Magneto powered moped and oscilloscope

[billbyrd1945]

I have a modern digital oscilloscope that I bought in hopes of learning how to use. I never got around to that, so speak to me as a third-grade child. I would like to know if I can do some experiments using the scope and my 1957, single-cylinder, 2-stroke moped without blowing my scope. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The magneto has 3 coils (ignition, headlight, tailight).

[Manul]

Not gonna lie, a view of a modern scope hooked to a retro bike would make my eyebrows rise. Not in a bad way, of course.

I don't know much about old bikes and what kind of voltages are involved. Can't tell if it is safe to directly probe stuff. My gut is saying that it's not. But I can suggest one guaranteed safe way of having some fun. You can short the probe by hooking ground clip to the tip making a small loop. If you put this loop near components of a running engine, you should be able to see ignition and maybe other interesting signals / noise. You can also wind a small coil if you need more sensitivity. Or buy a specialized "H-Probe". Such magnetic probes are very useful and allow to observe signals in non-contact way.

[billbyrd1945]

That sounds interesting. I'll do it.

[AndyBeez]

Google for : automotive high-voltage ignition probe 

The probe should keep transients and ESD away from the scope - In theory 

[billbyrd1945]

That looks interesting too. I'm assuming it steps everything down?

[G-son]

How high voltage can the scope handle on the inputs? Often is written next to them.

[billbyrd1945]

I'll see if I can find out.