning oscilloscopes and their usage. I'd recommend watching those on AC/DC coupling controls, triggering controls, vertical controls and basic measurements. There are also videos on spectrum analyzer topics, and other test gear. I also have videos on several op amp and transistor basics and circuit designs. It all depends on where your interests lie. It will only take you 5-10 minutes to skim the titles of all 130 videos, and make note of those that interest you.And of course, if there's a topic that you'd like to see - let me know!

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 10:28:56 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on February 06, 2014, 11:05:59 pmI will check the list, I have browsed it quickly. I will look for "You just got your first scope, set it up like so before turning it on." Then something like "here are some things to check right away to determine if it's working properly". So if those are there I'm in luck, if not consider them suggestions. Thanks again.

author: anvto
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 08:43:28 am
content: Perfect founmental knowledges on oscilloscope.

author: tiborsimon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 06:05:01 am
content: Good job!

author: alexjordon27
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 11:35:57 am
content: Hello there,I am new in this forum. I love to play with electricity. So i hope i will learn exciting thing about electricity here.Thanks & RegardsAlex

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2014, 04:35:14 pm
content: This video is a recording of a 90 minute my presentation entitled "Basics of Oscilloscopes, and their use in the hamshack". This was presented at one of the clubs I belong to - the Ocean Monmouth Amateur Radio Club, in Wall Township, NJ. The presentation was recorded on 12 July 2014. Audio quality isn't the best, so apologies for that up front.

author: Electronics-Repairman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2014, 09:52:42 pm
content: I watched this one very interesting video, I wondered if you put it on hear, I Learned something straight off the AC/DC, I was convinced you had to use AC ,for ac, and DC for dc, I really did think, it was a simple as that, I like to learn something NEW everyday and I did.for you Alan.

author: V_King
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2014, 01:28:59 am
content: thanks for great oscilloscope tutorials w2aewbought my first oscilloscope recently, and learning how to use it to the full potential

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2014, 01:35:55 am
content: Quote from: V_King on August 30, 2014, 01:28:59 amYou're welcome! Be sure to let me know if there's a topics you'd like to see in a future video.

author: jackhholmes
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 04:47:08 am
content: So excited to watch this! I'm in basic electronic classes and I don't think we covered enough on how to use 'scopes. I keep having to get help when using one and its getting kinda embarrassing.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2014, 03:56:14 am
content: Quote from: jackhholmes on September 13, 2014, 04:47:08 amIn addition to the 2hr class at the beginning of this thread, I also posted a recording of another class I taught more recently. This second on is a little shorter.

author: Martin.M
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 06:57:27 pm
content: when you come to germany I will invide you to make a video "how to work with a classic Tek"this was a meeting from one of the large antique radio forums here, I have build that glowing test place with parts of my collection. They are all in full working conditiongreetingsMartin

author: warner
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2014, 08:21:47 pm
content: Hi there all, i have watched your oscilloscope tutorials and really enjoyed them, the biggest problem i have is working out the frequency, at the moment im experimenting with transmitters and receivers, purely for fun and to learn, yet, when i try to measure the signal i always seem to get 50Hz, i have watched alot of online videos, read books, but im interested in learning how to learn how to use it fully, i have only recently got myself an oscilloscope, but i have used on before at college.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2014, 11:51:59 pm
content: Quote from: warner on December 03, 2014, 08:21:47 pmGetting 50/60Hz on the scope is almost always caused by having an insufficient ground connection between the circuit and scope probe. Either it is too long, or non-existent - thus picking up the mains out of the air.

author: Ecklar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2014, 01:37:22 am
content: Alan,First of all thank you for posting the scope educational video and also all the work you've provided to us on YouTube. Very good and I've been through many of them.My question has tondo with Tektronix analog scope longevity. I see you using the Tek 465 and 2465 and these scopes are from the mid 80's or maybe earlier. I guess maybe you're an expert in keeping these scopes within spec. What about for us us more average yet enthusiastic hobbyists? How long might these scopes faithfuly serve us before they reach the end of a useful life?Do the CRTs eventually go bad and required replacement? Are there unavoidable faults that the expert takes in stride but will sink the novice? Since most of us might only have a good DVM and maybe an entry level DSO, could we reasonably keep these older Tek analogs running within acceptable limits. They really are cool, and prices for ' refurbished and calibrated' coming in around $300 US, they look interesting. Could you give a broad overview as to what to expect and the best ways to enjoy these scopes? Or, do they just keep running forever and can sit for a year and start up accurate and on cue?Thanks. Eck

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2014, 04:29:09 am
content: Quote from: Ecklar on December 18, 2014, 01:37:22 amIn general, these older Tektronix analog scopes hold up very well. My 465B has needed only one repair in the 25 years that I've owned it, and that was about 20 years ago. Failures, when they happen, are usually not with the CRT. Most common are capacitors going bad, similar to other electronics of the same vintage. There are some models that have some well-known problems that come up, but these are well documented. I would say that if you find one in good working condition that you will most likely get many, many years of hobbyist use out of it.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2014, 04:52:41 am
content: Storage tubes unfortunately do wear out in the storage mode, but the most common thing is burns on the phosphor from using with the brightness turned up to max. That makes it cosmetically flawed, but it still works albiet with a dim area where the burn is.

author: Martin.M
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2014, 07:41:10 am
content: the large Classic Tek Type 549 have only 500 hours storage mode, this is true.Later models use a better technology to become a long live time of the storage mode of the CRT. Like the 564 and all later types from Tek.All of them are greatful helpers on the table, also the glowing scopes of the 500 series what I love most bec. the amazing plugin system.The storage mode is not oftenly used, only useful for very slowly operations and single shots. So this scopes have also many years of life time, I think more then a brand new DSO with its over heated smd parts.greetingsMartin

author: RedOctobyr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2015, 09:46:03 pm
content: Quote from: warner on December 03, 2014, 08:21:47 pmAre the transmitters and receivers for radio-control applications? Are you measuring the PWM outputs from the receiver pins, which would go to the servos?These signal pulses are often at 50 Hz. So perhaps what you're seeing makes sense. It's the width of the pulses that changes, to vary the signal going to the servos.My apologies if I misunderstood what you're doing. This just caught my eye.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 02:04:27 am
content: Got today an email from tektronix with this link:http://info.tek.com/www-xyzs-of-oscilloscopes-primer.htmlXYZs of Oscilloscopes:QuoteOf course you have to fill in your info to be able to download it.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 04:27:14 am
content: Quoteanother option (no info required):http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/labs/XYZs_of_Scopes.pdfvia this sitehttp://www.wisewarthog.com/electronics/tektronix-xyzs-of-oscilloscopes.html]edit:corrected links

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 05:14:20 am
content: Here, let me fix that link:http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/labs/XYZs_of_Scopes.pdfActually the course documentation is quite nice, although homework, exams and labs are not linked:http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/In any event, the one I linked is updated, maybe for better or for worse, some material seems to be gone but other material was added.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 06:30:25 am
content: http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/thanks I missed thatedit: corrected link

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 06:42:26 am
content: Sorry to the rest for getting temporary OT.@ez24,Not sure what you are doing when inserting urls, you just need to type it and the forum will convert it to the right thing.Your link is probably hand edited and is doing this:Code:[url=http://http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/]http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/Instead of this:Code:[url=http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/]http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/And they are not clickable the way you are doing it, just type the url like this:Code:http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee320/And the forum software will format it right for you.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2015, 07:12:57 am
content: test:http://www.tek.com/sites/tek.com/files/courseware/ST_Arduino_Labs_Combined.pdfEdit: Works! why is there a "link" button - 2nd from right 2nd row - looks like a page over the globe ??thanks for the advice (I thought it was because I used a 4 letter word once)Another thing - in Preview my old links work - again thanks

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2015, 09:39:11 pm
content: This topics has been covered in a few different videos, but is requested so often by my channel subscribers that I put a dedicated video together. It reviews and demonstrates why properly compensating your 10x probes to *your* scope is so important, and why a probe with a much higher BW than your scope might not be suitable (and can lead to a poorer frequency response than a lower BW probe).

author: NeverDie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2015, 06:39:58 am
content: Rather than generic o-scope tutorials (which have their place), where can I find a good Noob tutorial on the DS1054Z scope specifically? You know, something which covers all about it, but from a noob perspective. Is there such a thing?Regardless, I *am* grateful to those who posted the more generic videos, as at the moment that may be all there is.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2015, 07:04:16 pm
content: Quote from: NeverDie on August 10, 2015, 06:39:58 amI second this. In some of Dave's videos I cannot see his right hand (the controls). Since this scope is so popular seems like a good Noob tutorial on the DS1054Z would be a hit. I would like to see one that covers all the features.So lets cross our fingers.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2015, 07:52:23 pm
content: Buy this Demo Trainer Board:http://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DS6000-DK/Analog-Demo-Board/?b=y&v=7906Or at least go through the manual:http://www.tequipment.net/assets/1/26/DS6000DemoBoard_UserGuide_EN.pdfAnd/or the demo guide:http://www.tequipment.net/assets/1/26/DSDemoGuide_022014.pdf

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2015, 10:38:09 pm
content: Quote from: miguelvp on August 10, 2015, 07:52:23 pmI think for those that make YT money - this would be a good idea to use on YT videos using the DS1054Z

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2016, 01:04:46 am
content: Thank you so much for all your videos which are extremely informative. Your choices of what things to cover are really good.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2016, 02:35:41 am
content: Quote from: cdev on January 29, 2016, 01:04:46 amThank you! Usually the best suggestions for topics come from viewers like you.

author: guitarmike000
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 03:23:02 am
content: i will be taking these classes as iam retired an have the time as i work on alot of different equiptment. and have alot more to learn,thanks for the oportunity. thanks mike

author: Michaelbradford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2016, 12:23:13 am
content: Is there any one in the uk that has an old scope they might donate to me I could probably stretch to spending about 50 pound depending where it is at I would be so grateful I am a welder fabricator by trade so if any swaps could be done would nice pls contact me

author: Michaelbradford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2016, 12:27:43 am
content: Has any one got an old scope they would donate or sell I could afford around 50 pounds I'm in as Dave says the old dart England I would be so grateful I'm a welder by trade so pos I could do a trade if you want anything making

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2016, 01:16:01 pm
content: I recently delivered a presentation to the NJ Antique Radio Club that reviewed how to use an analog oscilloscope, and then showed how to use the scope to view the signals inside a classic "all american five" type of tube/valve AM radio. Please note that the audio is not perfect - there is a "demonstrator" radio playing in the background, but it isn't too obtrusive. The first 50 minutes is the "short version" of the class that led off this thread, and the last 30 minutes is looking at signals inside the demonstrator radio.

author: ChrisG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 11, 2016, 04:34:02 pm
content: HI w2aew,I tried to apply your video on 2 different frequency signal measurement on a DSO but "failed".https://youtu.be/LonFeZh2WL4I'm using a Rigol SDG-2042x to create the 15Mhz and 1.5Khz signal to a Rigol DS1054Z. Whatever acquisition I choose from it's either displaying the correct frequency of the lower one or the higher one when adjusting time-base of course. Can it be that this Rigol just calculates the frequency based upon the screen result and not the memory?ChrisG

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2016, 05:59:34 pm
content: It certainly sounds like the sample rate of the waveform data isn't sufficient for both input frequencies simultaneously. This is either because the measurements are made on the displayed points and not the acquired points, or that the acquired points don't have sufficient sample rate at the slow timescale settings. I don't know if the memory/acquisition settings in the Rigol give you the ability to change this or not, I've never used one before.

author: ChrisG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 14, 2016, 03:18:19 pm
content: Hey, I understand your comment and remote observations. I did try to tweak the settings on the scope but without any resolve. I can change the acquisition settings but the on-screen frequency display just is not correct... hmmmAha.... I found there is a Frequency Counter, not a soft-menu item from the whole selection, which you can switch on and then reveals the frequency on the top-left hand corner. This is then Spot-On!!!

author: ManishJoshi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 20, 2016, 09:47:00 am
content: Very helpful video ... Got to learn many new things regarding oscilloscope

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2016, 05:04:54 pm
content: WOW! Over 100,000 views of this thread! I hope that it has helped folks to learn more about how to use an oscilloscope.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2016, 06:44:48 pm
content: Kudos. You make great teaching videos. Straight to the point, short, and snappy.Quote from: w2aew on December 12, 2016, 05:04:54 pm

author: hopski
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2016, 04:28:53 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on December 12, 2016, 05:04:54 pmThanks for the great video's heliping me to brush up on my very rusty "scopemanship"

author: capsicum
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 01:06:37 am
content: Very nice, I like the alternate take though. (at the other club, easier to see and hear, though the guy mumbling near the mic was off-putting[just a personal annoyance])Now I need some digital scope education, like how much storage should i look for for practical use cases, and what to do with bus-interpreter features(I2C, can, etc)

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 02:42:07 am
content: Deep memory mainly becomes an issue when you need long term captures of high frequency signals, where you need both long waveform times and high sample rate. How often do you need that? Depends on what you do. The scope on my bench has 20M record length. Most of the time I have it set to 10k record length. Occasionally I'll dial it up to 100k or 1M, but this is rare.As for bus decode and triggering, this depends on what you're working with, and if you need to see the decode on your scope or have a need to trigger on a specific command. Note that there are inexpensive digital logic analyzers that can do decode on these various busses too.The good news is that the luxuries of deep memory and bus decode/triggering are available in scopes and instruments that won't completely break the bank anymore.

author: phliar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 07:26:59 pm
content: Another thank you note from someone who has (I think...) watched every video you've made -- thanks Alan!I'm in the software biz, but (a long time ago) they did teach me electronics as an undergrad -- including using a 20 MHz single-trace scope with all lettering in cyrillic. I wish I'd paid more attention back then... youth is wasted on the young!Anyway I found your channel with your excellent video on I-Q signals and mixing. Another great video -- all of your videos are excellent, not just the scope ones. Keep up the good work!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 07:52:16 pm
content: Quote from: phliar on March 24, 2017, 07:26:59 pmThank you for the nice comments - much appreciated. To make it easier to peruse my videos, I maintain a complete hyperlinked index file, arranged numerically and by topic. It's a PDF file, so easily searchable for the keywords you're interested in. The latest copy can always be found here:http://www.dorkage.com/youtube/W2AEW_video_index.pdf

author: PCBEnthusiast
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 11:47:03 am
content: Hi,I am pretty new to electronics and just wondering if it is a worth while investment to purchase a oscilloscope? I don't need anything too fancy but if anyone can give me any links or personal recommendations on some cheap oscilloscopes that would be great!Thanks,

author: Keysight DanielBogdanoff
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2017, 10:35:01 pm
content: Quote from: PCBEnthusiast on April 08, 2017, 11:47:03 amIt depends on what you are planning on working with. If you ever need to see more than just "high" or "low" with a DMM, it's generally worth investing in an oscilloscope. You could also look at potential local maker spaces to see if they have one.As for cheap oscilloscope recommendations, I'm (obviously) partial to the 1000 X-Series we just released:http://bit.ly/1000X-SeriesBut, if you browse this forum, you're certain to find tons of good advice on which oscilloscope is best for you. Good luck!

author: nad007007
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2017, 05:44:45 am
content: Very nice video for using an oscilloscopeThanksConrad

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2017, 12:56:51 pm
content: Quote from: nad007007 on July 03, 2017, 05:44:45 amThank you. Check out my channel for dozens more videos (hundreds actually). ;-)Alan

author: CaptainJinx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 05:07:17 am
content: Your delay time position video helped me out a ton with my 465! Thanks!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 01:53:53 pm
content: Quote from: CaptainJinx on July 14, 2017, 05:07:17 amThanks for the nice comment - glad it was helpful!

author: Purduephotog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 01:43:27 am
content: Is there anyway or anywhere this is offline- that I can download and take with me on the plane for 6 hours?

author: bolovan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2017, 12:52:09 pm
content: Hello,I read the topic...but I can't find the answer (I miss?) for one questionI am very n00b in electronics...so I have a short question about osciloscopes:I just both Rigol DS1054Z.I set my probe to 1x and I set my zoom to 10mv/Division...thare are any damages to osciloscop if I have pulsesc of 10V?I know that older oscilloscopes they have a mecanical zoom (swich circuits)...and if you put the horizonta/amplitute etc to 10mV/div and have a pulses of 10V...they will damage the input of the oscilloscopeA kind of situation: I probed a audio amplifier...and I wanted to see how is behaving at low signal output (around 2-3mV)...so I put zoom to 1mV/div. But I found that the amplifier had a 10V pules (due some malfunction of pream...). They can damage internal circuit of the oscilloscope?Thanks for help

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2017, 12:03:07 am
content: Quote from: bolovan on December 19, 2017, 12:52:09 pmHighly unlikely to do any harm to the 'scope with voltages around 10v, certainly with an old analog instrument, & I'm fairly certain with the DS 1054z.Mostly, you will just get a display which goes over-scale in the vertical direction.

author: bolovan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2017, 06:05:53 am
content: Thanks for info.One of my problem was that I traced some singnals on old PLC with odd power source (48V)...and I had the probe on 1x...and the power stabilizer (a liniar one) ...I pobed some circuits...and I went to smoke a cigar (bad habit)...in the time...the power stabiizier has broken and I had 48V in board...and also in oscilloscope (way off the scale). And something similar has happen 20 years (yea, I know...I am very very old...I still have whizzing in my years from big bang) a go to one of my friends...and the oscilloscope has broken.

author: BergRD
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2018, 04:49:02 pm
content: Thank you for this video!As someone, now aging and hasn't used a scope in a few decades; it helps a great deal!A great video and start for someone just starting or trying to gain back what time has taken.Thanks!

author: CharlieEcho
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2018, 03:48:30 pm
content: Really appreciate all of W2AEW's videos! At least the twenty or so I've watched so far.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2018, 03:01:54 pm
content: Quote from: CharlieEcho on January 25, 2018, 03:48:30 pmWell, you only have about 257 to go! I hope you like the rest!

author: bolovan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2018, 09:07:53 am
content: @w2aew it will like the rest of the videos...trust meP.S. By the way (and sorry for my terrible english and offtopic) ...I am n00b even between n00bs...but your videos are very well made (and even I was able to understand)...and there are incredible useful..please don't stop...and big big thanks

author: JorgeRamos1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 06, 2018, 01:40:27 pm
content: awesome tutorial

author: Francesco Gozzo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2018, 07:37:06 am
content: Hi W2aew and you guys all, I just so this posts and I will watch those videos. I was wandering but actually don’t know if it is necessary, if it could be possible to make a post dedicated to a complete list of things that should absolutely not be done with an oscilloscope and that could damage it. I saw an eevblog video on grounding vs oscilloscopes an found it very useful but would like to find out all the other risks if there are. Let me know if it is useful and I will open a discussion here. Have a good day!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2018, 02:27:35 am
content: Quote from: Francesco Gozzo on June 16, 2018, 07:37:06 amThere are really just two or three things to be careful of to prevent damage to your oscilloscope.Being cognizant of your scope's ground and your circuit's ground is one of them, and the topic is fully covered by Dave's video on the topic.Another is to be careful about overdriving the input of the scope. Take notice of the maximum input signal levels (usually printed on the front panel next to the connectors). Remember that using a 10x probe will allow you to measure larger voltages, but then you need to take a look at the maximum voltage ratings for the probe. Also beware that there are different maximum voltage ratings for the scope's 50 ohm termination (if it has one) vs. the 1Mohm input termination.If you have an analog/CRT type scope, you want to be careful not to burn the phosphor on the CRT via excessive brightness, or using XY mode and leaving a single "dot" in one spot for a long period of time.Oscilloscopes are generally more physically fragile than something like a DMM, so care should be taken not to drop them of have them get battered about.These are probably the most common things to be aware of. Other than that, scopes are pretty robust instruments.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2018, 03:28:16 pm
content: Here's another take at this talk. This recording was done at a local ham radio club meeting. It is slightly updated from the original video that started this thread in that it also includes basic information about digital scopes as well. The presentation is entitled "Basics of Oscilloscope and their Use in the Hamshack". However, this video is only "Part 1", covering the basics of oscilloscopes.The club used several cameras during the recording, so I think the final product came out quite well. Video is a little over an hour long:http://youtu.be/Xqz63nmXf84

author: 0xff7
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 25, 2018, 01:42:21 am
content: Thank you so much for uploading and sharing this!!! As a noob that is teaching myself through various online resources and experimentation I very much look forward to watching thisSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: Discotech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2018, 01:08:39 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 21, 2018, 03:28:16 pmIs there going to be a "part 2" or did they not film resuming from their break where the video ends ?

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 03:57:34 pm
content: Quote from: Discotech on August 19, 2018, 01:08:39 pmThere will be a part 2, showing a few examples of oscilloscope usage in the ham radio shack. This part talks about using a scope as a RF station monitor (transmit rf envelope), as a TDR to measure coax length, impedance, etc., and measuring unknown inductors and capacitors. These are all topics that I've covered more extensively in previous videos on my channel. They are still editing the meeting video recordings.

author: timber23
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2019, 08:23:22 pm
content: Thank you very much for your tutorials. Its a nice overview and nice explenation

author: Km
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 21, 2019, 10:17:15 am
content: very detailed imformation

author: mohammed al jamal
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 08:43:28 am
content: thanx informative

author: DSE_Kid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 10:23:43 am
content: Brilliant stuff!

author: K5_489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2020, 03:25:26 am
content: Wow...I'm 40 years old now, have been on the internet for over 20 years, and this is, seriously, the very first time I've signed up for a forum with a specific question/need in mind which was actually answered by an easily found sticky post. Well, at least I assume it will be..just registered a few minutes ago, and haven't yet watched the video, but based on the contents list, I believe it either will be or will at least get me much closer to an answer. Specifically questioning what a large impedance mismatch between 'scope probe and 'scope input will mean. I have a Tek 222PS 'scope with a 333.3K input impedance, the proper probes have long since become unobtanium, but I have a bunch of 1M impedance probes on the bench.I'm definitely looking forward to finding some time to watch the video here

author: L/C/R Putzer
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 07, 2020, 03:56:48 am
content: I read that Tektronix probes have a designed center conductor that is not a straight wire, but may have twists and bends for probe compensation. Besides the compensation adjustment.

author: Figaro
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 12:33:40 pm
content: w2aew Alan Wolke, best teacher ever, professtional video's, Detailed , Every word to the point (all being said in short time)Clear langauge (important for those whom English is not thier mother language), Nice pleasend quite voice, No ego ! Please if you meet him at the club, tell him this.

author: casterle
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 06:10:08 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on June 28, 2011, 05:28:42 pmI'm an old guy just getting started in analog - I hadn't heard of Mr. Pease before, so thank you for the introduction to this remarkable man.Here's a link to a large collection of his writings:http://doc.xdevs.com/doc/_Lab/

author: Mace_Hacker
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2021, 04:42:37 pm
content: Thank you!!

author: rpiloverbd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2022, 12:27:22 pm
content: Wish it was available during my University days....

author: furnacemike
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 16, 2022, 03:26:47 am
content: Very cool! I have to watch this video! I'm kind of new in electronics and Oscilloscopes are a little intimidating. I actually bought a Hantek DSO5072P last year but I still haven't gotten to try it out yet.Mike

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2022, 10:41:38 am
content: I have just dipped my toe in today with some practical scope training, by the arrival of my first digital bench oscilloscope.A bit of queasy purchase, as getting the right price point, brand, and model as a beginner is not without risk of disappointment.At the moment though I'm happy enough with my decision of GW Instek MDO-2302A.picture shows a ringing trace from my Keysight AWG at 4V pk-pk 2kHz square wave input.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2022, 03:26:43 pm
content: Congrats! Ringing mostly due to the test lead inductance and unterminated output.

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2022, 04:35:12 pm
content: Thanks for the pointerHow much is a measurement artefact and how much is the signal must be a recurring issue with analogue, I guess.Ed.Have just checked the original photo - 50ns per divisionlooks like a good excuse to do a calculationEd.and of course ringing goes away with a bnc-to-bnc cable

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2022, 02:50:56 pm
content: ...and you've learned a valuable lesson on the detrimental effects of test lead (and ground lead) inductance.This video has some additional detail and examples:https://youtu.be/zodpCuxwn_o

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2022, 04:25:09 pm
content: yes, I kinda knew the good and poor probe techniques before and I kinda knew that equipment doesn't always produce great square waves. Definitely a learning point in the degree of those two, for me.

author: LOTO instruments
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 01:49:09 am
content: Thumbs up!

author: Sunnysingh241
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 27, 2023, 12:52:39 pm
content: Hello everyone,I am into robotics and electronics from quiet a while and I am going to buy an oscilloscope. I have a question that is I do mostly robotics using arduino and raspberry Pi and electronics project like fm and some other projects and I am also intersed in making my own microcontroller board so which scope should I buy.A two channel Or a four channel. I have one model in my mind. The siglent sds1052dl+(500msps). Will this be enough for me.And in general what's the lifespan of an dso

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2023, 04:35:00 pm
content: The Siglent is a good choice and you should go for the 4-channel model if you can afford to.

author: LogicalDave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2023, 01:31:16 pm
content: Adding my email response to this thread so others can view/comment:The SDS1052DL+ (USD$289) doesn't seem competitive (price or features) with several Rigol scopes including:https://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DS1102Z-E/Digital-Oscilloscopes/(USD $279)https://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DS1202Z-E/Digital-Oscilloscopes/?v=7401(USD $339)The Rigol scopes seem to offer superior features in every area including bandwidth, time-base accuracy, serial bus analysis (something you will probably appreciate in your application), memory depth, etc. I simply don't see any advantage to the Siglent scope you are considering. I have nothing against Siglent and have several pieces of their equipment including a SA/VNA and SG...I just don't see the particular scope you are considering as offering a good value when compared with the Rigol scopes. I have had good experiences with Rigol, Siglent, and Owon; you have a wealth of good choices.Also, the vendor I linked to above (TEquipment) sometimes offers a small discount to EEVblog members; it's worth asking if you're going to buy from them; I have purchased from them before and had good experiences.

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2023, 07:47:03 am
content: space was at a premium - yesterday - testing my perf-board common emitter stabilized transistor amplifierso I had to face the Hantek 2C42 user interface , eventually getting a good setup.My low voltage gain (I now realise) was probably down to not soldering the 100uf emitter cap in circuit

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2023, 07:30:12 am
content: ... a long night with Hantek to get Lissajous theory and practice to agree, as we know they must.... it turns out triggering the Hantek for X-Y mode was a pita. And the frequency generator must be in internal sync to get a circle.

author: lieinking
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 17, 2023, 10:44:26 pm
content: I was going to post another thread but think this is okay here. I'm just starting electronics. I've been messing with capacitors and output signals from an arduino and would like to see the wave forms. That's pretty much all I would want an oscilloscope for right now. I don't know how long I'll continue the hobby so don't want to spend hundreds of pounds on equipment until I'm invested. Is there anyway around buying an oscilloscope or paying so much?

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2023, 01:08:46 pm
content: You do not have to spend hundreds of pounds. Look around and you will find many, many inexpensive offerings. Also, used scopes can be great buys.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2023, 01:31:05 pm
content: Quote from: Grandchuck on December 18, 2023, 01:08:46 pmQuote from: lieinking on December 17, 2023, 10:44:26 pmThe term "paying so much" is very subjective. What is the budget you are allowing yourself? You can get a used 20 MHz analog scope for under $150.If "paying so much" means $25 to you, then you will have a hard time getting one.

author: radiohomebrewer2000
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2024, 03:26:06 pm
content: Is there a tutorial video out there of someone showing how to do a stable measure of a AC waveform on an oscilloscope?Really, a radio frequency wave - say about 2 MHz, 5 MHz, or 7 MHz.I am interested in the numerical frequency and voltage.More specifically, I would like to measure a VFO or oscillator of a transceiver like a NorCal 40B CW Transceiver Kit. There are various test points already on the PCB you can use to test. However, using my old HP scope or my new Siglent scope, the measurements bounce around.Here is a topic on EEVBlog already.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/how-to-get-a-stable-measure-of-v-and-freq-using-an-oscilloscope-on-a-vfo/I was just wondering if someone has a video or tutorial already of this scenario.My old scope is a HP 54600B 100 MHz 2-channel digital scope from the early 1990s.My new scope is a Siglent SDS814X HD 100 MHz 4-channel digital scope - this scope has a hardware frequency counter; however, it still requires a few seconds to display a stable measurement for the frequency.In the link above, there was some good suggestions like using the average to get a stable reading. Or add more periods. Or create an inductor that has a few turns. I do not think just getting the probe near the test point will work. I have to touch the test point with the probe to get a reading. If I want a stable frequency reading, I can hook it up to my old HP frequency counter. But I just rather do it all in my scope.There are "trigger" options in an oscilloscope, but I am clueless about them. Besides, the wave form seems to display OK - stable. It is the numerical readings I am interested in here.Thanks in advance.

author: shabaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2024, 04:08:03 pm
content: Connecting anything to the output of the VFO will load it slightly, so it's not possible to precisely set it to a frequency using that method. However, you can use the scope to trim any adjustments in your circuit to see when the 'scope shows a signal that isn't weak and collapsing (such circuits will oscillate well in a range, and the output may collapse at extremes).It probably won't look like an ideal sine-wave, this is OK. If you really want a voltage measurement, then even a peak-to-peak measurement (using cursors or automated measurements, either will be fine, there's no need for accuracy) is sufficient (I've not checked your documentation to see if p-p is what is being asked). If (say) the documentation says to adjust to 500mV p-p, then if it is 450mV or 550mV makes little difference.If the measurement is very low, it may well collapse and produce unstable results. But there's a very good chance the unstable results are from a triggering issue. A screenshot/capture from your 'scope will help to narrow that down.Once you're in the ballpark frequency based on what you've measured on the 'scope (automated measurements, but do a sanity check using cursors too, or with calculator and eyeballing it), and once the amplitude is in the ballpark you are expecting, then you could remove the 'scope, and then try to tune in your receiver to a known frequency transmission, and then fine-tune based on what you hear.The screenshots below show two example 'scope traces for a particular VFO (different to your design, i.e. not related to that attached schematic) set to a center frequency, and to an extreme frequency.Notice how the right-side screenshot looks more like a sinewave. However, that right-side screenshot actually shows a lower amplitude (see the volts per div setting on the screenshot), and and it is unstable (see the fuzziness on the trace).The left side screenshot is actually the better setting. There, the amplitude is higher, and the signal is stable. The actual shape of it is less important, because it is normal for there to be harmonics that will cause that misshapeness.

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2024, 07:23:28 pm
content: Today I used my bench scope to help me answer a tricky part of an old exam question.Which I have been working on recently - see comments on w2aew's back to basics on current sinks.A constant current sink NPN transistor circuit charges a 1000 micro Farad capacitor.You are asked to draw V out (collector voltage, common emitter at 0V) against time.A reasonably novel question as they go, perhaps.[edited to add exam question/notes]

author: sparkyinak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2024, 01:44:28 am
content: Cool! I'll have to checkout this out! Just came across it and glanced at it. Maybe as soon as next week.

author: Lori2025
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 11:19:40 am
content: I have my father's old Oscilloscopes, and I'm looking for someone who might want them or could guide me to a museum that might be interested in them. I do not know their value, their condition, or their age. My guess is they were purchased between 1960 and 1985. I am cleaning out the garage and have 4-5 Oscilloscopes, a CB radio from the 1970s, and a ham radio from World War II. Please contact me with any information on their value or a place that might be interested in them for display.

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 05:33:22 pm
content: Post some pictures here perhaps.In theTest Equipment section for example.

author: Eurora
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2025, 03:08:12 am
content: Fantastic tutorial, thanks for sharing it!!!