gasmonkey
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At an Oscilloscope near you.
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Post by gasmonkey on Dec 30, 2012 23:56:31 GMT 1
Ok guys, i admit it, i'm being nosey, but i'm interested in what your using for your diagnostic work? Don't wanna bore you with a long story, suffice to say i'm currently in the process of building, or re-building one of my tool kits and i need some new diagnostic gear. So far i've got a couple of multi-meters, Sealey TA203, Snap-On EEDM504D, a code reader, Autel MS509, though i'm looking to add the new AL439 or AL539 (maybe) So i've still got plenty of room to expand: power probe/amp clamp/oscilloscope/backprobes/leads etc. What are you using? what works? what doesn't? i'm after ideas before i part with beer vouchers ;D Thanks
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Post by trickydicky on Dec 31, 2012 0:33:44 GMT 1
This is what I currently use the most not including my scanners.
UEi DL49 AC/DC current clamp.
Load-Pro test leads/AVO DVOM
PP3 (I could live without it but its nice to have if you know its limitations)
2 fuse buddies in both fuse sizes from Maplin (to make current measurements at fuse boards easy)
Tektronix 2 channel digital scope meter (sold by MAC 20 years ago)
Snap On fuel pressure test set (used off e-bay)
Accupuncture back probe pins (pico)/Pomona wire tap (It punctures the insulation but sometimes its the only way to do that particular job and I reseal with superglue)
60a current clamp to plug in a DVOM
loads of home made test leads/breakout adaptors (made with plugs I chopped off knackered wiring looms and damaged multimeter leads)
raytek infra red/laser point thermometer
Midtronics battery/charging system tester
Home made insulated probe which is about 35" long for getting at starter and alternator terminals to perform Volt Drop tests and jump power to T50 to start engines
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gasmonkey
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Post by gasmonkey on Dec 31, 2012 1:32:56 GMT 1
Brilliant! thanks for that Tricky! hopefully the other regulars will chip in as well.
Need to get tooled up before the mrs buys a house and get me mortgaged up!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2012 8:42:55 GMT 1
I'd add a Snapon Solus Pro/Ultra to the shopping list, most Japs are on software 12.2 onwards, a scanner/serial data is the primary tool and necessary foundation of diagnostics, codes are so usefully specific. Snapon is a solid package with trouble-shooter software included. I'd put a Snapon scanner top of list. Some of the options are worse than useless. Scopes have been been superbly marketed but premium priced examples should appear someway down a diagnostic shopping list IMO. Some of the viral publicity generated by self appointed experts is pure nonsense. Having said that, a scope is great to have on occasion and economic alternatives do exist: www.autoditex.com/ Hi Rich, whats the stock number for the fuse buddys, I've been looking round for a while, didn't see them in Maplins.
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rebel
New Member
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Post by rebel on Dec 31, 2012 12:04:08 GMT 1
"Tektronix 2 channel digital scope meter (sold by MAC 20 years ago)"
That'll be the ET2020, I still use mine regularly. It's a little slow but still an excellent piece of kit after all these years.
Also use Solus Pro and a whole variety of lesser code readers / scanners.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2013 0:42:50 GMT 1
Hello Rich, just had another look at Maplins for the fuse buddies........I can't find them on the website.......I'll go have a search on Farnell and Rapid.
Come to think of it, I'm not even sure if thats what they're called, maybe I should be searching for somthing technical like 'automotive inductive amperage interface facilitator' LOL.
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Post by trickydicky on Jan 1, 2013 1:19:40 GMT 1
I dont think are are really called "Fuse Buddies", I just picked it up somewhere, I will have a look for you. On the subject of scopes, my personal opinion is that a cheaper handheld is a better option than a dedicated automotive system, they are not that hard to figure out and you can buy all the automotive bits dirt cheap. "The trick" is knowing what the fault is and proving/catching it with the scope. Its knowing which circuit to test at which point and knowing what a good/bad capture looks like. The fuse adaptors are like this you can plug em straight in an ammeter or joint the wires together and use a clamp www.ebay.co.uk/itm/900mm-CAR-FUSE-ADAPTOR-TEST-LEAD-SET-UP-48V-20A-NEW-/190638656985
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2013 14:29:53 GMT 1
Great stuff I'll have a pair of them this week, slightly more professional than jamming a bit of wire across the fuse board.
I did actually make a fused test lead terminated with spades and fitted with a trigger. I'll have to post a photo of it, nothing flash, just made use of some old bits that were lying about. Can be occasionally handy for powering relays directly under the bonnet.
Theres some really good scope studies on the web, I'm trying to learn, but some seem more like viral PR than unbiased advice. Suggests the job can't be done without immediately spending buckets of cash on expensive sets and using it on every little job, how ever impractical and unnecessary.............I'm not suggesting that they do it in exchange for a few quid discount............
EDIT: meant to say they are called 'fuse buddies' on the USA ASE? website but they cost a fortune with postage added, thats why I was looking in UK.
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remmington
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Owns Spark Eroder
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Post by remmington on Jan 1, 2013 21:37:29 GMT 1
My attitude to serial data has changed allot over the last few years. I use it more and more! Where at one time I used get a scope out to prove a sensor or circuit, I don't now, it's just too time consuming.
Really in reality the scope only comes out when things are going wrong!
I got slated on the old forum for my opinion on power probes, now I have to admit I own one and use it daily (yes it has limitations).
Understanding how circuits work is worth more than all the new shiny gear in the world.
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Post by trickydicky on Jan 1, 2013 22:09:12 GMT 1
My attitude to serial data has changed allot over the last few years. I use it more and more! Where at one time I used get a scope out to prove a sensor or circuit, I don't now, it's just too time consuming. Really in reality the scope only comes out when things are going wrong! I got slated on the old forum for my opinion on power probes, now I have to admit I own one and use it daily (yes it has limitations). Understanding how circuits work is worth more than all the new shiny gear in the world. Which Power Probe did you go for??
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remmington
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Post by remmington on Jan 1, 2013 22:12:45 GMT 1
I bought a Power probe III
I have always had a cheap Bergan blue low spec power probe for powering door locks, electric windows and bulbs.
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gasmonkey
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Post by gasmonkey on Jan 1, 2013 22:43:13 GMT 1
My attitude to serial data has changed allot over the last few years. I use it more and more! Where at one time I used get a scope out to prove a sensor or circuit, I don't now, it's just too time consuming. Really in reality the scope only comes out when things are going wrong! I got slated on the old forum for my opinion on power probes, now I have to admit I own one and use it daily (yes it has limitations). Understanding how circuits work is worth more than all the new shiny gear in the world. I do agree. I've avoided auto-electrical work for years but i'm catching up now. I've just been reading you're website, some usefull info there. What's changed your opinion on serial data? and (sorry if it's a dumb question) is it serial data that provides the graphing function on some devices?
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remmington
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Posts: 4,972
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Post by remmington on Jan 1, 2013 22:57:35 GMT 1
Yes you are right! "graphing functions"
Vast improvement.
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gasmonkey
Tea Maker
At an Oscilloscope near you.
Posts: 444
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Post by gasmonkey on Jan 1, 2013 23:06:02 GMT 1
Yes you are right! "graphing functions" Vast improvement. Thanks remmington. Any tips or opinions on amp clamps? I gather from your website: 600 ADC min (makes sense considering starter motor current inrush) and preferably of the type that connects to a multi meter (mV setting) or scope due to the benefit of being able to carry out relative compression testing. I just struggling to find any, can only seem to find the integral clamp/meter type.
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Post by trickydicky on Jan 1, 2013 23:13:35 GMT 1
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