hi.
Is it possible to damage an auto motive pico scope by measuring ignition circuits without the attenuator? Or will the scope just not read that high a voltage? and what volatge do you need to start using an attenuator, would it be required on a direct injection petrol injector for example at 70 volts?
thanks.

Blue_Heisenberg wrote on May 25^th, 2014 at 8:59am:

Is it possible to damage an auto motive pico scope by measuring ignition circuits without the attenuator

I would not knowingly run Picoscope on any ignition(primary) circuit without a attenuator.
Secondary NO direct connection eva!!


Blue_Heisenberg wrote on May 25^th, 2014 at 8:59am:

what voltage do you need to start using an attenuator,

would depend on the hardware your using.
4000 series are 100v
3000 series are 20v ( I think)


Blue_Heisenberg wrote on May 25^th, 2014 at 8:59am:

would it be required on a direct injection petrol injector for example at 70 volts?thanks.

I would be a good Idea when not sure to use a attenuator. The automotive menu you should get you the info your looking for starting out with.

[smiley=huh2.gif] Be safe attenuate.  Anytime you are on an injector or an ignition coil you should use an attenuator. Pico has a 100volt limit but I Have found it to be very forgiving. I may have just been dodging bullets. It's a wonder I haven't killed it yet. Between  dropping , pulling, and cross connecting its one tough scope.

The 3000 series automotive scopes had a 50V input you could scale for.  The were not too forgiving about unattenuated 400v Primary kicks.

Pico beefed up the 4000 scopes and they can scale to 100v with a 200v overload.  These are not nearly as likely to be damaged by an unattenuated primary kick.  But no reason to press you luck.  If you are working with an unknown potential voltage spike, use an attenuator.  You can always just take it off.   ;)

The 4000 scopes are indeed tough.  Most of the ones we have had in for repair had physical damage from tripping over the leads and ripping out the BNC, dropping them and breaking the USB socket...things like that.

Both the 3000 and 4000 series automotive scopes have thermal fuse protection against potentially damaging ground loop connections.

thanks guys!