Oscilloscope Basics, Part 1: Discussion, Y-Axis (Voltage) Controls, Probe Calibration

This is Part 1 of a video series demonstrating basic operation of an Analog Oscilloscope. Topics include a discussion of basic considerations, probe construction and function, understanding of the adjustments necessary to find, adjust, focus, and position the X-axis scan, calibration of the probes using the onboard square-wave generator, manipulation of Y-axis (voltage) values, and some simple problems to solve. This presentation is intended for beginners and those who need a review of basic operating techniques. NOTE: The preceding video on Isolation Transformers is recommended prior to viewing this video.
If you enjoy videos such as this, please subscribe to our channel and view our other 160 similar videos. If you would like to become a patron of our advertising-free channel through Patreon, please visit this link: / uncledougsvintageamps and/or consider a PayPal donation to: [e-mail]
NOTE: If you are unable to get a square wave pattern that resembles the one on my scope, go to your Horizontal Control section and set the MAG switch to x1 and the Seconds/Division knob to 0.2 Hopefully, this will help :)

[@overdriven56]

I needed a refresh; this is a lot more fun than reading the manufacturer instructions. Thanks Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, OD. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@birdsong2552]

You can tell you have extensive experience in teaching, you remind me of the best teachers I have had. Kudos.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, we really appreciate it :)

[@lec1212]

I really liked to have my sons watch Mr Rogers, when they were young, because he slowed down his speech for kids to catch on easily, brilliant. So tried it and sure enough they would get concepts quicker, great fun. Now guess who I admire for a similar concept? If you get this wrong, your going back to 1st grade kids:-)))

[@hadibq]

Yeah, every word is accurate and anticipating on all questions you're brain can come up in the right order. big respect and love to Uncle Doug🙏

[@lec1212]

😅

[@onemancarnage]

I've been extremely busy with my business for over 4 years now . Finally getting to a point where I can take up my hobbies again. It's also been that long since Ive visited this channel ! It has grown quite a bit and rightfully so . Uncle Doug is a fantastic teacher and I'm sure I'm not alone on this , I have learned a great deal more watching this channel than any other source . So thank you uncle Doug .

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Bryan. Thanks....and welcome back :)

[@bunnyman6321]

How you making out in your business now?

[@onemancarnage]

@@bunnyman6321 to be honest , supply chain issues shut it it down . I'm still working in logistics . Ugh . What can you do ? One foot in front of the other .

[@bunnyman6321]

@@onemancarnage Damn. May you have much success

[@onemancarnage]

@@bunnyman6321 thank you . Appreciate it .

[@phatman808]

This was the relaxing intro to oscilloscopes that I needed.

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad to hear it, PM.

[@anthonyhogan2523]

This has to be one of the best introduction & explanations of basic oscilloscope operation - Thank You Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Anthony. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tripmeter235]

surely this is the best intro to the oscilloscope on youtube. I have watched loads of videos on 'scopes and this one excels.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, TM :)

[@curtvincent3728]

Uncle Doug could be Dr. Doug as he has a wonderful bedside manner. So polite and gentle. Thank you for this. I have both analog and digital scopes and yet we all need to take a step back and relearn the basics. I am doing a review of common ocilliscope features and this video is perfect! Well done!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Curt. I did indeed have a medical career in my younger days, and it probably helps me with my grasp of complex subjects such as tube electronics.

[@irusman62]

I bought a couple of Arduino kits and am learning electronics. I knew a fellow that does electronics repairs and he had an old oscilloscope he sold to me for 20 bucks, cool stuff! your videos were much needed, as I knew absolutely nothing about them, now I do, thank you so much Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Russell.

[@RealMikePannone]

I just got a refurbished Tektronix 2235. Honestly, I did not know anything about operating a scope. I know what the instrument is used for but I've never had the need to learn how to use one. This video lesson was key to get me started and becoming familiar with my latest piece of test gear. Thank you Uncle Doug! BTW, your videos and my progressive work beginning with a Tube Depot Champ build to their Marshall 18 Watt combo build and then just completed their JTM 45 build that I mounted into a custom 2X12 Bluesbreaker cabinet by Peter Mather, I was able to bench my Super Reverb Amp and confidently visually inspect it, read its schematic, determine it's true vintage, it's a '65 Blackface! My primary objective was to remove a master volume that never sounded right to me, and restore the amp back to its original configuration. I got a new, properly badged faceplate from Sheehan Enterprises and I slowed down the tremolo. I found a few improperly valued resistors for an AB763 circuit and changed them out. I was able to solve a spitting noise problem, remembering your teaching about "tubes act like capacitors"...and one by one I tracked down a noisy phase inverter tube. This amp sounds so good now I cannot believe it! And I've accomplished all this in four months...I digested a lot of information. Doug, you've been instrumental as a teacher aiding me in my journey to becoming a competent tube amp builder and troubleshooter/technician. Many thanks.

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Mike. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us :)

[@sand0077]

Very clear and easy to understand tutorial for this neophyte, wish I had you as an instructor in high school when attempting to learn electronics. Thank you Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Sand. Glad the videos are helpful.

[@troypeterson6057]

You are an incredible teacher. I have the exact same scope sitting on my shelf collecting dust, because I didn't understand it. Now i can put it to use. This has been the only video I've seen that makes sense of an oscilloscope. Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Troy. Best of luck with your oscilloscope.

[@Slugg-O]

Thank you U.D. for recognizing that most people who watch "how to" videos also need to see the steps and equipment settings used for the project. I once clicked on a video on how to convert a solid state amp to a tube amp. Intriguing, right? It was essentially a video showing the cabinet being gutted and stuffed with a DIY tube chassis and faceplate. There was nothing to learn and the "conversion" looked almost as subtle as a VW Beetle on a 26" wheels. As always, your step-by-step instruction and explanation, combined with Jack's talent for acting, make this channel outstanding. - -Randy

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Randy. As I said in the video, so many presentations get me all excited in anticipation of a great learning experience......only to be bored, puzzled, talked down to, and made acutely aware that my precious time is being wasted. I strive to avoid this pitfall.....and sincerely hope that at least in that respect, I am successful.

[@gamesbeforedames]

Uncle Doug!! Thank you! Finally a slow speaking, consideration of those with difficulty understanding, and thorough explanation! Heading to video 2 now.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Kaz :)

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

I learned more about my oscilloscope in 28 minuets than I have since I bought it a few months ago. Thank you!!! I am pretty partial to the 55 chevy, minus the skirts.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, T. That's good to hear.....both comments :)

[@Roundymooney]

You're one heck of a teacher Uncle Doug. Thank you for taking the time to put this up-I imagine it would be of particular benefit to young people starting out in the hobby.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ryan. I hope so :)

[@JayanthKDass]

You are such a good teacher I felt delighted to become student once again at this matured age! Thank you very much!😊

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jay. We are never too old to learn new tricks.

[@daveogarf]

Uncle Doug - Obviously you were a good teacher, as you present things in a nice, orderly, step-by-step manner, and try to anticipate any questions that might arise. This really should be used as a teaching aid! "Oscilloscope 101".

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Dave. I'm just trying to provide a foundation for you viewers, hoping that you will then carry the ball to the end zone and make me proud :)

[@zeerust2000]

I'll second that. Really well explained and presented videos.

[@Frustratedfool]

This has changed a foggy day to beautiful blue sky. Perfect teaching style. Many thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Simon :) Thanks !!

[@Deo-d6p]

Excellent teaching video! I learned a lot and will be watching more of your videos. Thank you for putting the effort and time into this project!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Deo. I'm glad it was helpful :)

[@LuisCruz-yg6rs]

Uncle Doug, your voice would be so awesome for a documentary. Ty for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Luis. I'm available if HBO, PBS, or Netflix needs any help :)

[@LuisCruz-yg6rs]

You're welcome! @@UncleDoug HBO, PBS, and Nexflix, I hope you reading this.

[@anthonyibrahim643]

As usual a fantastic detailed explanation. All facets of how a scope needs to be setup have now become super clear. Thank you for a magnificent explanation. I have a scope I purchased 6 years ago. Today I was finally able to use.

[@UncleDoug]

That's great news, Anthony. Continued success with your scope :)

[@givendhlalane8650]

Uncle Doug you are very clear, you don't jump around. I like you. Experience ,Seniority and maturity and understanding viewers is what you have.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for your kind appraisal, GN.

[@coreyostman]

Thank you for this wonderful trip down memory lane. Back in 1985, my favorite college professor taught all of us mechanical engineering students how to use oscilloscopes and he took the same approach: explain every slider and knob while also encouraging us to experiment with function generators and thermocouples.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Corey. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@nickdavies9733]

Hey Uncle Doug, Greetings from KZbin land in the UK. I bought myself an oscilloscope about 6 months ago and have been waiting to learn how to use it. Thanks for making that path a whole lot easier. You have a knack of explaining things in a way people can understand. Bless you my friend for opening up the world of electronics to so many of us out here!

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Nick. I wish you the best.

[@Greg-lo1tl]

Well said. I'm kind of an idiot and I always grasp things much better when they are bathed in context, which Doug always does.

[@zummliller]

Dear UD, one of the great things about your tutorials is that you have checked out other 'instructional' stuff on youtube and usually find them confusing, too theoretical, etc. You have done a killer job presenting all your topics in a very understandable and practical manner. Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Joe. It's true that much of my style is based on avoiding all of the pitfalls I've encountered with "educational presentations" over the years.

[@timeagan893]

What a great instructor you are....I got an old oscilloscope at a garage sale and this (You) are helping me to learn it....without pulling the rest of my 60 year hair out..... thanks uncle doug

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Tim. Good luck with your scope.

[@lostdaltonian]

I have been watching videos for about 2 days on this subject and finally a teacher that can teach, it would seem all the other educators assume we all know what we are doing which renders a beginner video pointless, Thankyou so much.

[@UncleDoug]

We're glad to hear the video was helpful, Jason. Please watch our many other instructional videos.

[@Cocktaish]

I'm a chemistry student, but I have some physics labs and have come in touch with an oscilloscope for the first time in my life. Was very overwhelmed by it, so thank you for making this, definitely helped!

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad the videos were helpful, CT. Best of luck with your classes.

[@papachili7290]

leave it to a man named Uncle Doug to give you a proper equipment tutorial. In a storm of pretentious and unhelpful scientists and engineers, there's always Uncle Doug. thanks, Uncle Doug, I love you.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Papa. Your old Uncle won't let you down :)

[@mrhidetf2]

Pls keep up the good work, even if i might not watch every video now. i know this will be an amazing source to go back to, to learn

[@UncleDoug]

We will, MD. Thanks for watching :)

[@SDsailor7]

Could you do a tutorial on an analog Oscilloscope?I don't have a digital O'scope but I hope this tutorial will help.Thank you for the video Cheers

[@hernancoronel]

Rob Hernandez this is already an analog oscilloscope! What are you trying to say?

[@bhimkarki1038]

@@UncleDoug please dr.I need tiredment in the dubai which a hospital have please tell me

[@UncleDoug]

@@bhimkarki1038 Bhim: I'm puzzled by the request, but wish you the best. (sheer poetry)

[@antoniosantorini9355]

Doug has the ability to explain an intricate subject to where an extreme novice can understand , Thank you for all your great video

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Dino Thanks for your very kind words.

[@dooleyfan]

I watched this a few months ago, and was on the lookout for an oscilloscope for troubleshooting some of my music equipment. Today my wife spotted a Tektronix 475 being given away for free. Not only does it work, it comes with its own stand! Just need to buy the accessory cables. Thanks Uncle Doug for an excellent tutorial!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Doug. Good luck with your new scope.

[@jagjet9153]

What a great contribution to those of us late to the game ! I have it in my head to build a clone of an original AC 30 Vox running on exactly 234 Volts at 50 cycles. Along with a power supply that conditions and controls the AC source an Oscilloscope is a good companion piece. Knowing how to use it will make it an even better addition to my Diagnostic equipment. Uncle D. you rock ! I also share your love of cars, although I got hooked on the E-types of the 60's when new and have never lost interest...… Thanks jagjet aka Robert Phelps

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad the video was helpful, JJ......and I share your enthusiasm for E-type Jaguars. In my opinion one of the most beautiful cars ever built.

[@sipet214]

Thank you Prof. Uncle Dough you are the best teacher I ever heard off.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, S :)

[@Whitewolf4869]

I see at 27:30 you have channel A set for DC I thought we where looking at AC Very good explanation of how this works. Thanks

[@UncleDoug]

It could be, Lorne. Thanks for your input.

[@mcac-youtube]

I have exactly this model, i bougth it here in Brazil, i need to repair it just once, it helped me to "earn money" till 2005. Now i use it less frequently. Thanks for the video. I´m happy to see that there is another one running yet.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, MC :)

[@montygore1200]

Thank you for pointing out the isolation on the DUT first. Most have no idea and seldom explained.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Monty :)

[@mikebarney]

Great video! I just finished my BSEE and they don't even teach this in school! Great job!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Mike :)

[@raghuyedatore6353]

Thanks a million, Uncle Doug. In my prior incarnation, operating an oscilloscope was second nature to me but didn't remember anything when I got hold of one now. Your video helped immensely. The pace at which you went was extremely helpful.

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, RY......glad it was helpful.

[@MrDoneboy]

Thanks Uncle Doug. I have experimented and studied electronics for the last 40 years, and have to say, that you alone, make it all easy to understand. Keep up the good electronics instructions, sir!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Don. We will :)

[@romannumeral5547]

Great video Doug and I really love the videos of the cars. You're a classic amp and classic car guy.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, RN :)

[@pitruscitrus_104]

I love technology, and even more so the people who demystify it in such a clear and friendly manner. Nothing intimidating about all those dials and switches anymore. Many thanks and great job!

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, PC :)

[@mrmax1467]

As I was watching, I was thinking that you may have been a teacher in a former life even before you told us, you have a way with words that makes understanding easier. I imagine you were a great teacher.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mr. M. I was indeed a middle-school teacher of math and science for about 16 years, and I would like to think that the students benefited from my efforts :)

[@christopherthumm4046]

I want to thank you for taking the time for this video . I am just learning how to use my CRT oscillograph and am looking for the basic functions to use my scope correctly.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Chris.

[@sethbramwell]

As a kid I watched my father use a heathkit oscilloscope he had built somewhere in the 50s or 60s and was always fascinated. Now at age 44 I finally have 2 scopes of my own that I picked up thrifting (a 1960 small heathkit IO-10 & a 70s Gould os-245-a) and no clue how to use them. All the other tutorials I have found move rapidly and leave me confused. Yours has been very clear and easy to follow. I look forward to the other videos in the series as I explore the scopes. Thank you for your expertise!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Allan. Best of luck with your pursuit of knowledge.

[@sethbramwell]

@@UncleDoug Thank you! Speaking as a special ed teacher of 20+ years, I can also say I really appreciate how you present the material. To put it in my terms, you've differentiated the instruction well for us struggling learners!

[@UncleDoug]

@@sethbramwell That's great to hear, Allan. I'm glad our videos have been instructive.

[@paulroberts5943]

Uncle Doug - thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!!! That is such a clear explanation of the calibration process! I am so pleased that I stumbled upon your channel. You have saved me so much time!!!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Paul. We're glad you found us :)

[@getsmart2594]

Marty Robbins territory I see, and the Franklins. 30 years removed since. So, I just got a Tektronics 2 years ago and I took it out a few times and coudnt grasp it. I thought I never had a GREEN thumb with plants or electronics, But at electronics maybe I feel I have a chance. I got the quiz correct. Super motivated by your narrating and teaching. Love your cat, I have a Orange Tabby. I also have a Model ( 465B ) and service manual from 1979. I have a bad circuit board in a Pellet Stove and need to find the problem, so my ohm meter can only do so much for I am told. So thats why I am here. THANK YOU SO MUCH !

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Elizabeth. Good luck with the Pellet Stove :)

[@Igot2fly1]

Thank you Uncle Doug. You actually made this very easy to understand. I look forward to continuing.

[@UncleDoug]

I tried, IG, and I'm glad it was helpful to you.

[@cat-lw6kq]

Excellent video. I searched and found a good book "Understanding Oscilloscopes and display Wave forms". It's on Amazon for $12. I was looking everywhere for a book to help me with my scope and this is the only one that was useful.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for sharing this with us, Cat. Hopefully, other viewers with similar interests will check out the book.

[@austinpauxtataux8349]

Uncle B killin’ it again! “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!!”

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Austin.

[@jayashreelevudala9401]

First time here. I must say, you're a wonderful teacher, your pace n experience builds up confidence, that yes, I can learn the concept very well- For everyone here to learn!! Take care. Best Wishes!

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, Jay. Thanks :)

[@efallgren1]

Doug, I waited to purchase an oscilloscope before watching this video. I purchased a nice old JDR Instruments Model 3500 Oscilloscope for $50 bucks on Craigslist. This intro was very helpful in getting mine set up. Signal generator is next. Thank you for all you do Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Eric. Best of luck with your new instrument.

[@pumpdumpster]

Thanks Doug, wish you well and free from corona.

[@UncleDoug]

We appreciate your good wishes, Niels. You too, I hope.

[@DanielSmith-rw9ms]

I was never able to "guess" what all those knobs actually did. Years ago no videos cleared it up & books assumed you had already received a masters degree in electronics & wanted to go in depth about the design of scopes, not to mention the "potential" hazards. This info is what I needed 20yrs ago. Thanks! Very entertaining also.

[@UncleDoug]

It's a shame that most tech manuals are of no use whatsoever to those who actually need to use them. I try to bridge that gap :)

[@johnbhumphrey]

Finally, the first video that actually teaches me to operate my oscilloscope. Had one gave to me a few years ago and only now I can start to use it. Thank you so much, Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, John. I hope the videos provide you with a good basis of knowledge.

[@johnbhumphrey]

They were spot on, Uncle Doug. Thank you.

[@pauldow1648]

Doug wants all his students to succeed. A great earnest person.

[@UncleDoug]

I do indeed, Paul. Nothing would make me happier.......except maybe some Russian pole dancers and lots of beer :)

[@tsyde2008]

So yeah, I found this video 4 years later... Thank you, some of us are slow, but yes, some of us over think the process as to using an Oscilloscope. Thanks again.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, TS.

[@andyfritchen6409]

Excellent video and very educational. I bought a scope about 5 years ago and never got around to figuring it out. Now I am using it right along with your video and it's working perfectly. Thanks for your sharing of knowledge.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Andy. Best of luck with your scope.

[@brianm9282]

I just picked up a free Tektronix 2235 and have no idea how to use it. Imagine my excited surprise when I found that you have videos on exactly what I need to get started in exactly the area I want to learn to use in in. Thank you so much Uncle Doug, everything I know is directly related to you and I am forever indebted to you. I also made a new KZbin ID so in the future when I comment it will be from Vintage Tube Amps, it has a nice ring to it.

[@vintagetubeamplifiers]

I also wanted to say that I also have a Stancor GIS-500 Isolation Transformer.

[@UncleDoug]

That's great news, Brian. Your new name definitely has a nice ring to it :)

[@johnadams9558]

Just as square as Abe Lincoln’s hat!?! Isn’t that mysterious? You crack me up! I love it! I feel like I’m in kindergarten all over again! You’re such a great teacher that I’ll be coming back for more. Thank you!

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, John. Glad you enjoy our videos.

[@adrianclark9581]

What a fantastic teacher so easy too follow with great explanations too the beginner.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Adrian. Glad to hear it :)

[@marklange8894]

Execellent video, it was so much better than the instruction I received 40 years ago at a certain two syllable technical “institute” which shall remain nameless. They just had handouts that said “set your knobs to these settings and this is what you should see” I remember having to explain to most of the people at my lab table what the settings meant. Then there were the second “trimester” jerks who had lab before us who took great joy in cranking the timebase all the way one direction or the other so the 1K square wave was either a solid bar or a slow dot moving across the screen. 409 wow what a radical cam in that beast. My dad’s favorite engine was the 409’s little brother the 348. He put one (actually 4 different ones) into a 65 Chevy pickup. Bad about popping the tops off of pistons, usually when pulling a heavy trailer in the mountains. Talk about power and torque when you needed it. Great job on the intro video.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Mark. It's always good to hear from you :)

[@safecracker77]

I just traded for my first Tekronik 2235 and am so exited to learn how to use it. Thank you for the sharing your knowledge!

[@UncleDoug]

We're glad the video was helpful, SC :)

[@danielsteele7544]

Thankyou,believe it or not when i retired they gave me the same Techtronics scope u have.I was an electrical tech for 43 years at inland steel.The scope set In the Technician locker for 15 years and no one used it.Thankyou I'm getting the old girl out tomorrow morning and I now know some basics.

[@UncleDoug]

That's good to hear, Daniel. Best of luck learning how to operate the old girl :)

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

Extremely detailed video with all the basics and evaluation presented logically and clearly.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks. Glad you liked it :)

[@NZkiwibandit]

hi Uncle Doug, Firstly, thank you for all the wonderful videos you have posted of your journey thru the world of valve amps and the like. I have always had a passion for electronics since i was about 4yr old. My mum worked in a place where audio equipment was built and I used to go up and down the production lines making sure the ladies at their stations had enough supplies to keep them going. I knew resistor colour codes and values before I even went to school. My career took a different path and I am a mechanical engineer and have worked on everything from a weedwacker to merlin aero engines in the spitfires and mustangs. Over the past year I have drifted back to my electronics and have been a subscriber to your channel for that time. My goal is to gain enough experience to build a valve amp of my own and to that end I have been researching circuits and equipment. I have built my own tone generator and purchased an oscilloscope. I have a kt88 amp unit which I have repaired and is working very well. The project on the bench is a combo unit. It will have a phono section feeding the pre-amp and finally into a pair of 6sn7gt and kt170 output tubes. I used the knowledge gained from you as a teacher to pre build the project on an experimental board. The oscilloscope was invaluable in this to see if there were any problems with oscillations and noise. It all worked very well considering the rats nest of wires . The probes on my scope are 10x by default. No 1x option. This thew me for a bit as I could not get the correct screen readings for what was being input. I then found a section in my scope menu where I could change the value of the probes. Set it to 10x and viola......all is well. I have since purchased a 20x attenuator. If I use this with my current leads, does that mean I will need to change this setting to 200x????? Here is my take on the maths and where I need your skills to help me. If I have a 200v source on the probe tip - the 20x will drop it to 10v into the meter....now with a 10x probe it should drop it to 20v and then to 1v. I have tested this theory with a lower voltage and it seems to work. The kt170 tubes will be at about 600v and I want to be sure that i don't fry my scope. Your help with this question would be greatly appreciated. I appoligise for the long winded blurb here so will wind it up. I wish you had been my maths teacher. You make learning a joy and with the added insentive of doing it all by choice you really do pay attention and listen. I look forward to many more of your musical adventures. Best regards from the KiwiBandit in New Zealand.

[@UncleDoug]

Greetings and thanks for becoming a Patreon patron, KB. Although I have never used an attenuator with an oscilloscope, your analysis seems correct to me. Using a 20x attenuator with a 10x probe should yield 200x reduction in voltage, so the 200V source would be divided by 200 to equal only 1 V for your scope. This would be easy to verify using a known DC voltage in the 200V to 400V range to see what your scope reads as the reduced (by 200) value. Good luck with your projects and pursuit of knowledge.

[@rahmanyazannyyev307]

Wonderful tutorial! Helped me a lot to preprare for my Physics laboratory class.

[@UncleDoug]

That's good to hear, R. I hope you make an "A" :)

[@willtre]

Thank you, Uncle Doug! I just acquired a similar model oscilloscope (the Tektronics 2215A) from my father in law, a retired electrical engineer who is encouraging my budding interest in electronics. Hence, this tutorial is very timely for me. Your channel has been invaluable.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, UC. I hope your interest in electronics grows exponentially.

[@MorganHeads]

Finally! a real teacher. I have looked all over youtube for just this video. You have a new subscriber. Can't wait to watch your other videos.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Darin. Welcome to our channel.

[@mefirst4266]

UNCLE DOUG THANK YOU FOR EXPLAINING THINGS SLOW AND ACCURATE. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING RELEARNING THE OSCOPE FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. AND YOU JUST MADE MY MIND GO BACK TO COLLEGE IN 1974 LEARNING VACUUM TUBES. AND THINGS HAVE STARTED CLICKING. I GOT THE OSCOPE BACK NOW. 😂👍

[@UncleDoug]

Glad to hear it, MF. Good luck.

[@georgegrat]

You are really very good to teaching our gaps. Many thanks for your time and your help.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Mike. Thanks !!

[@jasodengofoden3227]

I wish you were my uncle. Great explanations!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad to hear it, JG :)

[@hanspaulavisser855]

Thank you Uncle Doug for taking your time explaining how to get the best from your Cro.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Hans.

[@theelectrodefunhouse4651]

Once again wonderful in depth video. I had the same problem with watching the other videos, they’ll through the knobs and switches without really giving much explanation as to what they’re adjusting. Thanks again!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, PH. I try to explain things the way I would have initially appreciated having them explained.

[@opus1952]

Hi ya Doug, I hope this message gets to you, I've been holding it in my "watch later" list for some time now and only just round to watching it tonight, 12th July 19. I want to thank you for such an informative video which is delivered with great patience and consideration for the student learner, you must have been a very popular teacher in your time. Like you I found that other youtube videos on this subject of basic oscilloscope operation have left me far from informed with only part of the video watched. This one of yours has been great and I'm sorry it has taken so long to view it. I'm looking forward to watching part 2 tomorrow night and then I think again when I have my scope next to me. Thank you.

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Graham. We're glad you finally watched and enjoyed the video. Best of luck with your oscilloscope :)

[@sioux22]

Helped with my insomnia a lot ! In all seriousness, really good tutorial. Thanks

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, KD......zzzzzzzzzzzz ;)

[@SeanKerns]

This is super helpful, Doug. I was given a dual channel Tektronix T912 several years ago, because someone thought I might need it for amp work. I bought some leads, but I've never known how to work it. I learned more in the first 8 minutes of this video than in the last ten year I've owned this.

[@UncleDoug]

That's great news, Sean. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@rbmwiv]

Excellent video. Very easy to follow and extremely informative. Keep up the good work.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, AT. We will :)

[@ashwynn4177]

Best oscope video Ive ever seen.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ash :)

[@maxriches6103]

Learning how to use my oscilloscope Thanks. And hot rods to boot. This is my 1942 Chevy pickup in Australia. Great channel.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Max :)

[@robpeters5204]

Thank you for a very formative video. I wish I had teachers like you in school when I was growing up.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Rob .

[@peterbustin8604]

I didnt realise how i mportant oscilloscopes were in troubleshooting components in circuits such as amplifiers. Thanks for a great video. I look forward to these so much Uncle Doug! God bless! Love and best wishes from Peter from UK.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Peter. Thanks for your kind words.

[@larrydering1598]

Excellent start up. Thanks for the instructions and thorough explanations.

[@pekwalker]

This by far is the very best video I have seen on this. Thank you very much for sharing this.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Peter. You're welcome :)

[@miguelortega7112]

Let's hit te like button first, Then we are ready to watch. Thank you Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Miguel :)

[@akzholzhunussov5921]

Uncle Doug, thank you so much for this tutorial. Thanks to you, I’ve just regained all my knowledge about oscilloscopes after 10years :))

[@UncleDoug]

That's good news, AZ :)

[@Counselor77]

Such a great video, nice teaching. It helped me out greatly. I was as lost as a mouse in a cornfield when I acquired this nice oscilloscope from an estate sale and your video was a great help.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Johnny. We're glad the video was helpful.

[@turbodrawspeed]

Excellent. Can't wait to see the rest in the series. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, TD. I hope you enjoy it :)

[@ecobob101]

Fantastic. Other videos were annoying me with too much info at once - this was perfect!

[@UncleDoug]

We're glad to hear that, PBF. Thanks !!

[@eb1138]

Thank you for taking the time to create your videos. They are excellent.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, EB.

[@jackallen6261]

Back in about 1982 or so I ran across a late 50's 348 Chevy W Block in a like 2 ton truck at a local junk yard (in western Oklahoma) I was going to build a T-Bucket roadster or something along those lines....after about 10 years of stabling over it I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't be building said car anytime soon...I sold it for like 300$ keep in mind I gave like 50, lol. Oh how I wish I still had it today, lol. Oh well...Great video UD!! Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

What a shame. 348's and 409's are rare as hen's teeth, Jack. I would love to have either one.

[@Cpt.Price123]

This is a treasure!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Capt.

[@ralstonfinney9673]

thank you for this very informative video!! you are so clear and your voice is nice to listen to :)

[@UncleDoug]

We appreciate the kind words, RF. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stevevaughn2040]

Thank you for this. I spent my career in the semiconductor industry and we had those Tektronix scopes all over the place and I never learned how they work. I liked 'em because our parts were in the scopes and it was kinda neat to see how these lil' components we made were used by the equipment manufacturers.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Steve.

[@mikelunsford2587]

Video keeps giving.. just picked up my first scope. Hitachi 20mhz 2 channel.

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Thank you I needed a refresher course that was very comprehensive step by step to recalibrate my 40-year-old scope. 👍

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, TL. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@adrianclark9581]

So well explained for a beginner ud is the king

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Adrian :)

[@vladimirromanov6678]

Many thanks for the video.This is the best one on the subject Icould find in the Internet.Best wishes from Russia

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Vlad. Best wishes to you all from Texas, USA :)

[@SpikesMavic]

Fantastic, I can not believe how much you have learned me in this video, did not know a thing about a Oscilloscope's before watching this . thank you very much 5* for you.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Stan......glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnny_law8209]

Thank you, wish I had found this much sooner.

[@UncleDoug]

We're here for you now, Johnny :)

[@nikolozkvrivishvili5343]

This video is very useful. It enables me thinking on making samples with my scope in percieved way. You fucused me on right direction. Thank you sincire, sir!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Nik. Best of luck.