I have a 100MHz USB 2 channel 520 model scope made by Dataman. It has started playing up intermittently, so I am looking at a replacement. I could use a 4 channel model, 100MHz is ample. Ideally I would like isolated inputs. I do a lot of automotive diagnostics so a scope with the ability to store a lot of samples to look for glitches would be nice, I am also a radio amateur so will be using it for general testing, repair and RF work too. Budget is modest, but I don't want to buy junk, so if something outside my immediate funds is recommended I could be patient and accrue some more play money, hoping the Dataman keeps going meanwhile! Thanks. (USB is essential as I often want to view real time patterns over a network, remotely). I am in the UK.
Do you only want to view waveforms remotely or do you need the full control interface that you get from a USB scope?
Can you live with using SCPI to control a scope: capture, and then view?
What I do at the moment is use Windows Remote Desktop to view live data from the USB scope on the remote machine. I transmit digital modes and at night want to keep an eye on 4 channels live data. The portability and ruggedness of a USB scope are really necessary for automotive work, a normal LCD scree scope would be very vulnerable to damage and dirt in the car workshop (my day job). Thanks for the replies so far!
Picoscope is best in that class.. They even have dedicated automotive kits...
I own ADC212/100 that is 15 years old.. Still works no problem.. And they have good software.
And they are UK company, I would guess you would have good support.
Best regards
Sinisa
I do a lot of automotive diagnostics...
Use the right tool for the job. Picoscope specialises in USB automotive 'scopes/software.
https://www.picoauto.com/I know they're not entry-level cheap but if it's a paying job then it'll work out eventually.
I am in the UK.
They're British so you won't lose tech support after Brexit.
Ideally I would like isolated inputs.
The PicoScope 4425 has not isolated but floating inputs (the ground can float up to 30V) + USB 3.0 interface and 250 MS memory with 12 bit resolution and up to +/-200V without external divider.
Thats what I use on my job besides the now obsolete 4423 with common ground and less memory. (Locally or remote desktop).
At home I have a PicoScope 5444 (4 Channel 200 MHz 16 bit) but only USB 2.0
And like on most non automotive Scopes the input voltage is somewhat limited (+/-20V without external divider).
But that´s no issue for me since I usually work with maximum +/-15V at home.
Other interesting parts could be the 8-channel (common ground) 12 Bit 4824 (+/-50V 20MHz) (so also usable for many automotive tasks).
or the brand new full differential 4 channel.
with best regards
Andreas