| Both sides previous revision
Previous revision
Next revision
|
Previous revision
|
equipment:oscilloscopeprobes [2019/05/09 11:29]
tggzzz |
equipment:oscilloscopeprobes [2020/05/30 11:13] (current)
tggzzz |
| ===== Oscilloscope Probes ===== | ===== Oscilloscope Probes ===== |
| | Probes must be used with oscilloscopes, so it is necessary to understand //and apply// the information on the [[equipment:oscilloscopes|oscilloscopes]] page. If in doubt (particularly about safety), please ask before damaging equipment or people. |
| |
| ==== Safety ==== | ==== Safety ==== |
| //**Safety**: do not use any scope probe for measuring mains equipment and voltages. Carefully read and understand the safety references in the "Praxis" section of [[https://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/library-2/scope-probe-reference-material/|Scope Probe Reference Material]] and [[http://www.tek.com/document/primer/abcs-probes|Tektronix' ABCs of Probes Primer]] pp55-56 - they might save someone's life// | **Do not use any of HackSpace's scope probes for measuring mains equipment and voltages**, and that includes inside SMPSs. |
| | |
| | Carefully read and understand the safety references in the "Praxis" section of [[https://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/library-2/scope-probe-reference-material/|Scope Probe Reference Material]] and [[http://www.tek.com/document/primer/abcs-probes|Tektronix' ABCs of Probes Primer]] pp55-56 - //they might save someone's life// |
| |
| ==== Types of Probe ==== | ==== Types of Probe ==== |
| There are many types of scope probe, including *1, *10 "high" impedance, *10 "low" impedance Z0 resistive divider, current, EHV, envelope, active, differential, isolated. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and some are essential in some situations. Hackspace only has the common-or-garden *1 and *10 "high" impedance probes, but it may be possible to borrow others from members. | There are many types of scope probe, including *1, *10 "high" impedance, *10 "low" impedance Z0 resistive divider, current, EHV, envelope, active, differential, isolated. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and **some are essential in some situations**. See [[https://download.tek.com/document/60W_14232_9_MR_Letter.pdf|Tektronix' Probes and Accessories, Your Guide to Selecting the Right Probe]] |
| | |
| | Hackspace only has the common-or-garden *1 and *10 "high" impedance probes, but it may be possible to borrow others from members. |
| |
| Clearly scope probes are much //much// more than "bits of wire". They are surprisingly sophisticated pieces of technology containing very thin wires and precision components: | Clearly scope probes are much //much// more than "bits of wire". They are surprisingly sophisticated pieces of technology containing very thin wires and precision components: |
| |
| For more pointers about safety, choosing and using probes, plus when and how to make your own probes, see [[https://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/library-2/scope-probe-reference-material/|Scope Probe Reference Material]]. | For more pointers about safety, choosing and using probes, plus when and how to make your own probes, see [[https://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/library-2/scope-probe-reference-material/|Scope Probe Reference Material]]. |
| | |
| | There are some unused probes in plastic bags on or near the scopes. //Those should **not be used** routinely.// Why? See the warnings below about probes' fragility and ease of damage - and how expensive they are to replace. Instead **use the probes hanging on the equipment rack**. If it is necessary to use one of the probes in the plastic bags, please //put a message on the mailing list// noting why it was necessary. That will enable people to ensure we have the right equipment when members need it. |
| | |
| | Note: a scope without a working probe is as useful a bandsaw without a band: i.e. it is junk! |
| | |
| | {{ :equipment:oscilloscope_probes.jpg?nolink |}} |
| | |
| |
| ==== Probes with Scopes ==== | ==== Probes with Scopes ==== |