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Electricity

Pocket Oscilloscope

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

ElectricityBuild

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How it works

What this project is testing.

An oscilloscope is a camera for voltage. Instead of showing a number, it draws how a signal changes over time.

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This project demonstrates sampling, time scale, amplitude, and the tradeoff between a small portable instrument and a full bench oscilloscope.

f_{s} > 2 f_{s i g na l}

To capture a signal cleanly, the sample rate needs to be more than twice the signal frequency.

T = \frac{1}{f}

The period of a repeating waveform is the inverse of its frequency.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

Rigol Digital Oscilloscope DS1054Z 50 MHz 4-Ch 1 GSa/s 24 Mpts 30,000 wfms/s UltraVision 7" 800x480 Intensity Display, 60,000-Frame Record/Playback, Serial Decode UART I2C SPI for Debug & Education

oscilloscopetest equipment

Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope, 50 MHz, 4 Channel, 1 GSa/s

$349.004.7(724)

Good bench choice; budget scope alternatives may be cheaper but less durable.

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery Alligator Clips Test Leads AC/DC Voltage/Account,Voltage Alert, Amp/Ohm/Volt Multi Tester/Diode

multimetertest equipment

Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery, Alligator Clips, and Test Leads

$22.394.6(1,700)

ElectroCookie Large PCB Prototype Board Kit Solderable Breadboards for Electronics Projects Compatible for DIY Arduino Soldering Projects, Gold-Plated (6 Multi-Pack, Blue)

printed circuit board / PCBprototyping

ElectroCookie Large PCB Prototype Board Kit, Solderable Breadboards for Electronics Projects

4.8(111)

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

BOJACK 24Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit Range 0.1uF－1000uF

capacitorpassive electronics

BOJACK 24-Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit, 0.1uF-1000uF

$16.994.7(953)

BOJACK 20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor 10 uH to 10 mH 1 W Color Ring Inductor 1 Watt Assortment Kit

inductor / coilpassive electronics

20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor Assortment Kit, 1uH to 4.7mH, 0.5W Color Ring Inductors

$13.994.8(182)

AC Infinity MULTIFAN S3, Quiet 120mm USB Fan, UL-Certified for Receiver DVR PlayStation Xbox Computer Cabinet Cooling

fanelectromechanical

AC Infinity MULTIFAN S3, Quiet 120mm USB Fan

$14.994.7(37K)

Syncwire 3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux Cable (3.3ft/1m,Hi-Fi Sound), Audio Auxiliary Input Adapter Male to Male Cord for Headphones, Car, Home Stereos, Speaker, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Echo & More – Black

audio source / phoneaudio

3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux Cable, Male to Male, 3.3ft

$7.994.6(119K)

Use with an existing phone or audio player.

Joytech Bluetooth Music Tesla Coil Arc Plasma Loudspeaker Wireless Transmission Experiment Desktop Toy Model SSTC SS02

Tesla coilhigh voltage

Joytech Bluetooth Music Tesla Coil Arc Plasma Loudspeaker Desktop Toy Model

$49.994.2(911)

High voltage/RF project. Prefer enclosed educational kits and add safety warnings. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

BOJACK 1000 Pcs 25 Values Resistor Kit 1 Ohm-1M Ohm with 5% 1/4W Carbon Film Resistors Assortment

resistorpassive electronics

BOJACK 1000 Pcs 25-Value 1/4W Carbon Film Resistor Assortment Kit, 1 ohm-1M ohm

$9.994.7(4,500)

Goupchn Universal P6100 Oscilloscope Clip Probes 100MHz with Accessories Kit 1X 10X 2 Pack

test probes / leadstest equipment

Goupchn Universal P6100 Oscilloscope Clip Probes, 100MHz, 1X/10X, 2 Pack

$13.994.7(126)

Anker USB A to USB C Cable, 2 Pack, 6ft

USB connector/cablewiring

Anker USB A to USB C Cable, 2 Pack, 6ft

$9.994.7(143K)

Cable recommendation; use connector/breakout boards where project wiring requires them.

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

Events, speaking, collaborations, and news.

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