Awesome Frank! Thanks so much for that info, thank you thank you. I was under the impression 500Hz meant 500 ppm which is obviously far from the case. : )
So looks like I may be dead in the water for now.
The original plan was to try this adjustable frequency square wave device here on ebay: **broken link removed**
The main chip: LM358.
The frequency adjustment range: 0.07HZ-2KHZ (also cycle in about 0.45ms to 15s).
Duty cycle adjustment range: 0% to 100% (High / cycle).
Output Current: strip 9012 transistor drive capability is only 500MA output current though.
But looks like even this does not go fast enough either then?
I went ahead and ordered the PC based scope, a variable power supply, amp clamp, breadboards, etc.
I figure if I can at least get lucky enough to determine the precise pulse rate and the voltage/amperage I have a starting point to work from.
The circuit I am trying to emulate is very basic. Just power supply comments, (voltage regulator, bridge diode, a few misc diodes, zener diode a couple caps and of course an 8 pin IC that (12c508a 04p) that creates the pulse.
But obviously that is a programmed chip so well beyond my capabilities to replicate that. Looks like a long road ahead but very excited to be learning how to eventually make this happen!
Smiles and gratitude, Ken