Discussion
Does anybody have any advice on what type/model oscilloscope based diagnostic test units there are available either new or second hand.
I am particularly interested in checking and monitoring what is going on with the older average engine, not equipped with the latest diagnostic input connectors where you plug in the relavent manufacturers scanner devices etc.
I'm looking at the older type set up including the Rover V8 as fitted to many TVR's.
I understand there is something called a 'Dongle' that may be used here.
What type of device do think would be most suitable as i don't have a rolling road?
Any advice welcome.
I am particularly interested in checking and monitoring what is going on with the older average engine, not equipped with the latest diagnostic input connectors where you plug in the relavent manufacturers scanner devices etc.
I'm looking at the older type set up including the Rover V8 as fitted to many TVR's.
I understand there is something called a 'Dongle' that may be used here.
What type of device do think would be most suitable as i don't have a rolling road?
Any advice welcome.
I think I saw a thread somewhere, where someone used a very basic connection via a PC mic input and some software to use it as a scope, but cant recall where.
There are a few handheld scopes available, but the lcd screens are quite small, and not always easy to read. Ive used the Snap-On Vantage before, which is like this.
The other option, which I have considered myself,though again maybe not the cheapest, is the Pico scope www.picotech.com/
obviously you would require a laptop, but it seems to offer a huge range of eatures, and a large screen if you use the laptop.
There are a few handheld scopes available, but the lcd screens are quite small, and not always easy to read. Ive used the Snap-On Vantage before, which is like this.
The other option, which I have considered myself,though again maybe not the cheapest, is the Pico scope www.picotech.com/
obviously you would require a laptop, but it seems to offer a huge range of eatures, and a large screen if you use the laptop.
Thanks for that Stevie.
I've been looking at some for sale on Ebay at the moment and some of the less portable ones seem to be quite reasonably priced.
What attributes would you look for when buying a scope as obviously some features on one type of scope might not be relavant to automotive use and some may lack essential detail?
Another thought i had was perhaps to buy an old garage type system (Crypton etc) which might be a bit out of date and large and possibly being replaced by the smaller scanner type of fault code readers.
I've been looking at some for sale on Ebay at the moment and some of the less portable ones seem to be quite reasonably priced.
What attributes would you look for when buying a scope as obviously some features on one type of scope might not be relavant to automotive use and some may lack essential detail?
Another thought i had was perhaps to buy an old garage type system (Crypton etc) which might be a bit out of date and large and possibly being replaced by the smaller scanner type of fault code readers.
its not something I know much about tbh.
And its also something I wouldnt use that often either, but if I was buying, I'd want one that I could use for pretty much anything.
I think Maplins do a few handheld scopes, but it may be a better idea to go for one that is automotive based.
I had also looked at a few on ebay, one was from MAC tools, but I couldnt find any listing in the MAC catalogue, so i asume it was an old model or something. It ended up selling for around £200 anyway, so I didnt bother.
Something like the PICO does seem very versatile, and they seem to offer good backup. Dont know how easy it is to use though, but it looks good.
I also thought about the old Garage ones on ebay, but I think that such old and bulky units, are probably best avoided. What if something goes wrong?? Chances are they wont be fixed easy, so could end up scrap.
And its also something I wouldnt use that often either, but if I was buying, I'd want one that I could use for pretty much anything.
I think Maplins do a few handheld scopes, but it may be a better idea to go for one that is automotive based.
I had also looked at a few on ebay, one was from MAC tools, but I couldnt find any listing in the MAC catalogue, so i asume it was an old model or something. It ended up selling for around £200 anyway, so I didnt bother.
Something like the PICO does seem very versatile, and they seem to offer good backup. Dont know how easy it is to use though, but it looks good.
I also thought about the old Garage ones on ebay, but I think that such old and bulky units, are probably best avoided. What if something goes wrong?? Chances are they wont be fixed easy, so could end up scrap.
The best digital hand held scopes are FLUKE, we use them at work (i work in automotive electronics), they're not cheap though, base models start at about £1500.
I'd recommend getting a 100mhz one if you can.
Bench scopes will be cheaper and generally have a better screen (more resolution). you could theoretically use a power converter to run one in a car, but it would have to provide a very stable supply to prevent interuption from the vehicle (or you could use a seperate battery), few ideas.
Good luck!
I'd recommend getting a 100mhz one if you can.
Bench scopes will be cheaper and generally have a better screen (more resolution). you could theoretically use a power converter to run one in a car, but it would have to provide a very stable supply to prevent interuption from the vehicle (or you could use a seperate battery), few ideas.
Good luck!
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