OTC 3857 Oscilloscope

[chevy.stroker]

Anybody own an OTC 3857 oscilloscope? What are your opinion on it?

It seems to have good specs:
http://www2.otctools.com/otctools.com/newcatalog/products/12-64.pdf

The price seems reasonable.

All responses are appreciated. Even those about other Windows-based oscilloscopes and your experiences with them.

 

[Stick]

Not a fan of OTC scopes. If you want a good handheld, Snap-on or Bosch. If you want PC based and powerful, Pico.

 

[blacK20]

The pico auto scope is awesome and will pay for itself very fast if you are a drivability guy.

 

[Fedwrench]

Go here www.autonerdz.com

The problem with OTC is that they come out with new diagnostic platforms frequently, then drop them in favor of something newer. When dropped, no more updates or support. Hell even when current, tech support is sketchy at best from OTC.

 

[chevy.stroker]

Go here www.autonerdz.com

The problem with OTC is that they come out with new diagnostic platforms frequently, then drop them in favor of something newer. When dropped, no more updates or support. Hell even when current, tech support is sketchy at best from OTC.

I was sort of hoping the 3857 wasn't going to need updates since it is only an oscilloscope an computer-based DMM.

Is there a less expensive place to purchase a Pico than http://autonerdz.com/ ? I have read their website, I realize they are number one in the industry, but I sure can't afford their prices when I don't make a living with it. When I get to the point of making my living "scoping" cars then $6,000 and annual subscription fees will certainly fit into a budget.

I certainly appreciate the responses so far. Please keep educating me, even if my wallet can't afford it.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I was sort of hoping the 3857 wasn't going to need updates since it is only an oscilloscope an computer-based DMM.

Is there a less expensive place to purchase a Pico than http://autonerdz.com/ ? I have read their website, I realize they are number one in the industry, but I sure can't afford their prices when I don't make a living with it. When I get to the point of making my living "scoping" cars then $6,000 and annual subscription fees will certainly fit into a budget.

I certainly appreciate the responses so far. Please keep educating me, even if my wallet can't afford it.

Where are you gettin $6000 at? the biggest 4 channel 400 series pico kit they have is $3375 shipped. that kit has everything you will ever need. Their also isnt a need for any subscription fees with pico

for a 2 channel look at this http://www.autonerdz.com/masterkit4000.htm
It is twice as much but after you add amp clamps and everything else the price diffrence wouldnt be that big

 

[chevy.stroker]

Where are you gettin $6000 at? the biggest 4 channel 400 series pico kit they have is $3375 shipped. that kit has everything you will ever need. Their also isnt a need for any subscription fees with pico

for a 2 channel look at this http://www.autonerdz.com/masterkit4000.htm
It is twice as much but after you add amp clamps and everything else the price diffrence wouldnt be that big

OK, $3375. The OTC is $700. Almost five times as much. Don't get me wrong I understand the valuer of the Pico system. It just isn't in my budget.

A wave form on an oscilloscope that is high enough quality to see and understand the issue in the component is what I am looking for. At this point with what I am doing I don't need a library of patterns, a forum to help me when I am stuck, training videos, etc. In the future maybe, but right now I need to explore on my own. It is how I learn best.

I do like that the four channel Pico when utilizing four channels has the same specs as the OTC, and when using two channels doubles the specs at 80 Ms/s and 40MHz. It is also 12 bits which I don't believe the OTC is.bHowever, it again comes down to someone who is "playing with a scope" versus someone who is "earning a living with a scope".

Anyway, I appreciate the input. It seems most of my threads fail miserably on this forum. I am listening to what you all have advised even if how I am responding sounds like I'm ignoring your hard earned advice. I'll just do what I normally do: dream, read, learn, and continue to weigh the options. I'm not purchasing a scope in the next month or two. But it is in my near term plans. Then again so is reading 19,000 pages of automotive textbooks.

To the four who have responded to my question: thank you.

 

[Stick]

OK, $3375. The OTC is $700. Almost five times as much. Don't get me wrong I understand the valuer of the Pico system. It just isn't in my budget.

Ok, now we've got an idea of your budget. If you'd be open to spending just a few dollars more and aren't opposed to buying used, there are deals to be found. If you check eBay regularly and have patience, a used Snap-on Vantage Pro can be found for around $1k or so. I've got one, and it's a more than capable scope.

On the other hand, if you just want to get your feet wet and don't mind having only one channel, I've heard some good things about the U-scope that AESwave sells. IIRC, they are just under $300 or so.

A wave form on an oscilloscope that is high enough quality to see and understand the issue in the component is what I am looking for. At this point with what I am doing I don't need a library of patterns, a forum to help me when I am stuck, training videos, etc. In the future maybe, but right now I need to explore on my own. It is how I learn best.

Don't underestimate the value of training and a waveform library. It is incredibly useful to be able to check out both good and bad waveforms when you have questions about how something is supposed to look. Luckily you don't need to make a huge commitment to be able to access stuff like that. A premium subscription to iATN.net is only $45/qtr, and will give you access to the waveform library there, the ability to search the forums and tech help archives, and more. If that's still too much money, a regular membership is free, and you would still have access to the forums there, though the premium membership really is worth the money. There are some seriously smart people over there, and the forums contain enough info to keep you busy for a long time.

I do like that the four channel Pico when utilizing four channels has the same specs as the OTC, and when using two channels doubles the specs at 80 Ms/s and 40MHz. It is also 12 bits which I don't believe the OTC is. However, it again comes down to someone who is "playing with a scope" versus someone who is "earning a living with a scope".

Don't get hung up too much on specs. Most anything out there is more than fast enough to keep up with most automotive signals.

 

[dsmnickk90]

That 2 channel pico kit i listed was 1600. It also comes with amp clamps. Those are about $300 alone so by time you get the OTC and amp clamps ur only spending $500-$600 more. The 4000 series 2 channel can be bought by itsself for a little under $1000

 

[chevy.stroker]

Stick,
Sorry, I should have posted the price. Thanks for the tip on the iATN. I had that one bookmarked to join. It is good to know what the subscription offers.I will reconsider the UScope.

I sort of figured I need to look at a lot of "good" systems first. You sort of have to know what good looks like before you can recognize bad.

dsmnickk90,

I know that I will eventually own a Pico. But, I'm so much of a tight wad that if I bought the 2 channel for $1600 and then later bought the mega Pico I would kick myself every time I Thought about it. But maybe I'll get up off the extra $900 and jump right in.

Thanks again.

 

[wfb2270]

Dont know enough to get in much detail, but i have had a one channel graphing meter forever and think it was kind of a waste. Good for telling if something is working or not working at all, but thats about it. Can do the same with a standard meter. Recently got a Fluke 97 2 channel scopemeter (for free so cant complain) still learning how to use it but already wishing for 2 more channels. Will probaby jump to a 4 channel Pico in a couple years

 

[chevy.stroker]

Dont know enough to get in much detail, but i have had a one channel graphing meter forever and think it was kind of a waste. Good for telling if something is working or not working at all, but thats about it. Can do the same with a standard meter. Recently got a Fluke 97 2 channel scopemeter (for free so cant complain) still learning how to use it but already wishing for 2 more channels. Will probaby jump to a 4 channel Pico in a couple years

Thanks! In what situations do you want four channels? Checking Secondary ignition would be my first guess. Anywhere else?

 

[Carguy99]

If I am not mistaken OTC was or is going to be purchased by Bosch. +1 on the vantage pro its really a great starter scope. dont discount the original vantage great scope as well and cheaper. Although it is a GMM and not a scope. I have both and like them very much. I have 2 Picos set up on 46 flat screens. way cool.
I think the best scope is the one you have and know how to use.

 

[chevy.stroker]

...
I have 2 Picos set up on 46 flat screens.
...

Is that a typo? At $200 a piece you have $9,800 in screens!

Thanks for the heads up on OTC being purchased:
http://www.usa-autotools.com/2012/02/08/spx-service-solutions-bosch-acquisition/

 

[richfinn]

Is that a typo? At $200 a piece you have $9,800 in screens!

Thanks for the heads up on OTC being purchased:
http://www.usa-autotools.com/2012/02/08/spx-service-solutions-bosch-acquisition/

I think he means 46 inch flat screens

 

[richfinn]

Pico has a new automotive starter kit available for £575/$975.

http://www.picoauto.com/2ch-starter-kit.html

You could than buy any extras from AES wave as and when you need them (current probes are about $100 for the exact same ones in the more expensive pic kits)

http://www.aeswave.com/products/Products.asp?ci=14&sa=Y&vp=1

 

[chevy.stroker]

I think he means 46 inch flat screens

Ah, OK. And I thought he meant 4 screens like I have at work. But even that seems overkill.

Pico has a new automotive starter kit available for £575/$975.

http://www.picoauto.com/2ch-starter-kit.html

You could than buy any extras from AES wave as and when you need them (current probes are about $100 for the exact same ones in the more expensive pic kits)

http://www.aeswave.com/products/Products.asp?ci=14&sa=Y&vp=1

Thanks for pointing me at the probes and kits. You all are sure educating me.

 

[FiendFX]

Just my opinion, I would get the PICO scope instead. I prefer laptop base so I could get a bigger screen view. In addition, PICO scope offers more. Check out their products for more information.

 

[wfb2270]

ignition definitly the biggest. Some cam/crank correlation with varible valve timing, variable valve timing all together on v6/v8 stuff.

 

[Carguy99]

yes 46 inch flat screens. they have several scantools in each and 5 gas analyzers. thing are cool. As an added bonus they live in my office so sometimes I watch a movie or play some games.

 

[chevy.stroker]

yes 46 inch flat screens. they have several scantools in each and 5 gas analyzers. thing are cool. As an added bonus they live in my office so sometimes I watch a movie or play some games.

Nice setup!