168 IT: Use a PC as Oscilloscope (168.html)
Keywords:
ICH180R2 "Oscilloscope" "Scope" Arta REW "Audio In" "Audio Out" D@CC
Oscilloscope "Signal Generator" "Spectrum Analyser"
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Oscilloscope on a PC Screen
Introduction
[Note by D@CC ]. A computer can easily be used as an oscilloscope for small audio signals. However, the addition of a "scope" board turns a computer into a "true AC/DC oscilloscope". Most of this article is from the video in Video Source V01 by Andreas Spiess.
Oscilloscopes and signal generators are handy tools in our labs. Unfortunately, they are not cheap. What if you had such devices already and did not know?
All newer PCs have loudspeakers and a microphone. So they can create sound as well as record it. And usually in decent quality. Like oscilloscopes and signal generators! We only need a connection and software to create the desired waveforms and visualize the measured voltages. Fortunately, such software is available. And the best: We can use it free of charge!
Two software packages are available: Arta and REW. Watch the YouTube video for a complete description of the procedure.
Oscilloscopes and signal generators are handy tools in our labs. Unfortunately, they are not cheap. What if you had such devices already and did not know?
All newer PCs have loudspeakers and a microphone. So they can create sound as well as record it. And usually in decent quality. Like oscilloscopes and signal generators! We only need a connection and software to create the desired waveforms and visualize the measured voltages. Fortunately, such software is available. And the best: We can use it free of charge!
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This article describes how to use a PC as the following device:
Oscilloscope
Signal Generator
Spectrum Analyser Test DC
Links:
6.3mm jacks: from this site
3.5mm jacks: from this site
26AWG shielded cable: from this site
Screw terminals: from this site
Prototype PCB: from this site
Power Op-Amp: from this site
Cheap sound card: from this site or https://amzn.to/3q5nLKe or https://bit.ly/34naYue
Reference microphone: from this site
Focusrite Scarlett: from this site
Powerstation Kickstarter: from this site
USB Insulator: from this site or https://amzn.to/33soAEI
Good audio video (German): from this site
Good audio video (English): from this site
REW Software: from this site
Arta Software: from this site
Another software: from this site
Another software: from this site
Arta Box (German): from this site (pdf)
Arta Box (English): from this site (pdf)
How good is your oscilloscope: from this site (pdf)
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Limitations
Soundcards only work with small voltages e.g. less than 1 volt.
direct voltages (offsets) cannot be measured.
The resulting oscilloscope must be calibrated.
Signal frequencies are limited to about 100kHz.
Disadvantages
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Disadvantages of using a PC as an oscilloscope
Conclusion
The DUI scopes referenced by Marin.Loren in Sources 04 and 05 address some of the limitations mentioned above. However D@CC has not verified this alternative.
End of Article (Sources follow)
This article, by D@CC is of course, a work-in-progress as of 2023FJun03.
External Sources
Video Sources
Video Source V168:01:www 
Use your PC as a 'Scope . . .
by Andreas Spiess on Jan 16, 2022
Web Sources
Web Source S168:01:www 
Room Acoustics Software
by REW Software on 2022I Sep 26
Web Source S168:02:www
Software for Audio Signal Measurement
by ARTA on 2023D Apr 28
Web Source S168:03:www
DSO-500K oscilloscope
by Ben Everard on 2023 E May 26
Web Source S168:04:www
DUI HS402 oscilloscope
by Martin Loren on 2023 E May 26
Web Source S168:05:www
HScope2 oscilloscope
by Martin Loren on 2023 E May 26
WebMaster: Ye Old King Cole
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Date Written: 2022 A Jan 22
Last Updated: 2023 F Jun 03
Backed Up On: 2022 A Jan 22 as 168_2022AJan22.html
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