Small ripple measurement on a larger DC voltage

Of course the ultimate in simplicity yet maintaining input accuracy is to just use a battery to measure ripple voltage. For example, to measure a small ripple on +12VDC, simply use a 12V or 9V battery. Connect the negative battery lead to the circuit ground and the positive battery lead to the Nano probe ground. Now set the V/Div as required and measure the ripple using the GndPos offset. Way better than trying to use a V/Div scale that includes the DC voltage! The closer the battery voltage is to the DC level, the smaller the V/Div scale that can be used to measure that pesky ripple. :wink:

Remember, it is far safer to use the Nano on battery power while actually making measurements. :astonished:

I recently wanted to conduct a compression test on a vehicle using the Nano. I hooked a 9V battery negative lead to the car battery ground post and the Nano ground lead to the +9V battery terminal. I connected the Nano + lead to the car battery positive post. Then I set the T/Div and V/Div and trigger level through trial and error. Then I set the Nano to single sweep, armed the Nano (placed in RUN) and cranked the car (for about 5 seconds) with fuel pump fuse removed. By observing the voltage drop waveform across the internal resistance of the auto battery due to starter current, it was easy to detect that the compression of one cylinder fall ramp waveform slope was taking much less battery current than the other cylinders. Vehicle failed the compression test quick and easy, without removing a single spark plug. It is a good test if you are considering buying a vehicle. All of the waveform current fall ramps should be the same. Many people would use a 600A amp clamp with a o’scope but I didn’t have one, just my trusty Nano and a 9V battery.