Oscilloscope tutorials

Hi Steven,

You don't mention the model of your oscilloscope but some of the larger manufacturers have very good training material for their specific 'scopes.  For example, Keysight provides excellent training for the DSOX1102GDSOX1102G which I wrote about here Entry Level Oscilloscope Comparison:  Keysight, Rigol, Siglent  and even used to assess other oscilloscopes.  The Keysight training does require the built-in wave generator on the DSOX1102  to get full value however.  Other manufacturers such as Rigol provide good training for their 'scopes as well, e.g.:  https://www.rigolna.com/basics-of-oscilloscopes/ .  This can be applied to other models if the manual for your oscilloscope is consulted alongside.  In any event, try looking for training from the manufacturer for specific capability if you haven't already done so.

Sorry, my scope is a Siglent SDS1102CML+ 100Mhz model . I know there's better but didn't go that route as I only use it as a hobby to keep me busy. In the good ole' days I was always throwing together radios, counters,  from parts my dad brought home from work along with other numerous things. I haven't built anything since other than computers Which I now at 63 use for my job..

I have the basic understanding and am well versed using a multimeter. I've calibrated the probe and set it at 10k. I recently watched a video from a guy  using an Arduino to show basic measurement with the scope 

What intrigued me though was a video using a tp4056 to charge a Li-ion battery which I do weekly as I've become my neighborhoods "solar light repairer."  In the video he had his scope measuring the batteries charge And current draw. However he was using the older TP4056 and I haven't yet to identify the same point on the new version with battery thermal and overcharge protection.

From the tp4056 data sheet it should be the PROG(Pin 2): Constant Charge Current Setting and Charge Current Monitor Pin which I've yet to find.

"Can't take it with you unless you keep practicing!!!"

I had the SDS1102 CML as well and that is one of the oscilloscopes included in the comparison link I gave above.  In that comparison I give a brief description of capability and how to use various functions of the 3 scopes so it may be worth a look for you.  I used the Siglent for a number of years and found it intuitive to use but the manufacturers training for that model was lacking comparatively. That may no longer be the case for their newer scopes, I haven’t looked.

Your battery charger project sounds interesting and I imagine you can get help on that here on element14 with a new post.  Give it a title like how do I measure current on a LiPo battery charger or something like that and outline what you have done along with links to datasheets if you have them and other relevant information.  I am not clear why a scope is needed but a sketch with how they were hooking up the scope would be helpful.  Once that is known applying the Siglent to the problem is probably straight forward.

I had the SDS1102 CML as well and that is one of the oscilloscopes included in the comparison link I gave above.  In that comparison I give a brief description of capability and how to use various functions of the 3 scopes so it may be worth a look for you.  I used the Siglent for a number of years and found it intuitive to use but the manufacturers training for that model was lacking comparatively. That may no longer be the case for their newer scopes, I haven’t looked.

Your battery charger project sounds interesting and I imagine you can get help on that here on element14 with a new post.  Give it a title like how do I measure current on a LiPo battery charger or something like that and outline what you have done along with links to datasheets if you have them and other relevant information.  I am not clear why a scope is needed but a sketch with how they were hooking up the scope would be helpful.  Once that is known applying the Siglent to the problem is probably straight forward.