EEVblog #926 - Introduction To The Oscilloscope

[Lightages]

I liked this video. Not because I learned anything but because it answers the questions that most newbs have about why they need an oscilloscope. As far as a multimeter being the most essential tool, I would argue that if you have a decent scope with at least two channels, you don't need a multimeter. OK, that might be a bit of a stretch, but it is basically true.

Good luck measuring resistance that way, and even current. Yes you can build part of a multimeter to measure that on a scope, but come on...

You have a point about resistance, but current is as easy as plugging in a resistor in the circuit and measuring the voltage drop. That is all a multimeter does anyway. If I were given the choice of only having a DS1054Z or a high end multimeter on the bench for electronics work and I could not have any other test instrument, I would go for the scope.

[ez24]

What I'd like to see -
A book that focuses on One model of Osicllosope,  maybe the cheapest rigol.
A tour of all the functions.

Ditto
I would like to see a video that focuses on all the functions of the Rigol DZ1054Z

[Smokey]

There seems to be a gap in the market for a good beginner Oscillosope book.
What I'd like to see -
A book that focuses on One model of Osicllosope,  maybe the cheapest rigol.
A tour of all the functions....

You mean ... like... the user manual?

[ez24]

You mean ... like... the user manual?

Yes a play based on the user manual.

[rrinker]

 I'd much rather see more concepts stuff like this, that you can then use with the manual that came with your specific instrument. A specific video on a DZ1054Z does me absolutely no good, I have a Siglent SDS1102CML. If you understand the concepts, you should be able to implement them on any model/brand instrument that has the corresponding feature. If the manufacturers want to make specific videos on using their equipment to go along with the user manual, great (Keysight does), but I think someone like Dave is better off covering various concepts and use cases in general terms to appeal to a broad range of viewers and be actually useful.

[Smokey]

I'd much rather see more concepts stuff like this, that you can then use with the manual that came with your specific instrument. A specific video on a DZ1054Z does me absolutely no good, I have a Siglent SDS1102CML. If you understand the concepts, you should be able to implement them on any model/brand instrument that has the corresponding feature. If the manufacturers want to make specific videos on using their equipment to go along with the user manual, great (Keysight does), but I think someone like Dave is better off covering various concepts and use cases in general terms to appeal to a broad range of viewers and be actually useful.

Dave just essentially made a post about this.  Technical videos get the lowest number of views.  I'm guessing people fall into 3 groups:
1) Material is "beneath" them so they don't watch.
2) Material is "boring" or not relevant to them so they don't watch.
3) Material is "above" them so they don't watch.
You can't win.  At least not without boobs and a low cut shirt.

I think he got it right with the "Here is how to not blow up your scope" video, and then send people off to go play.  We are engineers after all.  That's what we do! 
Plus if you think about it, a long Youtube video is possibly the worst medium for a "how to" type thing.  If you were going to make a series of "This is how an oscilloscope works" videos it really should be a series and you should keep them on a single topic and under 1 minute each.  The titles have to be super clear and concise and geared towards what people will be searching for.  So when you search, "how do you trigger an oscilloscope" you can get your info and get back to whatever you are doing and not have to watch 2 hours of video.  It doesn't have to be a comprehensive deal.  Basic concept and move on.
Every time I have a "I learned this from a Youtube video" moment, the one I actually watched is always a short targeted video without a bunch of filler and down time.  If it has too much of a guy standing there talking and not doing the thing I came for, it get skipped.  Unless there are hot chicks...

[David Hess]

What is it useful for?

Fixing other oscilloscopes.