Hi,
Could someone tell me, is there a program for Windows that mimics a physical desktop oscilloscope in operation.
For example turns laptop to oscilloscope by using a usb port as a channel input. Similiar to connection via BNC.

What would the best/most user friendly program be and where can it be purchased?

Regards NM

 

There is some free software available called zelscope which uses the microphone / line in jack, but there are many more. A limitation of this, though, is that the maximum bandwidth available is around 20 kHz.

 

Would these programs be considered as accurate as the real thing or are they considered a little "gimmicky" among the trade?

At the moment I do not own an actual oscilloscope nor have the funds for one.

Regards NM

 

Gimmicky.

I'd recommend saving your money and buying a real scope. You won't regret it.

 

Yea, get a real scope. There's some great deals to be had on eBay for 2nd hand analog ones. I've seen 100MHz Tektronix scopes go for under a $100 and there's lots of brand name ones with lower bandwidth you can get for $50. Digital storage scopes nice, but they're pricey. You can still do most of what you'd ever need with a plain ol' analog scope.