Scope probing?

[Tony3dd]

Could I hook up a 1/8" jack to an iPod, then connect the probe ground to the shaft of the the other jack, and probe the tip so I can use a sine wave generator program and not need to purchase a function generator right away? I'm bit concerned about blowing up my first scope do to inexperience with scopes. I have read things about the probe ground wire can cause damage if connected to the wrong part of a circuit or something. I would never try reading ac off the wall. So how can I accidentally damage my scope by probing? 

[iloveelectronics]

... I have read things about the probe ground wire can cause damage if connected to the wrong part of a circuit or something. I would never try reading ac off the wall....

That's only a problem when you are probing a device that's connected to mains ground. As your scope is also mains grounded, if you connect the ground leads to the wrong part of the circuit you are essentially shorting it with the ground. With an iPod that would not be a problem at all as it's a floating device.

[Tony3dd]

This whole thing really put the fear in me. I am going to order my scope probably today. I am so happy I found this info out, and took the time to look at Dave's to the point video. Really, beginners must be sending a lot of scopes back days after getting them. Now I'm so paranoid that I took my DMM and checked the negative terminal of my Korad power supply just to make sure there was no reference to it's mains earth ground! Thankfully not! Almost afraid to turn it on, and actually connect it to anything when it arrives!