Oscilloscopes

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====== Oscilloscopes ======

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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|}}