UICPAL STC8K8A Mini-DSO

User Manual: UICPAL STC8K8A Mini Digital Oscilloscope Electronic Kit

Model: STC8K8A Mini-DSO

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your UICPAL STC8K8A Mini Digital Oscilloscope Electronic Kit. This DIY kit is an excellent educational tool for practicing soldering and understanding basic oscilloscope principles. Upon successful assembly, it functions as a compact digital oscilloscope capable of displaying various waveforms and detecting voltage and power.

Safety Information

  • Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, when soldering.
  • Ensure proper ventilation in your workspace to avoid inhaling solder fumes.
  • Use a soldering iron with a grounded tip to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components.
  • Verify component polarity and placement before soldering to prevent damage to the circuit.
  • Do not apply power to the circuit until all components are correctly soldered and inspected.
  • Keep the kit and tools out of reach of children.

Package Contents

The kit includes all necessary components for assembling the Mini Digital Oscilloscope. Please verify that all parts are present before beginning assembly.

All components of the DIY Mini Digital Oscilloscope kit laid out on a white background.
Figure 1: DIY Components - All parts included in the kit.

The package typically contains:

  • Main PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
  • 0.96-inch OLED display module
  • STC8K8A Microcontroller (MCU)
  • Encoder knob button
  • USB power supply port
  • Toggle switch
  • Various resistors, capacitors, diodes, and other electronic components
  • Terminal blocks for input/output
  • Acrylic casing parts and screws for enclosure
  • Pilot lamp (LED)

Product Overview

The Mini Digital Oscilloscope is designed for basic waveform visualization and measurement. Key features include PWM STC display, power detection, voltage detection, and power-down save functionality.

Assembled Mini Digital Oscilloscope with OLED display showing a waveform and text labels for features like PWM STC Display, Power Detection, Voltage Detection, and Power Down to Save.
Figure 2: Assembled Mini Digital Oscilloscope highlighting key features.

Component Identification

Top-down view of the Mini Digital Oscilloscope PCB with labels pointing to Pilot Lamp, LCD Display, Encoder Knob Button, USB Power Supply Port, Switch, and String Mouth.
Figure 3: Function Diagram - Key components and their locations.

Refer to Figure 3 for the location of the following components:

  • Pilot Lamp (LED): Indicates power status or other operational states.
  • LCD Display (OLED): 0.96-inch screen for displaying waveforms and measurement data.
  • Encoder Knob Button: Used for navigation through menus, adjusting parameters, and selecting options.
  • USB Power Supply Port: Micro-USB port for providing 5V power to the device.
  • Switch: Power ON/OFF switch.
  • String Mouth: Likely a mounting point for a lanyard or strap.

Setup Instructions

Assembly

This kit requires soldering. Follow the schematic diagram and component layout carefully. It is recommended to solder smaller components first, then larger ones.

Detailed schematic diagram of the Mini Digital Oscilloscope circuit board, showing connections for MCU, OLED, USB, and other components.
Figure 4: Schematic Diagram - Essential for correct component placement and soldering.
  1. Prepare Workspace: Ensure a clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated area. Gather your soldering iron, solder, desoldering wick/pump, and safety glasses.
  2. Identify Components: Match all components from the package contents list to their corresponding symbols and values on the PCB and schematic.
  3. Solder Resistors and Diodes: Start with the smallest components. Pay attention to the polarity of diodes.
  4. Solder Capacitors and Transistors: Observe polarity for electrolytic capacitors.
  5. Solder IC Sockets (if applicable) and MCU: If an IC socket is provided, solder it first, then insert the MCU carefully, aligning the notch.
  6. Solder Connectors and Ports: Solder the USB port, terminal blocks, and OLED display header.
  7. Solder OLED Display: Carefully attach the 0.96-inch OLED display module to its designated header pins.
  8. Solder Encoder and Switch: Mount and solder the encoder knob and power switch.
  9. Visual Inspection: After soldering all components, thoroughly inspect all solder joints for bridges, cold joints, or missing connections.
  10. Assemble Casing: Once the PCB assembly is complete and verified, mount it into the acrylic casing using the provided screws and standoffs.

Initial Power-Up

  1. Connect a 5V USB power source to the USB Power Supply Port.
  2. Flip the power switch to the "ON" position.
  3. The OLED display should light up, and the pilot lamp should illuminate.
  4. If the display remains blank or the device does not power on, immediately disconnect power and re-check your soldering and connections.

Operating Instructions

Basic Operation

  1. Power On: Connect the device to a 5V USB power source and turn the switch to "ON".
  2. Navigation: Use the Encoder Knob Button to navigate through menus and adjust settings.
    • Rotate the knob to scroll through options or change values.
    • Press the knob to select an option or confirm a setting.
  3. Input Signal: Connect the signal you wish to measure to the input terminals (e.g., SIN, PWM).
  4. Waveform Display: The OLED display will show the input waveform in real-time.

Waveform Output

The device is capable of generating various test waveforms, including Fang (Square) Wave, Sine Wave, and Triangular Wave, which can be useful for testing other circuits.

OLED display showing examples of Fang Wave, Sine Wave, and Triangular Wave outputs from the oscilloscope.
Figure 5: Output PWM Wave - Examples of generated waveforms.

To select and output a waveform:

  1. Navigate to the waveform generation menu using the encoder knob.
  2. Select the desired waveform type (Fang Wave, Sine Wave, Triangular Wave).
  3. Adjust parameters such as frequency and amplitude using the encoder knob.
  4. The selected waveform will be output through the designated output pin (e.g., PWM).

Power Detection and Voltage Detection

The oscilloscope can measure and display voltage levels. Connect the voltage source to the appropriate input terminals. The OLED display will show the detected voltage and power information.

Power Down to Save

This feature allows the device to save its current settings or measurement data before powering off, ensuring continuity in your work. Consult the on-screen menu for specific save options before turning off the device.

Specifications

The following table details the technical specifications of the UICPAL STC8K8A Mini Digital Oscilloscope Electronic Kit:

Table showing product parameters including product name, PCB size, operating voltage, microcontroller, display type, number of channels, sec/div range, voltage range, sampling level, trigger level, trigger gradient, and trigger mode.
Figure 6: Product Parameters - Detailed technical specifications.
ParameterValue
Product NameMINI-DSO single-chip microcomputer oscilloscope kit
PCB Size57*34mm
Operating Voltage4.5V
Single-chip MicrocomputerSTC8A8K64S4A12
Display0.96-inch OLED display - 7P, 128*64 resolution
Number of ChannelsSingle channel
Sec/div500ms, 200ms, 100ms, 50ms, 20ms, 10ms, 5ms, 2ms, 1ms, 500us, 200us, 100us (100us is only available in automatic trigger mode)
Voltage Range0-30V
Sampling Level10kHz @100us/div
Trigger LevelTrigger voltage level
Trigger Gradient↑-Rising edge, ↓-falling edge trigger
Trigger ModeA-automatic mode, N-normal mode, S-single mode

Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
  • Storage: Store the oscilloscope in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.
  • Handling: Handle the device with care to avoid physical damage to the PCB or display.
  • Power: Always disconnect power before performing any maintenance or modifications.

Troubleshooting

  • Device does not power on:
    • Check the USB power connection and ensure the power source is providing 5V.
    • Verify the power switch is in the "ON" position.
    • Inspect all solder joints for continuity and shorts, especially around the power input and switch.
  • OLED display is blank:
    • Ensure the OLED module is correctly connected to its header pins.
    • Check the soldering of the OLED header and the module itself.
    • Verify the MCU is correctly seated and powered.
  • Incorrect waveform display:
    • Ensure the input signal is within the specified voltage range (0-30V).
    • Check the connections of the input signal to the terminal blocks.
    • Verify the time base (Sec/div) and voltage scale settings are appropriate for the signal being measured.
  • Encoder knob not responding:
    • Check the soldering of the encoder knob to the PCB.
    • Ensure the knob is securely attached and not loose.

User Tips

  • Solder Quality: For best results, use good quality solder and a temperature-controlled soldering iron. Practice on scrap PCBs if you are new to soldering.
  • Component Orientation: Always double-check the orientation of polarized components like diodes, electrolytic capacitors, and integrated circuits before soldering.
  • Testing in Stages: If possible, test sub-circuits as you build them to isolate potential issues early.
  • Power Supply: A stable 5V power supply is crucial for accurate measurements. A standard USB phone charger or power bank can be used.

Warranty and Support

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or inquiries regarding your kit, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase records handy when seeking support.

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