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--- equipment:electronics:measurement:oscilloscopes:home [2023/02/19 17:18] – created whyrlpool
+++ equipment:electronics:measurement:oscilloscopes:home [2025/11/30 00:59] (current) – tggzzz
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+This is a good basic intro to oscilloscopes:
+https://youtu.be/SSp1wn0Abck?feature=shared
+====Safety====
+It is possible to use oscilloscopes and probes inappropriately and dangerously. In most cases there //won't// be a hazard, but it is necessary to know the hazards in order to avoid them. If in doubt, ask someone with experience.
+The //principal// safety problems that can arise with oscilloscopes are //briefly// noted [[https://web.archive.org/web/20230125035107/https://bristol.hackspace.org.uk/wiki/doku.php?id=equipment:oscilloscopes|here]]
+The //principal// classes of probes and when to use them are //briefly// noted [[https://web.archive.org/web/20230125035107/https://bristol.hackspace.org.uk/wiki/doku.php?id=equipment:oscilloscopeprobes|here]]. (Hackspace only has standard *10 "high" impedance probes)
+//N.B. the references in those pages are well worth reading, since they expand and support the notes on those pages//.
+For the avoidance of doubt:
+  * don't probe anything >50V using standard *10 "high" impedance probes
+  * be aware that all probes' shields are connected together and to mains earth. If you connect one to an inappropriate node then high currents will flow
+  * **__never ever ever “float a scope” by disconnecting its ground lead__**, unless you also fully implement the mods shown below. **__Then don't do it; use the right probe__**
+{{:equipment:electronics:measurement:oscilloscopes:tektronix-howtofloatascope.jpg?direct&400|}}