GWScope Program FAQ
- Q: I've tried running the GWScope, but it doesn't show anything I've connected to the Line In on the sound card.
A: I chose to use Paul Kellet's "Oscilloscope" program because it seems to be the easiest to set up and use. There is no setup installation, really. it doesn't alter anything in the computer. It just goes for the "Line In" jack on the sound card. If you don't get a signal on the scope, make sure the sound card is installed properly; that it is turned on in your BIOS (was it working before you ran the Scope?); and that whatever settings come with the sound card's software are adjusted properly. In some cases, it works using the "Mic Input" jack. You can also find other oscilloscope progams to try on the web.
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- Q: How can I calibrate the Oscilloscope for more accurate readings?
A: On the Oscilloscope itself, there is a Help tab. This brings up the original Help file that came with the scope. Calibrating is explained there, but you must remember, this program is not intended for seriously in-depth lab testing. Calibrating depends on the sound-card settings, and can be a bit difficult for serious accuracy. There are a number of freeware Oscilloscope programs available on line, most of which are far more capable of this sort of wave measurement. To be really accurate, you might want to plug the test equipment into a real Oscilloscope, taking the guesswork out of calibrating.
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GT4 FAQ
- Q: I have a 24-pin atx connector. Can I test it with the GT4?
A: On many power supplies, four of the pins on the 24-pin connector pull away from the main body of the plug, which happens to be a standard ATX 20-pin connector. The extra four pins are connected to the same 3.3v, 5v, and 12v voltage rails covered by the GT4 tests. The GT4 will thus thoroughly test the supply. If the connector is a solid unit without the seperation feature, the connector will still fit the socket on the GT4, with four pins hanging off to the side, or you can use a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter, available at most computer stores.
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- Q: Other testers have connections to test the hdd, floppy, and SATA molex connectors as well. Why doesn't the GT4 have these test plugs?
A: This would be redundant and add to the cost of producing the tester. The connectors that hook up to the various drives and hardware all get their power from the same 3.3v, 5v, and 12v rails that are tested through the main connector. The only problems related to these end connectors are caused by broken wires or a loose fit, easily spotted by the naked eye.
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- Q: None of the lights come on when I turn on the power switch.
A: The GT4 has no batteries or AC plug. It derives it's power from the ATX power supply you are testing. If the power supply is plugged in and switched on, some LEDs on the GT4 will be lit whether the GT4 is turned on or not. (See the GT4 Manual:). If no LEDs light up, the power supply is dead. Recheck all your connections just to be sure.
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- Q: Can I use a real oscilloscope, in place of computer software, with the GT4?
A: If you have a real oscilloscope, you're probably savvy enough to know how to use the right adapter to link it to the GT4, which uses a standard 3.5mm jack and cord. A 10:1 divider network limits the signal to a safe level for sound cards. Set the oscilloscope to 1v vertical range. The GT4 is capacitance-coupled, so you can't measure DC voltage levels, nor overload the input of your sound card or scope, but for monitoring spikes and ripples, any oscilloscope should work.
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- Q: According to the Load chart, the 12v (1) line has no load at all if the Load switch is in the down position. Why is this?
A: The various loads were selected to reflect the loads encountered in actual usage. The 12v (1) line operates hard drives and optical drives, which put practically no load on the power supply when not in use. The GT4 simulates this situation when the Load switch is in the down position. The upper position reflects the load on the power supply when several drives are running, like when burning CDs and DVDs.
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