LCS-1M - A Low-Cost Hobby Oscilloscope
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You find here all the files required to build the oscilloscope hardware. Note that there are so far three
slightly different versions of the oscilloscope in the world - to find out which one you have, simply check
the silkscreen label on the circuit board:
To download the PCB design software, please visit the ExpressPCB website.
Vendor websites:
Jameco: http://www.jameco.com
Maxim: http://www.maxim-ic.com
Microchip: http://www.microchip.com
Revolution Education (Picaxe producer): http://www.picaxe.co.uk
Advanced Micro Circuits: http://www.advancedmicrocircuits.com
Sparkfun: http://www.sparkfun.com (alternative source for Picaxe Microcontroller and download cable)
How to get free samples: Most semiconductor companies have sample programs - meaning they will
send you small quantities of their chips for free! (often you don't even pay for shipping). The exact
conditions are different from one vendor to the next, but for a hobbyist it means that you can get most of
your chips you need without having to pay for them. The LCS-1M design relies heavily on that to keep
costs down. Unfortunately with the current economic downturn many of these companies have
tightened their sample policies (e.g. Microchip now charges for shipping), but often it can still be a
pretty good deal. Please do not abuse these sample programs by ordering excessive amounts and/or
chips you never intend to use just because it's free! Otherwise more companies may decide to stop or
restrict their sample programs further.
slightly different versions of the oscilloscope in the world - to find out which one you have, simply check
the silkscreen label on the circuit board:
- V1.0: The initial version. People who bought the fully assembled scope from me have this
version. Does not have the MAX232 interface; uses MAX153 ADC.
- Circuit Schematic V1.0 (ExpressPCB format)
- Board Layout V1.0 (ExpressPCB format)
- V1.1: This is the version shown on this website. Largely identical to V1.0, but has the MAX232
interface, as well as some minor layout improvements (e.g. option to install BNC connectors
directly on the board).
- Circuit Schematic V1.1 (ExpressPCB format)
- Board Layout V1.1 (ExpressPCB format)
- BOM (Bill of Materials) - bare board version (no enclosure) V1.1
- BOM (Bill of Materials) - complete version (with enclosure) V1.1
- V1.3: Latest revision. Somewhat different Picaxe hookup. Optional MAX232 interface. Uses the
MAX114 instead of the MAX153 (significantly lower cost!). Some hooks for possible future
improvements (e.g. direct connections to the Picaxe's internal ADCs). This is the version sold
by Revolution Education (the Picaxe vendor).
- Circuit Schematic V1.3 (ExpressPCB format)
- Board Layout V1.3 (ExpressPCB format)
- BOM (Bill of Materials) - V1.3
To download the PCB design software, please visit the ExpressPCB website.
Vendor websites:
Jameco: http://www.jameco.com
Maxim: http://www.maxim-ic.com
Microchip: http://www.microchip.com
Revolution Education (Picaxe producer): http://www.picaxe.co.uk
Advanced Micro Circuits: http://www.advancedmicrocircuits.com
Sparkfun: http://www.sparkfun.com (alternative source for Picaxe Microcontroller and download cable)
How to get free samples: Most semiconductor companies have sample programs - meaning they will
send you small quantities of their chips for free! (often you don't even pay for shipping). The exact
conditions are different from one vendor to the next, but for a hobbyist it means that you can get most of
your chips you need without having to pay for them. The LCS-1M design relies heavily on that to keep
costs down. Unfortunately with the current economic downturn many of these companies have
tightened their sample policies (e.g. Microchip now charges for shipping), but often it can still be a
pretty good deal. Please do not abuse these sample programs by ordering excessive amounts and/or
chips you never intend to use just because it's free! Otherwise more companies may decide to stop or
restrict their sample programs further.