PicoScope 7 Automotive
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Parasitic draw testing
Parasitic draw testing
Hi folks. Pls bare with my lack of knowledge and ignorance here with pico as just learning and trying to get to grips with it all.
If I want to use a shunt resistor in series with battery cable on negative side can I simply use one channel and measure vdrop across the resistor and set up a math channel to give me amp draw or is this problematic with having an older 4000 series with common grounds on all channels? If its necessary to use 2 channels could someone please explain the actual physical connections I would use and suggest a maths equation I would use on the 2 channels please. Again sorry for my ignorance but I am trying
If I want to use a shunt resistor in series with battery cable on negative side can I simply use one channel and measure vdrop across the resistor and set up a math channel to give me amp draw or is this problematic with having an older 4000 series with common grounds on all channels? If its necessary to use 2 channels could someone please explain the actual physical connections I would use and suggest a maths equation I would use on the 2 channels please. Again sorry for my ignorance but I am trying
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Steve Smith
- Pico Staff Member
- Posts: 1588
- Joined: Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:22 am
Re: Parasitic draw testing
Hello and thank you for the post
The following link has exactly what you need viewtopic.php?p=96541#p96541
Given you are measuring voltage drop across the resister in the vehicle ground lead, you can use your common ground scope.
Your test lead black wire will be connected to your battery negative post and the test lead signal wire to the other side of your resister. You can also use your remaining channels to monitor other circuits referenced to chassis ground
I hope this helps, take care......Steve
The following link has exactly what you need viewtopic.php?p=96541#p96541
Given you are measuring voltage drop across the resister in the vehicle ground lead, you can use your common ground scope.
Your test lead black wire will be connected to your battery negative post and the test lead signal wire to the other side of your resister. You can also use your remaining channels to monitor other circuits referenced to chassis ground
I hope this helps, take care......Steve
Re: Parasitic draw testing
Many thanks for the help. Greatfully received!