How can I measure the noise on my AC mains with a 2ch oscilloscope?


I’m not an EE so although I have some nice test equipment I need help. Here is the problem, the AC Mains are 120 vac but I’m trying to measure the noise on the AC signal , millivolts. I’d like to answer two questions how bad is my power and second  does my isolation transformer make a difference.

 

thanks for the help 

badbruno

Showing 8 responses by badbruno

Thanks you sharing your insights and perspective. I never thought of this as being a Hack… hmm 

yes the AC into the OScope is an issue even with my 10x or 100x probs.

Can you share some leads to these “on line resources” ?

Hey OP? 

thanks 

 

Gents your experiences are extremely helpful. I’m using a Core Power Technologies DEEP=CORE 1800. And with my AMT tweeters it’s quieter. But not sophisticated as your solution. I do believe the Honda inverter is cleaner power ! 
 

I’ve heard the same comment from a friend that switched from PS Audio P20 to a Shunyata he never looked back .

i have a High freq current probe for the o scope that I might look at up stream and dwn stream of the power conditioner? 
 

thank you all for your contributions

 

Bruno 

Carlsbad2 - thanks for the graph. I’ve looked at my waveform and it’s clipped at the peaks and some junk on the wave too .  I’m really looking to see how well my power conditioner works. If we can agree that street power and house loads make it worse, but well designed gear will handle it, what was the reason you’re regenerating your power? Your PSA was an expensive investment?

 

 

Eric… I learned what OP means and that’s relevant! Perfect.

It’s amazing how much can be learned by reaching out to folks, and with a little bit of logic and some engineering, and like my Dad thought me … he would say well it’s already broke so we might as well try to fix it.

ok so I now have a fully active 3-way and subs open baffle system that I have turned . Convolution filters running in Roon with 132k taps to exploit digital processing!! Measurements with Earthworks Mic.

the amps I designed from Class D Pascal Audio modules … it’s amazing how critical it is the have amps that deliver Slew rates to follow the instruments!

Eric I try not to let “knuckleheads” get in the way of a hobbie !! Thank you for these links 

cheers 

@cundare2 

 

yes your involvement was helpful and has given me new factors to consider while on this path. And good luck while enjoying your superb system !

it’s been a pleasure have the conversation 

 

cheers