Im looking to get some suggestions on what to look for in test equipment and what equipment would be most beneficial in the areas Im interested in.
First off my main focus has been on pic programming, RF communications(data and voice), audio filtering, and basic robotics. Atm all Ive really got is a digital multimeter from radioshack and a 12 volt dc power supply.
Ive used scopes and function generators in college so I understand their basic function. ID like to know what to look for when purchasing oscilloscopes, function generators, possible better power supplies, and/or frequency counters. Obviously the higher modeled units have more versatility but how much would be required from each type of equipment for the type of projects I do?
Oscilloscopes:
>Single or duel trace?
In class we had duel trace but never used that option in class, what is the advantage of displaying a duel trace? Phase shift is the only thing that comes to mind offhand.
>30 60 100 Mhz
What frequency would be optimal for the types of projects Im interested in? What exactly is the advantage of having a 100 mhz over a 30.
>Are their any options/attachments I should purchase with it?
Function Generators:
>Frequency
Ive seen units from 3 to 20 Mhz. What frequency would be required for the project types I listed, more is always better then less but what would be considered overkill.
>Are their any specific features I should make sure a model has?
Power Supplies:
>Ill definently get a unit with a higher output voltage but are their any options/features I should look for in a unit?
>We had current limiting units in class, is this option ever needed?
Every project we did we turned that function off, our models had short-circuit protection so I guess it wasnt required.
Frequency Counter:
Ive never used one before, Id imagine from their high frequency rate they can be used on RF projects.
>What options should I look for in a unit and is a frequency counter even required for more advanced projects in RF/audio applications?
Thanks in advance.
First off my main focus has been on pic programming, RF communications(data and voice), audio filtering, and basic robotics. Atm all Ive really got is a digital multimeter from radioshack and a 12 volt dc power supply.
Ive used scopes and function generators in college so I understand their basic function. ID like to know what to look for when purchasing oscilloscopes, function generators, possible better power supplies, and/or frequency counters. Obviously the higher modeled units have more versatility but how much would be required from each type of equipment for the type of projects I do?
Oscilloscopes:
>Single or duel trace?
In class we had duel trace but never used that option in class, what is the advantage of displaying a duel trace? Phase shift is the only thing that comes to mind offhand.
>30 60 100 Mhz
What frequency would be optimal for the types of projects Im interested in? What exactly is the advantage of having a 100 mhz over a 30.
>Are their any options/attachments I should purchase with it?
Function Generators:
>Frequency
Ive seen units from 3 to 20 Mhz. What frequency would be required for the project types I listed, more is always better then less but what would be considered overkill.
>Are their any specific features I should make sure a model has?
Power Supplies:
>Ill definently get a unit with a higher output voltage but are their any options/features I should look for in a unit?
>We had current limiting units in class, is this option ever needed?
Every project we did we turned that function off, our models had short-circuit protection so I guess it wasnt required.
Frequency Counter:
Ive never used one before, Id imagine from their high frequency rate they can be used on RF projects.
>What options should I look for in a unit and is a frequency counter even required for more advanced projects in RF/audio applications?
Thanks in advance.