Pico has quite a selection of 'Test and Measurement' products.

While it would be 'possible' to use a test and measurement scope for automotive, none of them are as well suited to the purpose as the 4425 (4 channel) and 4225 (two channel) scopes.

The test and measurement models will not operate with the PicoScope automotive software so you do lose some functionality there.

More importantly though is that the modern automotive scopes, starting with the 3423, had thermal fuse protection to prevent damaging ground loops.  Now the 4425 has floating inputs and that is even better.

Most of the test and measurement scopes would be instantly damaged by improper hookup.  The 4425 scopes are really tough.  We deliberately tried to destroy one here with all manner of stupid hookups and were unsuccessful.   

In addition, the 4425 now has a 200v input, connect detect, and other hardware features that are automotive specific.

And, of course, getting an Autonerdz custom automotive kit from us is a no brainer.  You get a LOT more value in hardware and also the continuing value year after year of our Picogroup resources subscription:

http://www.autonerdz.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1336513824

We introduced PicoScope to the automotive industry on this continent and remain the only PicoScope automotive specialists.

And, we have a Canadian partner to serve you:

http://www.mikejonesauto.com/

Kwrencher, what type of equipment do you work on?

Kwrencher, trust me on this, buy a 4 channel scope kit from the Nerdz crew and you won't be sorry.  Been a happy customer for 2 years now.

kwrencher wrote on Oct 8^th, 2015 at 7:02pm:


I'd bet 75% or more for me.

kwrencher wrote on Oct 8^th, 2015 at 7:02pm:


I would rarely use only two channels.

I would take Mick's advise most seriously.

Be generous to yourself in this purchase and you will not suffer buyers regret.

I might also add that if you become a member of the Autonerdz Pico Group you will be presented with a host of captures that use the full spectrum of the capacities of the Picoscope 4 channel.

You will want to use these examples in your own work.

DO NOT CUT YOURSELF SHORT !

If you one day use only two channels you will not regret your purchase, if you only have two and you need three or more, then you will have great regret.

Take Mick's advice.

busjockey wrote on Oct 9^th, 2015 at 10:48am:



Me too and wishing I had a couple more. 

Good day KWrencher!
Very rarely do I used 2 channels or less, it's usually 3 or all 4. Every so often the heritage vantage is involved also, watching a 5V ref or something easy like that.
The 4 channel is not any more "complicated" to operate than the 2 channel. If budget issues are involved get a 4 channel kit with Autonerdz support
(the 4425 "standard kit"). Over time you can add the other bits as funds allow.
On this site and others you will see people selling a 2 channel PICO to buy a 4 channel, to date I have never seen a person selling a 4 channel to buy a 2 channel!
The onboard data base my vantage had never got used even when it was current. If I'm trouble shooting I already have a wiring diagram up long before the scope comes out, so I already have that info. If I know that the problem revolves around a certain part, a MAP sensor for example, I don't need to know which pin is signal, I'm going to scope 'em all. One should be +5 or8 V ref, one should be ground, very close to 0V and clean - the last one will be signal! Bippity Boppity Boop! (and I still got a channel to spare, just in case).
Allow me to stress one last time - make sure you buy a kit with Autonerdz support! Even on iATN people post from time to time that the support after sale is as valuable as the scope itself - and the scope is no slouch!
You're in Manitoba (how 'bout them Bombers) so Mick would be the guy you talk to - he's a good guy - I bought my first look, WPS500, and can test box through him. VERY good service from both Mick and Tom over the years.
-Ward-