MOTM

>Does anyone know where I can get software for my g-4
>powerbook that would make it give me signals like on
>oscilloscope?  I know they make some kind of device...

A couple of possibilities here (assuming you're using OS X):

<http://www.versiontracker.com/php/search.php?PHPSESSID=1b82f00a7da1cf436c90cd333731e8da&mode=basic&action=search&str=scope&plt%5B%5D=macosx>

>I also need to know what kind of hardware does it take
>to hook probes onto the computer, I assume it must be
>some kind of firewire device, next question is
>Am i better off buying a oscilloscope on ebay?

You're always better off with a real 'scope. A computer-based one is only
as good as the I/O, which (assuming it's an audio interface) is severely
bandwidth-limited, AC-coupled, no proper high impedance preamps, etc. It's
better than nothing but there's no substitute for good tools or the right
tool for the job.

>I
>bought a dual trace 20mhz on ebay and it puts out the
>most disgusting smell to me.  When it warms up it puts
>out a smell like nothing I have ever smelled before.
>Doesnt smell like an electrical smell.  other than
>that it works fine, but I cant handle the smell.

Probably something organic. Or used to be. Have you opened it up yet?
Somebody on Synth-DIY just found a rat skeleton in an old organ. OTOH,
where I used to work we once found a joint in a field-strength meter. That
had a different smell...

-- 

Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
"The Mac Doctor"