Question: 2-Channel or 4-Channel Picoscope Automotive kit

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boriordan
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Posts: 2
Joined: Sat May 31, 2008 5:55 pm

Question: 2-Channel or 4-Channel Picoscope Automotive kit

Post by boriordan »

Hi all,

I would greatly appreciate some advise to help me choose between the 2-channel and 4-channel Picoscope Automotive kits.

As I am a complete beginner in the use of oscillopscopes for automotive testing, I have no idea if I would restrict myself by purchasing the 2-channel scope instead of the 4-channel.

If there are meaningful Automotive tests which need 4-channels, then I would choose for the 4-channel scope.

Any comments and thoughts gratefully appreciated.

Regards from the Netherlands,

Brian.

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Autonerdz
TwoWaves
TwoWaves
Posts: 387
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2002 4:19 pm
Location: Washington State USA

2 or 4 channel

Post by Autonerdz »

Hi Brian,

You can get the job done with two channels. However, it may take a bit longer and there are some limitations.

If you were to add a Mixmaster ignition mixer for capturing waste spark secondary ignition, using a two channel, you would have to choose between splitting the banks by polarity between two channels or trigger. To split banks and trigger requires three channels.

http://www.autonerdz.com/mixmaster.htm

There is another example of when four channels can be handy in reply #7 of this thread on EDIS cam sensor syncronization:

http://www.autonerdz.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB ... 1077376754

There are many other examples on The Autonerdz Community Forums and also a few more four channel example pictures here:

http://www.autonerdz.com/picoquad.htm


I would suggest the four channel, if you can afford it. It's more expensive to upgrade later.


Tom Roberts
(The Picotologist)
http://www.autonerdz.com
skype: autonerdz
THE PicoScope Automotive Authority
In North America
Tom Roberts
(The Picotologist)
Autonerdz

boriordan
Newbie
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat May 31, 2008 5:55 pm

Thanks for the advice Tom :)

Post by boriordan »

Hi Tom,

Thanks very much for your advice and pointers towards the AutoNerdz examples.

Very much appreciated, and especially to receive advice from such a renowned expert in this area. :)

Greetings from the Netherlands,

Brian.

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Autonerdz
TwoWaves
TwoWaves
Posts: 387
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2002 4:19 pm
Location: Washington State USA

Welcome

Post by Autonerdz »

Brian,

You are welcome. I hope it was helpful.

No matter which way you go, you are making an excellent choice getting a PicoScope. These are the most powerful automotive scopes anywhere.

I got my expertise by making more mistakes than everyone else :?

Now we teach others how to avoid them. Guess the purpose of my life is to serve as a warning to others. :lol:

Now we have customers on six continents including a couple of your neighbors in The Netherlands. :shock:
Tom Roberts
(The Picotologist)
Autonerdz

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