Posted by Carl Grotti on December 19, 2003 at 20:29:52:
In Reply to: Re: Pico and OHMs posted by Richard Silvia on December 18, 2003 at 20:56:32:
: Pico has meter functions, volts,amps etc. but not OHMs.
Almost true! Actually, your meter ranges are DC Volts, AC Volts, Decibals, and Frequency. These are all a derivative from voltage input. The software allows that to happen. Just like AMPS in SCOPE MODE using a LOW CURRENT PROBE. That is not AMPS going into your ADC, that is volts. It's up to you to attenuate that. There again, software allows you to do that.
:A scope could measure and graph resistance if set up properly.
That is absolutely not true in the sense of direct measurement. Scopes DO NOT send out voltage.
I think your confusing PicoScope with other DSO's that are available. Some of them have multifunction capabilities. They have the option to choose DVOM instead of SCOPE MODE. These instruments have seperate hardware to do this. Sure, Pico could do this with a hardware change and raise the price, but why should they? Designers and Engineers would laugh in their face if they were to incorporate an OHMMETER. These boyz will be using a seperate device for that, not their dedicated high powered scope.
I will first hand tell you when manufacturers incorporate one instrument to do it all, your in big trouble. I won't go into the reasons why right now. Something for you to think about.
I'll leave you with a couple of thoughts.
Scopes measure voltage over time PERIOD!
Always test circuits loaded.
Regards,
Carl