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This blows away the $60 budget oscilloscope! (OWON VDS1022 review)

Adrian's Digital Basement・60 minutes read

Adrian reviews an $80 oscilloscope while repairing a Commodore 64, highlighting its capabilities for simple computer repairs. The USB scope features 25 MHz bandwidth, an isolated design, and various trigger modes, offering effective performance despite some software interface issues.

Insights

An $80 oscilloscope used by Adrian for repairing a Commodore 64 features a 25 MHz bandwidth, USB connectivity, and various trigger modes, making it suitable for simple computer repairs and preventing ground issues with non-isolated high-voltage devices.
Despite impressive capabilities like fast Fourier transform analysis and pass/fail settings, the USB scope's software interface lacks user-friendly features, requiring improvements for easier use, although its fast update rate and effective triggering make it a standout choice for working on devices like Commodore 64s.

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Recent questions

What is an oscilloscope?
A device to visualize electrical signals for analysis.
How does an isolated scope differ from a non-isolated one?
Isolated scopes prevent ground issues in high-voltage devices.
What is FFT analysis in oscilloscopes?
FFT analyzes signal frequency components for detailed insights.
What are pass/fail settings in oscilloscopes?
Pass/fail settings determine if signals meet specific criteria.
What is the purpose of probe compensation adjustment in oscilloscopes?
Probe compensation ensures accurate waveform calibration.

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Summary

00:00

Inexpensive USB Scope for Computer Repairs

Adrian is repairing a Commodore 64 using an $80 oscilloscope, which is more capable than previous scopes he has used.
He reviews inexpensive scopes while fixing Commodore 64s to show their suitability for simple computer repairs.
The previous scope he reviewed had a composite video output for easier viewing on a larger screen.
The current USB scope requires a computer for operation and has a non-standard A to A USB cable.
Adrian paid $108.88 for the isolated version of the scope, which separates the USB ground from the BNC jacks.
An isolated scope is useful for preventing ground issues when working with non-isolated high-voltage devices.
The scope specs include 25 MHz bandwidth, 100 MS/s, and 8-bit analog-to-digital converter.
It features various trigger modes, USB 2.0 connectivity, and a multi-function interface with an external trigger input.
The scope comes with a 60 MHz scope probe and software compatible with Windows XP to 10.
Adrian notes the software's interface lacks a menu bar but offers math functions and fast math processing capabilities.

13:24

Enhancing Disk Drive Calibration with Math Functions

Math functions are needed during disk drive calibration due to a differential amplifier, requiring waveform subtraction.
Rigol scope is slow for this task, prompting the use of an analog scope for faster updates.
FFT utilizes computer horsepower for a fast Fourier transform to analyze signal frequency components.
PC-based scopes excel in FFT due to superior processing power compared to Rigol scopes.
Pass/fail settings allow for rule creation to determine if signals meet specific criteria.
Recording capability enables waveform storage for potential spreadsheet analysis.
Self-calibration feature ensures accurate readings, with a relay click indicating successful calibration.
Comparison between Owen and Handtech scopes reveals Owen's superior performance and features.
Probe compensation adjustment tool aids in waveform accuracy calibration.
Interface issues with the Owen scope, including lack of intuitive controls and limited zoom functionality.

26:30

1980s Computer Modifications and Testing Analysis

The computer in question has various date codes on its components, with the color RAM showing a 1984 date code, the 6526 chip from the 52nd week of 1982, and other ICs from the 48th week of 1982, along with 1983 and 1984 chips mixed in.
The motherboard appears to be a REV A board from 1982 but has chips soldered from 1984, indicating a mix of components possibly due to rework or modifications.
A voltage regulator on the motherboard was relocated to the cartridge slot, likely to dissipate heat more effectively, with signs of rework evident but no desoldering of the old regulator.
The computer contains a later revision VIC2 chip from the fifth week of 1984, potentially replaced at some point, and heat sinks attached with strong epoxy, possibly JB Weld.
The SID chip, labeled 6581 R4, has a date code of 1986, adding to the mix of components from different eras on the computer.
The presence of aftermarket modifications, such as an eight-pin video connector with Luma chroma, suggests user-added enhancements rather than factory installations.
Examination of the motherboard reveals bodges and evidence of user rework, particularly on the video connector, indicating modifications for improved image quality.
Testing the computer involves checking the voltage regulator for proper functioning, analyzing video signals with an oscilloscope, and identifying chroma and Luma signals for potential display quality issues.
The oscilloscope interface allows detailed analysis of video signals, including color burst, border signals, and text display, indicating the computer's functionality.
Despite some signal issues, such as low Luma levels affecting monitor display quality, the oscilloscope testing confirms the computer's operational status and potential for further improvements.

40:02

Troubleshooting Computer Hardware with Oscilloscope

Hovering over the waveform allows for changes using the mouse wheel, unlike clicking directly on the display.
The display is not clickable, but hovering over certain areas like "one volt per division" allows for adjustments using the mouse wheel.
Clock signals are examined, with the clock input showing 1.2022 megahertz and a clock generation circuit displaying a 4 megahertz frequency.
The crystal oscillator produces a 14.316 megahertz signal, indicating a hardware counter's accuracy.
The scope's limitations are noted, with a maximum frequency of 25 megahertz, affecting waveform clarity at higher frequencies.
The computer's functionality is tested, revealing normal activity despite initial concerns about a non-functional Luma output.
Connecting a monitor confirms the computer's operational status, eliminating the need for repairs.
Testing various cartridges like Easy Flash and Kung Fu Flash highlights compatibility issues with the early machine's rev a motherboards.
Diagnostic tests using a test harness reveal issues with the SID chip and control ports, requiring troubleshooting and potential replacements.
Oscilloscope probing on the motherboard's pins showcases clear waveforms and the scope's features like persistence and update rates.

53:37

USB Scope: Powerful Functionality, User-Friendly Interface Needed

The software for the USB scope lacks user-friendly features like zooming with the wheel, but hovering over specific areas allows for zooming in and out, making it slightly easier to use.
Despite some UI issues, the scope impresses with its fast update rate, effective triggering, and video triggering capabilities, showcasing letters on the screen before connecting a monitor.
Compared to other scopes, the USB scope stands out for its capabilities, being far superior to the Handtech USB scopes and comparable to battery-operated scopes in terms of bandwidth and price.
While the USB scope excels in functionality, the software's user interface needs improvement for easier use, potentially making it a top choice for working on devices like Commodore 64s.

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