small, inexpensive 'scope or USB digitzer and 'scope software

[theoldwizard1]

Any one every try using a DSO201 or μScope or DSO Quad

My quick analysis is that none of these are really ready for "prime time".

DSO Quad is pretty close with 2 -72 MS/Sec analog channels and 2 digital channels 8 bit resolution just isn't quite enough on my book. The screen size (2.5"x1.5") and resolution (400x240) also don't cut it.

Comments/feedback

 

[jmarkwolf]

That DSO Quad is interesting.

I don't have any of the devices you cite, but check out the following:

http://www.easysync-ltd.com/product/520/ds1m12.html

I bought one because it has better screen captures for documentation purposes, than my Tektronix bench top scope. It works pretty well.

I wouldn't worry about 8-bit vertical resolution. Even my Tektronix only has 8-bit vertical resolution.

Check out the "Pico Scope" for mid- to high-end offerings.

 

[dfreeman616]

i like the look of the dso quad, the dso201 doesn't really get my interest since it seems to be a single channel. while 1 is better than none, i know there are times i've needed at least 2 channels at the same time. for the money, the self-contained nature of the quad seems like an advantage over the stringray, but that looks to be pretty nice too.

 

[86k10]

I never really played with a scope and have been looking at getting one. How good would the DSO Quad be at measuring ABS and Cam sensors? I see people on Amazon calling them "Hobbyist Scopes" but don't know if they are just hating on the "Harbor Freight of pocket scopes".

I like to get one if it has reasonable automotive use but I don't have no experience with them. I could use a new toy to play with.

 

[Danglerb]

Useful depends on what you need to know about the signal and how it fails. For most stuff automotive I suspect the display can be very crude and more than adequate.

Is there a pulse?

Is it within spec voltage and shape?

Maybe look at duration, not sure what else might matter.

 

[m33p0n3]

Useful depends on what you need to know about the signal and how it fails. For most stuff automotive I suspect the display can be very crude and more than adequate.

Is there a pulse?

Is it within spec voltage and shape?

Maybe look at duration, not sure what else might matter.

The only thing that's made me hesitate on buying the DSO Quad is I'm not sure how accurate the absolute voltage will be. On some circuits +- .2 volts can make a difference.

 

[Danglerb]

The only thing that's made me hesitate on buying the DSO Quad is I'm not sure how accurate the absolute voltage will be. On some circuits +- .2 volts can make a difference.

Hard to imagine an automotive circuit where sensitivity would be +-.2 v and it works reliably.

I'm thinking the typical situation is that a system isn't working, say ABS. You look at the sensor output and the controller output and need to decide what to replace. I don't see +- .2v doing that, or if a new sensor reads .2v higher that it will fix the problem. Regardless of "spec" the bottom line is what the controller works reliably with.

Now I start thinking how much is sensor and how easy is it to replace? Same for the controller, vs doing the diagnosis and owning the scope.

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

Any one every try using a DSO201 or μScope or DSO Quad

My quick analysis is that none of these are really ready for "prime time".

DSO Quad is pretty close with 2 -72 MS/Sec analog channels and 2 digital channels 8 bit resolution just isn't quite enough on my book. The screen size (2.5"x1.5") and resolution (400x240) also don't cut it.

Comments/feedback

What do you want to use it for?

Scopes are like any other tool..use the right one for the job at hand.

 

[richfinn]

The little screens dont cut it for me, I have used a Velleman HPS 10 in the past and its an OK little scope for most automotive sensors, its only single channel.

Dont waste your money, save up and get something like a Vantage pro or Pico. Pick something thats easy to operate or you will soon tire of it and be looking for something else.

I also have an old 2 channel MAC ET2020 which is ok for most stuff and comes with all the stuff for ignition/current analysis and has some nice auto menus so its simple to set up.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I never really played with a scope and have been looking at getting one. How good would the DSO Quad be at measuring ABS and Cam sensors? I see people on Amazon calling them "Hobbyist Scopes" but don't know if they are just hating on the "Harbor Freight of pocket scopes".

They are call "hobbyist" 'scopes for a few reason.

• low sample rate, 72 MS/S. Realistic only 10-20 Mhz bandwidth
• 8 bit resolution
• small storage buffer (4k/channel)
• small display

I like to get one if it has reasonable automotive use but I don't have no experience with them. I could use a new toy to play with.

Using an oscilloscope effectively for automotive diagnostics take a fair amount of training and experience. Plus you need a good understanding of electric circuits.

Do you know the difference between a Hall Effect cam/crank sensor and a Variable Reluctance sensor ? If not, forget buying a 'scope.

Go to YouTube and watch some of Scanner Danner's videos.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For a "decent" low cost 'scope check out Rigol or Picoscope. Both start at about $300 but models quickly go into the several $1000 range.

 

[williaty]

I recently bought the Rigol DS1052E for less than $300 (on sale) with a fitted case/bag and 2 probes. It's pretty much as cheap as I'd be willing to go, but my EE friend says it's actually an astonishingly good scope for one under about $5k. I decided to go with a cheap stand alone because *when* I eventually screw up and fry the thing, I've just fried the scope rather than the $80 dongle for the laptop AND the $2000 laptop.

 

[diesel research]

I never really played with a scope and have been looking at getting one. How good would the DSO Quad be at measuring ABS and Cam sensors?

are you dealing with active or passive speed sensors?

These are relatively unnecessary for typical passive speed sensors. A few of those scopes may not even handle the input of passive sensors.

if you work on tractors, most all of them have passive sensors. Only a few trailers have a p.o.s. active sensor (wiring harness inside of axle tube)

 

[theoldwizard1]

I recently bought the Rigol DS1052E for less than $300 (on sale) with a fitted case/bag and 2 probes. It's pretty much as cheap as I'd be willing to go, but my EE friend says it's actually an astonishingly good scope for one under about $5k. I decided to go with a cheap stand alone because *when* I eventually screw up and fry the thing, I've just fried the scope rather than the $80 dongle for the laptop AND the $2000 laptop.

It turns out that Rigol (who ever they are) actually builds the same 'scope for Agilent (the old HP electronics/medical test equipment company).

A couple of interesting videos

Rigol 1052E Review


Turn your Rigol DS1052E Oscilloscope into a 100MHz DS1102E (Hack)
Rigol DS1052E DS1102E Oscilloscope Hack Update