This period involves measuring a number of unknowns with the oscilloscope. Do each part completely before moving onto the next, recording data and completing any needed calculations for that part (such as calculating frequency). Record accurately what you did and observed - often a sketch is a good approach to recording how you made your measurements and of the observed waveform. Keep results/calculations separate from data in your notes so it is clear what was measured and what was calculated. Be sure to include uncertainties.

Record what equipment and components are used so they can be later identified if needed (so unusual results can be tracked to the equipment/setup used). Also record identifying properties of the signal source (such as wind chime length and diameter)

For each part determine the characteristics of the waveform observed. This includes determining waveform shape, frequency and amplitude. Recognize several values may be needed to describe the waveform. For instance, amplitude may need a maximum and minimum voltage measurement from zero as peak-to-peak voltage does not describe any zero offset.

1) Electrical  (scope CAL tab and two electrical adapters)

Determine characteristics of the CAL tab on your oscilloscope (optionally during first oscilloscope period, now one of the required unknowns).

Determine the characteristics of power out from the two white electrical adapter's on your desk. Be careful not to short the output leads from the adapters. Record your measurements with the oscilloscope AC/GND/DC switch on DC. Carefully note where zero is in your data.

Observe the effect changing the AC/GND/DC switch has on the observed waveform. On AC the signal is capacitively coupled into the scope, the observed signal is in effect altered.

2) Sound  (microphone with wind chime)

Describe the sound from the wind chime tube by using a microphone with the oscilloscope.

3) Light  (solar cell with compact fluorescent bulb and fluorescent overhead lights)

Describe the output from the solar cell on your bench-top due to a desk lamp with a compact fluorescent bulb and then the fluorescent overhead lights.

Note: to completely describe the solar cell output, view the signal on two settings of the oscilloscope AC/GND/DC switch. On the DC setting, the scope will show total voltage of the cell, dependent on the intensity of the light source (this being related to the actual function of a solar cell, to provide power). On the AC setting, you can "zoom in" to the signal structure and determine fluctuations in light source intensity.

4) Fan speed (fan with solar cell and lamp)

Determine the speed (frequency) of the fan on your desk by shining a light through the rotating fan blades and detecting the result with a solar cell.

Help

As you work with the scope, it helps to consider the controls as three sections; vertical, horizontal and triggering (familiarize yourself where these section are on your scope).

• To change the vertical view, either position or size, work with the vertical section of controls.
• To change the horizontal view, either position or size, work with the horizontal section of controls.
• To stabilize a view, work with the triggering section (the scope is having difficulty in determining when to begin the trace).