oscilloscopes

[neuralsnafu]

So I've decided I want an oscilloscope to help diagnose random issues that crop up in my tiny fleet of vehicles.
I've thought about getting a USB version have a laptop that would be perfect for the garage) or one of the all in one units (the uscope or something like the sainsmart dds120).

I do know I'd be testing injectors so I know I'd have to have something that could handle an input voltage spike higher than 40v. but other than that I'm lost.

Now I could go up to about $500 for a scope but if I can get usable features for less than that I'm perfectly fine with that as well.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[TractorJeff]

Look at FLUKE, they have a nice one which I believe would fit your application well!

 

[neuralsnafu]

Look at FLUKE, they have a nice one which I believe would fit your application well!

just looked at one of the lower end flukes, about 700$ out side of my price range lol..

 

[zkling]

What do you really want? A bench scope, a scope meter or, a auto specific scope? At the core they essentially read the same thing, but each has different convinces depending on what the user is doing. Sensitive electronics done on the bench are better suited to a full blown bench scope where you lots of control over the raw signal. On the other hand the handheld scope meters and auto specific variants are much more convenient for engine work.

 

[theoldwizard1]

By far the best out there for automotive use is the pico scope. Expensive. Very expensive when you start adding in sensor and adapter ! The best part about it are the tutorials and the online forum/help. Does require a PC.

If you want a pure electronics scope look at Rigol. 2 channel, 50 Mhz DS1052E <$350. 4 channel, 50 Mhz DS1054Z <$400. These do not require a PC but do require 120V. They have just the basic electronic probes so you are going to spend a lot on cables, adapters, sensors, etc.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What do you really want? A bench scope, a scope meter or, a auto specific scope? At the core they essentially read the same thing, but each has different convinces depending on what the user is doing. Sensitive electronics done on the bench are better suited to a full blown bench scope where you lots of control over the raw signal. On the other hand the handheld scope meters and auto specific variants are much more convenient for engine work.

Very well stated !

Automotive scope tend to be expensive with the added adapters and because they are aimed at people who really don't know electronics well.

 

[neuralsnafu]

What do you really want? A bench scope, a scope meter or, a auto specific scope? At the core they essentially read the same thing, but each has different convinces depending on what the user is doing. Sensitive electronics done on the bench are better suited to a full blown bench scope where you lots of control over the raw signal. On the other hand the handheld scope meters and auto specific variants are much more convenient for engine work.

definitely not a bench only, no real place to set one up in my garage. I'm taking the definition of 'scopemeter' to be an all in one unit like the uScope or the sainsmart version. I will admit that this would be handy to have.
My only usage of the unit would be on one of my cars or someone elses car, so a scope meter or one of the auto specific types would be best.

 

[Rookie2]

There are suppliers out there that make sensors and computer programs to do just that. A local guy with a Dyno for race cars also works on diesels, he showed me the computer screen with all the waveforms for each diesel injector firing in relationship to TDC . I was blown away because he figured out that the cylinder head was resurfaced and the injection timing was shifted.

 

[neuralsnafu]

There are suppliers out there that make sensors and computer programs to do just that. A local guy with a Dyno for race cars also works on diesels, he showed me the computer screen with all the waveforms for each diesel injector firing in relationship to TDC . I was blown away because he figured out that the cylinder head was resurfaced and the injection timing was shifted.

now thats bad ***, wayy beyond my capabilities at the moment but still bad ***...

 

[Stuart in MN]

A friend bought one of those USB deals that attaches to a laptop, to help tune a Megasquirt fuel injection setup on his project car. It worked quite well and was pretty inexpensive. I've used many kinds of oscilloscopes over the years, but for personal use I'd say that's the way to go.

 

[joecon]

There is a hand held scope called auto wave by Hickok that maybe
just what you want.it should be in your price range and will be ease
for you to us. If you like using a scope you then can upgrade.

 

[dogdog]

So I've decided I want an oscilloscope to help diagnose random issues that crop up in my tiny fleet of vehicles.
I've thought about getting a USB version have a laptop that would be perfect for the garage) or one of the all in one units (the uscope or something like the sainsmart dds120).

I do know I'd be testing injectors so I know I'd have to have something that could handle an input voltage spike higher than 40v. but other than that I'm lost.

Now I could go up to about $500 for a scope but if I can get usable features for less than that I'm perfectly fine with that as well.

Anyone have any suggestions?

What ever you get don't get the SaintSmart craps.... horrible support and over priced POS..... bad experiences.

 

[neuralsnafu]

What ever you get don't get the SaintSmart craps.... horrible support and over priced POS..... bad experiences.

I was reading that on amazon's reviews. they seem to work, but if you have a problem you're up **** creek...

 

[Ajwcotton]

Look at a used snap on vantage pro on eBay. I picked mine up for 500. The only bad thing about it is it doesn't have the software filters that the Pico has. The plus sides are it has pin out diagrams and correct waveforms for sensors built in.

 

[joel63]

Look at a used snap on vantage pro on eBay. I picked mine up for 500. The only bad thing about it is it doesn't have the software filters that the Pico has. The plus sides are it has pin out diagrams and correct waveforms for sensors built in.

With the additional tech tips you should find the Vantage Pro very handy.

You got it a decent price too.

 

[Slackerzinc]

I just picked up the oscilloscope for my Autel 908p on Friday. I haven't a chance to use it yet. I figured it would come in handy

 

[Toolhorder]

I like the vantage pro. I'd not the best thing out but it works great the pinouts and tips are real time savers.

 

[kunkernator]

For a good price, look into Hantek or Owon scopes. Owon is kinda an off brand chinese scope, but are good.

Hanteks are more popular over in Europe from my understanding. I own a 2 channel portable one, and it is badass for the money. I think I paid around $400..

Some fuel injector waveforms off my Jetta from a while back.

 

[dogdog]

I was reading that on amazon's reviews. they seem to work, but if you have a problem you're up **** creek...

yes horrible support policy, their packages don't have documents, if you want any specs, docs, instructions, they needed verify your purchase basically you have to buy from their website.

 

[neuralsnafu]

For a good price, look into Hantek or Owon scopes. Owon is kinda an off brand chinese scope, but are good.

Hanteks are more popular over in Europe from my understanding. I own a 2 channel portable one, and it is badass for the money. I think I paid around $400..

Some fuel injector waveforms off my Jetta from a while back.

Actually kinda like the set up of that dso1060 there. seems like that would do pretty much anything i could dream up...