Oscilloscope Current Probe Adapter Won’t Break the Bank
Oscilloscopes are fundamental tools for electronics experimentation, graphing fluctuations in voltage over time. Working with current is a bit more complicated, generally involving probe adapter equipment that costs in the thousands of dollars. As an alternative for relatively low voltage and current reading, in the sub-$50 range, seller LeoNerd is offering an alternative with his Oscilloscope Current Probe Adapter.
This device can be used at voltage ranges of 3V to 28V and measures current at up to 1.5A. Measurement error is less than 2%, and has a bandwidth capability of 1.8MHz. So while it’s not appropriate for working with heavy multi-amp DC motors, it’s nicely well spec’d for traditional USB devices that function in the 5V, 500mA range. The device includes USB connections, binding posts, and 0.1″ pin sockets for versatile connection possibilities.
One usage consideration here is that because of the way this shunt system works, in order to display its full 1.5A, it needs to be supplied by at least 15V. You’ll also need BNC-to-BNC patch cables to connect up a scope to this device’s output, which are found here. For a bit more background on LeoNerd (AKA Paul Evans), check out this interview from 2016. You may even notice a picture of an earlier version of this particular product shown there, with fully metal BNC connectors.