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10-09-2018, 04:15 AM
Oscilloscopes for audio - part-4
If you get a DSO, it will come standard with probes that are switchable from x1 to x10. The default expected setting is x10,and this will provide the maximum bandwidth for the scope-DSO combination. For example, the probes that come with the OWON XDS2102A are rated for 100MHz at x10 but only 6Mhz at x1.
Most DSOs are limited to just a 10V peak signal at the BNC input jack, so a x10 probe allows signals up to +/-100V peak to be seen. This includes any DC that might be present. If you are working with tube amps it is a good idea to get a x100 probe. Fortunately, these probes are all reasonably priced from around $15-30cdn and have bandwidths that match the oscilloscope. Some scopes will auto detect the x100 probe.
When you first set up the scope and connect the probe, you use the Utility menu to tell the scope the probe setting. This lets the scope indicate the correct volts-per-division on its display, saving you from having to multiply the reading as you would with a CRT scope.
Use the calibration oscillator output and the supplied adjustment tool to tweak the probe capacitance in x10 mode. An under-compensated probe will show spikes on the leading edge of the square wave; an over-compensated probe will have slightly down-turned leading edges; the proper "Goldylocks" setting will be just right showing a perfect square wave. To help with the alignment, you might want to move the wave vertically using the Vertical position knob so that the top of the wave lies on a graticule.
If you are trying to use the full resolution of the scope, use only one input channel at a time. The sample rate and record time are also maximised. The short printed manual will get you started but modern DSOs come with a CD with the complete manual. You can load this on to any computer with a disc drive and it has a lot more detail and easy-to-follow instructions - a lot to take in, and usually a lot of stuff you will never use. There is also software for analysing wave forms that you can capture and store on a USB key, or send via USB or LAN from the scope to the computer. This allows you to do the analysis later, elsewhere or just save the waves in a second place. You can print them from your computer or from the scope if the scope has Pictbridge output. (Pictbridge is an interface standard for digital cameras to print directly without having to download the files into a computer).
If you get a DSO, it will come standard with probes that are switchable from x1 to x10. The default expected setting is x10,and this will provide the maximum bandwidth for the scope-DSO combination. For example, the probes that come with the OWON XDS2102A are rated for 100MHz at x10 but only 6Mhz at x1.
Most DSOs are limited to just a 10V peak signal at the BNC input jack, so a x10 probe allows signals up to +/-100V peak to be seen. This includes any DC that might be present. If you are working with tube amps it is a good idea to get a x100 probe. Fortunately, these probes are all reasonably priced from around $15-30cdn and have bandwidths that match the oscilloscope. Some scopes will auto detect the x100 probe.
When you first set up the scope and connect the probe, you use the Utility menu to tell the scope the probe setting. This lets the scope indicate the correct volts-per-division on its display, saving you from having to multiply the reading as you would with a CRT scope.
Use the calibration oscillator output and the supplied adjustment tool to tweak the probe capacitance in x10 mode. An under-compensated probe will show spikes on the leading edge of the square wave; an over-compensated probe will have slightly down-turned leading edges; the proper "Goldylocks" setting will be just right showing a perfect square wave. To help with the alignment, you might want to move the wave vertically using the Vertical position knob so that the top of the wave lies on a graticule.
If you are trying to use the full resolution of the scope, use only one input channel at a time. The sample rate and record time are also maximised. The short printed manual will get you started but modern DSOs come with a CD with the complete manual. You can load this on to any computer with a disc drive and it has a lot more detail and easy-to-follow instructions - a lot to take in, and usually a lot of stuff you will never use. There is also software for analysing wave forms that you can capture and store on a USB key, or send via USB or LAN from the scope to the computer. This allows you to do the analysis later, elsewhere or just save the waves in a second place. You can print them from your computer or from the scope if the scope has Pictbridge output. (Pictbridge is an interface standard for digital cameras to print directly without having to download the files into a computer).
