[[email protected]]

This is Newsletter #9 of the Open Instrumentation Project.

The OIP makes open-source software and economical high-technology
instrumentation hardware for students, hobbiests, engineers and
scientists.
Current instruments include oscilloscope (with spectrum analysis),
arbitrary/function waveform generator and Bode Plot network analyser.

CircuitGear
-----------
In September of 2008 we launched CircuitGear, a combination
Oscilloscope,
Waveform Generator and Digital I/O. This new product has been very
popular.
We've since added features such as x1:x10 readout, Bode plot
autoscaling and
digital presistence - and fixed numerous bugs. The software is now at
version 1.11. If you have an earlier version, we recommend upgrading.

http://www.syscompdesign.com/download.htm

As usual for the Open Instrumentation Project, the software is Open
Source,
licenced under the GPL, and runs on the Windows, Linux and Mac
platforms.

Highlighted Featu Generator Sweep Range
------------------------------------------
Back in the days of analog function generators, one of us spent many
weeks
struggling to make an audio sweep generator for a loudspeaker
manufacturer.
It had to sweep a 1000:1 range in frequency over the audio band and
not
drift like a thermometer.

Using the modern digital techniques of Direct Digital Synthesis , the
Syscomp WGM-101 and CGR-101 can sweep over a range of frequency
1000000:1
(or any subrange of that) with a precision and accuracy of 0.1Hz. At
the
same time the DSO-101 or CGR-101 oscilloscope can plot the swept
frequency
response of a network over the same frequency range. This used to
require a
multi-thousand dollar rack of equipment. CircuitGear costs $180US,
does
arbitrary waveforms and can fit in a pocket. Some things do get
better.

New Application Notes
---------------------
http://www.syscompdesign.com/tech.htm

Current and Power Waveform Measurement Technique,
Useful hints on measuring current and displaying instantaneous power.

Oscilloscope Probes:Theory and Practice,
Understanding the scope probe.

Pulse Circuits for Infrared LEDs and Visible Diode Lasers,
A variety of pulse driver circuits for LEDs.

Pulse Oximeter Project Exercise,
An example of a 'guided design' exercise for senior EE students.

Oscilloscope Development, 1943-1957,
A history of early oscilloscope technology in North America.

--------------------
Details of the Open Instrumentation Project, hardware and software are
at
www.syscompdesign.com

If you have further questions or wish to be removed from this mailing
list,
our contact email is:


Peter Hiscocks
April 2009