Recommended handheld DSO for automotive work - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Synoptic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 12:57:38 pm
content: Hi EEVBlog! I am looking to buy an inexpensive handheld oscilloscope mainly for working on low voltage in automobile or other low voltage/low frequency mini projects.I read about the Nano, ut81b, used fluke 123 and used THS720.I already own a bulky Leader 40Mhz 2ch Analog scope but I am not scope savvy.Right now I need something to analyse the waveform of the ignitor output.What should I be looking for features/capabilities?Any recommendations?Thank you!

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 06:24:34 pm
content: Well i only saw 2 handheld osciloscopes so far:The already mentioned Fluke and the Keysight U1600 Series.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 08:40:27 pm
content: Perhaps take a look at the UNI-T181A? One of the resident experts joeqsmith did a review.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 09:28:24 pm
content: This might, MIGHT, be a good option. I have no experience with it:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/has-this-been-discussed-before-a-'decent'-portable-oscope-for-$70/msg1302870/#msg1302870

author: Johnny10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 11:34:17 pm
content: I had my first bit of learning on auto ECM.Fuel Injectors Voltage and Current.Cylinder compression, I built my own pressure transducers.Fuel Pressure gauges.1000:1 Spark probesYou need a good current probe. For battery, Fuel pump, Fuel injectors.I bought the Snap-On.Bought a Rigol 50 megahertz scope 1052 I think could set it under the hood without many problems.It did everything that was needed. But was a bit inconvenient really not meant for under the hood environment.After a while I purchased a Snap-On Verus Wireless at auction.I want to pick up a Fluke 199C for the future use.Believe they are more robust than most.Something you want to be aware of.Brightness of display is of utmost importance.

author: Johnny10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 01:53:43 am
content: I would recommend a USB scope like PICO but you would need a laptop to go with it.And let me say, you don't want a lot of dangling wires floating over the engine compartment. Yikes.I think I pulled together my first kit including probes for under 500.After learning all the ins and outs I sold the Rigol for 20 less than I paid.And bought the Verus.Which was way over priced for the 3Mhz oscilloscope that was integral to the scanner software.

author: Johnny10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 02:07:39 am
content: Looking for low cost? Fluke 123's are good but like I said, look for screen brightness.Hard to see most any screen in the sunlight.What good is it if you can't see the waveform?Also make sure you can get the waveform out to a PC so that you can analyze later.Use cursors to measure RPM times and high voltage. How long is Fuel injector open?You are also going to want to keep a database of waveforms for future reference.