Recommended handheld DSO for automotive work

[Synoptic]

Hi EEVBlog! I am looking to buy an inexpensive handheld oscilloscope mainly for working on low voltage in automobile or other low voltage/low frequency mini projects.

I read about the Nano, ut81b, used fluke 123 and used THS720.

I already own a bulky Leader 40Mhz 2ch Analog scope but I am not scope savvy.

Right now I need something to analyse the waveform of the ignitor output.

What should I be looking for features/capabilities?

Any recommendations?

Thank you!

[Deridex]

Well i only saw 2 handheld osciloscopes so far:
The already mentioned Fluke and the Keysight U1600 Series.

[rsjsouza]

Perhaps take a look at the UNI-T181A? One of the resident experts joeqsmith did a review.

[Lightages]

This might, MIGHT, be a good option. I have no experience with it:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/has-this-been-discussed-before-a-'decent'-portable-oscope-for-$70/msg1302870/#msg1302870

[Johnny10]

I had my first bit of learning on auto ECM.
Fuel Injectors Voltage and Current.
Cylinder compression, I built my own pressure transducers.
Fuel Pressure gauges.
1000:1 Spark probes
You need a good current probe. For battery, Fuel pump, Fuel injectors.
I bought the Snap-On.

Bought a Rigol 50 megahertz scope 1052 I think could set it under the hood without many problems.


It did everything that was needed. But was a bit inconvenient really not meant for under the hood environment.

After a while I purchased a Snap-On Verus Wireless at auction.

I want to pick up a Fluke 199C for the future use.
Believe they are more robust than most.

Something you want to be aware of.
Brightness of display is of utmost importance.

[joeqsmith]

I was going to say the Snap-on with it's scanner, scope, meter..... but then I saw inexpensive.   I guess it depends what that means.

OP, I found a couple of old Fluke 97s just for this.  They came with a VHS tape that Fluke allowed me to place on youtube free of charge.  This tape, even though it's old, does give some idea how to use a scope in automotive.  Maybe you would find something helpful in there.   

I do like the old Flukes.  Seem to be fairly rugged even after a long hard life in the garage. 

https://youtu.be/0KZfjxGCi84

[Johnny10]

I would recommend a USB scope like PICO but you would need a laptop to go with it.

And let me say, you don't want a lot of dangling wires floating over the engine compartment. Yikes.

I think I pulled together my first kit including probes for under 500.
After learning all the ins and outs I sold the Rigol for 20 less than I paid.
And bought the Verus.
Which was way over priced for the 3Mhz oscilloscope that was integral to the scanner software.

[Johnny10]

Looking for low cost? Fluke 123's are good but like I said, look for screen brightness.
Hard to see most any screen in the sunlight.

What good is it if you can't see the waveform?

Also make sure you can get the waveform out to a PC so that you can analyze later.
Use cursors to measure RPM times and high voltage. How long is Fuel injector open?

You are also going to want to keep a database of waveforms for future reference.