Oscilloscope Basics

This page is a reference for basic retro-gaming and arcade related oscilloscope information.  I’ve made some videos that should help both as a tutorial and reference…and some day I’d like to create written guides for people to have an easier time referencing the basics.

Videos are below and here’s some of the equipment I’ve been recommending:

Oscilloscopes:

Cheap Portable Scope:  https://amzn.to/3TJQ5O4
Rigol DS1054 (Amazon):  https://amzn.to/2TPwoGv
Rigol DS1054 (eBay):  https://ebay.us/zY26ES
Owon (get this exact one):  https://amzn.to/3OumI17

 

Cables & Connectors (not needed for all setups):

RGBench adapter:  https://retrorgb.link/rgbench
RCA to BNC:  https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cinch-connectivity-solutions-aim-cambridge/CPAD517/J10099-ND/414256
75 Ohm Terminators:  https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cinch-connectivity-solutions-aim-cambridge/CP-88T-75/CP-88T-75-ND/555228
Right-angle BNC:  https://www.markertek.com/product/b-bfra/connectronics-b-bfra-75-ohm-bnc-female-to-male-right-angle-adapter
BNC T-Adapter:  https://www.markertek.com/product/b-2bf/tecnec-b-2bf-75-ohm-bnc-male-to-2-bnc-female-adapter
High-Quality BNC Cables:  https://www.markertek.com/product/1505-b-b-3/laird-belden-1505-b-b-3-laird-belden-1505a-sdi-hdtv-rg59-bnc-cable-3-foot

 

Use a scope to test controller lag:

There’s no video yet, but a written walkthrough can be found here:  https://www.retrorgb.com/controllerlag.html

 

Instructional Videos: