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laptop with RTA software?

ferninando

ferninando

Lunatic Member
If I install some RTA software on a laptop, what other hardware/parafinalia is needed for a basic amplifier test setup?:scratch2:
If this is the wrong place for this subject please redirect me.
Thanks

PS: I have dummyloads, a 2ch scope, audio gen, rms VM, dmm, etc.
 
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Some type of sound card and a proper microphone to capture the sound for analysis (internal card and a PC microphone won't do).

A $30 db meter from Radio Hack and a cd of test tones would be just as good (but would take a little more time to do a proper analysis).
 
A microphone and test tones will work for speaker testing and equalizing. It won't work for amplifier testing. RTA software is usually for speakers. Give REW (Room Equalization Wizard) a try. It's available free at www.hometheatershack.com. You have to sign on but it's worth it if only to get REW.

The link below is for free O-Scope software. You will still need some way to get the test signals to the DUT and back into the PC.

http://www.picotech.com/picoscope-oscilloscope-software.html

With the exception of a distortion analyzer you alseady have just about everything you need to test amplifiers without using a PC.
 
No, not room or speaker analysis. Amplifier test/analysis. freq resp, thd, spectrum analysis, etc.
 
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The O-Scope software includes all the test signals spectrum displays and distortion analyzer functions you need. The hard part is getting the signals to and from the PC. IMO the good way to do it is with a USB sound card. The best way IMO is to use a USB O-Scope interface.
 
JoeESP9 said:
The O-Scope software includes all the test signals spectrum displays and distortion analyzer functions you need. The hard part is getting the signals to and from the PC. IMO the good way to do it is with a USB sound card. The best way IMO is to use a USB O-Scope interface.
Click to expand...

thanks joe. and what is exactly a USB Oscope itfc. would it have leads to vonnect to tha amp? Is there a brand to look for. I will google and see what comes up. Do you have such a setup?
 
Connections are made through an outboard sound card of some sort. Many, many models with lots of different features can get mind-numbing quickly. Suggest you drop by a Guitar Center and go into the recording section to see what's available in person. For most audio applications, though, the lower end devices will be fine.

I use a Presonus FireStudio myself but that also serves as a recording strip for my bands, too.

The Picoscope would have a direct interface via USB most likely. Pay attention, though, to the max voltages on the probe inputs to the Pico box's inputs.

Cheers,

David
 
ferninando said:
thanks joe. and what is exactly a USB Oscope itfc. would it have leads to vonnect to tha amp? Is there a brand to look for. I will google and see what comes up. Do you have such a setup?
Click to expand...

That would be a USB interface that has inputs for O-Scope probes and line out connections. An external USB sound card could do the same thing presuming you can connect O-Scope probes to it. I'm sure there are package deals available that include everything you need.

I have a bench full of test gear to use including a 60MHz dual trace scope. I also have and use a radio shack SPL meter and REW.
 
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