Opinions - Oscilloscope vs Logic Analyzer

snapJaw

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I'm looking to get into board repair this spring. I do have an electronics background.

I would like to repair (AKA I have project boards for): Bubble Bobble, Life Force, Pac Man, Berzerk/Frenzy, Capcom CPS1, and a few other misc. classic boards (non-jamma).

For my bench I already have a test rig (jamma w/monitor), a logic probe, and a fluke DVM. I would like a scope or analyzer but don't have money for both right now. I'm leaning toward an analyzer, because it seems like I would be able to troubleshoot more with it than a plain scope. I realize I probably can't do much audio without a scope, but apart from that are there any drawbacks to getting an analyzer before a scope?

Any suggestions of make/models and direction that would be applicable this area?


EDIT: I see this PC based logic analyzer (http://www.mcumall.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4313) for only $125. Anyone ever used a PC based analyzer?
 
I'm looking to get into board repair this spring. I do have an electronics background.

I would like to repair (AKA I have project boards for): Bubble Bobble, Life Force, Pac Man, Berzerk/Frenzy, Capcom CPS1, and a few other misc. classic boards (non-jamma).

For my bench I already have a test rig (jamma w/monitor), a logic probe, and a fluke DVM. I would like a scope or analyzer but don't have money for both right now. I'm leaning toward an analyzer, because it seems like I would be able to troubleshoot more with it than a plain scope. I realize I probably can't do much audio without a scope, but apart from that are there any drawbacks to getting an analyzer before a scope?

Any suggestions of make/models and direction that would be applicable this area?


EDIT: I see this PC based logic analyzer (http://www.mcumall.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4313) for only $125. Anyone ever used a PC based analyzer?



I'm reasonably happy with my USBee SX.

JD
 
I'm looking to get into board repair this spring. I do have an electronics background.

I would like to repair (AKA I have project boards for): Bubble Bobble, Life Force, Pac Man, Berzerk/Frenzy, Capcom CPS1, and a few other misc. classic boards (non-jamma).

For my bench I already have a test rig (jamma w/monitor), a logic probe, and a fluke DVM. I would like a scope or analyzer but don't have money for both right now. I'm leaning toward an analyzer, because it seems like I would be able to troubleshoot more with it than a plain scope. I realize I probably can't do much audio without a scope, but apart from that are there any drawbacks to getting an analyzer before a scope?

Any suggestions of make/models and direction that would be applicable this area?


EDIT: I see this PC based logic analyzer (http://www.mcumall.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4313) for only $125. Anyone ever used a PC based analyzer?

I would say a scope as older ones are fairly cheep. You can see the signals and actually watch the changes happen! It is very helpful when you have audio issues and yes there are many. Even though I don't fully understand the "addressing magic" I still know what the signal(s) should be there and about what they are supposed to look like.

Analyzers can be costly and may take so time to learn how to use them. They do have their purpose but I think you will probably use a scope more, even if you have both.
 
Get a scope, with a logic analyser you need to know what the signals should be or all you end up using it as is a chip tester and that is a very long winded process with an analyser. You are not trying to reverse engineer the board afterall, all you need to do is find the fault and a scope is much more useful and quick for that.
 
I bought one similar to this on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Digital...72018?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item3371d8e572

I have used it for three years now and I am very happy with it.

It is always good to look at logic signals with a scope to see that they are formed correctly and reaching the right levels.

With a logic analyzer, all it will tell you is if the signal is considered a high or low and if it is glitching. Logic analyzers have their strengths in seeing how the timing of signals relate to each other.
 
You are not trying to reverse engineer the board afterall
Hey, speak for yourself! :D I mainly work on the small set of games I own, so reverse engineering pays dividends in being able to easily root cause issues in a methodical way. Of course, it takes more time and isn't really feasible if you work on a large range of games ..

Usually on oscilloscope vs logic analyzer threads, I will support getting a cheap CRT oscilloscope. If a cheap logic analyzer can be found, and you know how to use it, it could come in handy (esp. if you know how to decode bus cycles and chip logic) .. but in general an oscilloscope is probably the better investment.

LeChuck
 
I'm saving up to buy this bad boy! A buddy has it and loves it!
http://www.saelig.com/PSBE100/PSPC017.htm


Good Find!, it appears the 50Mhz version being hacked / modified, they just decided to drop the 50mhz version, and sell the 100Mhz version for the same price.

im sure they made some money on the unit, but in the end, they will probably sell more units, to bad there wasn't a 50mhz "D" version (with the logic analyzer)..

my LA has a 500mhz DSO built into it, but a portable'isk unit is far better to use then lugging a 50+lb LA around.
 
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