[sdiy] Oscilloscope Software

[Jay Schwichtenberg]

Mark,

If you want a full oscilloscope (DC to 20 mHz or more) then get an analog
one. Analog has infinite resolution. Most digitial scopes only have 8 to 10
bits of digitization ( ~48 to ~60 db of signal).

But!

If you're just going to be using it for just audio ~20 Hz to 20-24 kHz (no
DC, no high freq) then a newer sound card could work for you. Sound cards
today have at least 16 bits which gives you ~96 db (more like 85 to 90 db in
reality) of signal. Usally the input channels are AC coupled with caps which
effects the low freq roll off and the converters do not go down to DC. The
converters usally have low pass filters either built into them or around
them to limit the input freq. This is dependent on the sample freq. You
would also have to build a front end for the sound card and calibrate it.
This would match the exterior voltage to the sound card levels and the
levels in the scope software.

Hope this provides some insight, good luck.
Jay


> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> [mailto:owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl]On Behalf Of Mark Melvin
> Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 12:36 PM
> To: Synth DIY List
> Subject: [sdiy] Oscilloscope Software
>
>
> Hi all-
>
> Do any of you have experience with PC oscilloscope
> software?  I thought it would be a cost efficient
> alternative to stand-alone scopes but what I found
> seemed to similarly expensive because you have to buy
> the special data conversion card.
>
> Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
> Mahalo!
> -Mark
>
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