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Due to the high voltages involved in secondary ignition systems, it is not possible to make measurements by direct connection, attempting to make a direct connection will almost certainly damage the measuring instrument.
The PP178 is a capacitive pickup which simply connects around the insulation of an ignition circuit component such as a plug wire, this avoids the need for direct connection.
The PP178 comes with a shielded 1.8 m (6 foot) lead. It is suitable for use with conventional ignition systems and most HEI and DIS systems. Our library of Automotive Waveforms contains example waveforms captured using a Pico automotive oscilloscope and the PP178.
Although ideal for use with a Pico automotive oscilloscope, the PP178 pickup can also be used with most other makes of oscilloscope provided they have an waveform invert option.
How to use the PP178 Secondary Ignition Pickup
Safety precautions before use:
- Keep the lead away from pulleys and other moving parts
- Keep the lead away from heat
- Never let the pickup come in direct connection with primary or secondary voltage (otherwise the PicoScope may be damaged)
- Always use the ground clip
- Do not let the metal portion of the pickup contact a ground
Connecting the PP178:
- Connect the PP178 to the automotive oscilloscope before connecting to the vehicle
- Connect the ground clip to a good ground on the vehicle
- Connect to vehicle
For...
- Standard Ignition: clip the pickup around the coil wire (or one plug wire at a time)
- Integrated coil: clip the pickup around the central location on the distributor cap
- DIS: clip the pickup around one plug wire at a time
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