Hopefully, this post isn't too off-topic for this forum, it looks as though similar topics have been covered here, but not comparing the two in the detail that has helped me come to a decision.
I come from a Physics degree background, and would like to program PIC micro's as a hobby. So I know the basics of how to use an oscilloscope as this was covered in my degree.
I don't get much time to do the PIC stuff, which is why I say would like to.
Past projects have so far been simple LCD and LED circuits, and a simple 1-wire reader.
However, I would like to move to doing a wireless system, including 1-wire, and GLCD. I am not decided as to whether to use Zigbee/MiWI, or an analogue RF chip I have found with UART output. (I do have the PICDEM RF projects for looking at the MiWi stuitability, but the stability and range appear to be too low for what I need I think).
On my current project, I have been having an issue with what I believe is timing when using a 48MHz PIC chip, and trying to drive a 1-wire bus, so I thought I would buy an oscilloscope to try and watch the wire. (The issue is that only 1 of the chips I have [out of 5] works, and then only when attached to the end of a 5m wire. Current setup is that I have the PIC controlling the GLCD, and I want to start getting the PIC working as the 1-Wire busmaster).
So a couple of months ago I attempted to buy a 2 channel digital oscilloscope off ebay. The specs seemed to be OK, for what I thought I needed. However, the item was obviously faulty when I tried to use it. Two months later I have managed to get a refund for the item, and the hassle with the supplier has put me off of that brand altogether. I am not going to name them, as this may be a one-off situation.
Whilst looking for an alternative oscilloscope, I have come across logic analisers, specifically the item at http://www.saleae.com/logic/ has caught my eye, as being a cheap and cheerful device which might really help out with working out why the protocols are not working.
It also fits in the buget I am thinking of, up to £250-£300, but lower being a lot more preferable, as this is a hobby I do not get a lot of time for (comes out around £110 currently).
However, my concern is, what if the problem that I am experiencing it capacitance related, or under/over-voltage. This device may not be enough to to determine what the problem is.
Another down-side, is that currently the software will not run on my laptop (linux), but will run on my desktop (XP, and I have quickly tested it in the simulation mode).
Could someone with experience in both types of devices, provide a bit of assistance with the decision? Currently my 'test' tools go as far as an in-circuit debugger (ICD2), and a volt/ampmeter combined. I do a little PCB etching via ferrous chloride, but most of my stuff at the moment is at the breadboard stage.
Thanks in advance,
I come from a Physics degree background, and would like to program PIC micro's as a hobby. So I know the basics of how to use an oscilloscope as this was covered in my degree.
I don't get much time to do the PIC stuff, which is why I say would like to.
Past projects have so far been simple LCD and LED circuits, and a simple 1-wire reader.
However, I would like to move to doing a wireless system, including 1-wire, and GLCD. I am not decided as to whether to use Zigbee/MiWI, or an analogue RF chip I have found with UART output. (I do have the PICDEM RF projects for looking at the MiWi stuitability, but the stability and range appear to be too low for what I need I think).
On my current project, I have been having an issue with what I believe is timing when using a 48MHz PIC chip, and trying to drive a 1-wire bus, so I thought I would buy an oscilloscope to try and watch the wire. (The issue is that only 1 of the chips I have [out of 5] works, and then only when attached to the end of a 5m wire. Current setup is that I have the PIC controlling the GLCD, and I want to start getting the PIC working as the 1-Wire busmaster).
So a couple of months ago I attempted to buy a 2 channel digital oscilloscope off ebay. The specs seemed to be OK, for what I thought I needed. However, the item was obviously faulty when I tried to use it. Two months later I have managed to get a refund for the item, and the hassle with the supplier has put me off of that brand altogether. I am not going to name them, as this may be a one-off situation.
Whilst looking for an alternative oscilloscope, I have come across logic analisers, specifically the item at http://www.saleae.com/logic/ has caught my eye, as being a cheap and cheerful device which might really help out with working out why the protocols are not working.
It also fits in the buget I am thinking of, up to £250-£300, but lower being a lot more preferable, as this is a hobby I do not get a lot of time for (comes out around £110 currently).
However, my concern is, what if the problem that I am experiencing it capacitance related, or under/over-voltage. This device may not be enough to to determine what the problem is.
Another down-side, is that currently the software will not run on my laptop (linux), but will run on my desktop (XP, and I have quickly tested it in the simulation mode).
Could someone with experience in both types of devices, provide a bit of assistance with the decision? Currently my 'test' tools go as far as an in-circuit debugger (ICD2), and a volt/ampmeter combined. I do a little PCB etching via ferrous chloride, but most of my stuff at the moment is at the breadboard stage.
Thanks in advance,