In the
previous pages you might have seen a Matrix oscilloscope sitting
on top of the SunMoon load tester. Not only has the CompuNurse
been upgraded, but the O-scope has been upgraded as well.
I wanted
something that would allow me to capture o-scope readings so
I could add them to my reviews.
Above
is my newest toy: The USB-Instruments Stingray DS1M12 2+1 channel
PC digital oscilloscope. This $220, palm-sized
device actually replaces the $1000 desktop oscilloscope.
The
BNC cable from the Waveform Monitor output of the load tester
goes to the Stingray. The Stingray interfaces with a PC with
a USB cable. The data is displayed on the PC either via Easy
Logger or EasyScope II.
Above is a screenshot of the DataLogger program.
The photo above shows how easy it is to change
the value of X axis.
Above shows how the Y axis values and scale are
changed.
EasyScope II puts all of the necessary controls
on one screen. The above shot shows an interface that is very
similar to a real-life, single channel oscilloscope. For the
second channel, one simply clicks on the "Channel B" tab.
Setting up persistence can help log changes over
a long period of time as a more solid line.
The
FFT display was fun to work with. I never did figure out how
to lock the maximum mV reading, but then again
I haven't read the manual yet. ;-)
Above,
the FFT display is shown with a magnitude spectrum.
Here the FFT display is displaying a phase spectrum.
EasyScope even allows the user to view results
with an analog output.
Overall,
I think I might have a pretty good testing methodology in place.
Now I'm not only able to test PSU's at a higher temperature
without cranking up the heat in the house, but also capture
how "clean" rail output is.
