HP analyzer probes

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Tue Jun 29 18:22:24 2004

> > That's what the Elektor analyser consisted of.....
> Yeah, I saw that. A few FIFOs and an Atmel MCU. I didn't build it because
> there was no binary or source code available for the MCU and the software=
> was
> crap.

That was my objection to it, too. I almost thought about ordering the PCB
and writing my own software for the microcontroller and PC. Then I
realised I already had a good enough analyser.

>
> > FWIW, I do a lot of my work with a 3 channel logic analyser (HP=20
> > LogicDart),
> Isn't that the handheld analyser that HP used to make? ISTR they sold the

That's the one.

> design rights to Fluke - I've seen them listed in the Farnell catalogue u=
> nder
> the heading "Fluke LogicDart handheld logic analyser".

Yes, I've heard that too. The Fluke version is probably perfectly OK
(certainly their multimeters are excellent).

The LogicDart (HP called it an 'Advanced Logic Probe') is a great tool.
It will _not_ replace your better logic analyser, it won't replace your
multimeter. But it's a useful 'first instrument' to pick up many faults.
It'll check the supply voltage, check the clock, let you distinguish
clocks from data lines (how else do you think I figured out what was
going on in HP handheld calculators :-)), let you look at the clock and
data lines of an I2C bus, etc, etc, etc.

Probably overkill for most people here, but I use mine a lot.

-tony
Received on Tue Jun 29 2004 - 18:22:24 BST