Difference between revisions of "ECE workbench"
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===Function Generator=== | ===Function Generator=== | ||
Some PC oscilloscopes also have function generation capabilities, but again, Linux support may be difficult. | Some PC oscilloscopes also have function generation capabilities, but again, Linux support may be difficult. | ||
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| + | ===Frequency Counter=== | ||
| + | A frequency counter is especially useful when rebuilding old radios (ie. 1950's or earlier), old military equipment, microwave and radar communication devices, broadcast TV and Radio "Marty" equipment, ham radio equipment, and so on. For example, even a digital storage oscilloscope cannot give you the frequency of a signal as accurate as a frequency counter through several stages of pentodes and triodes in an old TV. Some military gear, if not tuned to 1% or better accuracy (an O-scope is good for about a 5% accuracy), you will not get a SSB signal and thus, not get the signal of interest--such as the older marine positioning system. | ||
=== Computing Station === | === Computing Station === | ||
Revision as of 11:03, 13 January 2012
The ECE Workbench is a proposed station inside Splatspace for wiring, programming and debugging electrical and computer engineering projects. It is suggested that the Soldering Area be accessible but separate. The proposed workbench would be a home for the following semi-stationary tools.
Contents |
Current Supplies
Pun intended.
Benchtop Power Supplies
We currently have a 13.8V 10A regulated power supply and an adjustable DC power supply.
Proposed Additions
Programmer and Debugger
The Bus Pirate may make an ideal cheap and versatile programming and debugging tool.
Logic Analyzer
The Open Workbench Logic Sniffer may be the perfect intersection of price point and utility for this function.
Oscilloscope
While a PC oscilloscope may be able to reproduce analog signals for a desirable purchase price, finding one with decent Linux compatibility may be a challenge. The Bus Pirate can be used as an oscilloscope for frequencies at or below 1 kHz.
Function Generator
Some PC oscilloscopes also have function generation capabilities, but again, Linux support may be difficult.
Frequency Counter
A frequency counter is especially useful when rebuilding old radios (ie. 1950's or earlier), old military equipment, microwave and radar communication devices, broadcast TV and Radio "Marty" equipment, ham radio equipment, and so on. For example, even a digital storage oscilloscope cannot give you the frequency of a signal as accurate as a frequency counter through several stages of pentodes and triodes in an old TV. Some military gear, if not tuned to 1% or better accuracy (an O-scope is good for about a 5% accuracy), you will not get a SSB signal and thus, not get the signal of interest--such as the older marine positioning system.
Computing Station
A computer with with support for all the tools pre-installed and pre-configured (to the extent possible) would be handy. The Fedora Electronics Lab may serve as a useful base distribution.
