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Inexpensive combined signal generator and USB scope?

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  • Inexpensive combined signal generator and USB scope?

    Here is a USB signal generator and single channel 25 meg scope for $150. The only problem I see is a max input of 30v. A 10:1 probe would make that 300v. I imagine a voltage divider/protection circuit could be put on the input. Maybe a small, portable, low cost alternative to a large heavy bench equipment? The owner's manual is downloadable on this link.

    Velleman SA USB PC 25MHz Oscilloscope and Signal Generator | PCSU200 | Velleman SA

  • #2
    I see they cut corners on the Vertical sensitivity settings in a 3, 1, 0.3 sequence and on the timebase settings. Like many digital scopes you can get two Vertical channels at half the sampling rate. Nice to see BNC connectors for the scope probes, not all of these things have those. They don't go into detail about the amplitude settings available for the generator. You might not be able to output small signals suitable for guitar amps.
    WARNING! Musical Instrument amplifiers contain lethal voltages and can retain them even when unplugged. Refer service to qualified personnel.
    REMEMBER: Everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed in school !

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    • #3
      Originally posted by loudthud View Post
      I see they cut corners on the Vertical sensitivity settings in a 3, 1, 0.3 sequence and on the timebase settings. Like many digital scopes you can get two Vertical channels at half the sampling rate. Nice to see BNC connectors for the scope probes, not all of these things have those. They don't go into detail about the amplitude settings available for the generator. You might not be able to output small signals suitable for guitar amps.
      One could always add your own volume control. I might even capacitor couple it. My big worry is that a 1kv transient would smoke it with a tube amp.

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      • #4
        So wire up an external 100/1 probe input.
        Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

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        • #5
          Yeah, there's that. I retead the spec and it says it's 2 channel. Don't see how with one input?

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          • #6
            Originally posted by olddawg View Post
            Yeah, there's that. I retead the spec and it says it's 2 channel. Don't see how with one input?
            The generator output is an RCA jack on the back side. The two BNCs are the scope inputs.
            WARNING! Musical Instrument amplifiers contain lethal voltages and can retain them even when unplugged. Refer service to qualified personnel.
            REMEMBER: Everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed in school !

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by loudthud View Post
              The generator output is an RCA jack on the back side. The two BNCs are the scope inputs.
              Guess I should have read the owner's manual. Lol. Seems like a decent compromise to me. Lots of features.

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              • #8
                I have used a PicoScope for some years. Works great. The lowest end model has two channels and a signal generator in one box, hooks to a PC through USB.

                The inputs won't stand more than +/-20V, so if you're doing tubey stuff, you'll need an external compensated resistor divider, but that's not all that hard to do.

                It isn't just a scope. It has a scope setup, but also does spectrum analyzer and various metering "apps" within the PC application. It's ~$200-$300.

                I have not regretted the buy at any time. And I find that I no longer go find and fire up my Tektronix storage scope.

                Anybody want to buy the Tek?
                Amazing!! Who would ever have guessed that someone who villified the evil rich people would begin happily accepting their millions in speaking fees!

                Oh, wait! That sounds familiar, somehow.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by R.G. View Post
                  Anybody want to buy the Tek?
                  What model is it?
                  WARNING! Musical Instrument amplifiers contain lethal voltages and can retain them even when unplugged. Refer service to qualified personnel.
                  REMEMBER: Everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed in school !

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I was trying to be humorous, but I really don't use it. I'll contact you by pm.

                    It's one of the ... um, 700 series storage mainframes with four bays for plugins and an assortment of plugins.
                    Amazing!! Who would ever have guessed that someone who villified the evil rich people would begin happily accepting their millions in speaking fees!

                    Oh, wait! That sounds familiar, somehow.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      The 7000 series was the real lab-scope series. State of the art when they were made. There was one that they would put down in the hole for A-Bomb tests. It could digitize the EMP pulse and send it up the wire before the blast destroyed it.
                      WARNING! Musical Instrument amplifiers contain lethal voltages and can retain them even when unplugged. Refer service to qualified personnel.
                      REMEMBER: Everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed in school !

                      Comment

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