Selecting an Automotive Oscilloscope

[ADSR]

Here's the USB one i've been thinking about. For 64 bucks, don't think it's a bad deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221270085136?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[dw85745]

Thanks "3 Gun Shooter" and "vintage nut".

Have to check, but don't know if you would do better with wireless or USB.
I would think a direct connection would out perform wireless.

you can never have too many tools

Agree. When my uncle passed away he had an OLD oscilloscope he had made in the 40's
All vacuum tube with a round screen 2 inches in size. One of the grandkids got it. I ended up with a signal generator (again vacuum tube) which I gave to a local ham group
after lugging it around awhile. Believe it or not Tripplite still had docs for the generator.

Lord Diesel.
For a few bucks more you can get the 8 channel one. Check out Amazon.
Read some reviews (whether they have validity or not unknown) about Hantek.
Biggest issue seemed to be problems with their software and total lack of support.

Whether other PC oscilloscope software will work with their unit I have no idea.
>>>>That's one thing I need to check out. <<<
For example if your using Windows and the OS changes, can you get new software drivers for the ungraded OS. Second, even if it is coming in USB, will other software be able to interrupt the data format so it can process it?

 

[gismo]

I have been following this discussion of choosing an automotive oscilloscope and I very much appreciate everyone's advice.

For me, one huge consideration is PRODUCT SUPPORT. Sorry for the caps but I found an OTC 3840F. The original reviews were astounding. I found it to be challenging to adjust so I resorted to the user's manual which has very small print. I went to OTC's web site searching for a manual download. I found nothing. Evidently Bosch bought OTC a while ago. MATCO sold (rebadged) the same scope. I asked the MATCO distributor about replacement batteries, which are internal. No firm answer. Additionally the scope's display is just ok.

I bought a used Snap On Vantage Pro. Product support is excellent. The database shows connector, operation info, test lead connection and testing preset. The battery is separate from the scope and simply installs from the side and has its own charging base and is the similar battery used in other Snap On products.
Color display is very good. When buying used, look at the data base as that is what commands fair market value. The data base does not affect the performance of the scope. The data base can be updated, but could be a considerable expense. It has two CF cards, one used for stored images. Excellent for exporting images or can connect to a PC with USB for sharing files. Does not have a VGA port. Bought mine used 5 years ago for $800 with a database current to 2009.

Snap On Modis. All the above applies, battery, etc. I want one because not only is it 4 channels, but it has a VGA port. Becoming very affordable. Database reflects fair market value but can be upgraded.

The Pico. I haven't used one but want one. Modis is more portable however many of the top trainers in the USA use the Pico as does Toyota. Great product support/ monthly newsletter. One huge advantage is how versatile the scope is in particular the cylinder position overlays used while doing pressure transducer testing. Pressure transducer testing is amazing. I think we should start a thread on pressure transducer testing, how to, the benefits and an evaluation of pressure transducer sensors, including how to make your own which is what I'm attempting to do. Check out some of the online videos done by John Thornton.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There are some really good, reasonably priced, general purpose 'scopes on the market these days. Nice screens. Lots of other features.

These are general purpose 'scopes so they come with "standard" 'scope probes. They have standard plastic cases (NOT drop proof !) and worst of all, require 120V !

I have to admit, the Pico has some nice probes, but boy are they $$$ !

 

[pi_guy]

I picked up a new handheld scope about 6 years ago about $750
Between the break out boxes and probes it was close to 2500 for various pieces

 

[jerseykat1]

I know this is an old thread but i just wanted to chime in. I have the 1008c USB scope from Hantek. It works Okay, the presets are all wrong, but close.

I have also purchased the Smartscope from LabNation which performs better and is easier to set up you can simply pinch and zoom to get a better view of the waveform. It works on all platforms but works best on Windows.

I am fairly new to oscilloscopes (have learned a LOT since i made that video) and i know the settings are wrong and the pattern shown in the video is only partial. But you get the idea, this scope works great!

CLICK the picture for the video. Dont know the code to embed youtube videos here.

 

[ephotrod]

To those that have a Modis do you like the scope should i go for the versus? Did you buy the amp probe and pressure transducer for it?

 

[convx4]

Found this old thread

Looking for a cheaper standalone hand held strictly for automotive use.

Found this two channel: Oscilloscope, KKmoon Handheld Digital TFT LCD Dual-channel 2 Channels Oscilloscope Portable Scope Meter 20MHz Bandwidth 200MSa/s Sample Rate
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRDZNCC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Priced at $170

My question is the MHz Bandwidth and Sample rate adequate?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Two thing to watch for on any 'scope not specifically designed for automotive use are, maximum input voltage and differential inputs. You probably should buy some 10X enumerators.

Bandwidth is really meaningless. Samples/sec on each channel and how large the buffers are the important items. Pico is 400 MS/s. If it is 200MS/s on each channel (net 400MS/s) than it is probably adequate.

Pico uses a 12 bit AtoD. I'll bet this is 8. Adequate.