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I’ve got an old oscilloscope and a function generator that I’m trying to use to play around and get more familiar with this kinda stuff. I’m mostly new to electronics (especially analog ones) and I’m having a hard time getting them setup properly.

Both devices turn on and the controls seemingly work, but I never get anything more than a flat line or random noise on the scope.

Any help would be appreciated!

The scope is a Sencore PS148A and the generator is a Heathkit SG-1271.

  • hardware26English
    3·
    2 years ago

    If you are completely new I suggest watching a tutorial. Otherwise some basic tips could be

    1. if oscilloscope has multiple channels, make sure the channel you connected is the channel nel you see on the screen
    2. make sure you did the ground connection. You need to connect both signal and ground tips if the probe
    3. make sure voltage range is fine. If you use a large range in the screen, little amplitude you got may seem like a flat line.
    4. calibrate your probe, if oscilloscope has that option. But an uncalibrated probe doesn’t explain flat line, it would explain distorted square wave, for example.
    5. Use another probe. They can get broken. If it is broken all you will see will be the noise the cable pics up like an antenna.
    6. separate the issue. Connect probe ends to a battery with k own voltage and see what you receive. If it doesn’t work, you know either probe or oscilloscope is wrong.

    List can get longer really, but I think a tutorial and these can go a long way for the beginning.