1. Calibrate the probes - if they allow it - before you measure any sort of high frequency waveform. If you don't do this then you may end up with weird peaks/troughs leading to a potential misdiagnosis. 2. If your probes are on 1x/10x/100x etc make sure your scope is set to match accordingly. 3. Make sure your oscilloscope can cope with the peak voltages potentially generated as mentioned in this video. Cheap pocket scopes will be damaged by voltage spikes. 4. Listen to this channel 😉👍🏻 5. Drink lots of tea.
Just discovered this channel after thinking about getting into oscilloscope to further my Diag skills ,great help and have ordered picoscope can’t wait to get started, thanks for your help !!!
Excellent info Darren, as I am looking at getting a Hantek 1008C or Pico 2004A, as a beginner the Hantek look like it's easier to use + you get some leads for less money here in Oz Thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers
Thanks my friend! Just picked up a Pico and starting my first scope diagnostic on a P0017 cam / crank correlation code on a RR Evoque this weekend. You gave me the confidence to really begin deep diving into true engine diagnostics.
@@htownblue11 how did this work out for you? I have the same issue on a RR and thinking it's electrical because the scan tool shows live timing at 180 degrees for a intake cam which research suggests is physically impossible. I'm wanting to test the cam sensor to see if it's that or the ECU. Did the Pico linked in his description meet your needs? BTW...what ended up being wrong with your Rover?
Big thanks for your info on entry level scopes! I’m just starting out at a tech and don’t have a kidney to finance. And your tutorials are really helpful!
If you got a scope and can figure out how to do your job with it you will quickly exceed the skill set of most older mechanics. These newer engines are so computerized you cannot guess electrical problems anymore.
Well, i have never had an encounter with an automotive scope before, but I'm having strong curiosity of diving in modern tools!.. i hope ur guidelines helps!
@@MechanicMindset thanks, been looking at pico two-channel. downloaded the software to get used to it. I will use your link when buying. Could you do a video or do you have one? on the process of testing. for example, step one use OBD, find code. Step 2 locate, motor, sensor etc, Step 3 test with scope or meter. Would be excellent to get your view on this. thanks. again for great content. the cam chain videos are amazing.
@@caspar1975able 👍 I don’t think I have anything with that process but I will add it to the list; diagnostic process with scope. Cheers for using the links, every little helps! And it’s a great little tool to get started.
@@MechanicMindset , I haven’t purchased one yet. Thought they were out of my price range until I found your videos and what you’ve been able to accomplish with the Pico 2204a 👍
Great stuff, it's so useful to see the practical applications - I'll be watching the other videos. I can see how handy this view would be on a modern car, I've struggled with cam and crank position sensor diagnostics before, but do you reckon it would also be worthwhile for diagnostics, logging and fine tuning on an older, less complicated car? I have a '77 Capri 2.8 (US market) that I'm messing with - period electronic ignition but not much else in the way of sensors. I guess the Pico should be able to do everything the old Crypton tuners could do?
For sure! My Grandad and his brothers had a mobile home tuning business back in the day. He used to haul a Sun scope round in the back. You can get all the inductive pick ups for ignition on the Pico etc too. Glad you enjoyed the video. I have a good one on a timing chain if you’re interested in Cam/Crank - we can see the slack with the scope!👍
@@MechanicMindset Great stuff. That must have been quite a sight, and you're keeping it in the family! I dunno if you've heard of a chap called Pete C but he's a Mk3 Cortina nut on YT who has three or four rescued Crypton machines. Fascinating stuff and got me thinking, but I reckon I'll stick to the laptop scopes 😆 I've been going through your other videos and now I can't figure out how I've done without one of these things! Ordered some kit through your links. You might want to update them btw, some are going to outdated pages. Subscribed and looking forward to more stuff.. if you're looking for ideas, the things that come to mind after watching a few vids are whether you can risk damaging the equipment by overdriving it (presumably they're fused but still..) and also whether it would be smart to take a set of baselines/benchmarks on a well-running car so that you have something to compare with when things go wrong. And if so - what to measure. Cheers!
@@p_jones Sounds interesting, I’ll check it out! Re. the links, they often go out of stock and all the items are very popular. Thanks for the heads up, I will get round to update them, cheers for using them! For sure, you can damage the scope by exceeding the maximum input; see my video on attenuators. And yes, it’s a great idea to get some known good waveforms; especially on your Capri as most might not be able to share comparable waveforms. Scope what ever you can! 😂👍
Hi Darren I'm relatively new to your channel. Your content is just awesome! I'm starting a two-month automotive electronics program where they teach component level ECM repair. After I'm done, I'll buy your online training. Having watched some of your videos, I'm inspired to go for a scope the first time in my life. I'm wondering if Pico 2204a will be enough for my needs. Will appreciate your say
Great to have you on the channel! That sounds great, I’ve never properly gotten in to ECU repairs; great skill to have in this day and age! The 2204a will be fine. The only significant limitations is the 12bit resolution. Just means is can’t draw curved lines very well. However, CAN bus and PWM, it’s fine. There are ways around it. Best thing is that anything you learn transfers to any other Pico if you upgrade 👍
I’m also looking into a 2204 and it seems like the accessories are just as important. If you got the right tool to measure what you’re looking at it doesn’t really matter that the scope is “low end”. The Pico pressure transducer is an absolute must have and custom adapters for any bottle cap and hose you commonly test so you have time to spend elsewhere.
Hey Robert, yeah for sure; I did a review video on the cc-650, and an rel compression video. Just released a injector test video with the cc-65. Great to have you on the channel! 👍
Many years ago, when digital scopes costs both arms and legs, I purchased a BK Precision 60Mhz delayed time base CRT scope. Attending many crypton courses courtesy of the road transport training board (early 1970s) give one an insight into diagnostics and flowed through into digital scopes. It would be interesting to see what you would think of a comparison between the two types would reveal, discounting storage and freeze mods. Just a though for something different.
@@colinreid7305 I’ve not had a go myself; my dad and grandad used them for their mobile tuning business. I know a guy that tried one in CAN Bus and it didn’t work very well 😅
I see in all your videos that the number of samples captured is set to 8 KS. Is there a time when you would set that differently? I did not see that explained yet in your videos, but I have not seen them all yet. Working on that. Great videos by the way!
Hi! I don’t adjust this very often. This is the sample rate. If you want a higher resolution image, increase the sample rate. Particularly when taking a waveform measurement over longer periods of time (200ms time and longer). I means you can zoom in and have a better image. I plan on doing a video on this soon! There is a bit more to explain on this subject. 👍
can you please make a video about flex ray is it possible to bypass the gat way in order to communicate with 2 module (PCM and hybrid control module) thank you
I have watched and look on RU-vid, trying to really understand and interpret from the signal I get on scope, how to know Which cylinder is number 1 and which 1 is 2 and etc. all the video online talks and explain things to us like we re a pro already. I would be grateful if someone can take his time and educate us the amateur, how to really interpret this signals, on a video with physical demonstration, that will be very good. now let say a physical sensor plate or reluctor plate and a camshaft reluctor, now in the video, let say the person will show us, that this crank shaft reluctor or flex plate has this number of tooth’s, now when you watch from the video, you will see the wavefrom in this shapes , when you count from here to here, you will get this total of teeth, that when you bring it to reality you will get the number tooth on the reluctor. Now we will get that side , the next explanation should also be that, to determine cylinder, abc must be observe, counting from here or there, with example in the video. Now the same explanation should also go with cam signal, we need physical explanation and demonstration, some of us re not pro, we re beginners with handheld scopes and we want to really understand something. I have not seen no video that has explain things to detail, if someone know of any please share link. Thanks
Hope you well I need help how can I know if my pico 2204a is connected because my pico stays on demo mote I'm hands up I check all you videos no were you talk about it pls help
Hi Darren, I need a pc based scope that will display secondary ignition and other fuel injector problems etc.for diagnostics. Will the Pico 2204A do the job? Will the Owon VDS 1022i work as well. Thanks, and your videos are very informative!
The Pico 2204a will do the job. You might need to adjust vertical resolution to smooth it out a bit; it doesn’t like making curved lines (8bit). The Owon looks the same spec except for the higher input voltage. For me, the Pico software steals the show 👍
Hello Darren I really appreciate your tutorials. I am into buying an oscilloscope for use with playing around with HIFi and sound, but having the ability to do automotive faultfinding og four cylinder diesel ( VW)and petrol (SAAB)cars, and on 3 cylinder MC´s (BMW K 75) as vel on a onecylinder oldie ( Suzuki). Does MOS oscilloscope give any advantage over a plain 4 channel scope ? My current plan is to get the Pico 2405 A or 2406B pico 2405 a or 2406 B.
Hi, I would say the 2405A is a good choice but if you want a higher frequency capability, go for the 2406A. To be honest I’ve not used them much for audio analysis. There is the spectrum analyser feature which will be helpful. Glad you’re enjoying the channel! 👍
I really enjoy your videos and I am seriously considering buying a cheap Pico Oscilloscope. However, I have a question: Is it not a recurring problem that the channels have a common Ground? slàinte Mick ( Seniorsergent)
Hey Mick, I suppose it’s only a problem if you connect one channel to ground and another to 12V. The old PicoScope Automotive 4423 actually had common grounds across all 4 channels! If you want to get in to scoping, a cheap Pico is a great place to start 👍
Hey friend! I'm a oscilloscope beginner and wondering if it's possible to measure a magnetic AC sensor and a Hall DC sensor at the same time on a common ground oscilloscope?
Everyone seems to harp on about the 4425 pico as being the only one to have,i was under the impression that all the other picos weren't so much car orientated,but this 2204 seems fine,are all the presets in the Pico software still there with cheaper picos,for O2,s,abs sensors etc??
Hi, this scope is a great tool, but it does have it's limits. If I had my own workshop, I would have the 4425 for sure. This is good for 80-90% of tests. All the pre-sets come with the automotive software, however if you learn to use the scope, you will not need them. Thanks!
Sorry if a stupid question. I to want to get into scoping. I generally work on trucks 24v,is the scope you recommend suitable? Would I need to use one of them er thingys 🙈for 24v & higher . Stumbled upon your channel. So glad I did cheers
I get a few commercial guys asking the same thing; you’re not alone! Yeah, you would need an attenuator. You’d probably be better just getting 2 of them for this scope and leave theM on there. Ive got a video on attenuators and just did one for kit I recommend to get started 👍
Hello. What about automotive oscilloscope probes? They have no slot for adjustment. That means they cannot be compensated? They come with 2 alligator clip ends or banana plugs but no slot anywhere. When I clamp any leads it does show a square wave but overcompensated and it cannot be calibrated or compensated. Another question, can voltage be changed between dc or ac?
Compensation isn’t required For the Automotive probes. I Use normal DC mode for AC waveforms. It has AC coupling but all it does is remove the DC element of the signal
Hi I’d like your advice please if I may. I currently have my own garage an do most mechanical jobs as required, but I really want to develop my diagnostic skills an learn all about scopes. Can you suggest any courses either classroom or RU-vid videos that I can use to build up my knowledge? Assume no electrical knowledge to begin with. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Hey Raj! Come and check out my website. We have an oscilloscope training package online, with live lessons, phone app, payment plans and lifetime access 👍 www.mechanicmindset.com
Hi Darren! I'm considering the purchase of an automotive scope as I work professionally on bikes and, ellectronics-wise, they're becoming increasingly complex. As the Pico 4425 seems a premium price tag unit for me, I'm seriously considering the Ditex CarScope Plus as a suitable (but lower cost) alternative. I've watched your video about it and it's pretty convincing. Do you advise it a a solid tool? Thank you!
@@MechanicMindset Thank you very much for your answer Darren! I'm using a Polit Pro. It's a somehow limited device but quite handy. I'll go for this 4 channel scope!
Ok so haynes workshop does not have can bus for cars. Instead you click on can bus and it shows you the ecm sensors. So where do you get lists per vehicle of their can bus.
Haynes Pro has CAN diagrams but it only shows the CAN bus pins for that module. You would have to piece it together. Trying to get the factory diagrams is your best bet unfortunately. I am having a play with AllData which has them. It can be difficult!
@@MechanicMindset i have ALLDATA myself. Their wiring diagrams are horrendous mostly. AUTO DATA their different and much worse in my views. If we were in USA we could relish in scan tools designed for our cars and data from mitchell1 which is flawless. Sadly we are not.
@@jamesbarratt593 Ah ok, depends on manufacturer for AllData, they are the original diagrams. This is the biggest problem for aftermarket technicians 😩
From avid subscriber. I have a Mini DSO with four channels. Two for analog and two for digital. How do I know which I need to use for which signal I'm testing? Some are obvious, some not so. Is it just a matter of knowing what's an on/off signal (digital) and what's a modulating signal (analog).
V Childers Hi, I have not come across this before. My understanding was that all the PC based DSO were digital (i.e. Pico). I would have thought that as long as the sample rate on the digital side was ok, you could use that for all automotive signals (analogue or digital). So I use the Pico for automotive analogue signals like AC speed sensors or variable voltage sensors like temp and pressure. Have you have any issues with using the digital input for everything? Otherwise it is a case of knowing what you are measuring before you test; quite difficult! Hope that helps
@@MechanicMindset This is not a PC based scope, but a self contained mini unit - DSO213 for less than $200. I have not used it yet as I'm waiting for less heat and humidity here in Southern U.S.
Hi, I’ve got a 6022be (also got a video on it). Personally I recommend the Pico 2204A for beginners, but I hear plenty of people like 1008 as a start, but soon out grow it. Specs aren’t great and I don’t think it handles 8 channels very well. The analysis tools on the Pico software can’t be matched!
@@MechanicMindset ok thanks I will have a look was only opting for that model for affordability as it come with the leads required. I used the pico 4425 I think it was a couple of times and was relatively easy to use I thought but that was when I was working in a garage. I have gone mobile now and have found times when a scope would have come in handy. Thanks Paul
Awesome list to get you started! Check out mechanicmindset.com too. I am working on the training and it will launch soon! You can check out some reviews on Google and TrustPilot 👍
I know this sounds stupid but how do I connect the scope up to the car. I dont really understand the first part about checking the battery. I have the basic probes that come have the attenuation 1x to 10x. Is that little crocodile clip that hangs off the side my earth? Im worried about frying the picoscope. In my mind its like putting a spanner across both terminals. I might just try it with the probe disconnected from the picoscope to see if it arcs first.
Ok never mind I found another one of your videos that explains it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5PZmsjxcWSk.html (I wasnt sure if the crocodile clip was meant to be a earth or another way to probe. Your video explained that the black wire is indeed the earth. Appreciate your videos as they are simple to follow for someone new to picoscope like me.)
Hi Mick Clarke , I made this video with a combination of the 2204A & Pico6, and the Pico Automotive demo. As far as I’m aware, you can’t use 2204A with Automotive. What features is it that you want to use from the Automotive version? I find most are in Pico 6 anyway. Thanks for watching 👍
@@MechanicMindset I was just wondering.....I seen the automotive software on one of your videos so I thought you were using that software. I was just curious. Great channel!
@@MickClarkeSouthAfrica How to get PiscoScope 2204A to work with Pico Automotive software!! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BvMH-SLl--0.html
@@MechanicMindset No not as yet iv just set up on my own having spent 23 year in a main dealer, the work isn't there yet for a big outlay on diagrams when I need other things first but I'm limited on my fault finding with no diagrams or scope. Thanks
@@chubbychequer1512 Yeah it’s tough. I find a lot of common stuff online, just searching ‘******* wiring diagram’ , but it’s not what you want to rely on.
Hey, Darren. You didn't mention anything about the sample rate. I am trying to get a Maf sensor signal and am unable to get a signal. Any sample rate in mind?
Hi, if you are using a PicoScope, you should be able to get a MAF signal with the default settings. Do you know what type of output signal to expect for the MAF you are testing?
@@MechanicMindset The output signal is almost like the pressure sensor you demonstrate in the video.(not a square wave). I have a 2000 series pico scope. What is the default settings, please?
@@bbmd2200 Ok then sample rate won’t be an issue. Put the time setting to around 500ms/div. Voltage should increase as you rev the car. At idle it will be a flat line around 1 volt maybe. If unsure, check with your voltmeter. Just done a video for sample rate so should be put soon. 👍
@@MechanicMindset Thank you, Darren. I have just tried your suggestion and it works. Hopefully, I will be able to use the same instruction or the 1ms/div with the default settings to check my Crank Sensor since my car has been starting intermittently (cranks multiple times before starting with no RPM until vehicle starts)
@@bbmd2200 Great! Glad to help. You can measure most things without adjusting and sample rate. Time base is the one that catches most people out. Good luck with the diagnostics 👍
We’ve got lots of videos on here for testing CAN Bus, plus a whole course in mechanicmindset.com. The time Setting really depends on the fault your testing
You need to take a closer look at your website design before you post links with information that it won't actually provide. My great granny could have designed fuller content.
Hi Chris, thanks for the feedback. Sorry, just me trying to get things going at the minute, it’s quite a task along side a full time job and family etc 😅. Do you mean the link to the training?
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