u/Ratfus

I just purchased a new oscilloscope. I'd like it to last more than a few months (as I paid $175 for it), but I know very little about these things. I already think I messed up - luckily it doesn't seem like I destroyed it... yet.

1. Is it bad to complete a circuit using an oscilloscope? I connected my pulse width modulator directly to the oscilloscope, which I don't think is great for it (ie. I connected the positive terminal to the positive wire and the negative to the negative wire directly). The wave looked correct on the screen, but I think I should have connected the two pmw terminals together with a resistor, then connected the oscilloscope to the positive side of the pmw and the negative side of the oscilloscope directly to ground with another wire.

2). What are some of the other important tips to not ruin oscilloscope.

Hi,

I'm trying to learn about how radio transmitters work. So I'm thinking of building one by scratch with some cheap parts. If my understanding is correct, a signal heads into an oscillator module, which converts the DC into AC at a certain frequency. From there an amplifier makes the signal stronger. Finally, the signal essentially gets dumped into the antenna, which produces electronic waves. The frequency of those waves are determined by the AC current the antenna receives. So for example, if I want 1 gigahertz, I would want my oscillator to emit said waves. Then, there needs to be some sort of anti reflection device after the antenna? I've noticed a few of the modules let you adjust frequency with the voltage they receive.

Is my general understanding of how they work correct? Would this be a good beginner project? Doesn't seem too complicated.

How do I Desolder without destroying components?

I still can't desolder components months later, despite trying countless times. I always have to break the components in order to remove them, no matter how many times I pump out the solder with desoldering pump/vacuum, no matter how much flux I use, and no matter how hot I turn the iron. Anyone know how I can desolder without ripping apart the components? Always seems like there's a little solder hiding next to the wire, which is extremely difficult to remove.

I can remove the wire by pulling on it while applying heat from the gun, but if it's a component with multiple points, I have to destroy the component, then take each wire out using the above technique. I basically have to make the component look like it just got out of a horror film. Luckily, I only work with relatively cheap components. Definitely would not use my technique on a more valuable part though.

I've recently started playing around in assembly on an 8 leg atiny 85. After struggling forever, I finally got the programmer working. I originally purchased the Amtel Ice, but couldn't get it working. Ended up purchasing the usb atiny 85 programmer.

Anyways, the programmer is working fine now. Problem is that programmer only lets you test pin 0 and I don't want to destroy it with my testing, so I'm trying to build a tester on a printed circuit board. This custom board has a bunch of leds connected to a socket in the center of the pcb. You insert the atiny into the socket to test it. The problem is that I have a tiny leak/short on one of the lights. I can't for the life of me determine where it's coming from. The leak appears to be so small, that I can't even test for it with a continuity check. I've replaced the socket twice to no avail. When I touch two points on the socket with positive voltage that runs to ground, the red led turns on. The first time it's bright as it should be; the second time it lights up dimly. Only one socket port should light the led.

Any idea how to determine the location of the leak or if there even is one? Maybe the socket itself leaks or the tiny amount of flux is shorting it somehow?