Oscilloscopes and Spectrum Analyzers on Projectors for the Classroom

[mcckevin]

Hi --

I teach a class on RF design and am looking for recommendations on both a spectrum analyzer and an oscilloscope that I can display on a large HDMI-compatible projector during class.

We currently use the Rigol MSO-1100 series scopes and the Rigol DSA815-TG spectrum analyzers for the lab, so I'd like to make use of those, if possible. Neither model has a video out port. I've played with Rigol's Ultra Sigma and Ultra Station software but those seem to be buggy and unreliable at best.

The Rigol RSA-3030-TG spectrum analyzer and the Rigol MSO-5000 Series oscilloscopes both have an HDMI output. The Siglent SDX-5000 series oscilloscopes boast a VGA output. I have some money to spend but would rather spend it elsewhere, if possible.

Anyone have any suggestions? I don't mind connecting the instrument up to my PC, then displaying the PC screen on the projector but haven't found software that seems up to the task. I'm also interested in any recommendations regarding particular scopes and spectrum analyzers that have a video output port.

Thanks!

Kevin

[tggzzz]

Old school technique for scan conversion, cheap and guaranteed to work...

Use whatever scope etc and camera are available. Connect camera to projector and point camera at screen.

[Bicurico]

Buy as many cheap SMA Simple spectrum Analyzer 35-4400MHz as students in the classroom. They cost around 50 Euro on eBay. Use them with my software - look at my blog , the link is in my signature.
This allows all students to use their own unit. Real hands on training at little cost. Much better than just projecting the teachers unit.

Regards
Vitor

Edit: finished the post - was in a plane taking off and had to turn off phone.

[tautech]

Anyone have any suggestions?

A few and some you may have not considered.

I don't mind connecting the instrument up to my PC, then displaying the PC screen on the projector but haven't found software that seems up to the task. 

The trick is get equipment with an inbuilt webserver that via a LAN connection and a browser tab you connect to the instrument via its IP and then use the display/remote control feature to view it and/or port the browser tab image to another display device in near to real time. No SW or special tricks required other than pointing the browser to the instruments IP address.

A rough and ready example:
https://youtu.be/W30AqcDQL18

I'm also interested in any recommendations regarding particular scopes and spectrum analyzers that have a video output port.

As pointed out above a HDMI or VGA port is not required if you use a LAN connection and an instrument with an inbuilt webrowser.
From the Siglent stable, instruments with webrowsers that can provide LAN connection remote display/control and video examples of 'how to':
Scopes:
SDS5000X series
SDS2000X-E series (only available in 2ch models)
SDS1004X-E models
https://youtu.be/Cxh_Liay09E

Spectrum analyser
SVA1015X
https://youtu.be/AG3xw8jvu6I

SDS1004X-E models, yes from $499 a 100 MHz 4ch DSO that makes porting to a screen easy.

[bd139]

Old school technique for scan conversion, cheap and guaranteed to work...

Use whatever scope etc and camera are available. Connect camera to projector and point camera at screen.

That would work and it works with all equipment.

We had to make do with hand drawn transparencies of the outputs to expect. Didn't do us any harm!

[mcckevin]

I'll try the web cam thing if I can't get anything else to work. Thanks!

Also, I didn't think about instrument with web servers. I'll take a look.

Kevin

[mark03]

Not sure if this helps, but a lot of older HP/Agilent gear had VGA output (analog D-sub connector) on the back.  E.g. my 4396B which is a combo network and spectrum analyzer.