Contents
Scope V1.0 Help

Scope  V1.0 is Copyright © 1995 Al Brown

Contents

Introduction

Getting Started

Usage

Error Messages

Appendix A...Distribution and Use

Appendix B...Disclaimer

Appendix C...Contacting the Author

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft  Corporation.


Introduction

Scope is a simple virtual instrument for your Windows desktop. I originally intended to use it as a signal level monitor while setting recording levels, but it can also find use as a simple oscilloscope.

Scope V1.0 is FREEWARE which means it costs you nothing (except distribution costs). Of course all donations are gratefully received!

For more information see "Appendix A...Distribution and Use".


Getting Started

To install System Scope V1.0 simply copy "scope.exe", "scope.hlp" and "scopedll.dll" into a suitable directory and create an icon for "scope.exe" in Program Manager.

Now move to Usage.


Usage

The interface is shown below (click on the graphic for more details):

The menu options are as follows:

"Devices"

"Setup...":	Setup the wave input device and display options.

"Open"	Opens the current device for reading.

"Close"	Closes the current device (if it has already been opened).

"Exit"	Exits Scope.

"Help"

"About..."	Displays program information.

"Help"	Loads this help file.

To view a waveform simply select open. Use the scroll bar to alter the time base (the time represented by x-axis).


Display
This area displays the waveform. The y-axis represents the amplitude of the signal (from -100% to 100%) and the x-axis represents time. To change the display time use the scroll bar.


Clipping
Scope can automatically detect if a signal is being clipped by the sound card ADC. If this control flashes decrease the signal level to stop the waveform being clipped.

Note. You may find that this is too sensitive as Scope can detect any clipping that is longer than 23µs and causes distortion greater than 0.002%.


Exit
Exit Scope.


Time Base
Shows the current time base (the extent of the x-axis). This can be altered using the scroll bar.

Note. Although the time base is always maintained the updating of the display is not continuous as it takes several milliseconds to draw the display.


Setup

A window (shown below) allows you to configure Scope (click on the graphic for more details).


Devices
Select an input device from this list (usually there will only be one, unless you have several sound cards).


Device Capabilities
Shows the capabilities of the currently selected device. Scope automatically picks the highest quality wave for accuracy.

Scope selects the highest sampling rate followed by the highest bit rate.


Fast Display
When this option is selected Scope will update the display up to three times as quickly. This is ideal if you find that you computer is too slow while Scope runs (less than a 486). Unfortunately the display will become harder to read:


OK
Accept the current settings.


Error Messages

Scope reports the following errors:

Wave device could not be opened: The wave device cannot be opened, this is usually because another program (i.e. a sampler) is already using it.

Unknown error: x: An error has occurred which is not recognized by Scope (x indicates the error number).


Appendix A...Distribution and Use

Scope V1.0 is Copyright © 1995 Al Brown. The software may be freely used by individuals, charities and educational institutions, however use by commercial organizations is strictly prohibited except on prior written agreement from the author.

Feel free to upload unaltered copies to BBSs and distribute among friends. No charge should be made above a reasonable distribution charge.

Although the program is freeware the author would greatly appreciate a donation.

The files scope.exe, scope.hlp and scopedll.dll should not be modified in any way and should always be included together for distribution.


Appendix B...Disclaimer

Scope V1.0 is offered on an as is basis. No guarantees are made for its operation, reliability, or  suitability for an application.

The author accepts no liability for any loss or damage in connection with its use.


Appendix C...Contacting the Author

Any comments, suggestions, donations and bug reports are welcomed, although don't expect a reply (you may be lucky though).

Al Brown

1 Park Gate Crescent

Guiseley

Leeds

LS20 8AT

England