Picoscope, hantek or autel oscilloscope
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kd3pc
Well-known member
low cost? $650 and up PLUS Maxi of some sort to display...
for automotive use, I would go with the autel and make sure you get the plug inductive cable/octopus, if you plan on ignition work. the other two are general purpose scopes and will require a laptop and more accessories to do similar work the Autel does.
Bench scopes vs application specific scopes is what it will boil down to, and what your budget is.
for automotive use, I would go with the autel and make sure you get the plug inductive cable/octopus, if you plan on ignition work. the other two are general purpose scopes and will require a laptop and more accessories to do similar work the Autel does.
Bench scopes vs application specific scopes is what it will boil down to, and what your budget is.
From what I read, the autel will work on a laptop and I can have it for 450$. Thats the max I would pay for a scope.
autel is about 500bucks, can be used with any tablet android or windows based .
Picoscope real nice software, Hantek can do job but software is awful .
If plan on doing serious auto use I'd go autel out of those 3.
It the best out of those 3 models, hantek waste of money beside level entry learning stage and it not that great here as software such junk . the better picos are nice but over you price and overpriced but i do own one lol .
Picoscope real nice software, Hantek can do job but software is awful .
If plan on doing serious auto use I'd go autel out of those 3.
It the best out of those 3 models, hantek waste of money beside level entry learning stage and it not that great here as software such junk . the better picos are nice but over you price and overpriced but i do own one lol .
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I have Hantek portable scope with AVO meter. It's a regular scope for electronics, there are no special routines or functions for auto-diagnostics and using it requires knowledge about how triggering works and scopes in general. I have lent it to some mechanic friends and they just can't use it. Menus and such could be better and the user interface is a bit frustrating but if you know -how- it's a very decent scope with potential use far outside of the automotive field.
I have never come across the others you mention but from what I have seen online it seems to me something directed towards automotive use with pre-selected triggering settings for "automotive" is much more user friendly and therefore useful for most people.
I have never come across the others you mention but from what I have seen online it seems to me something directed towards automotive use with pre-selected triggering settings for "automotive" is much more user friendly and therefore useful for most people.
bw77
Well-known member
VinceG
Well-known member
I use The Hantek 6074Be regularly They do have automotive Diag set ups we do not use them. We use the for CAN Diag on Class 8 trucks no issues we have 25 of them never a failure. Cost is under $250.00. we also tested the Hantek 1008c for $80 We have 12 of them never a issue either they are not as accurate but work for our issues. We mainly went with the 6074BE for durability of the case. We were using Fluke 123 but we need to run them remotley through Skype somtimes. We tested Pico's also the are very nice and have CAN decoding but the $4000.00 price tag compared to how many we plan to buy is Just to much. so if we have a issue that we would need CAN decoding we simply unplug each module until the problem is found. In the end buy what you think is best. The Hantek software is easy to use and Techs catch on to it quicker than the Pico. In the end the Hantek is accurate enough for Automotive and cheaper the Pico has more features But when factor in how often you use VS cost that can be a factor. If you have any Questions on the Hantek feel free to ask me I spent over a year testing scopes.
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We don’t hear a lot about the autel, how come? Everytime when I watch videos on youtube, technicians are using pico, snap-on modis or vantage pro.
Guess it not caught on yet .
Pico is popular and main good thing is purely software and fact it got big auto following the waveform database and user experience is good, the hardware itself nothing special .
I don't like the price of pico but the ease of use and great online details helped me make most from it plus it quick and no hassle which what you want when trying do diagnosis in an hour slot .
Pico is popular and main good thing is purely software and fact it got big auto following the waveform database and user experience is good, the hardware itself nothing special .
I don't like the price of pico but the ease of use and great online details helped me make most from it plus it quick and no hassle which what you want when trying do diagnosis in an hour slot .
I recently picked up a Maxiscope 408 from eBay for 360 shipped to the door. I've never used a scope before today, but I used it to set the gains on my car audio amplifier. All that involves is looking for clipped sine wave signal at the hertz my speaker is designed to play. In my case, 40 hz for the subwoofer. I plan on using mainly for automotive use, but figured a simple single channel test would be a good starting point. If I was experienced at using an oscilloscope, I would give more feedback on it, but that will have to wait till further down the road. I do plan on trying out a relative cranking dynamic compression test Monday or Tuesday using multiple channels and an amp clamp.
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MikeF2316
Well-known member
I've been wanting to get a 'scope for years. Finally prices have come down!
See also this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=333374&showall=1
And I'll copy my last post from that thread:
And there's some info on this thread about relay spikes.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396672
See also this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=333374&showall=1
And I'll copy my last post from that thread:
And there's some info on this thread about relay spikes.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396672
Can you take a screenshot of the compression test.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I think you will quickly "out grow" or become frustrated with the first 2 (Pico 2204a, Hantek 6022be). Very low sample rate ("bandwidth" is almost meaningless in the automotive world) and very small storage buffers.
At least the Autel MP408 has 4 channels, but it is still slow and not much storage and OVERPRICED ! Using today's technology, they could quadruple the speed and sample size and still sell it for 1/2 of their asking price !
If you want one just as a training tool I would get the Hantek because it is the cheapest.
At least the Autel MP408 has 4 channels, but it is still slow and not much storage and OVERPRICED ! Using today's technology, they could quadruple the speed and sample size and still sell it for 1/2 of their asking price !
If you want one just as a training tool I would get the Hantek because it is the cheapest.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Sample rate is the most important spec on digital 'scopes. The 6074 is 1GSa/sec, but you have to divide that by the four channels. Realistic "bandwidth" for non-repeating wave is around 25Mhz. A few low cost 4 channel bench 'scopes are starting to 2 A-to-D converters so that gives you an effective 2GSa/Sec.
Waveform storage space is your next most important spec.
Third, would be the sample "size". Most 'scopes use an 8 bit A-to-D converter, but I would love to see 10 or 12 bits and maintain the same conversion speed.
BTW, compare theses specs on the 6074 against the Pico Automotive 'scope and you will see why I complain that it is overpriced !
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mrjaw14
Well-known member
LabNation makes a good 2 channel scope for a reasonable price. I have one and like it. Pico costs a lot more and doesn’t work on phones and tablets. Pico does have good waveform libraries and has 4 channel models. For the money thought lab nation will get you going and will be a great addition to your setup.
Bartleby
Well-known member
Why not a used Snap-On Vantage Pro?
I've seen them for ~$300. It's enough for auto repair. I haven't run into anything where it wasn't adequate yet. Maybe I don't do enough.
I've seen them for ~$300. It's enough for auto repair. I haven't run into anything where it wasn't adequate yet. Maybe I don't do enough.
I use pico on a tablet, A windows based tablet .
I tend always have trolley for the diag gear, I used windows notebook in workshop and mobile for over 10 years and never broke one, super useful tool for aftermarket and oem software, online and stored files of vehicle data, sourcing parts info ect ect .
I got a couple used surface pro's and they doing great .
6022 would do you but 6074 is better in 2 channel use and extra 2 channels will be useful also . main thing I don't like with hantek is the software but for the price it good usable introduction scope for automotive basics .
vantage pro nice little tool, if can get one with newest software then can be worth having if price is right .
I tend always have trolley for the diag gear, I used windows notebook in workshop and mobile for over 10 years and never broke one, super useful tool for aftermarket and oem software, online and stored files of vehicle data, sourcing parts info ect ect .
I got a couple used surface pro's and they doing great .
6022 would do you but 6074 is better in 2 channel use and extra 2 channels will be useful also . main thing I don't like with hantek is the software but for the price it good usable introduction scope for automotive basics .
vantage pro nice little tool, if can get one with newest software then can be worth having if price is right .
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So is the Pico 2240A useless? I want to get a scope to play with. I currently have a car with a bad wheel sensor. On my scan tool it looks fine. I am only a DIY. Is the 2240A worth the money?
I know the software is good. What are the downsides? Speed? How will that effect the use of the scope?
I know the software is good. What are the downsides? Speed? How will that effect the use of the scope?
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Why not a used Snap-On Vantage Pro?
I've seen them for ~$300. It's enough for auto repair. I haven't run into anything where it wasn't adequate yet. Maybe I don't do enough.
I have never seen an EETM303 sell on eBay for under $500! Most "Buy It Now" prices are over $700.
For $300-$350, I would buy one !
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
The 2240A does NOT have the same software as the Pico Automotive 2/4 channel scopes. I am not saying it is bad, just not the same and probably does not have as much functionality.
There are other 'scopes out there with higher sample rates and deeper/larger memory for similar or less money. These are the #1 and #2 most important specs.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I was a big fan of the LabNation SmartScope when it first came. Not so much anymore. The hardware inside is now "old". Better/faster/cheaper components are now available.
The software has not had any major updates in awhile. I was contacted by the CEO and asked what features need to be added to the software to improve it for automotive use. That was over a year ago. All I hear are crickets chirping.
Better software, 4 channels, higher sample rate (at least 250Msa/sec), more/deeper storage. Sure the price might go up, but it would still be a fraction of the Pico Automotive.
No idea why labnation not introduced a 4 channel or updated software as market is ripe for 250 to 500 buck options with sensible/profesional hardware and software.
for small money diy the hantek would do you as introduction .
for small money diy the hantek would do you as introduction .
Bartleby
Well-known member
Definitely not on eBay. It's rare to see one for <$350, and you'll have to jump on it. Just look at the prices for the MT2400. Way overpriced.
I've bought my Vantage Pros off of CL. One of them was like new.
Another option would be to get an old Modis EEMS300 for the 4-channel scope. IIRC, it's just as capable as the Vantage Pro. I have seen them on eBay for <$400. My only concern with buying from eBay is the possibility of getting a junked unit.
It's a shame Snap-On did not make the Vantage Ultra as a 4-channel scope.
the 2204 uses the picoscope 6 software and the 4225 and 4425 auto scopes use picoscope 6 automotive which not a lot different .
2204 would do the job a bit overpriced, hantek 6022 or better do your basic test needs as cheap as 49 bucks . pico software is a little more crisp and database/user forum maybe of value to you !
2204 would do the job a bit overpriced, hantek 6022 or better do your basic test needs as cheap as 49 bucks . pico software is a little more crisp and database/user forum maybe of value to you !
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Some folks think I am an electronics SNOB, and maybe I am, but my main issue with the Picoscope 4425 is the price. Performance is obviously "acceptable" because of how many are in use in the world.
In the volume that they sell, I'll bet there is less than $300 parts and labor in each unit !
- Bandwidth/Sample Rate - 20 Mhz / 100 MSamples/sec/channel (adequate)
- Resolution - 12 bit (if there is no hand waving here, that is COMMENDABLE)
- Memory - 250 MSamples (low, but adequate)
- Floating inputs are also COMMENDABLE
- Full range of math functions (although few people will use anything more than the basics)
- USB 3.x support COMMENDABLE (one of the few USB 'scopes that supports 3.x)
- High input voltage ranges (up to 200 V without attenuators; COMMENDABLE)
In the volume that they sell, I'll bet there is less than $300 parts and labor in each unit !
GTA Matt
Well-known member
Thing is, the price is a drop in the bucket compared to what someone purchasing a 4425 already has in tools. To a hobbiest or casual observer, it sounds like a lot, and they aren't cheap, but price really isn't the deciding factor here. The after the capture features are unrivaled, and really where the pico shines compared to other scopes. I'll actually rarely use mine for simple things like fuel pump, coil, injector current, things like that. I prefer my verus for that stuff. But for the in depth diag, intermittents, in cylinder measurements, data bus problems, you really can't put a price on it. For the beginner, or less advanced techs, you honestly can't go wrong with any scope. You want to get into that next level, pico all the way with every accessory you can get.
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Because that software is proprietary. Part of the price tag for a pico is that the software development is included in that price. Honestly they've been more than generous making the software open to all. If some scumbag company came along and tried something like you speak of they'd lock it down and either start charging or require registration.
Its already bad enough companies like Autel copy pastes Pico program files but luckily for Pico the Chinese don't seem to care about making a truly competitive scope option (the Autel one is garbage).
Whats the difference? They charge 10x what their hardware is worth. Your paying for it anyways. Whats the harm in trying to use their software for our benefit at a better price?
Uh, if you don't buy a pico then you didn't pay anything and you aren't entitled to use the software with someone elses hardware. The pico software does do some checks with pico units so you're quite literally asking why someone cant pirate the hardware so you can have a cheap option.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I purchased a used modis this week, primarily for the scope. $350, all the scope leads and probes, all the specialty OBD adapters, updated to 2010. Hunt around, I see them listed at $500-$600 regularly, this one was just way out in the boons.
The modis will satisfy my scope needs for a while. U-scope is my go-to but the multi channel plus graphing meter makes the modis a nice upgrade. Got some extras coming from AES Wave for it. Ignition pattern detail makes the u-scope look pathetic.
The modis will satisfy my scope needs for a while. U-scope is my go-to but the multi channel plus graphing meter makes the modis a nice upgrade. Got some extras coming from AES Wave for it. Ignition pattern detail makes the u-scope look pathetic.
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Well, I just purchased a Hantex 6074BE, we will see how it works. VinceG here seems to really like it, as well as others. I feel like the people who really don't like it either got a bad unit, or really haven't given it a chance. Or maybe even they need the guided tests because they don't really know what they are looking at. Anyways the way I figure for the price I paid its worth the leads alone. I can slowly build this kit if needed and one day if I need to upgrade I can just buy a bare Pico.
Only thing really wrong with hankek for auto work is the poor software.
Hantek best option for low price, the pico 2204 good way go if likely use it more and want the intuitive software, capture data features and waveform gen features .
2204 and 2205 totally usable and fairly cheap auto diag tools .
Hantek best option for low price, the pico 2204 good way go if likely use it more and want the intuitive software, capture data features and waveform gen features .
2204 and 2205 totally usable and fairly cheap auto diag tools .
Just from the little playing with the software that I have done, I don't find it that bad... maybe i'm missing something? Also there are some open source software available which might be better? Who knows...
VinceG
Well-known member
Our company currently has 40 in service for Can Issues on Class 8 trucks the do the job and are cheap we have 40 6074be and 6 1008. We ave had no failures and they are used by multiple in each shop. I would say as long as you dont need CAN decoding the do a good job. We do not use any of there presets on the software. We do use the recording feature.