HScope Guide
HScope is an Android App that allow your compact USB Oscilloscopes to become fully portable.
Read more “HScope Guide”
HScope Keyboard control
You can use bluetooth keyboard and mouse to control the app for example on televisions or screens with Android TV Boxes. Here is the list of keys you can use to control some of the functions:
General Controls
| Key | Description |
r | Run / Stop |
m | Switch Mode (Oscilloscope / Automotive / Voltmeter) |
q | Increase Sampling Rate |
a | Decrease Sampling Rate |
Graph Controls
| Key | Description |
| (arrow up) | Zoom In Y axis |
| (arrow down) | Zoom Out Y axis |
| (arrow left) | Zoom In X axis |
| (arrow right) | Zoom Out X axis |
| (space) | Show/Hide Controls Menu |
f | Fit Waveforms to Screen (Y axis) |
Channel 1
| Key | Description |
1 | Enable/Disable Channel 1 |
7 | Switch Input Voltage |
8 | Switch Input Probe |
5 | Enable/Disable Auto Voltage Selection |
z | Switch AC/DC/OFF Input Coupling |
x | Show/Hide Samples |
c | Show/Hide Stats |
i | Move Channel 1 Up |
k | Move Channel 1 Down |
Channel 2
| Key | Description |
2 | Enable/Disable Channel 2 |
9 | Switch Input Voltage |
0 | Switch Input Probe |
6 | Enable/Disable Auto Voltage Selection |
v | Switch AC/DC/OFF Input Coupling |
b | Show/Hide Samples |
n | Show/Hide Stats |
o | Move Channel 2 Up |
l | Move Channel 2 Down |
Trigger
| Key | Description |
t | Switch Trigger Channel |
s | Switch Trigger Slope |
g | Switch Trigger Mode (Auto, Normal, Single) |
y | Trigger Level Up |
h | Trigger Level Down |
HScope Update 2023/2024
Here are the new features developed in 2023/2024 (users with the last license purchase before 2023 can activate these features through the Update 2023/2024 in the License panel).
1. Time Control in Automotive Mode
Time unit can be set in Automotive Mode.
2. Math Duty Function
Duty function allows to detect variation in the duty cycle of an input waveform and so to find sudden variations or possible issues.
3. Automotive Paging Mode
Possibility to record at oscilloscope high rates in Automotive mode, with paging mode.
4. FFT Data Export
FFT data can be exported in CSV format.
5. Custom Report Title
Report title can be set/changed every time it is generated.
Previous updates
HScope Update 2022/2023
Here are the new features developed in 2022/2023 (users with the last license purchase before 2022 can activate these features through the Update 2022/2023 in the License panel).
1. Assign Names to the Channels
It is possible to assign custom names to the channels. These names will be saved when the waveform will be saved, and also will be exported in the Report.
2. Channels Invert
Channels signal can be inverted with the Filters.
3. Filters for Math Channel
Can apply post-processing filters to the Math Channel.
4. Improved Cache Management
Better Cache Management to keep disk usage controlled. It is possible also to clear the cache in HScope Settings (System tab) – suggested for updates from old versions of HScope.
Previous updates
HScope Update 2020/2021
Here are the new features developed in 2020/2021 (users with the last license purchase before 2020 can activate these features through the Update 2020/2021 in the License panel).
1. Waveform Histogram
Histograms are graphical representations of data which divides it into intervals or bins. These intervals/bins are plotted on a bar chart such that the bar height relates to the number of data points inside each interval/bin as a function of the data value.
The following screenshots shows a series of typical waveforms, withthe associated histograms of the sample values in the blue bar graph.
The histogram gives us an approximation of the probability density function (pdf) of a set of values. The shape of the pdf tells us about the underlying process. In the case of the sine wave, remember that the rate of change of the sine is maximum at the zero crossings and minimum at the positive and negative peaks. When we sample the waveform uniformly, we get more samples at the peaks and much fewer at the zero crossings. This is due to the differences in the rate of change, thus explaining the shape of the histogram. For the case of the triangle wave, the rate of change is constant, so samples are taken evenly. This results in what is called a uniform distribution.
Setting up a Histogram
Press the stats button in the channel of interest until the Histogram chart appear.
2. PWM Generator
This module allow to use the output calibration pin (generally set to 1KHz square wave) to generate a PWM output signal. Max frequency and duty cycle range depends on the device (detail are in each oscilloscope page).
3. Alarm cursors
Horizontal cursors can be alarmed to produce a sound when the signal goes over or under the cursor level. When you select an horizontal cursor you can see the bell icon on the top and click it to select the kind of alarm (over / below / off).
In the settings you can select the alert sound kind.
4. Four Channels Support
4 Channels support for Import/Export files. Currently only Hantek 1008 support 4 channels acquisition.
5. Upgraded XY Module
- Improved performances for real-time processing
- Added fading graphic effect
- Renewed UI for bigger graph space
6. Extended Export Capabilities
- With the Automotive Module it is possible to export CSV files up to 1ML data points (previous limit: 64K points).
- It is possible to export waveform also in a temporary cloud space (2 weeks retention) and quick share the waveform number for other users to import.
7. Demodulation Function in Math Module
- Added demodulation function for vibration sensors.
8. FFT Improvements
- Support for channel selection (including Math channel)
- Vertical Cursor show harmonics
Headphones Control
You can use the headphones (wired or bluetooth) to control some function of the app, for example during automotive recording you can press a button on the headphones and have a flag on the graph at the time of button press to remember the time when an event occured.
You can use commercial headphones (with buttons) or you can make a custom cable with up to 4 buttons.
Button functions are configurable in HScope.
Configuring button functions in HScope
In HScope Settings (General Settings) you can associate buttons from Keyboard or Headphones buttons to HScope functions.
Build a custom cable
You can have a simple headphone cable with a single button or can have a console wih up to 4 buttons. Here is the schematic to implement up to 4 buttons with an headphone cable (speakers and microphone are not required). More informations here.
Keyboard Control
You can use bluetooth keyboard and mouse to control the app for example on televisions or screens with Android TV Boxes. Here is the list of keys you can use to control some of the functions:
General Controls
| Key | Description |
r | Run / Stop |
m | Switch Mode (Oscilloscope / Automotive / Voltmeter) |
q | Increase Sampling Rate |
a | Decrease Sampling Rate |
Graph Controls
| Key | Description |
| (arrow up) | Zoom In Y axis |
| (arrow down) | Zoom Out Y axis |
| (arrow left) | Zoom In X axis |
| (arrow right) | Zoom Out X axis |
| (space) | Show/Hide Controls Menu |
f | Fit Waveforms to Screen (Y axis) |
Channel 1
| Key | Description |
1 | Enable/Disable Channel 1 |
7 | Switch Input Voltage |
8 | Switch Input Probe |
5 | Enable/Disable Auto Voltage Selection |
z | Switch AC/DC/OFF Input Coupling |
x | Show/Hide Samples |
c | Show/Hide Stats |
i | Move Channel 1 Up |
k | Move Channel 1 Down |
Channel 2
| Key | Description |
2 | Enable/Disable Channel 2 |
9 | Switch Input Voltage |
0 | Switch Input Probe |
6 | Enable/Disable Auto Voltage Selection |
v | Switch AC/DC/OFF Input Coupling |
b | Show/Hide Samples |
n | Show/Hide Stats |
o | Move Channel 2 Up |
l | Move Channel 2 Down |
Trigger
| Key | Description |
t | Switch Trigger Channel |
s | Switch Trigger Slope |
g | Switch Trigger Mode (Auto, Normal, Single) |
y | Trigger Level Up |
h | Trigger Level Down |
HScope Update 2021/2022
Here are the new features developed in 2021/2022 (users with the last license purchase before 2021 can activate these features through the Update 2021/2022 in the License panel).
With this update you are going to keep/get all the provious updates:
1. Manual Set Zero Offset (Automotive Module)
Before the acquisition start in the the Automotive Module, now it is possible to bring to Zero the probe offset.
2. White Theme
High visibility white theme for outdoor measurements.
3. Math Channel in Automotive Module
Automotive Module now support the Math Channel both on recorded or loaded waveforms.
4. Math Channel Freq Function
New function to compute the instant waveform frequency. Following is a sample of frequency change (in Red) with air flow from MAF sensor (which changes with engine speed).
5. Audio Module WAV Import
Audio Module can now import WAV files and analyse them in HScope, process and export again as WAV.
6. Audio Module THD Processor
Audio Module can now calculate the (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise) THD+N of an acquired file or an imported file.
7. Automotive Module Memory Upgrade
Now you can configure the allocated RAM for Automotive Module so to use your phone full potentials!
8. PDF Report
In Oscilloscope mode the Screenshot button produce a PDF Report. The title is configurable.
Report Generation
Adjusted the waveform view, then click on the report icon to generate the PDF report.
You can send the report to any other app like an email app or to a messaging app. Example of report:
In HScope Settings you can set the the Report Author name and the Report Title.
How can we help you?
1 Fix a Problem
Cannot detect the Oscilloscope
- Check if your oscilloscope is supported in the list here.
- Check if your phone OTG work with the app USB Device info. After connecting the oscilloscope you should see this:
In case you cannot see the oscilloscope with this app it won’t work with HScope. Possible reasons (check next questions for resolution):
- OTG cable is not good (see next question)
- Original oscilloscope USB cable too long / not suitable (some user got it working by replacing the USB cable)
- Phone has not enough power for the oscilloscope
- Phone USB OTG is disabled (hope not)
My OTG cable has issues?
Your OTG cable may have issue if:
- Oscilloscope is not detected
- Connection is unstable, the oscilloscope connect and disconnect during usage
The suggested OTG cables are as following:
- Flexible USB OTG cable (both from micro-usb or from usb type-c)
- Short OTG cable from micro-usb to USB-B (used in most oscilloscopes)
- Short OTG cables from micro-usb (Host goes to phone) to micro-usb (for HS10X DIY oscilloscopes)
Enable USB OTG on my phone
Read this if you already tested your oscilloscope / OTG cable on another phone so you are sure it is a phone related issue.
So one specific phone do not support USB OTG. Solutions:
- Some phone like some Huawei and Realme smartphones need to turn on USB OTG in the Android settings (go to the Settings -> Additional Settings and switch on the OTG connection)
- Need to enable OTG on the Android system. This procedure need first to root the phone, then you can edit an xml file as described here.
- (for Huawei users) Android Settings > Developer Options > Always prompt when connecting to USB (need to disable this one)
It has been found that USB OTG can be deactivated on Android phone (until a fresh restart) when this happen:
- USB port goes in electrical protection (too much power requested)
- USB device has some wrong usb configuration. A software data error can bring USB freezing on older Android versions (found on Android 4.4 and Android 6, not visible on Android 9).
Scrolling is not smooth
Some user experienced problems with scrolling, the scrolling position is stuck or the scrolling is not smooth. This is due to some phone model that have problems with the touch screen while the phone is charging due to instability of power supply.
To check this issue just enable the Developer options in Android, enable the option to show the taps on screen and/or the tap coordinates. Then you will see that when the phone is charging on the screen it detect wrong taps positions.
To avoid this issue on these phones just do not operate the App when the phone is charging.
2 Licensing
What’s the license cost
1. Base oscilloscope license fee is set by Google according to the oscilloscope model, your country currency, and promotions. Generally it is around 10% of the oscilloscope cost (gross).
2. Additional module licenses depends from the feature and may vary from 6 to 25$.
3. Every year you can get the updates when available, with an yearly fee about 6$. This fee cover all updates both on basic features and also on additional modules.
*These prices are indicative at Jan 2023 and they may be subjected to variation.
License options
You can buy HScope licenses on Google Play Store on on Huawei App Gallery.
In case your Android device have none of them, Huawei App Gallery is the most simple option to install.
Huawei AppGallery app store is fairly lightweight and can be installed on any Android device (tested on Android 5 and higher). It can be an excellent drop replacement for Google Play Store especially for devices without Google Play services, such as DAPs (iBasso DX series, Fiio M series and etc.) or devices distributed in Mainland China. Huawei are extremely strict with app submission and verification process, so trash apps will not go through the review process that makes Huawei AppGallery more safer in terms of distributed app quality in comparison with Google Play Store.
HScope is distributed via Huawei AppGallery app store too and is available in most of the countries.
To install Huawei AppGallery app store:
- Download Huawei AppGallery’s apk directly from Huawei.
- Find downloaded apk (for example appgallery_10.0.0.305.apk) with File Manager and tap on it to start installation.
- Once installed you need to download and install Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) apk (it is available in Huawei App Store or anywhere in the Internet – search for phrase: Huawei Mobile Services apk) and install it.
- Start Huawei AppGallery, it will likely try to self-update, proceed with updates if necessary.
- Create Huawei ID account (similar to Google or Apple or Blackberry ID) via Huawei AppGallery or via Huawei’s web site and you are ready to go!
Where to purchase the full version in the app?
Scroll down the menu of buttons on the right and click on the Settings icon. You can see the License panel where you can buy the specific oscilloscope license and also additional modules.
Module licenses are charged 1 time and are valid for all oscilloscope models.
Can I use my license on other phones?
According Google licensing policy licenses belong to a Google Account and not to a specific android device. Whatever device (even future) where you set the same google account as primary account and synchronised with Google will get the same licenses.
What’s the license validity
At January 2022 HScope licenses (Oscilloscope base license and additional Modules license) are charged 1 time and keep unlimited validity. When you buy a license you can use all the features provided by that license plus free updates for the new features released within 1 year from the purchase.
New features released 1 year after the last license purchase date will require to purchase an yearly update which will provide all the features up to the current date, plus free updates for the new features released within 1 year from the purchase date of the update.
3 Beta Experiments & New Features
Join us on TELEGRAM!
HScope LOUNGE – Meet other practitioners, mechanics, electricians and engineers and share practices and experiments.
HScope AUTOMOTIVE – After you enter the main channel (LOUNGE) you can find on the top pinned message the link for the automotive group with specific topics and discussions.
Join the Beta
Beta version of the app includes latest add-ons to be tested by a small group. This version of the app may be not stable and still need the license to work. Progresses are tracked here.
To enable the Beta, go on Google Play, open HScope page, then push the Join button. Once activated the Beta you will see the possibility to update the app (it may require some time).
System Settings
In the System Settings you can see your device information.
Set the Documents Folder (Android 10+)
You need to set the Documents Folder in order to save the app configurations and waveform data safely in a public folder of your phone.
Case 1: First HScope Installation
You can create and select this folder in your Documents or Download folder (ie. HScope under /Documents/). After creating the app data folder just select it and confirm.
Case 2: HScope app upgrade
Select the existing HScope folder under /Downloads/ or /Documents/. Follow the procedure in this Guide under Introduction → Android 10+.
Change log
Click on the HScope version number to open the information about the latest app release.
Probe Settings
You can add, remove, configure or import probes in the Settings → Probes panel.
- Select a probe from the list to see and change the probe settings (on the right).
- Click on “+” button to add manually a new probe.
- Click on “–” button to delete a selected probe.
To calculate the values for a new probe you can try this online tool.
Backup Your Probes
You can find a backup of your probes configuration in the Documents Folder selected in Settings → System. The backup file is called Probes.cfg (ie. /Download/HScope/Probes.cfg). HScope will automatically save the probes configuration on this file.
Warning: in case you don’t have selected a Documents Folder in Settings → System then this automatic backup won’t work.
Import / Download Probes
Click on the Cloud icon to access the Import Probe screen. Here you can import probes configurations from a probe backup file or from the cloud.
Import from File
Click on the folder icon on top/right of the screen to load a saved Probes.cfg file. You can also have renamed this file (ie. Probes_2021.cfg). The important for this file is that it end with .cfg extension.
Only new probes will be imported, if a probe already exists with the same name it won’t be imported.
Download from Cloud
On the list you can download single probe configurations from common brands or DIY probes.
Click on the cloud download icon to get the probe configuration.
DIY probes are available in the cloud list with link to instruction how to build it. In case of DIY probes you can click on the arrow icon and open the page for the probe building.