Re: Going home / more stepper speed!

Hi Jon,

That's a tough one! I had a Tecktronix/Sony 35Mhz portable 'scope I
wish I'd kept, but I'm sure that was closer to $800 USD. You might want
to check out the "PC scopes", they could possibly get you there. Used
test equipment is readily available, and could supply a good "first
scope".

I used a clip-on DC amp probe, otherwise a small value resistor in the
lead might work, but you'd have to isolate the scope from ground? You
could probably put (or use) a resistor in the ground return side of the
motor voltage, but then you'd see more then one coil's current. Might
make it more confusing!

Not to hard to use a time-base 'scope, set the time base, set the
channel gain to match the probe and anticipated voltage, and set the
triggering. Just get a scope, and play with it!

Many years ago (OK, 30+), military surplus scopes were available. The
Techtronix 545 was a BIG favorite (pun intended)! My first 'scope was a
EICO kit, I built it along with a CREI electronics course I took while
on submarine duty. It worked, not to high a frequency, but I learned a
lot.

Good luck! You'll find 'scopes great for a lot of electronics work.

Alan KM6VV


Jon Anderson wrote:

>
> Alan,
>
> Just dropped in on this thread, saw your mention of watching pulses on a
> scope. Dawns on me it might be nice to have a scope. And learn to use
> it. <G> I do have a couple books on using scopes, but don't have one so
> never opened them.
> Are there any scopes you could recommend appropriate for looking at
> stepper pulses that are not overly complicated, reliable, and can be had
> cheap (under $150)?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon