H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

[Jusanthrbob]

Is there a site or an instruction book on how to use an oscilloscope? I need help .... I am trying to teach myself electronic profession. I have background in multiple areas and one being electrical wiring and schematic reading.

[mockingbird]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

I recommend mjlorton's YouTube channel for beginners.

[SteveNielsen]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

Did you get a manual with it?

[keeney123]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

It is not very difficult you will pick it up in no time. It is just like using a graph for voltage and time, but this graph is variable according to how you set it. Just remember 1/time = Frequency. Once you under stand those principles the X-Y and triggering will come next. Good Luck.

[Chriso]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

I recommend mjlorton's YouTube channel for beginners.

A couple of others

W2AEW

EEVblog

[stj]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

http://www.ionpool.net/arcade/tech/s...les/scope.html

[budm]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

BTW, also look up about using scope in the primary side of the circuit.

[stj]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

what scope is it btw, a modern digital lcd one, or a classic crt based one?

[Agent24]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

BTW, also look up about using scope in the primary side of the circuit.

Agreed!

You need an isolation transformer or differential probe set etc otherwise the sparks can fly...

[SaleB]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

I am in a similar situation as the OP. I have used analog Hameg scopes in school 15yrs ago. I have a general understanding and can use a scope in controlled environment. On semi-regular basis I have also used automotive scopes on cars, so voltage vs time, current vs time and some basic triggers are not new to me.

I am more concerned about the "rules", the do's and dont's of using a scope. I tried to find some kind of a list on the web, but I could not.

I know that a ground loop is a big no,no, but I do not really know when can it happen. I know, in theory, when a path thorough a scope presents lower resistance then the part on the board the scope can be fried. Does it concern only the primary side of AC powered devices or are also some other situations where a ground loop occurs? What's the situation with an AC powered DC device?

I have a new Rigol 4ch 70Mhz digital scope, it is in the box for at least seven months because I got some scare that I'll fry it.
Now there is a signal generator that arrived a few days ago, for which I also have to find what shall I never do with it before I power it up for the first time.

Any kind of help would be much appreciated,
Sasa

[stj]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

dont scope mains power.
infact check the voltage rating on your probes - some are only 300v rated.

[Chriso]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

Agreed!

You need an isolation transformer or differential probe set etc otherwise the sparks can fly...

Or remove the earth pigtails from the probes.

Use the probes on both channels

Use the probe tips to obtain measurements while setting the scope MATH function to A - B.

Still have to observe the probes voltage limit but grounding issues are avoided

[stj]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

maybe a 1:1 transformer inline with the probe, but a beginer should never try to make something like that.

[Agent24]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

maybe a 1:1 transformer inline with the probe, but a beginer should never try to make something like that.

I expect that would be tricky to get right, in terms of ensuring it does not affect the signal at the least?

A mains isolation transformer is probably the best idea. Easy to use and cheap to buy. At least, mine was about $15 second hand.

[SaleB]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

@Chriso:

If I have understood you correctly, when the grounding clip is removed and the probe catches only a signal it is referenced to scope ground. Another probe traces the ground clip's position in the same way through signal wire. Then do the math function as signal minus ground, and the result is the the first signal. That makes sense.

Have I understood it correctly, the dangerous loop can only be made through the ground clip connector, and not trough the signal connector?

What happens with the integrity of the signal if just the signal is measured with one probe, but without ground clip and without the ground component on the other channel? Is it even possible?


@Agent24:

Can you tell me in which cases does the device go through an isolation transformer? What are the drawbacks of routing the scope trough the isolation transformer when the current rating of the transformer is not sufficient for power requirements of the tested device? Is it even recommendable?


Thank you all,
I have learned something new

[keeney123]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

This link may be useful for isolation transformers and where to put them. https://www.badcaps.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33

[budm]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showpo...&postcount=201

[keeney123]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showpo...&postcount=201

awesome information BudM

[felipeunix]

Re: H-E-L-P! How do I learn to use my new oscilloscope?

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showpo...&postcount=201

Nice, thanks!