Picoscope Basics Part 2 (time base, sample rate, waveform buffer)

This is part 2 of 2 on lab scope basics where I cover the relationships between time base, sample rate, and the waveform buffer.
00:00 - intro
00:21 - waveform buffer
01:45 - high sample rate = reduced record time
04:54 - downside of too high a sample rate
08:43 - time base effect on sample intervals
12:22 - live example (ignition coil primary)
15:47 - scope aliasing (not enough samples)
18:18 - long time bases require an increased sample rate
19:59 - how to increase buffer size (frames)
20:27 - setting a scope for detail and repetition
21:25 - time base vs sample rate
23:42 - ignition primary captures on a long time base
26:38 - vertical and horizontal zoom
28:25 - Hummer Part 6 video • 2008 Hummer H3 Misfire...
#picoscope
#labscope
#oscilloscope
Here is Part 1 of this series
• Picoscope Basics Part ...
Picoscope Automotive kit www.aeswave.com/scannerdanner...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.

[@ghost37666]

Best explanation of the scope subject and the pico ever. Literally EVER.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@ghost37666]

@@ScannerDanner No thank you sir ❤

[@ElectronicWorkshop]

Great tutorial on sampling rate on scopes even after all these years using scopes, we need a reminder of the basics

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Thanks Paul for this info. There is so much to the Pico to learn, but it's an awesome scope!

[@melissawilliams7409]

Just got my PICO and I knew you would help me out with learning it! Thanks so much for your time and awesome videos!!!

[@mattrom52]

Hey Paul, thanks for this video. Really cleared up on how to use my Pico especially with the zoom features for vertical and horizontal. Matt

[@shopyard87]

Tks. I needed that. I got my Pico, and ready to use it. Plus I'm ready for part 3.

[@steveguest8028]

Excellent as usual Paul....Many thanks

[@mike-yp1uk]

nice work. i bought a chaep 4 channel scope and you get what you pay for.yours has much more functions and this is a watch more than once video to get it for me. i like the pop up windows that show connection details that is great. your attention to details make these videos so great. thanks

[@michaelgalvin1024]

A big Thankyou Paul, Ive started using the Pico with the smart board, a fantastic educational tool. Youre teaching is invaluable, talk about training the trainer. Thanks heaps regards, Mike Galvin

[@jonsingleton203]

great vid I use my pico every day at work often take captures at 1 sec per div with a repeat trigger so I can mess with the ignition or whatever then come back too the scope and have what I wanted on the first buffer . 1ms does a decent job but under those situations I don't need the long buffer think ill crank up the sample rate . Thanks for the refresher paul good stuff

[@derrownetter4937]

Awesome teaching. Thank you a lot for this video. Looking forward to find more :)

[@Mohammadalhashash]

What a great video man. You just made my life easier! Thanks alot

[@drivewasher]

Ive watched this video again and again in-between using my picoscope every time something else clicks into place. Brilliant, thanks Paul

[@ScannerDanner]

+Steve Ashcroft thanks Steve!

[@arcadiogalindez6407]

thank you for that info ..cause i just bought a pico and it would of taken years to fiqure it out or just to be able to use it....you rock for us guys that are starting out in this field.. you really teach alot hope that 2022 and 2023 brings you into greater things that you hope for ...

[@davidkierzkowski]

Excellent illustration of the fundamental basics of digital signal processing. PS the white board is pretty slick!

[@nickayivor8432]

SUBSTANTIAL Sir ScannerDanner From the start to finish tutorial outstanding 👌 👏 👍 ❤️ it. Thank you very much helpful video. Take care and have a great day Sir ScannerDanner From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@sandyande]

Thanks Paul for sampling info, your audio now sounds great at the smart board as your voice is isolated from the engine noise. Sandy

[@Derabjee]

Hey Paul, I work at a Toyota dealership and we also use the Picoscope. Now honestly the way you explain things and show them step by step are more learnful then my technical trainings at the training center. Thank you for that. Is there a part 3 for the picoscope to come? I would really like that of course. The rest of your videos have helped me a lot. Your students are lucky guys!

[@naushadali95]

thanks to teach us such a nice way

[@paultugwellelectricaltrain2648]

Excellent presentation

[@jorgebonet237]

Good one, all sow if you put the coarser on the time base on the bottomed numbers you can zoom as well by dragging with out loosing the frame out of your site

[@juanar.v3423]

Great course thanks for you colaboration in technical training. congratulations

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@jeremyshanks6937]

I have seen and read a lot of info online concerning sample rates and time base on scopes, and this is the best, easiest to understand explanation yet. I have been using the scope module on my Modis for years, and have moved up to an actual PC based scope. I have struggled with finding a good basic time base and sample rate to start with. The modis is more of a preset scope, with much easier adjustments. Much quicker to learn. Stand alone scopes are a little tougher to learn how to dial in on the waveform sampled. This is an excellent explanation with down to earth, common terminology. Great job Danner. Great video.

[@ScannerDanner]

+Jeremy Shanks thanks Jeremy

[@motochiptuning]

nice man,waiting for next part 3, greets From Lithuania your biggest fan!;D

[@jesushernandezbrito3342]

this is great video, thank you.

[@prmayner]

Everyone says just play with it and you'll learn it. I say learn by playing or learn by being taught which is faster? Learned more in 72 minutes than i have in a year and a half of playing with it. Thanks Danner.

[@ScannerDannerPremium]

awesome comment, so glad to hear you found this information useful. Thanks so much

[@nickayivor8432]

Very KNOWLEDGEABLE Sir ScannerDanner From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@nigelclark7360]

Very good video well explained

[@DavyDiag]

This is a awesome video

[@robinsonsauto]

Great demonstration Paul, I Always learn something new watching your vids. i'm looking into making the investment into a Pico

[@JerodMatlock]

awesome teacher

[@ScannerDanner]

+Jerod Matlock thanks Jerod

[@MaicSalazarDiagnostics]

Great videos Paul. It would be nice for the third part if you show us how to use a reference wave form or let's say someone else waveform (known good or bad)! I know you have other videos where you show that. Maybe a link here would help us! Thx a lot! You are a great teacher!!

[@ScannerDanner]

I need to to that. Thanks Maic!

[@silketjes1]

Very helpfull. thx alot

[@arctican7483]

GOLD!

[@nyams70]

Brilliant

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

Ok thank you

[@PRESTONERR]

Overall nice job Paul. Since this was mostly about sampling, which I found informative, it would have been really nice to see what happens with a slow transitioning signal, such as an HO2S, when you increase and decrease the sample rate. The contrast between messing with sample rate on a fast signal vs. a slow one may have helped some to better grasp the idea, although I would say you did a great job explaining it all even without it. Nice work.

[@ScannerDannerPremium]

That was a good suggestion. Wish i would have done that. Thanks Preston

[@weldean46]

i have seen a lot of tech info on youtube and you are the best at teaching this stuff, thanks for your channel

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks John!

[@weldean46]

I just picked up a vantage pro ultra and pumped to get the most out

[@ScannerDannerPremium]

Well you're in luck John. I just finished filming the vantage pro training series in my class. It will be a few months however before I have it up on my premium channel. The Verus series I have uploaded will help you with the scope features. It is a little different but overall function is the same

[@weldean46]

yes I have been checking out all of your videos and thanks again

[@dmorley100]

Was startin to wonder if you were ever gonna put Part 2 up, lol.

[@Z14kt12timandjes1]

Thank you for this valuable training. Just purchased my 1st picoscope and not sure what all leads I need to purchase for automotive use. Got a recommended list of accessories I should get?

[@alexmessina7652]

Hey paul, thanks as always. Great to review this stuff again. One thing I'm not clear on: scope specs will state a MS/sec, but your talk about samples per screen (or waveform: same thing I think)... So am I right is saying the scope spec is the max number of samples possible over a 1 sec time base (whether that's one screen or several is irrelevant to the max) and the scope indicator on the screen is the number of samples set at that time for ONE screen?

[@henkmoesker1313]

Absolutely shows you the difference in a Pico, high quality automotive scope with the correct software to detail what you want to see and... the cheaper Chinese ones (Hantek for example) which do a descent job on low timebase, but for longer ones (repetition), are really not an option. Also the software leaves so much to be desired on adjustment levels that is basically is only really usefull for the non-pro's even though it still is a major step to have one of these instead of nothing ofcourse. Pico really understands what automotive diagnostics is about (detail and repetition)

[@pedrolriveranegron5178]

+Henk Moesker do you have a "HANTEK" ?? What model??? It is the Hantek DSO3064 Kit VII 4CH 60MHz ?

[@henkmoesker1313]

Yes sir. I have a 3064 4 channel hantek kit VII. Used a lot of times and it helped me a lot in certain situations. However, to do in detail diagnostics, it left some to be desired. No zooming like Pico, no easy software and a lot of time I was spending too much time adjusting settings to get even a half descent view of things (it DOES have good max / min values options, etc.).

[@pedrolriveranegron5178]

+Henk Moesker Thanks for the advice!

[@alexmessina7652]

Totally agree. I now use my Hantek for basic, ok on most sensors, but when it comes to ignition and CAN, I go Hantek first to get a quick look and then swap to Pico for the final analysis ... For the price though, Hantek is great value and I use the Hantek accessories on the Pico too without problems;-)

[@idada459]

GREAT

[@prnd21zinman37]

I like to use the peak detect on the starting point of looking at the spark event along with a longer time base. After that I'll go to Hi Res for the spark line.

[@ramont8391]

That sounds complex but indeed something worth learning.

[@alexmessina7652]

Hey paul, I've watched a few times over the year and haven't commented, but I can't let it pass: I got more from this than days on the Pico forum, helpful and friendly as those folk are. I've got a baby 2ch pico - a fantastic learning platform & stepping stone to the 4000 series (not there yet). I bet I will hear you laugh when I say this, my "picette" has a 16kS buffer. Yes that limits repitition a lot. What is frustrating is that it is capable of 200M/s real time. Im trying to work out how to squeeze as much sample rate from it. I'm still experimenting but: 1. Turn off buffer and just have a live screen and time base where you might actually notice a glitch or use fancy triggers to freeze glitches (but I don't think it's possible to turn off the buffer?) 2. If I limit screens to minimum number or just one, it should squeeze more samples in one screen? 3. Just lower time base of course. (but no rep) Any thoughts? Couple of things you could do if you wanted to expand this great series. First, send invoice to Pico!! Second, explain how/why Bandwidth has an effect and is important Third, explain, even show, the value of a 8 bit vs 12 bit vertical resolution, plus the effects of using the scope's built in artificial bit enhancement ... mine is 8 bit but I can enhance to 12 and lose some detail if I dont have enough sample rate to begin with. Just thoughts As always, many thanks alex

[@ScannerDanner]

1. You are correct, you cannot turn off the buffer 2. You cannot limit the screens either 3. I do not know on your model if you can change the sample rate or not The rest of your questions about bandwidth and vertical resolution are not my strong points. May I suggest you post these questions to my forum? It is free to join and I have a super helpful community of friendly people on there. I hope you will and thank you so much for you kind words. www.scannerdanner.com/forum.html

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

As you know I just got the pico :) Did you make a part 3 yet? When will it be ready? I know you show some of the advanced features of this scope in other videos but it would be great if everything was in 1 video.. Great job Paul this video really helped me out on sampling and time base

[@ScannerDanner]

+JOHN HUFNAGEL I haven't done a part 3. Anything you want in particular?

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

give me a little time with my pico and I will make you a list :)

[@ScannerDanner]

haha okay

[@zvonimirbobic1093]

that sampling...kinda reminds me of those super fast cameras that can capture say a watermelon exploding or a bullet coming out of the barrel...then stretching it in slow motion to ba able to see it

[@nicholaselias8542]

So sampling rate affects the resolution or detail of the line.whereas time base stretches or shrinks it

[@SubseaMarine]

What scope are you using? Is it the 4423?

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

@ Paul thanks for sharing, I have a question Do you know if I can use the snap on accessories with pico scope for example the pressure transducer, amp probe or do I need some adapters?? thanks

[@ScannerDanner]

Yes you can, although I am not sure about the transducers. The adapter is specific on those and they do not tell you the unit to voltage conversion on the transducer.

[@juergenscholl2843]

ScannerDanner You could measure with a snap on tool to get the "translated" values, then repeat the same measurement with pico or any scope to get a voltage reading and then just do your math to find the voltage to unit correlation.

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

juergen scholl thank you.

[@jordankahele14]

That's okay, when we cannot figure out why were upside down, and by having a hard time distinguishing that guess what, we have more learning to do in the future lol.

[@tubeblack49]

which model number picoscope are you using dan?

[@SteveRobReviews]

Awesome !! Question- the Pico is just like the Vantage in finding new options by just pressing buttons - does the Pico have alerts you can program into the scope so the buffer would show an out of range voltage measurement and save time looking at all the buffered frames ?

[@ScannerDanner]

Knowing what the Pico can do, I wouldn't be surprised that something like that could be done. Maybe some type of advanced triggering. Maybe some more advanced Pico users could give some insight here. Or you could go to the pico auto forum and post that question. I know you will get an answer there.

[@trainer2018]

Steve you could also ask Tom Roberts from Autonerdz.com, they are the main Pico Scope Distrubutor in the U.S. and are very kowledgable, Tom could answer your question, I bought my Pico from Autonerdz and I have learned a lot since I bought the scope last September. Just go to autonerdz.com and look at the general public forums, you will see what I mean. Support and Training is top notch.

[@trainer2018]

Plus I'm in agreement with Paul, their are features in the Pico that I am just starting to learn too. In my opinion I think the Pico Scope is the best Automotive Scope you can get. The next scope that is in second would be the Snap On Modis. Only thing I dont like about the Modis is if you want to see a bigger picture of the waveform, you have to zoom in first and then back out while you are recording the capture, other than that it is a very capable scope. Another thing to look at to help you see the differences in the Snap Modis and the Pico is go to the autonerdz you tube channel and watch the wrangler from hell video, Tom goes in depth to explain the differences with the pico scope and other scopes.

[@trainer2018]

Nice job Paul explaining the time bases and sample intervals.

[@SteveRobReviews]

We'll I did find out the answer -sort of - it seems you can place triggers to make alerts for out of range voltage readings. Seems this option is available while data logging. Not sure if it can be done in a non-logging mode. Now how it's done is something I will have to figure out on my own . Watching the snap on vantage series by Paul looks easy to operate when he's displaying it but for me on my own is another story . I find the same with Pico , I have so much more to learn.

[@alexbvrly47]

Hi, We have the Automotive Test Solutions (ATS) EScope Limited 4 channel scope. Would you be able to do the same type of basics video for that setup? Or could you refer a source that has already has it? Thanks for the videos!

[@DJDevon3]

I think the cheapest pico is about $200 for a single channel scope. Still too rich for the budget conscious DIY'er. Awesome lesson for techs!

[@nickayivor8432]

KNOWLEDGEABLE Sir ScannerDanner Please Sir ScannerDanner When Part 3 this year or next year??? 🙏thank you Sir ScannerDanner From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@ScannerDanner]

I've been asked to do these again with pico 7. Someday my friend

[@michaelgalvin1024]

Hi Paul I just received your latest Utube upload 22 minutes ago, but it is only Pico basics 2 ????? Regards Mike

[@billrimmer5596]

Good afternoon. Does the Vantage pro need attenuators when looking at coils and injectors like the Pico does?

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

no

[@billrimmer5596]

JOHN HUFNAGEL Thank u!!

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

Bill Rimmer No problem the verus, vantage and other snap on scopes can handle I think up to 400vdc spike but dont take my word to the bank, I am positive that it can handle more than the pico without a attenuator

[@gearwrench877]

this should be premium content, just saying.

[@jimskinger9613]

what is a good starter skill scope to buy for a first time user

[@ScannerDanner]

Do yourself a favor and get the automotive 4 channel picoscope kit. If this is out of your price range, check on eBay and get yourself a used Snap-on Vantage Pro. Then save your money for the 4 channel pico.

[@eriksheridan2923]

Is this the same for all scopes like snap on

[@ScannerDanner]

is what the same?

[@umarmalik8885]

Gud job but lights problem

[@andrewpropes3646]

Link doesn't take you the tool, but rather to the home page.

[@vitaminb4869]

I don't understand why the buffer size is limited when you are connected to a PC? Why can't the sampled data be stored on the PC side so that way we can get virtually unlimited buffer size? That 16 million samples buffer is like a drop in the ocean for a modern PC.

[@cuongmai4811]

i like video. i'm a technician.i want to lean picoscope but i don't speak E

[@quangnhatnguyen1172]

bạn ở đâu, bao nhiêu tuổi, đã làm việc cho hãng nào chưa.

[@cuongmai4811]

@@quangnhatnguyen1172 mình ở hà nội. đang làm cho một hãng xe nhập khẩu. mình 28t

[@quangnhatnguyen1172]

Bạn có dịch được ko? :)

[@cuongmai4811]

@@quangnhatnguyen1172 ko nhiều. bạn chắc giỏi tiếng a

[@quangnhatnguyen1172]

Cũng ko giỏi nhưng đại loại cũng hiểu họ nói gì 😊. Mình đang học hỏi bác Danner ni đây.

[@lewisfair]

Who needs a scope these days when the ecu is smart enough to tell you when a signal is bad. I only get the vehicle after some mechanic has already replaced the sensor in question, then its a case of wiring or ecu. Unless it's digital signal testing like communication protocol like lin or can.