like how you did the sweep at the end to change shapes. wondering how to set that up and maybe find the optimum volts/frequency from my function gen to get the best image on my scope.could you show that? thanks John
Hi that was using the sweep function on my old ELENCO GF-8026 function generator. So using the Op-amp style Curve Tracer circuit and testing a capacitor. With a sine wave test signal going in much like the very simple Octopus tracer it shows a circle and while playing with the input wave form such as triangle, square and then sweeping through a range of frequency over time.
They are simply ground on this circuit and since the BNC of the scope is ground they can be left unclipped in this one example. Thanks for your comment!
Hi mate. I've made a similar circuit on a breadboard, but always get confused as to where the oscilloscope probe's alligator ground clips should be connected??? I personally hate the "ground" subject especially when using small AC circuits on a breadboard, and especially when using oscilloscopes as I power everything from an isolation transformer when using my scope, to prevent ground loop issues and risking blowing up my scope.....however it makes things even more confusing...as there isn't a "ground" to connect to! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I believe the same ground point as the black test lead. If you are some how tied to ground then your scope ground is also connected to that point. Of course as you mentioned, If isolated then you will have to use common point such as black probe lead as common or ground connection since you're isolated through the transformer.
can i test capacitors in-circuit in power off mode? In my board i have many decap between VCC and ground, if i use this curve tracer and connect it to one capacitors, will it show the trace for that cap ? How to identify which cap is ground.
Hard to tell if in parallel without removing. That's one in circuit test that is basically find that the issue is on that cap bank but then have to remove one by one to verify. You can sometimes look for physical signs of possible failed caps such as bulges or leaks on electrolytics or discoloration on SMD ceramics, but not always evident.
Well, in a way. You can use it for quick checks of boards especially when you have a known good board and compare signals on pins from good board to bad board. As far as exact ohm measurements in my opinion a good DMM is best, because you basically look at the analog signature. A short is straight line for example and angle increases as ohms increase and capacitance shows as circle and semiconductors /chips etc are neat because you can capture the complete signal of that circuit and compare to verify a similar reading. You usually look for major differences in signature If that makes sense.
It should work on any scope that has capabilities of x-y mode. I do have a really old tekronix scope that will not do x-y and I wish it did. It seems like most older scopes will though!
Really cool and informative, and a great tool that is so simple to make. Many thanks for showing.
Nice Demo on use of a curve tracer. I just ordered a kit off ebay to make one. Should be a big help in trouble shooting.
A curve tracer is a powerful tool for diagnostic electronics circuits, not only for test components.
Best Regards
weird to See this on a digital scope :) .
thx!
Nice explanation..can you share the first circuit?
like how you did the sweep at the end to change shapes.
wondering how to set that up and maybe find the optimum volts/frequency from my function gen to get the best image on my scope.could you show that?
thanks
John
Hi that was using the sweep function on my old ELENCO GF-8026 function generator. So using the Op-amp style Curve Tracer circuit and testing a capacitor. With a sine wave test signal going in much like the very simple Octopus tracer it shows a circle and while playing with the input wave form such as triangle, square and then sweeping through a range of frequency over time.
Thank you.
Great video! Can you share where the oscilloscope ground leads go?
They are simply ground on this circuit and since the BNC of the scope is ground they can be left unclipped in this one example. Thanks for your comment!
Please put the circuit
Sir,thank you for videos share.circuits shematics share pls!
This is one website that shares the simple Octopus curve traser schematic...
www.jammarcade.net/simple-component-tester-a-k-a-octopus-curve-tracer/
This is one example of many for the more complex Curve Tracer adapter...
www.learningelectronics.net/circuits/curve-tracer-adaptor_17.html
Hi mate. I've made a similar circuit on a breadboard, but always get confused as to where the oscilloscope probe's alligator ground clips should be connected??? I personally hate the "ground" subject especially when using small AC circuits on a breadboard, and especially when using oscilloscopes as I power everything from an isolation transformer when using my scope, to prevent ground loop issues and risking blowing up my scope.....however it makes things even more confusing...as there isn't a "ground" to connect to! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I believe the same ground point as the black test lead. If you are some how tied to ground then your scope ground is also connected to that point. Of course as you mentioned, If isolated then you will have to use common point such as black probe lead as common or ground connection since you're isolated through the transformer.
can i test capacitors in-circuit in power off mode? In my board i have many decap between VCC and ground, if i use this curve tracer and connect it to one capacitors, will it show the trace for that cap ? How to identify which cap is ground.
How to identify which cap is bad
Hard to tell if in parallel without removing. That's one in circuit test that is basically find that the issue is on that cap bank but then have to remove one by one to verify. You can sometimes look for physical signs of possible failed caps such as bulges or leaks on electrolytics or discoloration on SMD ceramics, but not always evident.
Can I test a 10K resistor using this circuit
Well, in a way. You can use it for quick checks of boards especially when you have a known good board and compare signals on pins from good board to bad board. As far as exact ohm measurements in my opinion a good DMM is best, because you basically look at the analog signature. A short is straight line for example and angle increases as ohms increase and capacitance shows as circle and semiconductors /chips etc are neat because you can capture the complete signal of that circuit and compare to verify a similar reading. You usually look for major differences in signature If that makes sense.
Sweet.
I'm curious how well this will work on a JYE-138?
It should work on any scope that has capabilities of x-y mode. I do have a really old tekronix scope that will not do x-y and I wish it did. It seems like most older scopes will though!
@@ThriftyToolShed cool.
I don't know if the DIY kit scopes have that?
But I'll try to leave a reply when I get this put together and find out.
Just buy a 35 yr old Hameg for $50 and it'll have it built in
Those do look neat!