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Guide to Choosing a Scope on a Budget

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7 years 5 months ago - 7 years 4 months ago #3131 by Andy.MacFadyen
Part 1
Choosing your first Oscilloscope is a big step, if you have watched Paul’s videos even if have never used an oscilloscope you will know it is a very sensitive voltmeter that draws a graph. Because it works very fast an oscilloscope allows you to capture in fine detail picture of events like an ignition spark that happen in less than 1/1000th of second. All modern oscilloscopes use some form of computer to process the signal you see on the screen, the processor can be built into the unit as on the AESwave Uscope or done by software loaded on to a notebook or desktop computer as on the Pico scopes.
If you have watched Paul’s videos you will know Snap On (and increasingly other high end tool manufacturers) build oscilloscopes into plug-in diagnostic tools. Snap On and Pico are of top end of the automotive oscilloscope market. However you don't need to spend a huge pile of money to get started.

If you are a DIY mechanic or are small shop just wanting see what an Oscilloscope can do for you there are scopes on the market that won’t break the bank and let you learn about using a scope or perhaps diagnose a hard to pin down fault. I had used old style scopes before to measure spark plug voltage but what really convinced me a scope was a go to tool was tracking down an ABS fault on car with active wheel bearings.

The two main very low cost options sold for automotive work are the Hantek 1008C and the AESwave UScope. The Hantek is USB scope that requires a connection to a Windows computer, the AESwave is a tiny handheld unit the size of a small mp3 player.

Hantek 1008b or 1008c
The Hantek 1008C is remarkably cheap it comes bundled with a few handy leads and a DIS ignition probe. It has 8 channels (!) with BNC connectors in reality it isn’t useable as an 8 channel scope because the signal processing is shared between all the channels. To get useable capture speed don’t expect to get useful work out of it with more than 2 or at very most 3 channels turned on. Like most Chinese made scopes I have used the Windows software leaves a lot to be desired it is tedious to use but it has a menu that offers pre-sets for most automotive tests and Y scale settings for most automotive probes. A quirk of the software is by default it installs in the Cantonese Chinese language, this can be fixed by simply deleting the Chinese language files after which it defaults to US English. The Hantek 1008C only differs from the 1008B model in the probes bundled with the scope.



The Hantek’s hardware is perhaps not the best quality and it lacks an AC setting and any built in filters but it can produce some fairly decent captures.
Hantek range includes more expensive faster automotive scopes, I have never used one but it the software interface is the same as that used on the cheaper model,

Coil Ramp Hantek 1008 taken with Hantek Amp clamp


Hantek Ignition Secondary


AESwave Uscope
The AESwave Uscope is a tiny cell phone sized scope the hardware is based on another Chinese scope (the DSO201 Nano) the major difference is the built in software (firmware). The original DSO201 Nano looks identical but is just about unusable with the original firmware, but the AESwave firmware transforms it into a very useful little tool. Paul has made a couple of videos using it for diagnosing misfires I have one, (actually mine is a DSO201 with a different freeware firmware loaded) and because of its small size it is my tool of choice for checking speed sensor signals or other jobs under the car. The excellent AESwave firmware is custom made for automotive work and is well worth the few extra dollars particular if you are a new comer to using a scope. If you live outside North America as shipping and customs charges make buying tool from the USA less attractive. The basic DSO201 Nano sold on eBay can be made useable by upgrading using the free Ben-F Firmware but it will lack many of the specialist automotive features found in the AESwave. The process for upgrading the firmware is very similar to loading a custom ROM on an Android phone, so it is slightly “techie”process and not for the faint hearted also you have to make sure the version of Ben-F firmware is suitable for the hardware version.

In cylinder Pressure test taken wit DSO201 Nano running Ben-F firmware and home built sensor.


To be continued:
To be Continued.

" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)



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Last edit: 7 years 4 months ago by Andy.MacFadyen.
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7 years 4 months ago #3150 by Tyler
Love it, Andy! Thanks sir B)
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7 years 2 months ago - 7 years 2 months ago #4970 by jcascel1
Thanks for the write up, nice job! Love that pressure transducer. Any links on how to make one? (You must have know that someone was gonna ask!) lol

Given the fact that budgets are a relative term, I though I'd add my two cents here.

I bought my first scope last year. I was planning on buying a Uscope. I liked the size, the price, and the features. I was however, concerned with the fact that it only had one channel. I figured that I’d wait till a two channel version of the Uscope came out and buy that. However, it became apparent that AES had no plans for a two channel version.

Upon the recommendation of a popular diagnostician on YT and even Paul Danner himself, I bought a used, but like new, Snap-On Vantage Pro. It had somewhat older firmware but since my newest car is a 2009 the coverage was fine. The cost was twice that of a Uscope but I got a two channel scope and the famous Snap-On troubleshooter as well. To me, this was a smart financial decision and I am 100% satisfied with it.

I just completed a rather challenging engine swap and without the Vantage Pro I never would have been able to troubleshoot any of the suspected problem systems. Despite the fact that it cost me twice the price of a Uscope, it easily cost justified itself during this swap.

There are numerous good reasons to buy a used Vantage Pro. Here are what I see as the most important.

First and foremost is the Snap-On component troubleshooter. Packed with information, the troubleshooter gives; troubleshooting procedures, component locations, pin outs, expected voltages and signals, sample waveforms, etc,. It makes use of an amp clamp a no brainer operation.

Secondly, and most relevant to this thread, is the fact that it is a 2 channel scope! I’ve used mine to do cam/crank correlations, O2 testing, injector testing, APP signal testing, relative compression, and several other things.

Consider the fact that the Vantage Pro offers the component troubleshooter and the 2 channel scope it is my opinion that you’d be hard pressed to find a better limited budget scope option. Another consideration might be an older used Modis - 4 channels!!

If your personal budget is such that a Vantage Pro is something you can consider, I say go for it! Prices will vary based on update version and condition. Used Vantage Pros can be found on eBay and Craigslist.

Thanks,

John
Last edit: 7 years 2 months ago by jcascel1.
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7 years 2 months ago #4987 by Andy.MacFadyen
John I very much enjoyed your write up on the Vantage Pro it clearly was obviously 100% a great buy for you. A two channel scope can do jobs that just aren't possible with a single channel. The Vantage Pro is also small enough to use in tight corners such as under the dash where using virtual PC based scope like a Hantek or a Picoscope wouldn't be easy. Outside North America although they sell a lot of hand tools Snap-On's diagnostic tools are not so widely used so finding a used Vantage Pro at a good price could be more challenging.

I should write a review on the other scopes I have used recently the Velleman WFS210 and my Owon SDS7102v but the thread started by Tyler on Testing Injectors using a knock sensor has used up my play time.
The in-cylinder pressure tester was quite simple and cheap to build istr I wrote it up in the old Scanndanner forum since them I added a couple of refiments so I will rework it and post it again. I also built a Firstlook style pressure pulse sensor using a contact microphone and a plastic Mustard bottle.

.

" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)



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7 years 2 months ago #4992 by jcascel1

The Vantage Pro is also small enough to use in tight corners such as under the dash where using virtual PC based scope like a Hantek or a Picoscope wouldn't be easy.

I certainly do agree with that!



I should write a review on the other scopes I have used recently the Velleman WFS210 and my Owon SDS7102v………..

There certainly are numerous options out there!

…..but the thread started by Tyler on Testing Injectors using a knock sensor has used up my play time.

That sounds like an interesting project, I’ll have to search the threads for it.

The in-cylinder pressure tester was quite simple and cheap to build I wrote it up in the old Scanndanner forum since them I added a couple of refiments so I will rework it and post it again.

Thanks!

Thanks,

John
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7 years 2 months ago #4995 by rockp2
Just got my Vantage Pro updated to the latest (and last) version 16.4 on Wednesday. It will take me thru 2015 autos. Bought the scope in primo condition on ebay for $750 and it came with the low amp probe a few months ago. It is my entry level scope and I think I made the right choice with my inexperience. The update did cost over $400. But it will fit my needs (combined with my Autoengenutiy scanner) for several years at a bare minimum. The fact is, the capabilities of the scope itself will never (in my lifetime) be obsolete. I just won't have the Snap On Troubleshooter capabilities being laid out on the screen for autos past 2015. But the meat of the tool will always be there I believe.

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7 years 2 months ago - 7 years 2 months ago #4997 by Noah

rockp2 wrote: Just got my Vantage Pro updated to the latest (and last) version 16.4 on Wednesday. It will take me thru 2015 autos. Bought the scope in primo condition on ebay for $750 and it came with the low amp probe a few months ago. It is my entry level scope and I think I made the right choice with my inexperience. The update did cost over $400. But it will fit my needs (combined with my Autoengenutiy scanner) for several years at a bare minimum. The fact is, the capabilities of the scope itself will never (in my lifetime) be obsolete. I just won't have the Snap On Troubleshooter capabilities being laid out on the screen for autos past 2015. But the meat of the tool will always be there I believe.


I still use my old Vantage MT2400 when I don't really "need" to bust out the Verus and that hasn't had any relevant repair info since 1999!

I recommend you guys check out the Vantage Pro training series on ScannerDanner Premium if you haven't already.


"Ground cannot be checked with a 10mm socket"
Last edit: 7 years 2 months ago by Noah.

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7 years 2 months ago - 7 years 2 months ago #4998 by rockp2

Noah wrote:
I recommend you guys check out the Vantage Pro training series on ScannerDanner Premium if you haven't already.


That was the first thing I did! :)
Last edit: 7 years 2 months ago by rockp2.

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7 years 2 months ago #4999 by jcascel1

rockp2 wrote:

Noah wrote:
I recommend you guys check out the Vantage Pro training series on ScannerDanner Premium if you haven't already.


That was the first thing I did! :)


Same here but I watched Pauls, and every other one I could find, before I even bought the tool since that was how I made my final decision to buy it. If it's good enough for Paul, well then, it's surely good enough for this DIY'er!

Congrats on the new Vantage and the sweet new update. You're definitely set for a while!

Thanks,

John

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7 years 1 month ago #5253 by Zakarya Al-Yafei
The in-cylinder pressure tester was quite simple and cheap to build istr I wrote it up in the old Scanndanner forum since them I added a couple of refiments so I will rework it and post it again. I also built a Firstlook style pressure pulse sensor using a contact microphone and a plastic Mustard bottle.

Actually I'm very interested to know about pressure tester
please let me know if you post it

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7 years 1 month ago - 7 years 1 month ago #6285 by Mk1_Oz
Interesting reading above.

I suspect that this forum has a majority of users who are either experienced technicians or who work in the field and require reasonably high levels of hardware/software ability. Comments and suggestions may reflect that. Might be wrong.

Me? I am a self taught home hack who only repairs his and relatives cars. I have a reasonable level of automotive electrical knowledge (I designed and installed the wiring system for my race car) but have had my eyes opened to the world of diagnostics by watching Paul's excellent YouTube videos. I have bought his "book" and am considering signing up to his paid YouTube channel. However, unless I have a scope I feel that his teachings cannot be fully put into practice.

Here's my problem. I would probably only need a scope once or twice a year. My current low level of experience says that I only need a basic scope (2 channel) and an assortment of leads. As does anybody, I need a scope that is accurate. I need a scope that shows an appropriate level of detail (hmmm until I start playing I perhaps don't even know what this is!).

In Australia, 2nd hand Snap-On stuff is like hen's teeth and even if available is TOTALLY out of my price range so don't bother going there. A new Picoscope 2 channel standard kit runs to AUD$2,500 (or about 1,800 of your George Washingtons) and is again TOTALLY out of my price range. 2nd hand do not exist.

Given my level of usage I would find it hard to spend more than AUD$500 (US$380) or so. Yes I know this is a pitifully low figure but wife and kids come first before my play toys! That's just life.

As far as I have been able to research, there are definitely no tools with a built in screen in my price range (new or 2nd hand). This leaves USB devices. I love the look of the Picoscope and it appears to be great quality (the great man himself uses one) but as I say even the unit itself with no leads is over my price range. This pretty much leaves one of the Hantek devices that are comparatively DIRT CHEAP. Have read varying reviews but it seems to be within my grasp. Agree/disagree?? Andy.FcFadyen seems to like them - any association with the brand?

For the uneducated like myself, trying to work out exactly which model I need is almost impossible. Bandwidth?? Refresh rates?? Memory?? Verticle resolution?????? Strewth I'm not even on Facebook yet (and never will be :evil: :evil: ).

Can somebody provide some advice as to which model(s) may be suitable???? Take into account that this is required to cover 99% of diagnostics that a home mechanic needs to do and abviously needs a suitable level or accurancy and detail.

Otherwise I am lost.............

Edit:
PS - I am not even sure what scopes are digital and which are analogue or even what the pros and cons of each are. I have tried to research....
Last edit: 7 years 1 month ago by Mk1_Oz. Reason: after-thought
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7 years 1 month ago - 6 years 11 months ago #6309 by gimmick1
I'm also a DIY'er and although Andy MacFadyen provided excellent information, I will throw in my thoughts, for what it's worth.

I am a firm believer in: "you get what you pay for" but I too have a family to support and since car repair is just a necessity / hobby, it falls very low on the priority list when it comes to spending money.

I bought the uScope (master kit: $400 US) (basic: $154 US) last year from AESWave.com and have been very happy with it, although it has been a long slow learning process. I have found that as a newbie to the scope world, it has been difficult to locate good comprehensive training sources. AESWave provides some uScope videos, and they are helpful, but they seem to be directed towards users that are already familiar with scopes. I ordered the book "Advanced Lab Scope Voltage & Current Testing" from them earlier this week, so hopefully that will help me learn.

The main reason I chose the uScope is the support I could receive from AESWave, if needed. If I were in your shoes, the costs associated with purchasing that scope from outside the US might be enough to steer me away from the uScope and towards the Hantek or DSO201 scopes that Andy refers to.

I knew when I bought mine that I would someday need to buy a scope with at least 2 channels. That day has not yet arrived but when it does, I might just pay a mechanic to diagnose the vehicle at that point.

AESWave uScope training videos: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Rl7bcue...vT5nWRhlTA_uO1OqAPXw
w2aew scope training videos: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL746BF38BC2E068E0
Motor Age How2 scope training videos: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjzZLCfQx...JJcbTyH66A2T_ylBuDsJ
Last edit: 6 years 11 months ago by gimmick1. Reason: Removed a link that didn't add much to the discussion.

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7 years 1 month ago #6372 by Hash Cash
My first scope was a Hantek 1008C I bought on eBay for $48. You can buy them new for about $100. You will spend way more than that on the probes, leads, and accessories that are need to make the scope useful. These items are necessary no matter what scope you use. But they can still be used if you choose to upgrade to a better scope in the future. Scannerdanner has plenty of information on how to use the scope that applies across the board to most any other scope. Bottom line is, any scope is better than no scope, but if you can afford it get a Pico.
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7 years 1 month ago - 7 years 1 month ago #6384 by Andy.MacFadyen
Scopes are only difficult to use until you play about with one. After a couple of hours the sky is the limit.

One of the problems with recommending a scope is that shipping, customs duties and local taxes can make a huge difference in cost between continents. Keep in mind although Pico and Snap-On have excellent hardware most of the price premium for these scopes is due to the time and money they pour into software development to make automotive tests simpler for the user.

The Hantek 1008 is the cheapest of the cheap and quality is very "iffy", but if you stick to using only 1 or 2 channels the hardware is good enough for decent captures but like most Chineses scopes the software interface is awful but has the saving graces of pre-configured automotive tests which by-pass a lot of the chore of setting up using the interface and make it a lot easier for the beginner. It also comes with a good selection of probes and connectors which if you bought individually would almost equal the cost of the scope. It is a USB scope so is tied to using wth a Laptop or PC which might not be the easiest thing in a the paddock of a race track. In short a lot of bang for your buck, it will do useful work good to learn on but ultimately frustrating. Hantek have some new more upmarket automotive models, the hardware looks better but the software interface is unchanged.

The uScope and DSO201 Nano are excellent tools. The uScope I suspect won't be a realistic option outside North America but the DSO201 Nano is on eBay at a fair price. Disadvantages of DSO201 Nano are small screen, single channel, and the standard firmware interface, also you will need to buy leads and adaptors from ebay. The standard software is unusable but increasingly I haved notice DSO201 being sold on eBay with upgraded "Paul's firmware". I believe Paul's firmware was the base on which the AesWave uScope firmware was built. My own DSO201 runs on Ben-F firmware
The DSO204 is an upgraded version of the DSO204 faster with 2 usable analog channels (nb. 2 analog channels + 2 logic channels) the firmware appears based on Paul's Firmware so should be good. These DSO Nano scopes like the uScope fit in your pocket to are ideal for taking to race meeting.

I have run out of time I will add more on this topic in a few hours.

" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)



Last edit: 7 years 1 month ago by Andy.MacFadyen.

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7 years 3 weeks ago #6474 by Mk1_Oz
More good info. Thanks.

I recently saw an OTC Pegisys handheld scope/scanner for sale on a reputible auction site. Never heard of them before so I started to research.

As far as I can tell this is both a scope AND a scanner. I would assume it's scanning ability is limited to reading generic codes and would not contain the necessary software to interogate specific car systems? I did see a training video on YouTube that showed a whole number of car brand symbols so maybe I am wrong on the generic only thing?

As a scope, would something like this do pretty much everything that a 2 channel USB scope does? The screen is not as big but looks fine.

I think these also allow connection to an internet site to get specific car help information such as component voltages/frequencies and also help with fixes and wiring diagrams. I would assume there would be a yearly fee to access something like that?

Being in Australia, if I went down this handheld option, I would need something that had good European and Asian car info as US domestic cars are not sold here other than a few Jeeps.

Would seem that this one is 'similar' to some of the Snap On diagnostic tools?

Not sure what issues would exist with firmware updates (cost, availability) or with content updates (again cost and if it is even supported still)?

Just a thought on a different path.......

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7 years 2 weeks ago - 7 years 2 weeks ago #6968 by Andy.MacFadyen
Time for a report on my Owon SDS7102v Labscope with optional battery
Purchase cost at December 2015 £360 including optional bag and battery
I really like using this scope I can get up and running a grab a decent capure fairly quickly, but it isn't designed for car work and while it suits me it won't suit everybody. The battery life between charges was never as good as expected and after a years use it has died completely. When I bought the scope I was offered a special deal on the battery and bag bundle and I suspect the seller was off-loading a suspect load of batteries. As a replacement battery is fairly costly at £60 I am reluctant to commit to buying a replacement which may suffer the same short life as the original, in the interim I am continuing to use the scope on 230v power. I am very tempted to buy a new scope a Carscope Viso.





Good points
Real not virtual knobs, automatic setup, decent memory, excellent built-in software filters, USB ports for Flash Disk and PC connection, VGA port for connection.

Bad points;
Labscope not specialist Automotive Scope, Fairly bulky, Disapointing battery life between recharges, 230v mains power, battery has died after 1 years use. Channel 1 trace is difficult to see in bright sun light, Owon's PC software interface is not good.



" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)



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6 years 10 months ago #9209 by jaja_622
you should add the picoscope 2204a to your options.. in the USA it cost about 140 usd but only come with the standard lab probes, you will spend more with the accessories specific to automotive use, this is the general purpose oscilloscope, not the automotive version, but in reality you don't need the automotive version to make measurements, the automotive ones just sometimes makes your life easier by including presets configuration for different sensors.
The advantage of the picoscope is the software, it uses the same software for all their scopes, from this 140 usd to the several thousand dollars versions.
As a word of advice if you get this scope, get the external attenuators because it is only rated to +- 20V with a x1 input, with an x10 attenuator you can extend that range to +-200V.
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6 years 8 months ago #11442 by StepSide88
After reading thru the thread I'm left wondering which would work better fora novice and occasional user with an XP laptop?
XP isn't supported by Pico Auto and I'm left with their basic software but better product
Pico 2205 2 channel no probes is $200 as of post date
or the
Hantek PC USB 8CH $90 -$120
I expect cheep useless probes with that one but I have probes .
Is the software for the hantec more user friendly to the auto realm than the Pico non-auto software?

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6 years 8 months ago - 6 years 8 months ago #11443 by Andy.MacFadyen
The Hantek 1008 is a bargain basement scope, the hardware is limmited and the software is a pita to use, yes you get drop down menus with pre-set automotive sensor test but most of them need a lot of tweaking to give a useable capture. One major issues is the software can't invert the waveform, that might not seem a deal breaker until you try and get your head round the reversed polarity secondary waveform from a wasted spark coil. I am pretty sure the software interface was designed by a programmer who has never actually used a scope in a working environment especially for automotive work.
Hantek have no technical support --- none.
The probes and connectors bundled with the Hantek are actually quite good and would probably cost about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of the scope even buying the parts from eBay.

The Pico2000 series aren't sold as automotive scopes which is why they aren't bundled with Picoscope Automotive software, that XP isn't supported by the very latest revision of Picoscope automotive software is different and fairly minor issue.
The non-automotive Pico scopes aren't supported by the automotive software -- although if you do an internet search may find a work around not-sanctioned by Pico who after all have invested megabucks in their automotive software and support.

" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)



Last edit: 6 years 8 months ago by Andy.MacFadyen.
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6 years 7 months ago #11518 by MartinKuliza
LOL
how are you mate, Fellow Aussie here
my name is Martin

Mate, i'm an Electrical and I.T. and Telecommunications Expert
Let me tell you what you should do .

Now.. Your budget is $500 right, AWESOME
Get yourself down to Parramatta road.. EMONA INSTRUMENTS

(78 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050)
buy a Rigol DS1054Z

if you shop around, you'll find it for around $400
i think Emona are doing them for around $500 or close to it

to get a review of this scope.. GO HERE


NOW LET ME GIVE YOU A TECHNICAL LESSON IN WHAT IS IMPORTANT AND WHAT IS NOT AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING A SCOPE

Let me only address 3 Models of Rigol Scopes
DS1000 Series Specifically DS1052E
DS2000A Series Specifically DS2072A
DS1045Z

ok, so here's the deal around 10+ Years ago
Rigol Brought out a Scope.. DS1052E.
now... it was around $800 AUD, a Bloody bargain considering.

Now before i go ahead
let's address some TECH SPEC points

BANDWIDTH = The difference between the Highest frequency and Lowest Frequency
The DS1052E had a Stock standard Bandwidth of 50MHz

this means that you can measure ANY SIGNAL up to 50 MHz, However if you wanted to measure a signal that was 60 MHz, the scope would not recognize it

what you need to consider here is.......
What sort of work are you going to be doing vs what scope do you need.
NOW.. for Automotive work, the Pico scopes don't go above 20 MHz, so basically pick what you want
but keep in mind if an engine produces an abnormal frequency above 20 MHz, YOU'LL NEVER SEE IT. so it helps to have More bandwidth
and... THERE'S A TRICK HERE and i'll get into that later
also as a standard guide, don't get anything lower than 100MHz

CHANNELS : Basically this means, how many signals do you want to look at simultaneously.
Look... I've got a 2 Channel Scope, I've had it for 5 years, Never needed anything more.
2 is fine for a beginner, 4 is better, but i doubt you'll use more than 3 at any given time.

SAMPLING RATE : here is the simplest way to understand this
1. Sampling Rate is measure in SAMPLES PER SECOND (Sa/s)
2. That means..... Imagine you have a Volt meter
Now imagine you want to measure the Power in your wall outlet (240 V AC) ok.
Now imagine You want to get regular readings so that you could see CHANGE OVER TIME.
Now imagine that you decide you will take 1 READING PER SECOND... got that.

that would be called "A Sample Rate of 1 Sa/s" 1 (Sample Per Second)
got that

ok, so
The PicoScope 4225 has 400MS/s (Mega Samples Per Second) Mega = 1 Million

so what
The Rigol DS1052E, as a minimum has 1GSa/s (1 Giga Sample per Second)
Giga = !,000 Million Samples per second
now is this important.. YES
Why is it important

well. when you take a SHOT of a waveform and freeze it for analysis

if your scope has 400 MSa/s vs 1 GSa/s
and you want to zoom .. RIGHT IN and really see what's going on.
it's going to look really squared off and really shit,
so, if you are viewing a SINE WAVE , which is supposed to be rounded off.
if you have a bad sampling rate, the rounded peaks will look like Sharp Triangular mountains.
Trust me, you don't want this
but.. it does depend now whether you are zooming in or not
i have found that a High Sample Rate is invaluable
My scope has 3GSa/s
i feel that 1GSa/s is a minimum , even with Automotive, because at 1 GSa/s you won't miss things that a scope at 400MSa/s will miss

MEMORY DEPTH - ok, ... so the best way to explain this is this, the More Memory depth you have the deeper your scope can zoom in, it's really that simple

a Low memory depth would be 28 Mpts (Mega Points) 52 Mpts is good


BEYOND THIS, YOU PLAY WITH YOUR SCOPE AND YOU FIGURE IT OUT

now back to the story of the 3 scopes


so.... the DS1052E was made by Rigol as an Entry level BUDGET SCOPE that was pretty well built and well priced
ok... that's great (do not buy this scope)

WHY ???
well. if you shop around , you'll find it for around $350 - $450
Remember
it has
2 channel Input
50 MHz Bandwidth
1GSa/s Sampling Rate
and a pretty small screen that no one ever liked

BUT, you can get the DS1054Z for around $400
the specs of the DS1054Z are

4 Channel input
50 MHz Bandwidth
1GSa/s Sampling Rate
12 Mpts Memory Depth (upgradeable to 24 Mpts )
and a bloody huge widescreen display
so why bother with the other one

I saw a guy on Gumtree 2 days ago... hehe
he's selling his DS1052E for $460
Clearly he wants to get rid of since it's around 6 years old and he wants to upgrade to a brand new DS1054Z

who can blame him

lastly , i own a DS2072A

2 Channel input
70 MHz
3GSa/s
56 Mpts Memory Depth
and the same size screen as the DS1054Z

at the time of buying it
it was a choice between the DS1052E for around $800
or fork out $1,100 for the better one
i went for the better option, and i see now (5 years later) if i had taken the other one, I'D REGRET IT

NOW... YOU CAN THANK ME FOR THIS LATER

You know how i said that the DS1052E with the small screen
has 50MHz Bandwidth
but you can pay Emona instruments or Rigol to upgrade to 100MHz ?

and you'll probably pay a few hundred dollars for it

WELL. YOU CAN DO IT FOR FREE. hehe

HERE'S THE TRICK
rigol have been sneaky about this
Rigol decided that in order to cut costs, they would create a DS1000E Series and ALL OF THE SERIES WOULD BE THE SAME SCOPE........ Exactly the same one

The only difference is.....
the bandwidth is limited by software
aparently when you pay , they insert a USB stick and it runs an Encryption key which then UNLOCKS YOUR SCOPE TO THE FULL 100MHz

so with the DS1000E
this was just a matter of going to You Tube and getting the key from someone because they were all the same
HOW STUPID.. huh
as if someone's not going to share it around

so they stuffed up with that

then on the DS2000A (my one) that came stock standard with 70MHz,
but UPGRADEABLE TO 300MHz

you bet your arse i did hehe

however, this time, it's not as simple as just a key, it's an encryption algorithm
i had HARDWARE VERSION 1.0
and this would only work on Version 1.0 or 2.0
the current version is 3.0

WHAT HAPPENED WAS THIS
a bunch of guys using Logic analyzers , Accessed the ROM chip internally and found that rigol were being sneaky again
and they didn't build a new scope for the 300 MHz model but instead limited the software

so, long story short, it was cracked and a software solution was released to everyone who had a scope

Rigol caught on and Released HARDWARE VERSION 3.0
which
a) Stops you from rolling back to version 2.0
b) does not allow the encryption program to run
hehe.. Smart arses

BUT, IF YOU GET THE DS1054Z
a) it's the cheapest bloody thing on the market right now
b) Everyone is going nuts over it, Mainly because it has 4 Inputs
c) YOU CAN UPGRADE IT AS FOLLOWS. FOR FREE, AND IT'S EASY TO DO

50 MHz bandwitdh up to 100 MHz after upgrade
12 Mpts Memory depth Unlock up to 24 Mpts Memory depth
The sampling rate stays the same

you can also unlock higher functions that i won't go into
it's really cool stuff

Bottom line
Spend like $400 - $500 on a kick arse scope that will outmatch any of the Pico, hantek, Vellerman and the rest of the Automotive ones
it's my understanding that the mechanics like to use the FLUKE 123 Scopemeter.
now.. Fluke is a kick arse brand.. no question

but , these handheld scopes and PC Powered scopes are built pretty poorly to be honest
and if they have Frequency Aquistion, i can assure you it's Software based calculations, it's not Hardware Aquisition (big Difference)

so.. yeah. Much cheaper scope and does more
what more do you need ?

Hope that helped you pick a scope and understand the basics of it
The following user(s) said Thank You: Rockyroad, 4X1000, chisel, TimC, David.Dorin, Dtech494, Masso

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