3 ms·

I can teach a programmer the basics of how to use a scope in 10 minutes. The basics of C for a non programmer would take what - a week minimum? Every scope ma

I can teach a programmer the basics of how to use a scope in 10 minutes. The basics of C for a non programmer would take what - a week minimum? Every scope made in the last 20 years has an autoconfig/autoset button...

dragontamer 4y ago
You ever deal with an Oscilloscope with a ground-loop problem? You're not teaching electrical theory in 10 minutes. No sir, no way. I'm going to guess that it takes you more than 10 minutes to adequately explain what a ground loop is, even if the other guy is reasonably trained in electrical theory. EDIT: Recognizing a ground-loop, understanding where it comes from (Oh, X device isn't grounded and my Y device ground is the Oscilloscope's ground right now), and finally solving it (switching to AC mode if you're cool with capacitive coupling). And it can be rather dangerous / fire hazard / electrical hazard if you made a stupid choice (ex: connect X's ground to Y's ground. Are you sure there's no serious voltage difference here? After all, if there wasn't a voltage difference, you probably wouldn't be having a ground loop problem to begin with)
garren 4y ago
Any good references for learning how to use a scope and other equipment? I haven’t gotten around to cracking open TAoE [0], but I did pick up the “hands on lab” version [1] which looks promising. Any resources on getting familiar with test equipment would be appreciated. This book from a parent post looks pretty good: Understanding Signals with the PropScope from the company Parallax [2] and it looks like there’s a bundled kit on Amazon. [0] https://artofelectronics.net/ https://artofelectronics.net/ [1] https://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/physics/electronics-physicists/learning-art-electronics-hands-lab-course https://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/physics/elect... [2] https://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/2134871UsersManual.pdf https://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/2134871UsersMa...
- dragontamer 4y ago
  If you're still at "learning to use an O-scope" stages of EE, you shouldn't be reading TAoE yet. TAoE is more about selection of proper components... such as figuring out if the 2N2222 BJT or the 2N3904 BJT is better for your particular circuit. https://www.onsemi.com/pdf/datasheet/p2n2222a-d.pdf https://www.onsemi.com/pdf/datasheet/p2n2222a-d.pdf https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/308/1/2N3904_D-1801586.pdf https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/308/1/2N3904_D-1801586.pd... They're both NPN type BJT transistors. There's a bit of knowledge you need to see the difference. Anyway, when you're at the level where you're analyzing components like that and picking between them, that's when you're ready to read TAoE. I'd caution against jumping into it too early, there's just so much to learn before that textbook is relevant to you. --------- I don't... really remember my 200-level classes. But there was at least one semester of rather boring, beginner level electronics. Just using OScopes, power-supplies, and shoving electricity into resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes (etc. etc) and learning how to read / measure that stuff. I think an older beginner book that teaches like, 555-timers and other simple circuits are what you need. As well as just a lot of lab time with an OScope + breadboard, debugging and groking, and understanding these already made designs. Once you get a gist of how the common components work, then you are able to choose various components and make them work together yourself.

dragontamer 4y ago

You ever deal with an Oscilloscope with a ground-loop problem? You're not teaching electrical theory in 10 minutes. No sir, no way. I'm going to guess that it takes you more than 10 minutes to adequately explain what a ground loop is, even if the other guy is reasonably trained in electrical theory. EDIT: Recognizing a ground-loop, understanding where it comes from (Oh, X device isn't grounded and my Y device ground is the Oscilloscope's ground right now), and finally solving it (switching to AC mode if you're cool with capacitive coupling). And it can be rather dangerous / fire hazard / electrical hazard if you made a stupid choice (ex: connect X's ground to Y's ground. Are you sure there's no serious voltage difference here? After all, if there wasn't a voltage difference, you probably wouldn't be having a ground loop problem to begin with)

garren 4y ago

Any good references for learning how to use a scope and other equipment? I haven’t gotten around to cracking open TAoE [0], but I did pick up the “hands on lab” version [1] which looks promising. Any resources on getting familiar with test equipment would be appreciated. This book from a parent post looks pretty good: Understanding Signals with the PropScope from the company Parallax [2] and it looks like there’s a bundled kit on Amazon. [0] https://artofelectronics.net/ https://artofelectronics.net/ [1] https://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/physics/electronics-physicists/learning-art-electronics-hands-lab-course https://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/physics/elect... [2] https://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/2134871UsersManual.pdf https://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/2134871UsersMa...

dragontamer 4y ago
If you're still at "learning to use an O-scope" stages of EE, you shouldn't be reading TAoE yet. TAoE is more about selection of proper components... such as figuring out if the 2N2222 BJT or the 2N3904 BJT is better for your particular circuit. https://www.onsemi.com/pdf/datasheet/p2n2222a-d.pdf https://www.onsemi.com/pdf/datasheet/p2n2222a-d.pdf https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/308/1/2N3904_D-1801586.pdf https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/308/1/2N3904_D-1801586.pd... They're both NPN type BJT transistors. There's a bit of knowledge you need to see the difference. Anyway, when you're at the level where you're analyzing components like that and picking between them, that's when you're ready to read TAoE. I'd caution against jumping into it too early, there's just so much to learn before that textbook is relevant to you. --------- I don't... really remember my 200-level classes. But there was at least one semester of rather boring, beginner level electronics. Just using OScopes, power-supplies, and shoving electricity into resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes (etc. etc) and learning how to read / measure that stuff. I think an older beginner book that teaches like, 555-timers and other simple circuits are what you need. As well as just a lot of lab time with an OScope + breadboard, debugging and groking, and understanding these already made designs. Once you get a gist of how the common components work, then you are able to choose various components and make them work together yourself.