oscilloscope won't show square wave

[lostclueless]

hi, I have a basic oscilloscope, ramsey bs601. Has testing calibrating post that is suppossed to show square wave to calibrate probes. only shows two alternating horizontal traces above and below the base. No vertical component to trace. What is up with this?

 

[squishy36]

That is a square wave. If you want to see the vertical part of the trace and it's an analog scope, turn up the intensity. If it's a digital scope, you may have it set to showing dots -- find a menu that lets you change the display to "vectors".

 

[KeepItSimpleStupid]

First order: the time base. Trigger properly.
2nd order: Compensate attenuating probe.

 

[lostclueless]

Thanks you both for your advice, haven't tried that yet(turning up the intensity) as it was bright enough.

 

[picbits]

Get a picture up of the problem and someone will know instantly if its a triggering problem or otherwise.