Free oscilloscope and other test equipment

[jeffs555]

Here is a link to some freeware test instruments using just a PC with a sound card. http://www.dazyweblabs.com/shannonsoft/page3.html

He has 2 and 4 channel oscilloscopes, frequency counter, function generators, and spectrum analyzer. Since they get their input from the soundcard, the frequency range is limited. Wouldn't work for RF, but would probably help with low speed stuff like motor controls.

Jeff

[MondoMor]

Holy CATS. I've been using an older (Windows 3.1 era) soundcard-scope program. This one looks better in more ways than I can count. Thank you!

[Jim McPherson]

Nice find! Thanks Jeff!

-Jim

[MicroRotors]

Sweet Find, Thanks :eek: :D

[HELModels]

Here is another one which could be built DIY and doesnt risk overvoltage on soundcard.

http://www.bitscope.com/

[peterbennett26]

http://poly.phys.msu.su/~zeld/oscill.html

This might be a daft question. Is there anyway to knock down Mhz frequencies in a controlled manner so that these Khz scopes/spectrum analysers are able to measure them?

Pete

[jeffs555]

Pete,
Unfortunately, there is no practical way to do that. If you need to see higher frequencies, you can get something like the BitScope, but that will cost at least $300 or more. The other option if you don't need the digital storage functions, is to get a used analog scope off ebay or at a local hamfest. You should be able to find a working 100mhz scope for $100-$200. I picked up a good 275mhz HP scope for well under $100.

Jeff

[stealthy]

Here's a link, but some items have a fee.

http://www.tech-systems-labs.com/freesoftware.htm