04 - PluseView

# How to Install and Use PulseView with Lonely Binary Logic Analyzer: A Beginner’s Guide The Lonely Binary Logic Analyzer is a great tool for beginners to explore digital signals in electronics projects. It works with PulseView and Logic 2 software, both compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. PulseView, part of the open-source Sigrok project, is a lightweight and free option for analyzing signals. This guide will help beginners install and use PulseView with the Lonely Binary Logic Analyzer. ## Why PulseView? PulseView is simple, free, and open-source, making it perfect for beginners. It supports decoding protocols like I2C, SPI, and TTY, helping you understand how your circuits communicate.  ## Step-by-Step Guide ### 1. Download PulseView  - Visit the [Sigrok website](https://sigrok.org/wiki/Downloads). - Find the PulseView section and download the version for your operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS). - For Windows and macOS, download the installer. For Linux, use your package manager (e.g., `sudo apt install pulseview` for Ubuntu) or download the AppImage. > https://sigrok.org/wiki/Downloads ### 2. Install PulseView - **Windows**: Run the `.exe` installer and follow the prompts. This includes the necessary USB drivers (like libusb) for the Lonely Binary Logic Analyzer. - **macOS**: Open the `.dmg` file, drag PulseView to your Applications folder, and launch it. - **Linux**: If using an AppImage, make it executable (`chmod +x PulseView.AppImage`) and run it. For package managers, install via your terminal (e.g., `sudo apt install pulseview`). If you see the warning "Apple could not verify this app is free of malware" on your Mac, it means macOS's Gatekeeper security feature has flagged an app as potentially unsafe. This happens when the app isn’t from the App Store or isn’t notarized by Apple, raising concerns about possible harm to your Mac or privacy. You can usually bypass this warning safely if you trust the app. ## How to Override the Warning 1. Go to **System Settings** on your Mac. 2. Navigate to **Privacy & Security > Security**. 3. Look for a message about the app you tried to open. 4. Click the **Open Anyway** button to allow the app to run. **Note**: Only bypass this warning if you’re certain the app is from a trusted source, like the official Sigrok website for PulseView or other reputable developers.   ### 3. Install USB Drivers (if needed) - For Windows, the driver (Zadig) is included with the PulseView installer. Follow the installer’s prompts to set it up. - For Linux and macOS, drivers are usually built into the system or PulseView package. - If PulseView doesn’t detect your device, download and install the Zadig driver from [sigrok.org](https://sigrok.org/wiki/Windows#Zadig). ### 4. Connect Your Logic Analyzer - Plug your Lonely Binary Logic Analyzer into your computer using the provided USB-A or USB Type-C cable. - Attach test clips or alligator clips to the circuit pins you want to analyze (e.g., on a microcontroller or sensor). - Use the Logic Level Expansion Board or Breadboard Adapter for secure connections if needed. ### 5. Launch PulseView - Open PulseView on your computer. - Go to the “Device” menu and select your Lonely Binary Logic Analyzer (it may appear as a generic USB device or “fx2lafw”). - If not listed, click “Scan for Devices” to detect it.  ### 6. Capture and Analyze Signals - **Set Up Channels**: In PulseView, enable the channels (up to 8) connected to your test clips. - **Adjust Sample Rate**: Choose a sample rate (e.g., 1MHz or 4MHz for beginners; the Lonely Binary supports up to 24MHz). - **Start Capture**: Click the green “Run” button to start recording signals. Waveforms will appear on the screen. - **Decode Protocols**: Click the “Protocol Decoders” button (gear icon), select a protocol (e.g., I2C, SPI, TTY), and configure it. PulseView will decode and display the data. - **Zoom and Inspect**: Use the mouse wheel or zoom buttons to zoom into the waveform. Hover over decoded data to see details. ### 7. Save and Share - Save your capture by clicking “File > Save As” to store it for later. - Export data as a CSV or image file via “File > Export” to share or analyze further. ## Tips for Beginners - **Start Small**: Test with one or two channels on a simple circuit, like an Arduino sending data to a sensor. - **Explore Decoders**: Try decoding I2C or SPI from a sensor to learn how devices talk. - **Check Tutorials**: The Sigrok website and YouTube have beginner-friendly PulseView tutorials. ## Troubleshooting - **Device Not Found?** Ensure the USB cable is connected and drivers are installed. Try rescanning in PulseView. - **No Signals?** Verify your test clip connections and that your circuit is powered. - **Need Help?** Check the Sigrok wiki or community forums like Reddit or the Sigrok mailing list. ## Get Started! With PulseView and your Lonely Binary Logic Analyzer, you’re ready to explore digital signals and debug your projects. Connect your device, capture some waveforms, and have fun learning!