Hello all,
Ive just using the C51 compiler and need to test code with the pins.
Im just getting started in electronic, mainly processor stuff. I want to build things like ultrasonic range finders etc for small robots. I would like to buy an oscillosope to help debug and to learn more but I would like some advice about what to buy, I have been thiking of buying a (Philips PM3082 2+2 Channel, 100MHZ, Delay TB etc, Autoset ) what do you think?
"Im just getting started in electronic"
What is your budget?
If you're thinking of a PM3082, you must be thinking about used equipment?
As a novice, buying used, you need to ensure that whatever you get is fully calibrated, guaranteed, and comes with complete documentation (manuals, etc). Preferably, buy it from somewhere that can demonstrate it to you.
I used a PM3082 (badged "Fluke") about 5-6 years ago, and it was not new then. There are some very good, small scopes available new these days - check them out before buying something old and clunky!
Having said that, the PM3082 should be fine for you. IIRC, it had digital storage, and captured screens could be uploaded to a PC via an RS232 link (this is likely to be much easier to do on modern scopes).
I would certainly recommend that you get something with digital storage, and the facility to upload to a PC...
(IIRC = If I Remember Correctly)
I second Andy's suggestion that you look at some of the newer 'pocket scopes'. These are essentially a digital front end to a PC for storage and display. There are a large number from simple logic analyzers to multi-function Analog/Digital/Function Generators. Look at http://www.usbee.com for an example. They have a download demo. http://www.techtools.com is another site to review. Bradford
I wasn't actually thinking of them!
However, on a tight budget, they'd probably be worth a look.
I was thinking more of this sort of thing: www.tek.com/.../index.html
This market seems to be pretty competetive these days, and distributors often have some keen deals - which must also be good for used prices...!
I note that Tektronix have an "interactive product advisor" here: conversation.i-op.com/.../intro
I'm not affiliated to Tektronix - just happen to have one & like it!
I second Andy's suggestion that you look at some of the newer 'pocket scopes'. These are essentially a digital front end to a PC for storage and display. careful, read the datasheets. Many of those have abysmal fmax and samples per second.
For serious '51 work you need (with modern derivatives fully clocked) 100MHz min. For the older steam driven derivatives 20 MHz or so may do. The one thing that will task any scope is an extermely narrow (noise) pulse, I have, in the past when scopes were slower, had to use my DNA computer "as a scope" and reason my way to a pulse so narrow that the scope could not show. Do not sell yourself short and get a slowpoke scope.
Erik
to find noise (in particular 'ground' to 'ground') it is essential that your scope can be used in differential mode (typically a+b and b invert).
Yes, differential mode is invaluable!