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
OP. While that is a nice experiment, it isn't really necessary. Nobdy has good quality power coming into their home today. Too many non-synchronous loads on the line that mangle the sine wave. My power generally runs 4% thd or so. I don't have a stand along o-scope. My PSA P10 has a built in scope with fixed settings to measure it. Here is a random graph:
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@badbruno I think power is very important to all audio equipment. Indeed, there are some amps that can handle bad power but all amps appreciate good power. The advice to "plug your amp directly into the wall" comes from dealing with bad power conditioners, which is most of the less expensive ones, including some name brands. I am a big fan of PA Audio but I know there are others that are ok. Bottom line it, filtering won't do it. PS audio, and other effective models, rectify the power and then invert it (let me know if you don't know those 2 terms) back into very high quality power. So you got your scope working and got a trace? excellent. Jerry |
