Oscilloscope with UPS? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: dwonga
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 04:33:02 am
content: Hi!I want to have an oscilloscope in a place where is no electricity available (for example, in a field crop), for safety reasons (no main ac) or maybe in a blackout (just imagine that). Would it work fine? Obviously, I would disconnect it and move the UPS along with oscilloscope with no ac/ground.I've searched extensively through the forum and I have not found an answer to this question.Warm regards,David.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 05:12:28 am
content: Handheld or battery powered.

author: dwonga
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 05:33:45 am
content: Hi! Thanks for your answer, but, does it mean that I should avoid using my Hantek DSO for this task and get a handheld oscilloscope?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 06:45:16 am
content: There's little reason why your proposal wouldn't work but you don't say what you need for run time.1hr, 1 day, 1 week ?There's a good chance your Hantek will run directly from DC but don't expect to feed it any less than 40V, probably closer to 100V.There's other options like a small DC to AC inverter, then you can run it from a vehicle or a spare LA 12V battery.Something like this:https://www.jaycar.co.nz/150w-450w-12vdc-to-230vac-modified-sinewave-inverter-with-usb/p/MI5130

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 07:27:09 am
content: If you are going to use it in a field, or mobile it's just way more convenient to use a handheld oscilloscope. One that you can charge from car battery cigarette lighter or USB is even more flexible.The only thing stopping you from a bench oscilloscope is noise created from the UPS or inverter, safety implications if you are checking dangerous voltages, wrecking the supply due to lack of earth or dirty power, possible environmental issues due to the oscilloscope having unprotected LCD screen and open vents for moisture plus dust etc to get in, not to mention being awkward to use out in the open.A bench oscilloscope with a battery option if the environment or convenience isn't such an issue.

author: dwonga
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 07:12:07 pm
content: Hi!Thank for your reply. I want to use it for debugging a long distance SPI circuit. I can use a long distance power extension but, that question came up to my head, what if I use just my bench DSO (it is very light, of course) with a UPS or battery+inverter? would it damage my oscilloscope? would it measure correctly? (there wont be grounded, of course). In one line, Would it work?This kind of requirements are not so often, then I don't know if it worth pay that money for a handheld oscilloscope.Also, I bought this battery/inverter which is very light and it just cost me $12https://www.ebay.com/itm/ChugPlug-External-Battery-Pack-for-MacBook-Air-11-and-13-and-MacBook-Pro-13-/381777980986what do you think? would it blow up my DSO? would it give correct measurements?Thanks in advance.David.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 07:40:49 pm
content: Just be sure whatever you use has sufficient capacity to power the scope.There will zero effect on measurements.