If you don't need DC you can use an op amp as a feed to a PC sound card with
the correct levels - there are lots of virtual oscilloscope programs
available and most hobby electronics companies have a cheap design available
for home construction.

If you do need just very basic DC you can use a few comparitors into various
AC generators in front of the sound card pre amp -
1] Several oscillators - 0V gives a low tone, 3V gives an intermediate and 5
V a high tone (audible as well as visible on the PC screen.
2] A low amplitude, highish frequency tone (appears as a thick line on
oscilloscope program) can be mixed with the output of preset amplifiers (The
line is level shifted).

The first is often best for PICs, especially if you monitor the audio, you
can quickly get to recognize Lo, Hi, rail-to-rail pulses, rail-to-mid
pulses, etc.

Bye.


-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Dribin [mailto:dave-ml@DRIBIN.ORG]
Sent: 05 December 2001 07:14
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: [BUY]: Cheap, beginner's scope


Hello,

I'm looking at getting an oscilloscope for myself, but I don't want to
spend a ton.  Plus, I won't be using it that much.  I'd file it under
the "nice to have" category.  I doubt I will be doing any high speed
circuits or anything.  I'll probably use it mostly on digital logical
and computer peripheral interfaces (PS/2, etc.).  Could anyone
recommend a good beginners scope around the $300-$500 range?  I don't
mind looking at used stuff on eBay, but I don't know enough to not get
screwed.

Bitscope looked interesting, too.  Has anyone had experiences with it?

  http://www.bitscope.com/

Thanks,

-Dave

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