Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Using a computer as an OScope

This is topic Using a computer as an OScope in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 03-16-2004, 03:50 PM:

I downloaded the winscope program, and I understand how to use it...but what would I do to connect my laptop to the test points? I have a Dell Inspiron Latop. Would I have to make a special cable?

Thanks,
D

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 03-16-2004, 06:40 PM:

Yup, used to use it myself on an Inspiron 3200

U need stereo mini jack to test point cable, using the line in socket on the laptop.

Works very well once you get the gains and triggering set up

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 03-17-2004, 10:16 AM:

cool, you have any idea where I can find this part? I tried looking online for quite a while yesterday but had no luck...
Thanks,
D

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 03-17-2004, 02:09 PM:

You won't find one off the shelf. Get the soldering iron out!

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 03-17-2004, 08:22 PM:

so I guess I'm taking the red and connecting it to the positive side of the jack and the gound to the negative?

Posted by Jackson Gilman (Member # 2142) on 03-18-2004, 08:37 PM:

Yes, your line in jack is a 1/8th inch TRS cable... tip / ring/ sleeve. They reresent the tip, ring, and sleeve on the connector of a stereo minijack.

The tip and ring are you left and right channels (i've never used winscope, but I'm guessing it can be two channel sweeps if you can use left and right audio inputs...) The sleeve (which is the braided sheild on the cable) is where you will share your ground test point. You really only need to solder either the tip or the ring as your "positive" test lead connection.

I wouldn't bother destroying a perfectly good oscilloscope probe but rather tin the leads of your audio cable to a sharp, stiff point.

Hope this helps!
-Jackson