Recommend me me a 4 channel USB scope please - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 12:43:47 pm
content: I have a 100MHz USB 2 channel 520 model scope made by Dataman. It has started playing up intermittently, so I am looking at a replacement. I could use a 4 channel model, 100MHz is ample. Ideally I would like isolated inputs. I do a lot of automotive diagnostics so a scope with the ability to store a lot of samples to look for glitches would be nice, I am also a radio amateur so will be using it for general testing, repair and RF work too. Budget is modest, but I don't want to buy junk, so if something outside my immediate funds is recommended I could be patient and accrue some more play money, hoping the Dataman keeps going meanwhile! Thanks. (USB is essential as I often want to view real time patterns over a network, remotely). I am in the UK.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 12:53:51 pm
content: How about a non-USB scope?http://www.rigol-uk.co.uk/Rigol-DS1054Z-Digital-Oscilloscope-p/ds1054z.htmI believe you can still connect to it remotely.https://hackaday.io/project/5807-driverless-rigol-ds1054z-screen-capture-over-lan

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 01:15:48 pm
content: Check PicoScope, they have a couple of 4 channel models.Their automotive scope with isolated inputs is only 20MHz bandwidth and include a big library of automotive waveforms.Normal scopes:https://www.picotech.com/products/oscilloscopeAutomotive scopes:https://www.picoauto.com/products/automotive-oscilloscope-kit/picoscope-kits-hardware

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 01:27:58 pm
content: Do you only want to view waveforms remotely or do you need the full control interface that you get from a USB scope?Can you live with using SCPI to control a scope: capture, and then view?

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 03:15:30 pm
content: What I do at the moment is use Windows Remote Desktop to view live data from the USB scope on the remote machine. I transmit digital modes and at night want to keep an eye on 4 channels live data. The portability and ruggedness of a USB scope are really necessary for automotive work, a normal LCD scree scope would be very vulnerable to damage and dirt in the car workshop (my day job). Thanks for the replies so far!

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 03:44:56 pm
content: Picoscope is best in that class.. They even have dedicated automotive kits...I own ADC212/100 that is 15 years old.. Still works no problem.. And they have good software.And they are UK company, I would guess you would have good support.Best regardsSinisa

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 03:55:20 pm
content: Quote from: Chris Wilson on July 11, 2017, 12:43:47 pmUse the right tool for the job. Picoscope specialises in USB automotive 'scopes/software.https://www.picoauto.com/I know they're not entry-level cheap but if it's a paying job then it'll work out eventually.Quote from: Chris Wilson on July 11, 2017, 12:43:47 pmThey're British so you won't lose tech support after Brexit.

author: Andreas
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 09:08:00 pm
content: Quote from: Chris Wilson on July 11, 2017, 12:43:47 pmThe PicoScope 4425 has not isolated but floating inputs (the ground can float up to 30V) + USB 3.0 interface and 250 MS memory with 12 bit resolution and up to +/-200V without external divider.Thats what I use on my job besides the now obsolete 4423 with common ground and less memory. (Locally or remote desktop).At home I have a PicoScope 5444 (4 Channel 200 MHz 16 bit) but only USB 2.0And like on most non automotive Scopes the input voltage is somewhat limited (+/-20V without external divider).But that´s no issue for me since I usually work with maximum +/-15V at home.Other interesting parts could be the 8-channel (common ground) 12 Bit 4824 (+/-50V 20MHz) (so also usable for many automotive tasks).or the brand new full differential 4 channel.with best regardsAndreas