I'm looking for an intro to oscilloscopes article for automotive students
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for a good article to assign as homework prior to a class where I'll be introducing and using an oscilloscope during the class. Ideally something that explains the voltage/time graph, setting timebase and amplitude, basic triggering, and uses for oscilloscopes in automotive diagnosis.
All three of my jobs are in full swing and I don't have time to write something myself right now. (Yeah, I know. I'm lazy, but not everyone has Scott Brown's seemingly inexhaustible energy). Besides, different people explain the same things in different ways and someone else might be more effective for some students than me. Obviously, the author and publisher would need to be OK with me giving the article to around 20 automotive students. I'll include all original advertisements etc.
Thanks for reading.
Hi Paul, how fitting would you find this article? diag.net/msg/m5105ctt0l…
That's a great article, but the class is for 1st year students, and I think they'll struggle with the introduction of (what I suspect are) new concepts. I don't really know though since I won't meet them until tomorrow. I should have a better idea after the entry assessment test. Thanks for taking the time to post it though!
Pico auto site has their forums and you can pick from case studies or general discussion that Ben and Steve have with forum users from NVH, Pressure Transducers, Engine drivability and hydraulic equip etc.
Hey Erik, Thanks for the suggestion! There is a lot of great stuff there, including a Scanner Danner video on oscilloscope basics that is very good.
vehicleservicepros.com/service-repair…
Thanks, if i can help in anyway, just let me know
Parallax Oscilloscopes it is a great kit to Start
Hope I don't get in trouble for copywrite, but here is an old Motor article from 2000 that we use as an introduction. Maybe it will work.
The article is right on the Motor website, available to everyone: motor.com/magazine-summa…
Hi Paul. If you're already making excuses for time, that will be your biggest challenge in the instructional field! Like the rest of us whom take it seriously, development of instructional content will consume much of your time and you will find energy that you never thought possible! However, It is far more satisfying to build it yourself, including only the desired information to match the…
Paul, I agree with Martin. I believe it would be better if you write it yourself. Plus it should be easier to teach from material you know thoroughly. Good luck!! Randy
I agree with you 100%. I was just looking for an article for a homework assignment. Normally I assign homework that covers some of the information that will be presented in next week's class. I've already created a lecture and lab for the oscilloscope/network class. I just haven't ever written any articles about using oscilloscopes to assign as homework. When I started teaching, I didn't even…
Paul, I see where you want to go, and I agree. I like the article Brandon provided. It also demonstrates that we are not just trying to solve electrical Issues. It should provide some great discussion. Randy
Hi Martin, As I mentioned to Randall, all of my classroom content is my own, so I certainly agree with you. If I had ever written an intro to oscilloscopes article, I'd use it. Maybe I'll find some of that energy “I never thought possible” and get it done before the class :) Actually, I have some experience with finding extra energy. I started my first semester with only 8 out of 15 classes…
I hear you Paul. From the handout, you could probably use that as a guide to build a basic lesson plan. You will find that energy, but the ConsuLab content is at the correct level to get started. Build a ppt with maybe 10-12 slides, identifying the terminology and layout of a generic DSO display 8x10 or 10x10 as desired, add graticules, cursors, trigger point and slope etc . Ground plane, some…
I agree. I did my 80 hours for smog there with Doug a long time ago and did the 16-hour update with Jon a couple months ago (a scope/network class actually). I wasn't really looking for training though. Just an article to assign as homework.
Paul; Good morning Sir, i hope all is well. My name is Jon … and I'm the owner of TecHelp in Concord CA. (Chester: Thank you for the nice introduction). I have several books written that I'm sure will fit your need. If you're interested please feel free to reach out to me at j…@tec-help.com Thank you,
How about a power point presentation that outlines the basics of scope training?
It looks like a good class. I think it needs a little talking to go along with it though. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I think both Brandon's article and the Consulab handout would both be good for the class. I may use Bernie Thompsons article for the advanced class when the students are closer to completing the program. Also, I just checked out the Pico Auto site Erik mentioned. The Scanner Danner video is very good. You can really tell he has taught that class a lot…
Paul, I am following this thread with great interest as I am a beginner. Just starting in. Have done some relative compression testing and am currently try to figure out how to scope some old Mack VMAC III E7 injectors to see if I am getting signal/pulse from ECM. They look very similiar to the tops of the origional HEUI injectors used in the DIT Powerstrokes aka Nav T444E. Jave a Picoscope.
Rex, You could consider writing a new question. You may be able to find someone who has done it. It would be interesting. Randy
ATG does offer a hands on scope class. Great for new users
They never seem to have anything in eastern Ohio or far western Pennsylvania. Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburg don't seem to exist. The downside of living in flyover country!
Hello Rex, You're good with electrical and electronics, so I think this manual from ATG would be well worth it: atgtraining.com/product-catego… ATG just did a webinar based on the manual last week. But they'll repeat it I think. For the scope patterns and explanations on high-voltage HEUI injectors, the ATG Ford, and GM manuals have good information, with scope…
Hi Paul, I wrote this article advocating that we begin our electrical courses with an oscilloscope on day one. Get them used to the measurement of voltage over time. calautoteachers.com/PDF/newsltrs/C….pdf HTH Regards,
I really love and teach with the information from tec-help.com