Hanatech UltraScan Pro scan tool and scope

[midshipmen89]

Hey all -

I'm a relatively new automotive tech, and I'm just starting to understand how powerful an oscilloscope can be. My shop isn't willing to buy the scope module for our Autel Maxisys, let alone shell out for a Pico kit, but I'm hoping once they see what they can do, they'll come around.

I went digging through our back room, and I came up with an old Hanatech Ultrascan Pro with the scope adapter and a bunch of leads. The shop didn't even know they had it, that's how long it's been since they've had a proper electrical diag guy.

Everything works, miraculously, but the screen is awfully banged up. I was able to make an account with Hanatech, and download their PC mirroring software called HostPro. According to their .html help file, I need a specific powered RS-232 to USB adapter to make this tool work with the software, the CN36 printer cable won't suffice. I managed to find an adapter on Amazon, and I'll give it a shot once it arrives, but I'm not hopeful.

Becuase this hack job likely won't work, I'm also considering setting up an electrical roll cart with a Rigol bench scope, pinout kit, meter, test light, power probe all ready to go.

To make a short story long, I have three questions.

1: Does anyone have any experience with these Hanatech tools, specificially making them work on a PC?

2: What do you think about an inexpensive bench scope setup in an autmotive shop?

3: Does anyone have any ideas how I can convince my bosses that an oscilloscope is a worthy purchase?

Thanks in advance.

-Jake

 

[fordnut85]

Not familiar at all with that brand so can't help ya there

If they don't see the need for a scope they have no business running a shop

If your looking for a cheap scope take a look at the u-scope on AES wave. It's just a single channel but it does work very well and is better than nothing or you can keep an eye out for a used vantage.

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[Mr_B]

I picked up a used hantek 3254 scope and used on shop notebook for a while and that a good tool for low cost.
Very nice have it windows software based as using the notebook for online and pdf data at same time and can save data or print so simply .
picoscope is one of best and nice use for auto work .
get your shop interested could be hard if that behind the times !, if no luck you either buy something cheap yourself to show them the gain and ask for supplement when doing diag work and hope they eventually willing invest in upgrade .

 

[Schurkey]

Kinda depends on what you want the 'scope for.

My early career involved using the scope almost exclusively for ignition work. Took a LONG time before I figured out that they're wonderful for diagnosing electric motors like those in "in-tank" fuel pumps, windshield wipers, HVAC blower fans, etc.

Then there's sensors--O2, MAP, and all the rest.

 

[midshipmen89]

I've been looking at a Hantek unit, but the main issue I keep hearing mentioned is 8 bit vs. 12 bit. As far as I can tell, the vertical resolution would only come into play on CAN networks, but I've only ever heard of the need to be able to tell that there's activity, not necessarily specific wave forms. Has anyone run into an 8 bit scope being a limitation?

Also, yeah, I'm not stoked about my shop's unwillingness to get a scope, but they haven't had someone who knows how to use one in years.

As far as use, I've used them for ignition and injector diag, fuel pumps, blower motors, and sensors in class. I keep thinking of uses for a scope, and I really wouldn't mind being "the electrical guy." If this Hanatech seems serviceable, I'll probably try to buy it from the shop.

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[midshipmen89]

Thanks for all the input, guys

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