Electronics > Beginners
Maximum Scope Voltage
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tooki:

--- Quote from: Ian.M on October 09, 2018, 03:01:56 pm ---I wouldn't trust a switchable probe for that - one moment's inattention or a buildup of conductive dust in the switch and its bye-bye expensive new toy.
--- End quote ---

--- Quote from: tggzzz on October 09, 2018, 03:13:44 pm ---Sooner or later a *1/*10 probe will be in the *1 position.

--- End quote ---
Honest question: why do we even use switchable probes? In what situations is a x1 probe preferable to a x10? It seems to me that the x1 position is used so spectacularly rarely — and is a clear source of unreliability and/or user error — that I wonder why we don’t just use fixed x10 probes, and let the few who need x1 buy them separately (it’s not as though they cost much!).
Paul Moir:
For Me:

--- Quote from: tooki on October 09, 2018, 05:53:32 pm ---Honest question: why do we even use switchable probes?

--- End quote ---
They came free.  I would never buy one.

--- Quote from: tooki on October 09, 2018, 05:53:32 pm ---In what situations is a x1 probe preferable to a x10?

--- End quote ---
For low impedance, low voltage sources running at low frequencies.  By low voltage I mean too low to resolve well with a x10 probe.

--- Quote from: tooki on October 09, 2018, 05:53:32 pm ---and is a clear source of unreliability and/or user error.

--- End quote ---
Put them in 10x mode and tape over the switch.  Tape it over in such a way you can verify the switch is in x10 mode.  Use Kapton tape for the pro look.  ;)
David Hess:

--- Quote from: tooki on October 09, 2018, 05:53:32 pm ---Honest question: why do we even use switchable probes? In what situations is a x1 probe preferable to a x10? It seems to me that the x1 position is used so spectacularly rarely — and is a clear source of unreliability and/or user error — that I wonder why we don’t just use fixed x10 probes, and let the few who need x1 buy them separately (it’s not as though they cost much!).
--- End quote ---

X1 probes are suitable where maximum sensitivity is required at the expense of bandwidth and loading.  AC coupled noise measurements of power supplies are a good example.
tggzzz:

--- Quote from: tooki on October 09, 2018, 05:53:32 pm ---
--- Quote from: Ian.M on October 09, 2018, 03:01:56 pm ---I wouldn't trust a switchable probe for that - one moment's inattention or a buildup of conductive dust in the switch and its bye-bye expensive new toy.
--- End quote ---

--- Quote from: tggzzz on October 09, 2018, 03:13:44 pm ---Sooner or later a *1/*10 probe will be in the *1 position.

--- End quote ---
Honest question: why do we even use switchable probes? In what situations is a x1 probe preferable to a x10? It seems to me that the x1 position is used so spectacularly rarely — and is a clear source of unreliability and/or user error — that I wonder why we don’t just use fixed x10 probes, and let the few who need x1 buy them separately (it’s not as though they cost much!).

--- End quote ---

The only unique use case for *1 probes is low voltages where the extra input capacitance and lower frequency response is tolerable.

So-called "high impedance *10 probes" aren't high impedance. Work out the impedance of their 15pF  capacitance at 1, 10 and 100MHz :) Hint: at 100MHz the "low impedance resistive divider probes" have a higher input impedance.
DigitalAura:
I already have a HV diff probe, and always use that in situations where it is required. As this situation is slightly different I figured I'd ask just to be on the safe side.
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