User manual

Quick Start Guide PicoScope USB Oscilloscope
DO115-14 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 1
1 English
1.1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Pico Technology USB Oscilloscope.
This guide explains how to install the software, including the product manual, from
the CD-ROM supplied.
Once you have fi nished the installation, you will fi nd that the product manual
contains much more information about setting up and using the product and its
software. The manual is installed in electronic format, but you can also print a
paper copy from the PDF fi le on the CD-ROM.
1.2 Safety warnings
We strongly recommend that you read the general safety information below
and also the product-specifi c safety warning in the product manual before using
your product for the fi rst time. If you do not use the equipment in the manner
specifi ed, then you may impair the protection provided. This could result in
damage to your computer or injury to yourself or others.
The product manual is installed on your computer when you install the supplied
software.
Maximum input range
You can fi nd the maximum input range and, where applicable, overload protection
range in the product manual installed on your computer. Always operate the
product within the specifi ed input range. Operation outside the range of the
overload protection is likely to cause permanent damage to the unit. Incorrect
confi guration or use on voltages outside the maximum input range can be
hazardous.
Mains voltages
Pico products are not designed for use with mains voltages. To measure mains, we
recommend the use of a differential isolating probe such as the Pico Technology
TA041, which is specifi cally designed for high-voltage measurements.
Repairs
The unit contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair or calibration of the unit
requires specialised test equipment and must be performed by Pico Technology or
its authorised distributors.
Safety grounding
The ground of every product is connected directly to the ground of your computer
through the USB cable supplied. This is done in order to minimise interference.
Therefore, always use the supplied cable to attach the product to your computer.
As with most oscilloscopes, take care to avoid connecting the ground input of the
product to anything which may be at some voltage other than ground. If in doubt,
use a voltmeter to check that there is no signifi cant AC or DC voltage between
the oscilloscope ground and the point to which you intend to connect it. Failure to
check may cause damage to the product or computer and could cause injury to
yourself or others.
You should assume that the product does not have a protective safety earth.
1.3 Included with your PicoScope
Please check that your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope package contains the following
items:
• 1 PicoScope PC Oscilloscope
• 1 or 2 USB cables
• 1 Pico Software CD
• 1 Universal AC adaptor (340x/520x/640x oscilloscopes only)
• 1 Installation guide
Some product packs and scope bundles may contain additional items.
1.4 System requirements
To ensure that PicoScope operates correctly, you must have a computer with at
least the minimum system requirements to run one of the supported operating
systems, as shown in the following table. The performance of the PicoScope
software will be better with a more powerful PC, and will benefi t from a multi–core
processor.
Item Minimum specifi cation Recommended specifi cation
Operating system
32- or 64-bit edition of Windows 7
32– or 64–bit edition of Windows Vista
32– or 64–bit edition of Windows XP SP3
32– or 64–bit edition of Windows 8*
Processor
300 MHz 1 GHz
Memory
256 MB 512 MB
Free disk space**
1 GB 2 GB
Ports
USB 1.1 compliant port USB 2.0/3.0 compliant port
* Not Windows RT.
** The PicoScope software does not use all the disk space specifi ed in the table.
The free space is required to make Windows run effi ciently.