If you’re passionate about signal processing and retro tech, you’ll want to check out the Createc SC 01, a quirky handheld oscilloscope that recently caught the eye of [Thomas Scherrer] from OZ2CPU Teardown. This device, cheekily dubbed a “signal computer,” promises to be both intriguing and, perhaps, frustrating. You can view [Thomas]’ original teardown video here.
This device is packed with buttons and a surprisingly retro aesthetic that can make even the most seasoned hacker feel nostalgic. With a sample rate of 20 MHz and a bandwidth of up to 10 MHz, it’s a digital oscilloscope with a twist. Users may find its setup challenging, thanks to a somewhat convoluted manual that boasts numerous errors. However, beneath the confusion lies the potential for creative exploration: this signal computer can analyse analog signals, perform calculations, and even store data.
Despite its quirks, the SC 01 is sure the experience. Imagine troubleshooting a circuit while grappling with its unpredictable user interface—an adventure in itself for those who like a techy challenge.
The Createc SC 01 is not just another tool; it’s an invitation to embrace the imperfections of vintage tech. If you enjoy the hands-on learning process and don’t shy away from a few hiccups, this device might be something you’ll enjoy. Hackaday featured an article on similar devices last year.
There are many free software oscilloscopes that will run on low cost PC hardware. They are great for anyone teaching in a resource limited school. Physics and math projects suddenly gain a new level of interest when they can be visualized. For kids with an old computer, this opens a new window that might even compete with some video games.
Many years ago, we used a program developed in Italy called Visual Analyzer and it was a great teaching tool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLFyZu-chsY
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=visual+analyzer+software
Andreas Spiess did a nice introduction to some other similar programs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX0QkL8xMmE
None of these programs are a match for your Rigol or Siglent, but they have a place. They are useful and accessible and a good teacher can easily build them into a curriculum. YouTube has many others.
It looks like the feet come off to get at case-back screws?
Sadly no. The bottom rubber feet doesn’t line up with the screw boss and also there is 6 screws holding on the face place, and only 4 rubber feet. This design with screws under a fragile aluminum sticker was normal for that era. I’ve had calculators with the same design. NOT built for ever being taken apart.
i have one of these and opened it.
you DO NOT remove the aluminum.
the screw holes are on the BOTTOM, but not under the feet.
the holes are plugged with extremely tight fitting conical plugs, with the seams barely visible, looking like some residue from injection molding.
you essentially need to drill the plugs out, at least drill a hole, into which to insert a screw and then pull them out.
then disassembly is straightforward,
but the inside is very densely packed. four stacked PCBs with shielding in between them.
i had to open mine because a column of the keypad is not working, i traced it to an opamp involved in reading the columns that seems to have stopped working, have yet to replace it.