Electronics > Beginners
Purchased an oscilloscope but did I make a mistake? (re: newbie + Arduino, etc)
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sofakng:
I've been trying to learn more about electronics but typically experiment with microcontrollers (Arduino, Teensy, etc) and digital signals/communication.  However, I've been looking to learn more and have purchased ATmega 328 chips and 32u4 chips trying to program them without Arduino so I can learn more about the platform and electronics, etc.

Anyways, eBay had a 20% off coupon last weekend and I impulse purchased a Rigol DS1054Z for about $300 shipped which seemed like a steal.  I've been waiting to purchase one until a deal came around but now I'm wondering if I should have even purchased it at all?  (or should I return it?)

I am hoping the oscilloscope can help me learn electronics and see how things are working (SPI communication, etc) but I don't think I will ever really use it to troubleshoot any circuits?  (ie. how do clock signals work and understanding digital circuits and how they interact with the clock, etc)

For example, my projects include building a Bluetooth to USB HID keyboard controller (WIZnet chip + ATmega32u4 which uses SPI), interfacing with home automation systems (RS232), etc.

I know it's hard to give advice, but if anybody has anything that might be useful please let me know :)

(EDIT: I'm currently using a Fluke 87 V multimeter but again, I though the osciliiscope could help me learn how things work more than having any other purpose)
JohnnyMalaria:

--- Quote from: sofakng on June 11, 2018, 07:13:03 pm ---I though the osciliiscope could help me learn how things work more than having any other purpose)

--- End quote ---


I feel blind without a scope - even if it isn't hooked up :)

You'll find it useful for learning why things don't work and help you in real cases where something is wrong. Even at worst, your new scope can act like 4 very fancy voltmeters :)
BocaDev:
The Rigol DS1054Z is a good scope and is most definitely a great purchase for your workbench. For example, there is a the MATH button (located under the vertical position knob) Press MATH->Decode->Decode1->Decode will list several serial signals that the scope can decode and display. I have found this feature very useful. This will help you learn SPI, RS232 and I2C, being very popular communication protocol in the Arduino community. For me, a good scope is #1 for learning signals and visually "see" what is happening. There are many YouTube video's about your new scope that you can learn from. Also Dave has done some great video's on the Rigol DS1054Z that you should look at. Dave is very entertaining you'll enjoy watching.

Have fun with your new DS1054Z scope, don't return it, you made a wise choice you will not regret
kripton2035:
you will see many more things with the 1054z than with the fluke 87v. keep it and learn with it.
when you will one day see it's limits, it will time to buy a better scope, but not until then.
rstofer:
That scope was a great choice!  I have one that I bought a couple of years ago and it's terrific, particularly for uC projects.  The fact that is has 4 channels means it can display all 4 signals from an SPI channel.  Now, true, you can't decode 'War And Peace' but you can generally see most transactions and, most important, sync to the beginning of a transaction by triggering on CS' going low then move the trigger point on the screen over to the left to get as much of the transaction as possible.

Unlocking to get all the features is a bonus - search Test Equipment for 'Riglol' - yes, it's misspelled on purpose

Definitely a great choice!

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