Auto techs: O-scope selection

[FLRover]

Those of you earning a living in the shop do you consider a o-scope a worthwhile investment? At my school they preach o-scope but I was wondering if you really use it in the field enough to justifies spending several thousand dollars.

If so would you go with the Fluke 190 or a computer based unit like Auto Ingenuity?

 

[richfinn]

I would wait a while to be honest, if your fresh out of trade school your going to be servicing cars/brakes for a couple of years before they let you loose on the wires.

If you end up as a drivability tech then it might be worth looking at a Pico or a Fluke handheld. Do some research and get some targeted training on scopes before you commit.

 

[ra42mario]

You buy an oscope you will use it every once in a while, but you can complete every repair without it generally. It will never pay for itself.

 

[FLRover]

I would wait a while to be honest, if your fresh out of trade school your going to be servicing cars/brakes for a couple of years before they let you loose on the wires.

If you end up as a drivability tech then it might be worth looking at a Pico or a Fluke handheld. Do some research and get some targeted training on scopes before you commit.

I was lucky to have lined up a position as a entry-level tech (I have a few years of experience already, I went to school to get the electrical). So I will be doing repair work as soon as I start not saying I won't be doing my share of maintenance proving my self though.

 

[FLRover]

Glad to hear this stuff first hand before spending this much.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I'm the driveability guy in my shop and yes, I own and use a scope as part of my skill set.

Currently using an older pico. Have also used the Modis scope.

For GMM, I use an older Vantage.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think there are two schools of thought about labscopes. Most Dealership techs don't use them and many independent shop techs do. If you're a drivability tech, I think a good labscope would come in handy. As an entry level tech, you need to master a DVOM first before advancing to lab scope world. You would be suprised at how little many "experienced" techs know about their Flukes. Good luck with your new career.

 

[ra42mario]

The shop doesn't provide this equipment for you?

I guess I run things a bit different here. Techs are expected to have basic hand tools like sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screw drivers, breaker bars, oil filter wrenches etc...

All specialty tools I buy. Scanners, pullers, drivers, engine hoists, transmission jacks, taps, dies, battery/alt tester etc...

 

[lennoxlennox]

At my school they preach o-scope but I was wondering if you really use it in the field enough to justifies spending several thousand dollars.

If so would you go with the Fluke 190 or a computer based unit like Auto Ingenuity?

on ebay/cl if you keep an eye out... you can get decent used Fluke 123's for $400-600... still pricey.... but like they said... you might want to wait a bit and see what your workplace requires

 

[Dust]

I've been doing automotive electrical for four years and can count on one hand the times I wished I had a scope. If I did driveability, maybe two hands.

If you know the system well enough, and know how to use a DMM and read a wiring diagram, you can get by without a scope the vast majority of the time.

 

[srmofo]

I use mine on a pretty regular basis.

You can do some pretty neat things with a cylinder pressure gauge and a clamp. Everything from diagnosing bad injectors to mechanical problems such as damaged valves....if you know how to use it and actually know what a good pattern is supposed to look like, they can save you some serious time.

Like already mentioned though, some of the time you can get by without it, and I suspect you will not be diving deep into drive-ability issues for some time.

However, you will never learn to use one if you dont have it, so it might be something to keep an eye out for....and ask the tool man if he has any trade ins

 

[jaredlucky16]

At tech school that is all we used. i got into a gm dealership and have not used one since or even seen one of the 33 other techs there use one

 

[richfinn]

FLRover here are some sites for you to study. Have a look at the case studies on the pico link (I,m not pushing pico because they are British but they do supply Land rover and Jaguar dealers with kit optimised for those brands).

http://www.picoauto.com/automotive-library.html

http://www.autonerdz.com/

 

[MrMark]

Funny about that. It squares with what Lotek posted in another thread that shocked me. He is a GM tech. I brought a car into the Mercedes dealer once with a miss and the first thing they did was hook it up to the labscope and look at the ignition patterns. No other way to diagnose the car without wasting tons of time. GM must not trust their techs or want to buy expensive equipment that is not needed if you load up the parts cannon.

 

[richfinn]

Funny about that. It squares with what Lotek posted in another thread that shocked me. He is a GM tech. I brought a car into the Mercedes dealer once with a miss and the first thing they did was hook it up to the labscope and look at the ignition patterns. No other way to diagnose the car without wasting tons of time. GM must not trust their techs or want to buy expensive equipment that is not needed if you load up the parts cannon.

The GM (Vauxhall) dealerships in the UK had to have Tech 31/32 which was a rebadged Fluke 97/Bosch PMS100 DSO.

Its all about guided diagnostics nowadays in dealerships using bi-directional scan tool tests and following on screen instructions (this is partly to keep warranty costs consistent and is not connected with a lack of skill on the techs part).

I think a mixture of scan-tool/scope is better.

 

[oldtools]

Labscope can be very helpful. Some stuff a DVOM can not pick up. You don't need to rush yourself into buying one. A good DVOM can handle most of stuffs. Take your time and check CL/eBay for used/new one. You can save alot. I got three from CL. Interro ($100), Fluke 99B ($250), and a brand new Fluke 123 ($430).

 

[Bigpigdave]

This is a great site with info and accessories for o-scopes. http://www.aeswave.com/
I use an older Tektronix 2246a lab scope, if you know how to set it up it is invaluable. These older scopes can be had for very good prices just make sure they are either working or have parts available when you buy them.

Good luck, Dave

 

[Dereklmartin]

Had anyone tried the uscope from aes wave?? Curious if it's worth it for a cheap entry level scope.

 

[Danglerb]

Scope can be a great way to satisfy curiosity and make less money per hour.