Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

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Glovisol
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Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Glovisol »

Lately I have been very busy with the 2204A scope with MF/HF balun measurements. For this work I need to use X10 scope probes. The Picoscope Probe switch has always worked faultlessly until yesterday. Now Picoscope stays in the X1 probe position and does not swich to the other values. This fault happens on both channels.

Any suggestions?

Kind regards,

glovisol

Glovisol
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Glovisol »

It just came to my mind that I could compare with the DrDAQ in Picoscope. Even with the DrDAQ the probe switch does not work: this seems to point to some software problem. Note that manual scale works fine both with the DrDAQ and the2204A. Should I try to de-install & then re-install Picoscope?

Kind regards,

glovisol

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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Martyn »

Do you mean that you can't go into the Channel Options and change from x1 to x10 ?

The state of the mechanical x1 / x10 switch on the probe is not known by the scope, which just reads the input voltage, or the software. So you have to manually tell the software what position this is in if you wish to see the correct voltages reported in the software. If the scope is set to Auto, then it should adjust it's input voltage range by a factor of 10 when you flick the switch.
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Glovisol
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Glovisol »

Hi Martin, exactly this: I go to the optios where you can choose X1 / X10 / X20 etc. click the switch and NOTHING happens.

Cheers,

glovisol

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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Martyn »

I would try a re install of the software, that sounds strange.
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Glovisol
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Glovisol »

I de-installed and re-installed Picoscope. The switch on the software now works, but not always. Sometimes I have to do the command two/three times before the input changes sensitivity setting...
Last edited by Glovisol on Mon Jul 02, 2018 4:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Martyn
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Martyn »

Which version of the software are you using, and what is your O/S ?
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Glovisol
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Glovisol »

Picoscope 6.12.9 and Window 7 Pro

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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Martyn »

It may be worth checking that the Microsoft .NET is fully up to date, we have seen a few odd issues with dialog boxes on Windows 7.
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Glovisol
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Glovisol »

Dead Martyn I have checked Microsoft .NET & it is updated. The switch works, but I need to do the commando more than once. Another thing: in Spectrum Analyser service there is the command form setting impedance reading in dBm: the default is 600 Ohm. There also is the window for setting other impedances, but it does not work: the only impedance possible is 600 Ohm. Please appreciate the fact that in many (most) cases 50 Ohm would be far more useful. It should be easy to correct this feature, even because a spectrum analyser on 50 Ohm is as it should be for RF.

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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Martyn »

Can you send in a short video showing the issue, I am currently unable to replicate this here.
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Glovisol »

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I am currently on holiday, far from the lab. Will resume this thread once back. Kind regards.

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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Martyn »

Enjoy your holiday :D
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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by djb »

Does anybody know if a solution to this problem was found?
A search on this forum doesn't find one.
I have a picoScope 2208 which has developed the same inability to set either probe to anything but x1

John

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Re: Probe switch problem with Picoscope / 2204A scope

Post by Martyn »

Can you post a short video showing the issue or send it to support@picotech.com
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