So I just got a Data Check 1880 Scan/Scope for Christmas. It seems to more or less be functional, although it has a couple little derps. But the issue is that I cannot seem to find a service manual anywhere for it. I also feel a little bit bad about this, because the main function of the device is its digital data display capabilities, rather than its analog functionality. It does not seem to be a very fancy analog scope, which is what I wanted.
Returning the scope and buying a different one is not an option, so I gotta make do with what I have.
I have a couple questions:
1. What functions am I missing out on with this scope compared to a basic analog scope?
2. Can I use any external devices to make up for those missing features? One thing I noticed was a lack of AC/DC coupling...
3. Does anyone have a service manual for this thing?
If you are wondering what was with the crappy wires and stuff on the back of it, that was just me dicking around with my phone on the analog input. I do not have any probes yet.
So any suggestions/opinions/comments on this scope?
So I just got a Data Check 1880 Scan/Scope for Christmas. It seems to more or less be functional, although it has a couple little derps. But the issue is that I cannot seem to find a service manual anywhere for it. I also feel a little bit bad about this, because the main function of the device is its digital data display capabilities, rather than its analog functionality. It does not seem to be a very fancy analog scope, which is what I wanted.It's certainly not a very fancy analog scope.... it's not even a basic analog scope. It's a specialized display module made for a specific purpose.Quote
Returning the scope and buying a different one is not an option, so I gotta make do with what I have.
That is really a shame. Are you quite sure about that? No way out of this deal?Quote
I have a couple questions:
1. What functions am I missing out on with this scope compared to a basic analog scope?
All of them. For example, your full-screen display will only cover 100kHz, according to the knob on top right. This corresponds to 100 microseconds per horizontal division, if I did the math right. Even a basic Tek 2213a or similar low-end analog scope goes down to 0.05 microseconds per division and has a 10x magnifier on top of that. There doesn't seem to be any way to adjust the trigger level, or do x-y mode, or trace addition/subtraction (inversion). Vertically you only get 10V/div max, with no choice about probe attenuation. There is no probe calibrator output for adjusting probe compensation. No bandwidth limit.... since its bw is probably so low it's not worth mentioning. No delayed timebase. No add/alt/chop channel trace modes. No variable trigger holdoff, no single sweep mode. Etc.Quote2. Can I use any external devices to make up for those missing features? One thing I noticed was a lack of AC/DC coupling...
Well... you could use an .... oscilloscope..............Quote
3. Does anyone have a service manual for this thing?
No. Google has not even heard of Data Check Corporation.
(images removed)QuoteIf you are wondering what was with the crappy wires and stuff on the back of it, that was just me dicking around with my phone on the analog input. I do not have any probes yet.
I'm wondering if you actually got it to display any kind of trace at all.QuoteSo any suggestions/opinions/comments on this scope?
Sure. Leave it in the alley, maybe someone will take it away and you won't have to pay a hazardous waste disposal fee.
Then save your pennies and buy a Tek 2213a or similar, actual real oscilloscope.
(Of course I could be wrong, and you could be holding something like an original Apple Lisa or something, that's worth thousands of dollars to a collector. )
The low bandwith certainly explains why I have nearly 30 switchable inputs, no way in heck that mechanical switch would cleanly do higher frequencies...
The low bandwith certainly explains why I have nearly 30 switchable inputs, no way in heck that mechanical switch would cleanly do higher frequencies...30 Ch logic analyzer ?
Hmm
Time to take the covers off and see if there are further clues inside to help identify it.
Stickers/labeling on the outside might be just a re-brand of a known manufacturer.
Look for clues on the PCB silkscreen to its origin.
Teardown time.
Wow, take a look at this: https://web.archive.org/web/20150210010543/http://datacheck.com/index.html
Does that logo look familiar? It seems like you may have just missed them, the company web page is no longer in service! An interesting company with a very long history, starting before the 70s from audio and tape recorder instrumentation, then various mergers/acquisitions/rebrands including a period under 3M, then its presence in San Diego until the mid 90s, and finally its last years as a maker of video displays and related equipment. (Source) If you look at https://web.archive.org/web/20020804142329/http://www.datacheck.com/, you can see the original logo from your Scan/Scope still in use. I recommend tracking down some people associated with the company and asking them for a history lesson.
Well, color me amazed.
Now, what is the frequency of that signal?
What is the p-p voltage?
What is the DC offset, if any?
What are those little ghosty things on the rising and falling edges?
Where exactly on the waveform is it triggering?
Can you display another trace simultaneously?
I calibrated the scope with the probe set to X1 (no need for X10 to be honest, X1 still has far higher bandwidth than the "scope") I adjusted the V/Div using a multimeter and battery, and I adjusted the scanning frequency using a 1khz sine wave.
Here is the scope displaying a 1khz sine wave, generated by my tablet:
As you can see, it seems to start the trigger at the start of the waveform's 0V point, and cut off the first part...
That sure is an interesting device, I've never seen such thing.
Have you had any luck trying to find the service manual?, from the little research I've done I can't find much.
Google literally has not heard of the manufacturer. They can be found on waybackmachine as mentioned previously. This model however, I can find one on ebay and one mention some guy's site (on google) and thats it. No service manual.
Google literally has not heard of the manufacturer. They can be found on waybackmachine as mentioned previously. This model however, I can find one on ebay and one mention some guy's site (on google) and thats it. No service manual.
Have you tried to send an email to the email address that's in the waybackmachine?
They could be dead but I don't think you lose anything trying.