Entry level automotive scope.

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leeshaz
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Entry level automotive scope.

Post by leeshaz »

Hi, I'm looking to buy an older Picoscope on a budget. A 2 channel will do but I'm confused on which older models will work with the Pico automotive software? CAN doesn't really matter for now, just basic signal measurement will do to start with. Many thanks.

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Autonerdz
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Re: Entry level automotive scope.

Post by Autonerdz »

I would highly recommend you go with a four channel. You can always add accessories but you cannot add more channels. Almost without exception, our customers who get a two channel regret that choice once they discover what they could have done with four channels. The 3423 and the 4423 are previous generation four channel automotive scopes that work with the automotive software.

leeshaz
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Re: Entry level automotive scope.

Post by leeshaz »

Thank you. I'll get looking for one.

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Autonerdz
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Re: Entry level automotive scope.

Post by Autonerdz »


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STC
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Re: Entry level automotive scope.

Post by STC »

Hi Leeshaz


Unlike Tom at Autonerdz I do not sell or profit from the sale of Pico Scopes. I do profit from solving faults. I have a Pico 3423.

Take Tom's advice, get 4 channels and if your budget allows, the Autonerdz Support Add On

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FioranoCars
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Re: Entry level automotive scope.

Post by FioranoCars »

STC wrote:Take Tom's advice, get 4 channels
Can't agree more with STC and Tom, 4 channels.
No accessories would be better than 2 channels EVERYTIME

While for a few months you might question that advice, it'll only be a few ... buy 2 channels and you'll spend years in regret. Even a used scope (Pico Offer a great repair service, so no issues if it's got a problem to fix), just make sure it's an Automotice one, and I'd not suggest the ultra old Pre-USB one, but otherwise the 3423 which we started with and still use daily, the 4423 which increased the max input voltage to reduce the need to attenuators for many tests amongst other things, or their latest floating earth version, the 4425 (also have one, but need the floating input only once a week for very specialist tasks and could work around if needed, provided you have 4 channels!)

Accessories can be bought piecemeal one by one, and personally I'd buy this list, but depends on your work:
- Good set of BNC leads - cheap ones will get you going, but a long coloured set will eventually pay you back, so maybe start cheap and then buy better later, the colour really does help. Time is money, confusion is your enemy.
- 2000 amp clamp - cranking etc etc etc, most V8's exceed 600 amps, many others peak above 600 too, so buy 1x2000 and buy pico! It's good enough to cover many normal or low amps too except parasitic drain ...
- 30amp Pico non autmotive clamp - only needed for parasitic drain really, better than the narrow access 20/60 clamp but not got that thin nose which is very handy to have ... that would be my 3th choice (we have built up over the years lots of clamps, take your time!) ... the 30amp non automotive is not cheap, but has a big jaw and very good accuracy and works like a dream.
- Croc Clips and back pins, never can have enough, buy what you need but 3-4 large crocs can't hurt, and min 4 back pins, no make it 8 as you'll break a few as you learn! Forget piercing tools, you should not use them anyway!! :o Last time I "needed" to was more than 4 months ago, there are normally otherways, less damaging. Yes, part of a full tool kit, but as a starter not essential
- Attenuators - 1 or 2 if you're doing high voltages (>50v or 100v respectively), not expensive.
- clip on HT lead pickups - 4 is good for comparision, there are cheap things out there, if you must get 2 to get you by, but better quality last, Pico's are pretty good. Less than 2 is useless as other than used for ID can't compare cylinders which is essential.

Anything I've missed?

The rest of the accessories are just icing! Many can be made (break out leads) based on the cars you work on, often more suited to your needs.

Yes, Pico only sell really good quality accessories, and often there is no price performance alternative, on some stuff there are cheaper options, you pay your money and make your choice :D

If you can't afford a 4 channel, then spend the time it takes to save up reading this forum, the main Pico Website training materials, Autonerdz forum, YouTube (Scanner Danner, Frank Massey, Motor Age, but lots of others too ... and Pico) so that your reward is familiarity to get the best out of the kit when it arrives! Don't skimp.

Hope that helps

Richard

leeshaz
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Re: Entry level automotive scope.

Post by leeshaz »

Great advice. Thank you very much.

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