PC oscilloscopes?

Chris Duncan

Supporter
Shopping for an oscilloscope. Talking to one of my tool dealers, he's got a used 2 channel digital scope with about a 6" screen for $1,000.

Looking on line and thinking why not just piggy-back on the laptop? Found this scope online. So you would have a 15" screen 2 channel digital scope new for $350.

Here's the specs, questions, how does this thing have 2 channels with only one external trigger input?

would this unit's specs work with a programmable EFI GT40?

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http://tinyurl.com/rpj66

Velleman PSCU1000 USB PC Oscilloscope

Part Number: PCSU1000
Order Code: PCSU1000
Specifications:
  • Supports USB Port
    The PCSU1000 digital storage oscilloscope uses the power of your PC to visualize electrical signals. Its high sensitive display resolution, down to 0.15mV, combined with a high bandwidth and a sampling frequency of up to 1GHz are giving this unit all the power you need. The USB connection makes this unit a snap to set-up, no external power required! In the field measurements using a lap-top computer have never been this easy. This scope comes in a stylish vertical space saving design. Powerful software will fulfill all your needs, but for those who like a challenge; a DLL is supplied, which allows you to create your own application.
Features:
  • oscilloscope:
    o timebase: 20ns to 100ms per division
    o trigger source: CH1, CH2, EXT or free run
    o trigger edge: rising or falling
    o trigger level: full-screen adjustable
    o step interpolation: linear or smoothed
    o markers for: voltage and frequency
    o input range : 5mV to 2V/division
    o input sensitivity: 0.15mV display resolution
    o auto set-up function and X10 option
    o pre-trigger function
    o readouts: True RMS, dBV, dBm, p to p, Duty cycle, Frequency…
    o recording length: 4K samples / channel
    o real time sampling frequency: 1.25kHz to 50MHz
    o sampling frequency for Repetitive signals: 1GHz
  • spectrum analyzer: o frequency range: 0...1.2kHz to 25MHz
    o linear or logarithmic time scale
    o operating principle: FFT (Fast Fourier Transform)
    o FFT resolution: 2048 lines
    o FFT input channel: CH1 or CH2
    o zoom function
    o markers for amplitude and frequency
  • transient recorder:
    o time scale: 20ms/div to 2000s/div
    o max. recording time: 9.4hours/screen
    o automatic data storage
    o automatic recording for more than 1 year
    o max. number of samples: 100/s
    o min. number of samples: 1 sample / 20s
    o markers for time and amplitude
    o recording and display of screensrecording and display of screens
    Specifications:
  • general information:
    o inputs: 2 channels, 1 external trigger input
    o input impedance: 1Mohm // 30pF
    o bandwidth: DC to 60 MHz ±3dB
    o max. input voltage: 30V (AC + DC)
    o input coupling: DC, AC and GND
    o Supply from USB port (500mA)
  • minimum system requirements:
    o IBM compatible PC
    o needs Win98SE or higher
    o SVGA display card (min. 800x600, 1024x768 recommended)
    o mouse
    o USB port 1.1 or 2.0 compatible
    o CD Rom player
  • includes:
    o USB PC oscilloscope
    o 2 x 60MHz scope probe (PROBE60S)
    o USB cable
    o software on CD
    o getting started manual
    o translations on CD
Price: $334.95
 

Chris Duncan

Supporter
images%5Citems%5CPCSU1000.JPG
 

Peter Delaney

GT40s Supporter
Kalun - it looks like the ant's pants (& cheap) - why buy all the processing power in a dedicated box when its just sitting there on your PC (& the add-on stuff is probably software-upgradeable in the future) ?

As to the 2-channel question - a bit vague, but :

- recording length: 4K samples / channel (implies > 1 ch)
- inputs: 2 channels, 1 external trigger input (fairly specific)
- 2 x 60MHz scope probe (PROBE60S) (again implies 2-ch)

Looks like a 2-ch / 1 trigger setup for sure.

Given the high input impedance ( 1Mohm // 30pF ), I reckon that it would be fine to use on ECU inputs/outputs - it's presence should not alter the "real readings" to any significant degree.

Kind Regards,

Peter D.
 
It doesn't look too bad, especially for the price.
The single trigger is not a problem, as it is normal to only trigger from one source (usually Ch1). The external trigger would notrmally be used from say a system clock (just a reference, and not usually displayed).

My concern would be the 60Mhz bandwidth. It'll be fine for most automotive things, as long as you don't want to get inside the ECU.

HTH.

Cheers,
John.
 
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