What is the GWScope?The GWScope package is a set of help files and an interface program for use with Greenwood Technical test equipment. The interface program is Paul Kellett's "Oscilloscope," a freeware product developed in 1997. The Oscilloscope is part of the Wave Tools 1.0 package (along with a Spectrum Analyzer, Audio Meter, and Signal Generator) available at The Sonic Spot and other freeware download sites. No modifications have been made to the original program, but support files have been added relating to the use of the scope with our equipment. The entire package is thus called the GWScope. It should be noted, any other oscilloscope program can be used with the Greenwood Technical test equipment as well.
How the GWScope Helps the Technician
Failing components in a computer's power supply might contribute to excessive spiking or "ripple" on a voltage line. Read our tutorial, Why an Oscilloscope? for an in-depth explanation of how these symptoms can really mislead a technician. Overheating components might cause spikes in the voltage level. A bad solder joint might cause momentary drops in a voltage. These can be the hardest problems to troubleshoot, causing momentary freezes or reboots in normal use. This package turns any computer into an oscilloscope, allowing the technician to connect the computer to Greenwood Technical test equipment. This in turn allows the technician to measure the ripple on each voltage rail of the power supply as load levels are changed, as happens under real-world use. The technician can quickly apply a lab quality look at the stability of a power supply under such real-world conditions, which is critical especially in high-end systems. For technicians experienced in electronics troubleshooting and repair, the oscilloscope can aid in the repair of a defective power supply.
The GWScope Package
Paul Kellet's Oscilloscope program functions as a true dual-trace oscilloscope displaying wave patterns from the line input of the computer's stereo sound card.
Downloads
GWScope Help Files: Download this Zip file for the oscilloscope help files, which include screenshots for easy reference.
GWScope CD image: This CD ISO image replaces the CD that is supplied with Greenwood Technical test equipment.
Like any other oscilloscope program, Paul Kellet's Oscilloscope can be used for many purposes, but the user is cautioned that Greenwood Technical is not responsible for any damage caused by use of the scope for any purpose other than as an accessory to the Greenwood Technical test equipment. Greenwood Technical assumes no responsibility for any other sort of hardware the user may plug into the sound card.