PicoScope 7 Software
Available on Windows, Mac and Linux
Hello Pico Technology
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theHeatingEngineer
- User
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2020 4:30 pm
Hello Pico Technology
I'm just starting with the 2204A. My aim is to use it for auto diagnostics and home electronics. I realise this limits me to back-probing when working on the car, but I don't mind trying that first. The car in question (a Honda Jazz 2005) is not that complicated.
And if that does not work then I will have to find a plan-B which probably does not include buying upwards of £600 worth of dedicated auto-diagnostics kit.
I've used oscilloscopes before, but that was a long time ago. They where the dedicated instrument, well before the time of PCs. So i am starting from scratch in reality.
An initial questions though: As I imagine that the signal frequency will be less than 10kHz, is there anything special about the spec for the leads that I need to know about. I'm planning to buy some BNC-to-4mm-test-lead leads from CPC Farnell. As far as I am concerned I just need to buy some bits of wire with the correct length and connectors. A seasoned oscilloscope user may be wincing at my lack of knowledge...
And if that does not work then I will have to find a plan-B which probably does not include buying upwards of £600 worth of dedicated auto-diagnostics kit.
I've used oscilloscopes before, but that was a long time ago. They where the dedicated instrument, well before the time of PCs. So i am starting from scratch in reality.
An initial questions though: As I imagine that the signal frequency will be less than 10kHz, is there anything special about the spec for the leads that I need to know about. I'm planning to buy some BNC-to-4mm-test-lead leads from CPC Farnell. As far as I am concerned I just need to buy some bits of wire with the correct length and connectors. A seasoned oscilloscope user may be wincing at my lack of knowledge...
Re: Hello Pico Technology
Hi theHeatingEngineer,
The 10kHz is not going to impact your'e signals displayed on your scope, however, if you're 'bits of wire' are not screened then you will have a fair amount of noise mixed in with your signal and, even with screened leads, if the scope is close to the car, you are likely to have more noise than you should as you won't be able to shield the scope by grounding it (see here: https://www.picoauto.com/support/topic21251.html?&p=95821&hilit=shielded+cables+or+test+leads#p95821). Also, you'll be limited in other ways, as you won't have a Scope designed for that environment, and automotive use (see here: https://www.picoauto.com/support/viewtopic.php?t=19501).
Incidentally, you will probably get more useful responses by posting to the automotive forum.
Regards,
Gerry
The 10kHz is not going to impact your'e signals displayed on your scope, however, if you're 'bits of wire' are not screened then you will have a fair amount of noise mixed in with your signal and, even with screened leads, if the scope is close to the car, you are likely to have more noise than you should as you won't be able to shield the scope by grounding it (see here: https://www.picoauto.com/support/topic21251.html?&p=95821&hilit=shielded+cables+or+test+leads#p95821). Also, you'll be limited in other ways, as you won't have a Scope designed for that environment, and automotive use (see here: https://www.picoauto.com/support/viewtopic.php?t=19501).
Incidentally, you will probably get more useful responses by posting to the automotive forum.
Regards,
Gerry
Gerry
Technical Specialist
Technical Specialist
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theHeatingEngineer
- User
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2020 4:30 pm
Re: Hello Pico Technology
I've just noticed your reply. Thanks. I will look at the urls you kindly suggested.