Whereas the fee and dimension of take a look at tools have each fallen dramatically prior to now decade, few, if something in the marketplace in the present day can compete with the tiny Flea-Scope by Richard Testardi. This ~$13 oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and waveform generator combo is able to taking 18 million samples per second (Msps), and exists as a PCB barely bigger than two quarters. Maybe better of all, it operates by way of any Chromium-based internet browser operating on a pc, pill, or telephone, with out further software program set up!

The Flea-Scope is predicated on the PIC32MK MCU — and PCB information, the BOM, and construct directions might be discovered right here. It makes use of principally SMD elements, which in Testardi’s case at the moment are reflowed utilizing a toaster managed by one other Flea-Scope. When you’ve gotten previous or sidestepped this little chicken-and-egg downside, you’ll additionally need to hand solder solder on a BNC connector for probe attachment.

The gadget is programmed by way of the board’s six-pin ICSP header, after which you’ll be able to plug it in by way of USB and open a browser to entry its GUI. As outlined in its handbook, the Flea-Scope encompasses a single 18 Msps analog enter with a 10-bit ADC decision, together with 9 digital logic analyzer pins. It additionally has a set off out pin to permit two Flea-Scopes to work collectively like a multi-channel oscilloscope or a extra succesful logic analyzer.

Whereas this small unit may not exchange a financial institution of pricy take a look at tools, for excessive portability at a near-disposable worth degree, it could seem laborious to beat the Flea-Scope!