Oscilloscope question

[Tony Duell]

> > >Howeve, I don't know anyone who learnt to use a 'scope at
> > >college/university.
> 
> Yes you do...

Ah, but as you said, you didn't graduate...

> 
> > > All the hackers I know who can use one taught themselves...
> 
> I guess I'm not a hacker then. Should I be offended? ;-)

Well, I've been told I'm not a hacker either... I don't think you should 
be offended, therefore.

[...]

> Basic 'scope usage was taught to all computer / electrical / robotics=20
> engineering students at my college ('85-87). As my father was against=20
> owning anything more complex than a 4-function calculator or color TV=20
> electronically, I never had the ability to learn to use one before colleg=
> e.

FWIW, a basic 'scope is a simpler than a colour TV (I've gone through 
the schematics of a colour TV using discrete components...) and a _lot_ 
simpler than a 4 function calculator.

I've actually seen a schematic for a 'scope which used _one_ valve + the 
CRT + metal rectifiers. OK, it was a very basic instrument, Y input to 
the CRT plates through RC networks, the valve was the timebase. I'd not 
want to have to do much debugging with that as my only instrument, but it 
does prove that a 'scope is not that complicated. 

> 
> Oh, and for the record: I *didn't* graduate. ;-/

-tony