The discussion revolves around recommendations for affordable USB oscilloscopes, particularly in the context of measuring mains spikes that may affect LED lighting. Participants share their experiences and opinions on various models, including the Hantek range and alternatives like the Analog Discovery module and DIY options.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the best oscilloscope model, with multiple competing views on the suitability of different devices and methods for monitoring mains spikes. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of oscilloscopes for this specific application.
Some participants express uncertainty about the reliability of user reviews and the limitations of various devices, including concerns about the ability to capture brief voltage spikes effectively. There is also mention of the need for additional circuitry to properly log such events.
This discussion may be useful for hobbyists and home experimenters interested in low-cost solutions for monitoring electrical spikes and those evaluating different USB oscilloscope options.
jim hardy said:Be careful with those isolation transformers. If you unplug them at an unlucky point in the sinewave they'll make a transient that could be hard on your 'scope input... remove scope probe first.
that Amazon scope seem to have max input of 100 volts peak.
old jim