Oscilloscope specs for automotive use

[944fan]

I have been looking at Oscilloscopes on Fleabay. I want one to learn on so something simple would be nice. Thing is everyone has a different spec. What should I be looking for in terms of using one for automotive use? What frequency and sampling rates would I need etc?

Also can anyone recommend some good books for learning to use one?

I know PicoScope is supposed to be good for cars but the price is too much, just want a cheap second hand one.

Cheers

[stevieturbo]

I bought a Stingray a while back. But havent really used it much.

A nice handheld unit can be handy for testing various sensors, laptop is a bit bulky in some ways

http://www.eetimes.com/discussion/break-point/4025...

[944fan]

stevieturbo said:

I bought a Stingray a while back. But havent really used it much.

A nice handheld unit can be handy for testing various sensors, laptop is a bit bulky in some ways

http://www.eetimes.com/discussion/break-point/4025...

Cheers Stevieturbo. The stingray manufacturers website is currently down for maintainance but will have a look when it is back up. I assume I would be able to use this for monitoring Lambda Sensors, Injectors, and Ignition signals?

[blitzracing]

http://www.esr.co.uk/velleman/pcs10.htm

Much better than a scope for DC / and auto sensor data. Not good for high speed signals however. It will pick up intermittent faults much better than a scope, and you can monitor 4 channels at once. Runs of USB power on a laptop. Or something like this is fine for basic auto use although a bit bulky:

http://www.rapidonline.com/1/1/2910-10mhz-single-c...

Edited by blitzracing on Wednesday 15th December 13:37