Digital car circuit scanners have revolutionized automotive diagnostics, providing technicians with powerful tools to analyze complex electrical systems. This review compares two popular diagnostic tools: the ATS eScope and the PicoScope, focusing on their features, performance, and usability. We’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the right digital car circuit scanner for your needs.
ATS eScope: User-Friendly and Efficient for Mobile Diagnostics
The ATS eScope boasts a user-friendly interface with three scope modes: Dual Scope, Stacked Scope, and Measure and Deep Record. Dual Scope displays two different time bases in separate windows, while Stacked Scope dedicates a window to each individual trace. The Measure and Deep Record mode allows for capturing extended data and utilizing zoom functionality for detailed analysis. A convenient “Meter” mode displays channel voltages digitally and graphically.
Channel setup is straightforward, with two generic voltage scales: +/- 20V and +/- 500V. The eScope automatically scales to the highest voltage, eliminating manual adjustments. However, a notable drawback is the single voltage scale for all channels. Offsetting a channel skews it from the overall scale, potentially hindering precise measurements.
The eScope shines in its ease of use for recording and analyzing data. Simply start recording, and the device captures the necessary information. The zoom feature facilitates detailed inspection. However, the lack of individual channel scaling in Deep Record mode presents a limitation. Visualizing a high-voltage primary trace alongside a low-voltage sensor signal can be challenging due to the shared scale.
Unique features like “Mark Cam Shaft” and “Mark Cylinders” simplify engine diagnostics by automatically marking critical points and eliminating the need for manual calculations. The built-in frequency plotting and CKP Misfire Feature further streamline diagnostic processes. Additional features include a 5V output signal with adjustable duty cycle and a ground port with adjustable duty cycle.
PicoScope: Power and Precision for In-Depth Analysis
The PicoScope, while potentially more complex to operate, offers superior sampling power and waveform manipulation capabilities. Unlike the eScope’s common ground for all channels, the PicoScope provides individual ground referencing for each channel, allowing for greater flexibility in testing configurations.
The PicoScope excels in its individual channel scaling, enabling precise analysis of signals with varying voltage ranges. Its click-and-drag method for adjusting traces offers a more intuitive user experience compared to the eScope’s cursor-based adjustment. Furthermore, the PicoScope’s significantly higher sampling rate (400 Mega Samples per second/channel versus 1 Mega Sample per second/channel for the eScope) allows for capturing more detailed waveform data. This is evident when comparing simultaneous captures of high-speed events, where the eScope exhibits aliasing while the PicoScope maintains signal integrity.
The PicoScope also boasts advanced features like Math Channels and Reference waveforms, which are not available on the eScope. These features enable complex calculations and comparisons for in-depth analysis.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs
Both the ATS eScope and the PicoScope offer valuable features for automotive diagnostics. The eScope excels in user-friendliness and efficiency, making it ideal for mobile technicians who prioritize speed and ease of use. The PicoScope, on the other hand, provides superior sampling power and waveform manipulation capabilities, catering to professionals requiring in-depth analysis and precise measurements. Ultimately, the best digital car circuit scanner depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the features, performance, and usability of each tool to determine the optimal solution for your diagnostic workflow.
