PC based oscilloscope for basic use--worth it?

Using Arduino Project Guidance
#1

I'd like to grow up to the next level of electronic design--time to buy an oscilloscope.

This PC version for $60 seems too good to be true.

Any knowledge of these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SainSmart-DDS120-Pro-20MHz-PC-Based-USB-Digital-Storage-Portable-Oscilloscope-/300992154516?hash=item461487cb94

Thanks in advance.

Kris

#2

Buy a real scope.
Look at Rigol

.

#3

google sound card scope.
if you are looking for basic information, it could help

#4

You really need to think about what you need a 20 mhz scope is not much good on a 16 mhz uC
you need a 40 mhz.
I would go for a good 8 channel logic tool way more useful.
And a sound card scope is fun to play with and look at sound but it’s too slow to be of much good.
There are good usb scopes but I would go for one that’s faster and one that’s for logic with 8 channels.

#5

The long discussion in this Thread may be useful.

I bought a SainSmart DSO203 because it was affordable and small. I don't have much storage space and I don't use it very often. I am very happy with it but YMMV.

In some circumstances a stand-alone device can be very much more convenient than a PC-based device.

...R

#6

I am looking at the problems I have:

  1. Serial programming port pull up on the DUE, that is at 9600 currently, max 115000 (I think).

  2. i2c temp sensors running on long lines on an UNO.

What do I need for that?

What about something like the Raspberry Pi version?:

#7

Something like this http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/SEEED-STUDIO-109990065-/72-12890

#8

Have a look at the Bitscope Micro. With the logic analyser software it includes decoding of SPI, I2C, and CAN bus. As an oscilloscope it lacks a lot of the facilities of a Rigol or Siglent but is a good start at a reasonable price.

Russell

#9

Check this one out
http://www.digilentinc.com/Products/Detail.cfm?NavPath=2,842,1018&Prod=ANALOG-DISCOVERY&CFID=18027956&CFTOKEN=154072ff2d686c86-D04671F4-5056-0201-02EB93D079958DFA
The engineering students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have to buy one for their engineering lab classes. College student price was $99 last year, maybe less than shown due to RPI buying in bulk. Still, $159 not bad if you know a college e-mail address.

Specs here on capabilities
http://www.digilentinc.com/data/products/analog-discovery/AnalogDiscovery.pdf

#10

CrossRoads:
The engineering students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have to buy one for their engineering lab classes.

When I was in first year at Batersea CAT we had to put up with these! Later we progressed to the Telequipment D43. :slight_smile:
Students have it easy now?

Russell.

#11