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Oscilloscope reccomendations

mrjaw14

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How much is that thing? Couldn't find the price.

I for one am looking specifically at Tablet oscilloscopes. My scan tool is bluetooth that I use with a tablet. I am considering something like the lab nation scope to pair with a tablet.I would much rather have a Pico scope if they come out with one for tablets because their software is amazing.
 
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theoldwizard1

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CarsScope Viso really looks like as tablet but it is also very robust and reliable automotive diagnostic oscilloscope. In any case it is not correctly to compare two completely different devices only because they have а display.

******** ! The hardware between a low end tablet and your oscilloscope is about 60-75% IDENTICAL ! Sure, you have a cheap 8 bit ADC and 1 or 2 low noise op-amps, some memory, and some BNCs. At your sample rate, it probably does not require any additional hardware.

You are charging a lot for that software !!


My point really was, STOP trying to include a display. Make it work wirelessly to a tablet/phone like a Mooshimeter. If those guys get their front end bandwidth and sample rate up, you guys will be out of business !
 
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CarScope Viso

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I for one am looking specifically at Tablet oscilloscopes. My scan tool is bluetooth that I use with a tablet. I am considering something like the lab nation scope to pair with a tablet.

You could have a look at CarScope Viso Windows application. This program gives you the opportunity to touch the CarScope Viso professional automotive diagnostic oscilloscope. Program is fully functional and operates almost completely as the real CarScope Viso representing its unique functions. Application is aimed to all those who would like to obtain a better idea of Viso’s capabilities. Feel free to download. Size 44.1 MB (46 253 772 bytes)
 

jerseykat1

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How much is that thing? Couldn't find the price.

I for one am looking specifically at Tablet oscilloscopes. My scan tool is bluetooth that I use with a tablet. I am considering something like the lab nation scope to pair with a tablet.I would much rather have a Pico scope if they come out with one for tablets because their software is amazing.

i have the labnation smartscope. its pretty good but does not have amp clamp presets. and is somewhat buggy. dedicated oscilloscopes work better. i did a few videos of the labnation smartscope on my youtube channel.
 

mrjaw14

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You could have a look at CarScope Viso Windows application. This program gives you the opportunity to touch the CarScope Viso professional automotive diagnostic oscilloscope. Program is fully functional and operates almost completely as the real CarScope Viso representing its unique functions. Application is aimed to all those who would like to obtain a better idea of Viso’s capabilities. Feel free to download. Size 44.1 MB (46 253 772 bytes)

No thanks. I'm not going to download a windows application to try something that's not available in the form factor I want. I will suggest that maybe you take a product recommendation to your team and make a lab scope for tablets. There's a void in that market right now. If the price is right (Lab Nation) and the software is right it'd be a big seller.
 

CarScope Viso

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mrjaw14, if i understand you correctly you are looking for box-oscilloscope with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to an android tablet?
 

mrjaw14

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Wi-Fi or Bluetooth would be great, if the performance is there. But I'd settle for USB connectivity. The option of a 2ch or a 4ch would be great. If it's USB connectivity, android is probably going to be by default because the iOS certification process is really expensive for anything that physically plugs into the device. Bluetooth and Wifi would get around that and allow you guys to make a box that works for iOS and Android.

Software wise the ability to adjust time scale and amplitude like pinch and zoom would be awesome. Channel presets for what's connected, what you're measuring, etc would be awesome. for example: channel 1 is going to be a low amp clamp and have some default settings that'd be set with a low amp clamp. Same with other type of probes. Basically on a smaller screen it'd be difficult to adjust a lot of settings, so package as much as you can in a default setting that can then be tweaked as necessary.

Android would also enable the ability to store waveform data on a flash card, but as long as there's some way to export the data...then you could tout using your desktop app to run analysis on it if necessary. That would be really cool. One of the things that draws me to Pico auto is their reference waveform library. So I could take a waveform and compare it to a reference waveform.

I think you hopefully have a picture of a gap in the marketplace that's starting to be filled by companies like LabNation that I think we'll see more companies get into.
I have a tablet on me at all times. I can also carry a bluetooth/wireless scan tool like blue driver easily in a backpack or bag. I also use a multi-meter all the time. I'm currently waiting to buy a really nice meter because I'd rather buy a LabScope to use for everything from simple voltage measurements to more complex waveform data. I could have a nice set of diagnostic tools with me at all times with minimal bulk vs. a dedicated tool. If there was a tablet labscope that would do most of these functions for a reasonable price, I'd buy it today. I expect that even if other people choose a larger dedicated tool, they would also see the value in a tool like this and acquire one as well.
 

theoldwizard1

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I think you hopefully have a picture of a gap in the marketplace that's starting to be filled by companies like LabNation that I think we'll see more companies get into.
I have a tablet on me at all times. I can also carry a bluetooth/wireless scan tool like blue driver easily in a backpack or bag. I also use a multi-meter all the time. I'm currently waiting to buy a really nice meter because I'd rather buy a LabScope to use for everything from simple voltage measurements to more complex waveform data. I could have a nice set of diagnostic tools with me at all times with minimal bulk vs. a dedicated tool. If there was a tablet labscope that would do most of these functions for a reasonable price, I'd buy it today. I expect that even if other people choose a larger dedicated tool, they would also see the value in a tool like this and acquire one as well.
CONCUR !

Being a retired engineer, I read the specs more carefully than others. The LabNation unit is a good starting point. 30 Mhz front end and 100Msamples/second are absolute MINIMUMS. 50Mhz/500Msamples per channel would be much better. 64 Msample storage, minimum. If you can't do 4 channels in one box, at least have the capability of sharing the trigger between 2 boxes.

I would like to see a 10 or 12 bit A-to-D, but if it is not n the budget, 8 bits will do.

Bluetooth or WiFi, but of course those mean batteries on the unit. 2 - 3500mAh 18650 should be sufficient.
 

Mechanico

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Can someone read the specs on these scopes and tell me which one you'd get? The 1st one is hand held unit and the 2nd one is more like a desktop or bench unit.
Or recommend something better all together for around 300 bucks. Thanks in advance!


Hantek DSO 1060 2 Channel Oscilloscope

https://www.banggood.com/HANTEK-DSO1060-Handheld-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-60-MHz-250-MSas-High-Precision-DMM-p-988069.html?rmmds=search
DSO1060_2_b.jpg


Hantek DSO 5102P 2 channel Oscilloscope

https://www.banggood.com/Hantek-DSO5102P-USB-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-2Channels-100MHz-1GSas-p-1013032.html?rmmds=search
iu
 

theoldwizard1

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First, you should understand that these are general purpose 'scopes. No "help" button for how to connect various sensors/adapters. Will they work ? Sure. Are they a "good value" ? I would probably go with the Rigol DS1054Z (4 channels, bigger screen, but NOT battery operated).

A couple of summary pages from Hantek

Handheld Oscilloscope
Digital Storage Oscilloscope

The DSO1060 has been superseded by the DSO1062B. Higher sample rate (1GS/sec) and deeper memory (1M). $400 on Amazon The builtin multimeter could be nice. Nothing exciting about it except maybe the size/shape/handle.

Same with the DSO5102P. Bigger screen. Less memory. Larger display. Can't find a US distributor.


Both have the same issues I have pointed out before. 8 bit AtoD. "Bandwidth" is really limited by the sample rate (500MS/sec when using 2 channels), for a effective bandwidth of about 50Mhz.
 

Mechanico

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Ok thanks theoldwizard1! I'll look into the Rigol 1054Z.

I've been wanting a scope a long time but honestly don't know enough about scopes and their specs to choose a good one.
 

American Locomotive

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The Rigol 1054z is basically the gold-standard for entry level scopes. It really shook up the industry when it made it's debut. The 4-channels will be far more useful to the average hobbyist than sky-high sample rates or bandwidth.
 

theoldwizard1

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The Rigol 1054z is basically the gold-standard for entry level scopes. It really shook up the industry when it made it's debut. The 4-channels will be far more useful to the average hobbyist than sky-high sample rates or bandwidth.
CONCUR !

My negative comments about it are just "nits" ! It is just such a big step up to the DS4014 (about $2,000, 100Mhz, 2 GS/sec, but still only an 8 bit AtoD).

PS Don't waste you money on the higher bandwidth version. All they do is change the front end filtering with software.
 

theoldwizard1

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theoldwizard1

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Dear theoldwizard1,
The techical characteristics of the handheld automotive oscilloscope CarScope Viso you may found here:
http://carscopeviso.simplesite.com/430503763

20 MS/sec ! Per channel or total ? At least it match the front end of 2Mhz

I'm sure you can buy a single chip FPGA with a ARM processor and an external ADC and do MUCH better than that !

And only 16k sample storage per channel is tiny !

Also, I can't even find pricing on your distributors web site. Not going to sell much that way !!
 

CarScope Viso

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Dear theoldwizard1,
Thank you very much for your time and the interest to our products.
CarScope Viso is equiped with two independent 20 MS/s ADCs i.e. 20 MS/s per chanel and the bandwidth of each channel is 2MHz.

There is too many possibilities for oscilloscope design but CarScope Viso design and functionality are based of our experience and our close collaboration with our clients, distributors and friends more than 10 years.

About our US distributor website you are absolutely right.
Autoscopeology company is in merging process with AATEC Inc. company and their website ( www.aatecusa.com ) is not ready still. We hope this will be done within one or two weeks.
 
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theoldwizard1

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There is too many possibilities for oscilloscope design but CarScope Viso design and functionality are based of our experience and our close collaboration with our clients, distributors and friends more than 10 years.
And that is my point ! IT LOOKS LIKE A PIECE OF 10 YEAR OLD TECHNOLOGY !

Stop wasting your time and money developing (which clearly you have not been doing) products with their own display. That technology is changing too fast. Same with the computing. Figure out how enclose it in some kind of protective case that can be attached to the back of a tablet. Extra battery capacity would be good.

If you want to be in the game, you need 4 channels, at least 100 MS/second per channel (not shared) and at least 64k point record length per channel record length. Of course it needs to run at USB3 speed or better yet, point-to-point wireless (not BlueTooth).
 

CarScope Viso

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Dear theoldwizard1,
Thank you very much for the detailed recommendations. We will take them in mind when we start development of some new project.

By the way we offer 4 channels WiFi ( this is in production 6 years ago) and LAN 4 channels automotive oscilloscopes.
http://autoditex.com/carscope-pro-58.html
http://autoditex.com/carscope-plus-56.html

Maybe they not match of your recommendations but we can not cover all requerments of all users.
 
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theoldwizard1

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By the way we offer 4 channels WiFi ( this is in production 6 years ago) and LAN 4 channels automotive oscilloscopes.
http://autoditex.com/carscope-pro-58.html
The CarScope Pro is a step in the right direction !

I applaud the use of "2 independent 1 mega-samples/sec ADCs" ! There is no mention of any waveform storage. Are you relying on the host (PC) storing the live data as it comes in ? I would never trust that. Too much chance of the data being dropped.

If you are going to update this product, a couple of big improvements would be


  • onboard waveform capture.
  • self powered (18650 Li-Ion cells)
  • works with laptop OR tablet

Of course, an easy/intuitive to use "user interface" will make or break a product like this !

If you really want to sell this product (or just get more real world feedback), get it in the hands of YouTube professionals (Scanner Danner, South Main auto, Pine Hollow Auto diagnostics) who have thousands of hours with other automotive oscilloscopes.
 
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Bartleby

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Dang. I would have suggested OP to consider a Snap-On Vantage Pro for his intended use.

It looks like the conversation shifted to higher level scoping.
 

CarScope Viso

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Dear theoldwizard1,
We applaud your interest to our products. Thank you very much for the time and constructive suggestions.

As you maybe know we have developed 4 Ch. 25MS/s LAN oscilloscopes few years ago. Based on this we have made some tests with high performace WiFi modules and 4 independant hardware channels 25MS/s ADC with 64k internal buffers per channel and the results was very good.

Unfortunately we frozen this project and it was because of the real world feedback.
 
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theoldwizard1

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As you maybe know we have developed 4 Ch. 25MS/s LAN oscilloscopes few years ago. Based on this we have made some tests with high performace WiFi modules and 4 independant hardware channels 25MS/s ADC with 64k internal buffers per channel and the results was very good.

Unfortunately we frozen this project and it was because of the real world feedback.
Go jump on the bosses desks and get that project back on the front burner !

It has to work with Android first and PC second. Bigger buffer would be nice and would settle for 2 100MS/s ADC.
 
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