ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
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Hello,
There are many oscilloscopes that use a soundcard or external device as an
input for a computer. Search "PC Oscilloscope". They range from free to
$1,000 or more.
1. Usually the cheaper ones use the computer's soundcard and are limited to
the card's maximum voltage input (about 2V p-p). Just fine for your typical
sound levels. The one below works for pocket pc's too. A bit of circuitry
could amplify the signal and protect your computer from being zapped.
(Search Silicon Chip for the circuit).
$50 http://www.virtins.com/page2.html#Oscilloscope
For ultracheap, there might be an artistic waveform visualization on windows
media player or something.
2. For a bit more, you can buy a much more useful oscilloscope that uses an
USB analog to digital converter instead of a sound card. Here's a model
that accepts up to a 10.8V input (more with a 10x probe). $350
http://www.bitscope.net/store/?p=view&i=item+3
http://www.bitscope.com/download/files/SiliconChipReview.pdf (Review)
Here's a great review of three USB scopes: Stingray, PicoScope, and Parallax
http://www.embedded.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=160902529
Another option is to bypass the computer altogether. Some oscilloscopes
have an output for a video monitor. Expect to pay at least $1,000. We use
a Tektronix to display sound waves on a large LCD monitor and it is
basically maintenance free.
Best,
Eric
*****************************************
Eric Yuan
Exhibit Developer
Children’s Museum of Portsmouth
280 Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-3853
www.childrens-museum.org
*****************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Bowditch
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 2:59 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: laptop oscilloscope
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*
Hi All,
If anyone does know this I'd like to know too, especially if there is a
way to adapt a Mini Mac to the purpose of making it show a trace for
showing sound from a mic.
John Bowditch
Exhibits Director
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Beryl Rosenthal
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 2:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: laptop oscilloscope
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****
Hi all,
Anybody know how to use your laptop as an oscilloscope?
Thx,
Beryl
Beryl Rosenthal
[log in to unmask]
Dir. of Public Programs
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)452-2111 (t)
(617)253-8994 (f)
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