Decent Multimeter / Handheld Scope?

[CornishPete]

Also I presume it has a limit to what it can power? Bulbs etc would be fine but what about a wiper or starter motor?

 

[earthman]

I think they are a bit Marmite, people either love them or share @premmington 's views on them. Anyone here using or has in the past used a PowerProbe ?

I've been looking at buying one for a few months now, good point about the 5V aspect, maybe best not to use one on a modern vehicle??

 

[anto44]

I have a powerprobe in my diagnostic kit. It's a handy piece of kit to have along with a multimeter but it wouldn't be a replacement for one. I use my multimeter most of the time. They do have the potential to do damage to sensitive electronics if not used correctly but as long as you know what you're doing and don't apply power to the wrong circuit it's ok. The output power can be set to any voltage up to battery voltage so it can be used as a 5v supply which is really handy working on cars. I can't remember off the top of my head what the maximum current it can supply is but it's around 50amps so plenty for operating wiper motors etc.

 

[WorkshopChris]

I think they are a bit Marmite, people either love them or share @premmington 's views on them. Anyone here using or has in the past used a PowerProbe ?

They are good for sorting trailer lighting problems, but i wouldn't have the confidence to use on a modern vehicle.

 

[JohnH]

These look too good to be any good?!

Think I might head down the Pico route, As I want a scope that works.

I use a similar DSO201 hand held scope and it is very good for on the move diagnostics and recording. I use it for ABS systems and also crank position, Map etc. It works very well. I also use a PICO ADC-212, but not so much now. Its basic flaw is that its a stationary workshop tool, that needs a workstation to lug a PC or laptop about, then you have all the cables etc. The PC interface is excellent and after 10 minutes quite intuitive. Follow premmingtons advice and get an old handheld Vellmann. I dont think its got backlighting however (I might be wrong).

 

[CornishPete]

The pictures showing the wires look v small for 50a?

 

[Ashley Burton]

I use a similar DSO201 hand held scope and it is very good for on the move diagnostics and recording. I use it for ABS systems and also crank position, Map etc. It works very well

Have you got a link to the one you use? Sounds promising

 

[zx9]

Have you got a link to the one you use? Sounds promising

Found a video for you, not a very good video mind.

 

[Ashley Burton]

Found a video for you, not a very good video mind.

Have you got any experience with these Handheld Scopes? Always a little reserved with some of these chinese offerings

 

[zx9]

Have you got any experience with these Handheld Scopes? Always a little reserved with some of these chinese offerings

No sorry, I have not used one. As I am starting to need the readers to use my iPhone so I don't think a small hand held scope would be much use to me.

 

[Ashley Burton]

No sorry, I have not used one. As I am starting to need the readers to use my iPhone so I don't think a small hand held scope would be much use to me.

Would be nice if they did one with a bigger screen, But once again probably out of my budget considering how often I would actually use it. Going to keep my eyes open for a good secondhand unit.

 

[gaz1]

you can use a screen magnifier to make it a bigger screen from normal

 

[armalites]

I have one of these, very useful for automotive work. Not only reads voltage,resistance but can also measure pulses. It can also provide +/- voltage so you can power things up.

Snap On EECT900

 

[Robotstar5]

I think they are a bit Marmite, people either love them or share @premmington 's views on them. Anyone here using or has in the past used a PowerProbe ?

I bought a Powerprobe a few years ago, doesn't get a lot of use, but very handy when testing automotive components instead of odd bits of wire connected to a battery.

 

[brewdexta]

My advice would be to get one that suits your needs rather than paying for functions that you'll never use!

I couldn't agree more, you won't catch me buying an all singing and dancing tool and only use 10% of the functionality Here's my multimeter doing it's job

55.4c, medium rare, yum.

 

[wookie]

Found a video for you, not a very good video mind.

You're not kidding it's not a great video, to be honest both of those looked a bit clunky to use to me. I'd be interested in the opinions of people who have actually used them in the real world rather than just people doing video reviews.

I can see how one could be handy for the work I do sometimes.

 

[Ashley Burton]

Would like a permanent backlight display

Tackled this problem today by removing the switch from the circuit board & now if by magic its permanent illuminated!

Still want to upgrade mind you

 

[Jcrease]

If you are interested in the Autel Al539B for automotive work have a look here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTq2syPYXSCGsMUF5I5SV1Q

 

[Ashley Burton]

If you are interested in the Autel Al539B for automotive work have a look here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTq2syPYXSCGsMUF5I5SV1Q

It doesn't look a bad bit of equipment for its price bracket. But the refresh rate on the scope is a little slow for my liking. Having used, Bosch, Pico & Snap On previously I don't think I would be willing to accept a lower standard of equipment.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Is this going to be used in your daily job or occasional hobby work?

Only once in my life have I lugged my scope down to the garage, every other time a cheap £20 multimeter did the job.