So I ordered a new tool for the tool box, and received it in the mail today.

And the tool of the day is: a Vellman HPS10SE O-scope

Now how exactly do I go about using it? (altough it has an auto fucntion)

I'm pretty much going to be using it to set gains at work and at home on my own projects.

I have all the test tones one could need thanks to AutoSound 2000.

Basically I need to know how I hook it up to the amp to measure the wave and what should I be using as a load?

I've heard/seen of resistors (dummy loads) or reactive loads (speakers).

I would assume that using the reactive loads would be better, but I have been known to be wrong before.

There is a centre pin and wire with an alligator clip on the end, what do I do with them?

Pics would help me out HUGE (I learn to see it done) reading owns me. I think I have mild dyslexia.

You should get some sort of owners/operating manual with the unit if you had bought it new.

It should explain the basics of scope operation with regard to the model of the oscilloscope.

Tektronix has scope primers on the website.

Most amplifiers are measured with a resistive load on the bench with respect to bandwidth/power output into a scope from what I understand.

The power output of the amp and the impedance at the output, will determine what size wattage and ohm rating of the load resistor/resistors.

The load the amplifier sees will vary when the input signal is changed over the audio band with a reactive load such as a speaker.....sumthin' like that....

The lead with the alligator clip is probably the ground.

Edited September 5, 200817 yr by MikeS

The manual I have shows me what all the buttons are for and how it all works.

The big thing it doesnt show is how to make the connections.

I just want to be able to measure waveforms to check for clipping.

When measuring the amp output, just connect the alligator clip to one output terminal and the probe to the other. Shouldn't matter if you connect the clip to positive or negative in this case.

Good luck finding a resistive load that can handle high power

For setting gains, use the speaker, don't use a resistive load.

Good luck finding a resistive load that can handle high power

They are out there....they just probably cost a lot of money.....

Nebraska Surplus might by another online site for high power load resistors.

http://www.resistorsonline.com/wire-grid-resistors.html

I'm not sure if the OP (SS) wants to use the scope connected to a speaker(reactive load) to monitor/tweak system response, or if he wants to measure a amplifier for bandwidth/power output.

Edited September 7, 200817 yr by MikeS

I'm mostly looking to monitor/tweek/set gains

Not to say that I wouldn't like to be able to measure the power output though.