Alan Wolke W2AEW from Tektronix joins us to talk Oscilloscopes. Alan is a field application engineer for Tektronix, the world's most well-known oscilloscope maker. He also has a YouTube channel that is chock full of great information for those wanting to better understanding oscilloscopes and test equipment in general. Alan joins us for a two part session to deep drive on oscilloscope features and applications. In part one, we introduce the oscilloscope, what it's used for, some introductory concepts, and some comparisons of analog and digital scopes. We also discuss probe quality.

Alan Wolke W2AEW
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/w2aew
QRZ - http://www.qrz.com/db/W2AEW
Twitter - https://twitter.com/alanattek

Rigol DS-1XXX Z Series:  https://www.rigolna.com/products/digital-oscilloscopes/ds1000z/

Great community support from http://www.eevblog.com/forum/

Inexpensive Used Tektronix or HP Scope, Tektronix 465B

Used Tektronix, Hameg, Leader, Kenwood, Hitachi

Don't buy a service grade scope!

Stay away from Vacuum tube models!

Tektronix 465, 475, 485

Tektronix 2215 (2200 series in general) 2225, 2400 series 2445, 2465

Make sure probes are rated for frequency or greater and make sure compensation range contains the input capacitance of the scope

Find Dave Jones video on Proper Probe Usage (how not to blow up your scope!) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaELqAo4kkQ

Pico Scopes:  https://www.picotech.com/oscilloscope/2000/picoscope-2000-overview

Bit Scope:  http://www.bitscope.com

Saleae:  https://www.saleae.com

Digilent Analog Discovery 2:  http://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-2-100msps-usb-oscilloscope-logic-analyzer-and-variable-power-supply/

Red Pitaya:  http://redpitaya.com

Alan's Best Suggested OScope Video Links for Show Notes
Video Index PDF file

Basic operating and controls tutorials:

• #242: How to use an oscilloscope on antique radios | NJARC
• #160: Oscilloscope Basics, and how they can be used in the hamshack | tutorial
• #11: Tektronix Oscilloscope Triggering controls and their usage
• #10: AC / DC Coupling on an Oscilloscope
• #238: Oscilloscope Vertical Position and Offset explained
• #206: Importance of 10X Probe Compensation with your Oscilloscope
• #9: Basic 1X and 10X Oscilloscope Probe tutorial
• #179: How to make a peak to peak voltage measurement on a scope
• #96: Tutorial on Digital Oscilloscope sample rate, record length and data processing
• #69: Basics of Analog Oscilloscope Bandwidth
• #68: Oscilloscope Probe Ground lead length affects on signal quality
• #65: Basics of using FFT on an oscilloscope
• #43: Analog Oscilloscope Basics: Making a Frequency Measurement
• #35: Using the ADD/INVERT mode on an analog scope to view differential voltages
• #33: Oscilloscope AUTO Triggering explained
• #31: Analog oscilloscope ALT, CHOP, ADD, INVERT vertical controls
• #25: Analog Oscilloscope bandwidth considerations

​Some Useful Applications of a scope in the hamshack and radio workbench:

• #90: Measure Capacitors and Inductors with an Oscilloscope and some basic parts
• #72: Simple Station Monitor for Ham Radio using an Oscilloscope
• #7: Monitor your Ham Radio transmitter with an oscilloscope
• #8: Two-tone test of SSB transmitter output
• #37: Use a scope to measure the length and impedance of coax
• #162: How to measure coax velocity factor VF and impedance Z
• #138: How to Measure Output Impedance
• #135: Measure Capacitor ESR with an Oscilloscope and Function Generator
• #112: Use an Oscilloscope and Signal Generator help tune an HF Antenna, measure complex impedance

George and Jeremy discuss test and measurement equipment - RF Power Meters, DC Power Meters, and Digital Multimeters.

Digital Multimeter Comparison Video - https://youtu.be/tl76f0S3iOU

LM317 power supply Kit - http://www.ebay.com/itm/LM317-Adjustable-Voltage-Regulator-Step-down-Power-Supply-Module-LED-Voltmeter/141812241288?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D37470%26meid%3D8a24a918e95b4208bffa4707fe8c0eed%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D330942829760

Cheap kits and electronics - www.banggood.com
https://blog.adafruit.com/2016/08/11/portable-adjustable-power-supply-3dthursday-3dprinting/

Icom released a new ID-51 Plus2 - http://www.icom.co.jp/world/news/160808/ID-51_PLUS2_colorvariation.pdf

Kenwood TH-D74A Information - http://www.jvckenwood.com/en/press/2016/08/press_160808.html

KF7IJZ’s Raspberry Pi 3 Cluster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJKhRLKXr-Q

Must have Digital Multimeter features

• Auto Ranging
• True RMS A/C Measurement
• Check max voltage and current specs
• Backlight
• Kick stand
• Continuity testing beep
• >4000 counts / 3 ¾ Digits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4JFeU-o2kc

Nice to have Digital Multimeter features

• Capacitance
• Diode check
• Transistor check
• Frequency counter
• Computer connectivity
• High quality probes
• Impact resistant / weather proof case (rubbery)

What do you get as Digital Multimeter price increases?

• Precision
• “Nice to have” Features
• Non contact sensing
• Computer connectivity
• Accessories
• Power Handling
• Faster continuity test response

Good test probe characteristics:

• Silicone insulation not cheap wire
• Good strain relief
• Flexible
• Sharp probe points
• Removable alligator clamps

FLUKE TL71 10A PREMIUM DMM TEST LEAD SET FOR DIGITAL MULTIMETER PROBES NEW $18
Digital Multimeter Recommendations

• Tenma 72-7780 6000 count TRMS - $60 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-7780-/72-7780
• Extech…
• Tenma 72- 10410 - $67 6000 count TRMS w/ USB - $67 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-10410
• Tenma 72-10415 22000 count TRMS w/ USB Connectivity $100 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-10415-/72-10415
• EEVBlog Branded Bryman BM235 - ~$100US - https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter/
• Fluke 87V - $340 - https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-FLUKE-87-V-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B00T3LZLFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469753599&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+87
• Fluke 287- $450 -  https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-287-Electronics-Multimeter-TrendCapture/dp/B01HAWOWO0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469753537&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+287
• Keysight (Agilent) U1272A - $390 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/KEYSIGHT-TECHNOLOGIES-U1272A-/72-8935

Clamp Current Probes - Tenma - $40 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-9180#review

RF Watt Meters:

• MFJ 822 (HF, 2m) - $60 - http://www.mtcradio.com/mfj-822-wattmeter-hf-vhf-1-8-200-mhz-300-w-mobile/
• MFJ 842 (2m,220,440) - $60 -
• Diamond SX-200 (HF 2m) - $90 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000009
• Diamond SX-600 (HF, VHF, UHF) - $180 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000013
• Bird Model 43 and slugs ($300 for meter + ~$50+ per slug)
• http://www.birdrf.com/Products/Wattmeters_Line%20Sections/PortableWattmeters/43_General-Purpose-Wattmeter.aspx#.V6tGLpgrKUk

DC in-line power monitor:

• Powerwerx Wattmeter-PP  $50 - https://powerwerx.com/watt-meter-analyzer-inline-dc-powerpole
• RC Digital LCD Watt Meter Battery Voltage Current Power Analyzer Tester - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-Watt-Meter-Battery-Voltage-Current-Power-Analyzer-Tester-60V-100A-RC-/281826900593?hash=item419e313a71:g:NZoAAOSwl9BWHPwg
• West Mountain Radio PWRcheck - $185 - http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pwrcheck

Sparkfun - How to use a multimeter - https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter

Fluke - ABC's of DMMs (Digital Multimeters) - http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/Download/Asset/1260898_6116_ENG_M_W.PDF

Ideal Industries - Basics of Digital Multimeters - http://www.triotest.com.au/shop/images/basics_of_digital_multimeters.pdf

​EEVBlog Multimeter Videos

• DMM Buyers Guide for Beginners:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1n_ELmpFI
• How a Multimeter Works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuCXsT3_WRE
• Multimeter Counts and Resolution:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4JFeU-o2kc

George and Jeremy take a look at power supplies for powering radios and working on electronic projects.  They explain the differences between traditional radio power supplies and “lab” Constant Current / Constant Voltage power supplies.  They also provide helpful tips on what to look for when selecting power supplies for your radio or your workbench.

Tim KE4KE Website - http://www.ke4ke.com

Vance N3VEM - http://www.n3vem.com

Packtenna Mini - http://www.packtenna.com/

YouTube Packtenna Mini Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4RONXiPnkE&feature=share

New KJ6VU KX2 portable case video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfhqIH3wuk8

Bioenno LiFePO4 Batteries for ham use - https://www.bioennopower.com/collections/12v-series-lifepo4-batteries/products/12v-8ah-lfp-battery-abs-sealed-black-case?variant=1014198656

Raspberry Pi Clock - from N0BEL - http://n0bel.net/v1/index.php/projects/raspberry-pi-clock

2 Categories

• “Ham” 12v PSU
• Bench/Lab PSU

Ham “High Current” power supply considerations and tradeoffs

Linear vs Switch?

Variable Voltage vs Fixed Voltage?

Meters vs no meters?

What do you add as you go up in price?

• Precision
• Linearity
• Low Noise/Low Ripple
• More current/power
• Computer connectivity/programmability

Linear 12V High Current Power Supply: Astron RS-35A - $180 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-004434

Switching 12V with Analog Meters: Samlex 1235M - $130 - https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008965

Switching Variable Voltage with Meters: Powerwerx SPS-30DM - $160 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-011684

Switching 12V: Powerwerx SPS 30DV - $110 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010662

Switching 12V Variable Voltage: Alinco DM-330MVT - $160 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-003728

Power Supply Accessories

• West Mountain Radio Rig Runners - http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner.php
• Low Loss Power Gate Battery Charging System - $50 - http://ki0bk.no-ip.com/~pwrgate/LLPG/Site/LLPG.html
• West Mountain Radio Super PWRGate PG40S - $140 - http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007770
• PwrGuard Plus Low Voltage Disconnect - http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pwr_guard
• Anderson Power Poles
• Crimper - https://powerwerx.com/tricrimp-powerpole-connector-crimping-tool

Workbench Power Supply - What specs do you care about?

• 0-20v or more
• • Single ended 0-20v - voltage reference to ground
  • Maybe Dual ended +/- 15 volts
• Low ripple (<1mv p/p) - what is ripple?  (EEVBlog Ripple and Noise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edel3eduRj4)
• 2-5 amps
• Meters for Volts and Current (digital or analog)
• Current limiting adjustment
• Resettable output breaker
• Short circuit protection

Test Leads - banana plug to whatever you need to connect to
What do you add as you go up in price?

• Precision
• Linearity
• Low Noise/Low Ripple
• More current/power
• Computer connectivity/programmability

Dave Jones EEVBlog - earth ground vs ground referenced circuit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaELqAo4kkQ

Tenma 72-8345A 1-36V 3A Power Supply - $150 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-8345A-/72-8345A

Tenma 72-8350 1-20V 5A Power Supply - $160 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-8350A-/72-8350

Tenma 72-9465 1-36V 5A USB Controllable - $200 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-9465-/72-9465

GW Instek GPS-1850D - $200 - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/GW-INSTEK-GPS-1850D-/72-12100

Rigol Bench Power Supplies - https://www.rigolna.com/products/dc-power-loads/
Siglent Bench Power Supplies - http://siglentamerica.com/pd.aspx?tid=17&T=1
​