The majority of the channel (trace) settings and controls are located in the Control Panel. Each setting is represented by an icon, or a value. Icons are used to make adjustments, and the displayed values represent an individual characteristic. Depending on the test, applicable settings are displayed. The following image shows different views of the control panels to identify the different controls.
1. | Show/Hide (Channel display on/off)—turns channel on/off |
2. | Trace (Zero Baseline position adjustment)—adjusts zero baseline position |
3. | Probe (Probe type “test” selection)—changes test probe function |
4. | Peak Detect—maximizes sampling rate |
5. | Filter—removes signal noise or interference |
6. | Invert —switches signal polarity |
7. | Coupling AC—blocks the DC portion of signal |
8. | Scale (Vertical scale adjustment)—adjusts vertical scale |
9. | Trigger—turns triggering on/off, and sets direction of trigger slope |
10. | Refresh—clears Min, Max and Live values and resets to zero |
11. | Min, Live and Max Display Panel —displays lowest, highest and current trace measurements set since the test was activated |
12. | Sweep (Horizontal or Time scale adjustment)—adjusts horizontal scale |
13. | Trigger Position Icon—opens trigger position control panel |
14. | Threshold —turns auto threshold on, to provide a more accurate measurement on select tests where noise is present (GMM only) |
15. | Cursors—used to measure time, amplitude and frequency |
16. | Cursor Measurements Panel —displays signal amplitude at cursor and cursor position in time |
17. | Expand/Collapse Icon - Toggles display of the control panel (Trace Detail) |
The Show/Hide icons allow you to turn the channels on and off.
To turn a channel on and off, select the applicable channel’s Show/Hide icon.
Show/Hide Icons |
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On (Channel displayed) |
Off (Channel not displayed) |
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The Trace icon identifies the channel number and is used to open the zero baseline adjustment controls.
To adjust the vertical position of the zero baseline (0 value) of a trace (for either channel), select the Trace icon or to open the zero baseline adjustment controls. Select the up/down arrows to make adjustments or press the up/down directional buttons. Tap the main body screen section or press the N/X button, to exit.
The zero baseline can also be repositioned by touching and dragging the baseline marker up/down on the screen.
Trace Icon |
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When peak detect is off, the scope samples at a high rate but saves just enough sample points to the data buffer memory to plot a waveform across the screen. No preference is given to any point during the selection process.
— Turning peak detect “off” is suitable for basic measurements, and viewing waveforms (e.g. oxygen (O2) or Cam sensor) when capturing fast events is not necessary.
— The longer the time sweep, the greater the chance a glitch could be missed because it occurred in between the sample points saved to the data buffer memory. To increase the chance of capturing a glitch with peak detect “off”, a shorter time sweep should be selected.
— Turning peak detect “off” avoids the need for an external filter to decrease the display of unwanted noise, which can make diagnosis more difficult.
Example: With a time sweep of 10 seconds on a screen 100 points wide, the effective sample rate would be 10 times a second. Decreasing the time sweep to 1 second, increases the effective sample rate to 100 times a second. At this time setting, a fast occurring event is more likely to be captured due to the increased rate. This is the standard mode of operation for many scopes.
Peak Detect On
When peak detect is “on”, all sample points are evaluated. The points stored to the data buffer memory are intelligently selected to capture fast events that might be missed at slower effective sample rates. Peak Detect captures fast events, spikes and glitches for signals going in both positive and negative directions.
— Turn peak detect "on" when capturing fast events (e.g. ignition firing voltage, glitches, and intermittent events).
— Turning peak detect “on” may capture unwanted noise, therefore, using peak detect may not be suitable for some tests (e.g. oxygen (O2) sensor), as the waveform may be more difficult to evaluate due to the additional noise that may be displayed.
— Peak Detect decreases the possibility of waveform aliasing.
To turn peak detect on and off, select the Peak Detect icon.
Peak Detect Icons |
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On (Sampling maximized) |
Off (Sampling not maximized) |
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Using the filter feature can minimize or smooth out signal spikes and fast variations, depending on which function is its used with.
Filter - Lab Scope
Using the filter with the lab scope, suppresses fast spikes and unwanted noise.
Using the filter is useful when working with scales of 5 volts and below, as the lower the voltage scale, the more likely noise can occur.
Example:Using the filter is helpful when testing components such as, an O2 sensor (1or 2 volt scale), or when performing a throttle position (TP) sensor sweep test (5 volt scale).
In addition, the filter is also helpful for low amp probe tests, as a low voltage scale is used to measure the output of the probe (due to the conversion factors of the probe).
Example:For a probe with a conversion factor of 100 mV/A connected to a 2 amp load, the scope uses a 200 mV scale to measure the output of the probe. The scope converts the measured output to 2 amps for display on the screen.
Filter - GMM
Using the filter with the GMM, the filter minimizes noise by ignoring or smoothing out fast signal spikes. Note: Using both Peak Detect and Filter provide a good balance between noise suppression and capturing spikes (glitches).
● | For a direct measurement test, such as volts, amps, or pressure, the filter minimizes the display of very fast spikes by averaging the sampled data when filter is active. |
● | For a calculated measurement test, such as frequency, pulse width, dwell, or duty cycle, extremely fast spikes (20 µS and faster) from sources like the ignition system are ignored when filter is active. Note: Peak is always on when displaying calculated measurements such as frequency |
To turn the filter on and off, select the Filter icon.
Filter Icons |
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On (Interference is suppressed) |
Off (Interference is not suppressed) |
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The Invert feature is used to switch signal polarity, so the trace appears upside down (inverted) on the screen. This is typically used when measuring amperage using the low amp probe, or high-voltage signals like, secondary ignition.
Example: A signal that normally rises from 0 to +5 volts, if inverted would show falling from 0 to –5 volts.
To turn inversion on/off, select the Invert icon.
Invert Icons |
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On (Polarity is inverted) |
Off (Polarity is not inverted) |
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Coupling AC subtracts the average value of a signal so that small variations can be displayed in the waveform. This is accomplished by blocking the direct current (DC) portions of a signal in order to amplify (show) the alternating current (AC) portions of the signal, without driving the trace off of the screen.
Using coupling AC can be helpful when testing and diagnosing alternator ripple or fuel pump amperage, by allowing you to see any abnormal small variations or events.
To turn coupling AC on and off, select the Coupling AC icon.
Coupling AC Icons |
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On (DC signal portion blocked) |
Off (DC signal portion not blocked) |
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The Trigger feature is only available in the lab scope function.
A trigger can be used to stabilize a changing or erratic signal (a signal that may flicker or drift as it refreshes), so that it is easier to view or diagnose. This stabilization effect is accomplished by basically displaying the same part of the trace repeatedly from the same starting point, thus the flicker or drift is minimized which makes the trace appear more consistent or static.
A trigger is basically a “specific point” on the display, at which a trace will start to display (start the sweep) if it crosses that point.
The trigger feature allows you to set the conditions of that “specific point” also called a “trigger point”. When the trigger conditions are set, and a trace “meets” those conditions (crosses the trigger point), the trace will start.
Trigger Conditions
● | Vertical scale position (amplitude) |
● | Sweep position - the horizontal scale position, or position in time |
● | Slope direction - the direction the trace must be moving (up/rising or positive) or (down/falling or negative) when crossing the trigger point. |
Triggers can be set on any channel, however only one trigger can be activated (used) at a time.
If a trigger is set outside the range of the scales, a yellow marker (e.g. arrow with plus symbol) will be displayed indicating the trigger is out of range and a confirmation screen will display.
When a trigger is set on a channel, and more than one channel is active (displayed), trigger conditions must be met for that channel in order to display all the other channels.
Turning Triggers on/off
A trigger is activated by selecting the trigger icon from the control panel, which then automatically initiates trigger slope setup.
1. | Select the desired channel’s Trigger icon. |
Each tap of the icon sets the trigger to a different slope setting, or turns the trigger off.
2. | Select the desired slope setting, to turn the trigger on. |
Trigger Icon |
Description |
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Rising (up or positive) - Trigger is turned on to start the trace on the rising edge (as signal begins to rise) |
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Falling(down or negative) - Trigger is turned on to start the trace on the falling edge (as signal begins to fall) |
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Off - Trigger is turned off. |
3. | Proceed to “To set trigger position” next to complete the trigger set up. |
Setting Trigger Position
Trigger position (also called trigger level) can be adjusted in two ways:
– | Dragging the trigger marker on the touch screen - rough adjustment |
– | Using the trigger position control panel - fine adjustment |
1. | Trigger Marker |
2. | Trigger Position Control Panel |
The trigger marker is indicated by a plus symbol (+) on the display . The trigger marker represents the trigger point and is displayed on the screen when the trigger is turned on.
To roughly position the trigger marker, select and drag it into position using the touch screen.
1. | Trigger Marker (out of range symbol) |
2. | Waiting for Trigger Message |
3. | Trigger Position Control Icon |
4. | To more accurately position the trigger marker, select the Trigger Position Control icon . |
The trigger position control panel opens.
5. | Use the directional controls provided, or the thumbpad directional controls to move the trigger marker into position. Sweep and vertical scale values are provided in the trigger position control panel, which gives you the precise position of the trigger marker. |
6. | Press the N/X button, to exit. |
Trigger Auto/Manual Mode (Optional Setting)
The Auto and Manual Trigger modes allow you to set the criteria used to display signals on the screen. To change the trigger mode, the trigger must be set on one of the channels.
In both Auto and Manual Trigger mode the screen is updated when the signal crosses the trigger point in the selected direction (rising or falling), however:
● | Auto Trigger—(default mode) |
– | when Auto Trigger is on, even if the signal does not cross the trigger point, the screen automatically updates after a short period (approximately 1/2 second) allowing you to see the waveform. When this occurs, the message "Waiting for the trigger" is displayed on the screen. The trigger point can then be set to optimize viewing. |
● | Manual Trigger |
– | when Manual Trigger is on, if the signal does not cross the trigger point the screen will not update. This allows you to capture intermittent events, as the screen only updates when the signal meets your trigger selection. |
To use Manual Trigger, it may be easier to initially set the trigger point using Auto Trigger, as the screen will update regardless if the signal crosses the trigger point. Once the trigger point is set, then switch to Manual Trigger mode.
Selecting Trigger Auto/Manual Mode
1. | From the Control Panel (on the test meter screen), turn the trigger on for the desired channel. |
2. | Select the Settings icon from the toolbar. |
Home Screen: Settings> Configure Scope / Meter > Trigger Mode
3. | Select either Auto Trigger or Manual Trigger. |
4. | Select Back or press the N/X button to navigate back to the test meter screen. |
The Threshold function is only available in the Graphing Meter function for specific tests. This function may also be referred to as Auto Threshold Select (ATS).
The Threshold function can be used, to display and obtain a more accurate measurement when measuring signals (e.g. Frequency, Duty Cycle, MC Dwell and Pulse Width) that may be difficult to display or have noise or other undesirable variations in the signal. When selected, the Threshold function automatically sets a trigger and determines a threshold level in the middle of the signal range (calculated from the Min and Max measurements) to be used as a reference point to calculate the measurement. The falling edge (slope) of the signal is used in determining the threshold level.
To activate the Threshold function, select the Threshold icon, then select Continue from the confirmation screen . Once selected, the Threshold function remains active until the test is exited.
If after enabling the Threshold function, if the signal is still not displayed, reduce the vertical scale setting. Sometimes a low frequency signal may not display if the vertical scale is set too high. If the signal still seems incorrect use the lab scope to verify the signal integrity and signal spacing. Slow or unequal spacing will display as a band or ragged signal, depending on the sweep setting.
Selecting the Refresh icon clears the digital values (minimum, maximum and live measurements) displayed and restarts from zero.
Use the Refresh feature to:
● | Track the variation in a component or circuit under a certain condition. If the condition changes, Refresh lets you start tracking again to see the change. |
● | Verify that a connection problem you found by looking for a dropout or spike in min/max values has been fixed. |
The Min, Live and Max display panel is displays each channels active signal minimum and maximum recorded measurements and live measurement.
Note: When Cursors are turned on, the cursor measurements panel (values) replace the Min, Live and Max display panel.
● | Min - lowest measurement recorded for the signal since the test was activated, or from the last time Refresh was selected |
● | Max - highest measurement recorded for the signal since the test was activated, or from the last time Refresh was selected |
● | Live - represents the “live” running average measurement of the signal being measured |
1. | Refresh Icon |
2. | Min, Live, Max Display Panel |
The Cursors feature is only available in the lab scope and Graphing Meter functions.
Two vertical cursors are provided that allow you to make precise signal measurements, when determining signal characteristics such as, amplitude at specific points, and cycle time (duration) or frequency.
Using cursors can also be helpful when performing certain diagnostic tests, such as:
● | O2 sensor rich/lean switch time |
● | fuel injector pulse width frequency |
● | secondary ignition spark duration |
● | crankshaft position sensor frequency |
Measurements can quickly be taken between the two cursors, when measuring a single cycle or across multiple cycles by positioning the cursors at the start and end of the cycle or multiple cycles.
The cursor measurements panel is displayed when using the cursors, providing you digital values of the cursor measurements.
To turn the cursors on/off:
1. | To turn the Cursors on (display), select the Cursor icon from the toolbar. |
Two cursors are displayed on the test screen, and the Refresh, Min, Live, Max display panel is switched off and replaced by the cursor measurements panel.
To turn the Cursors off, select the Cursor icon again from the toolbar.
1. | Cursors Icon |
2. | Cursor (no. 1) |
3. | Cursor Marker (no. 2) |
4. | Cursor Measurement Panel - amplitude and delta display |
5. | Cursor Measurement Panel - time and delta display |
To position the cursors:
The cursors can be positioned anywhere within the range of the sweep scale.
1. | Turn the Cursors on. |
2. | Using the touch screen, select either cursor marker (base) and drag it to the desired position. |
Cursor Measurements Panel
When the cursors are turned on, the Refresh, Min, Live, Max display panel is switched off and replaced by the Cursor Measurements Panel.
The cursor measurements panel displays the following signal and cursor measurements:
● | Signal amplitude at two points |
● | Signal amplitude difference (delta) between two points |
● | Cursor position in time at two points |
● | Difference (delta) in time between the cursors |
● | Frequency - frequency of the signal for the time period between cursor 1 and 2 |
The cursor measurements panel contains values for each channel in two displays.
The amplitude and delta display is provided in the channel specific color and includes:
– | Cursor 1 - signal amplitude at cursor 1 position |
– | Cursor 2 - signal amplitude at cursor 2 position |
– | Delta - signal amplitude difference between cursor 1 and 2 |
The time and delta display is gray in color and includes:
– | Cursor 1 - cursor position in time at cursor 1 |
– | Cursor 2 - cursor position in time at cursor 2 |
– | Delta - difference in time between cursor 1 and 2 |
– | Frequency - the frequency value (Hz) of the signal for the time period between cursor 1 and 2 |
Frequency is the number of times a signal repeats itself per second and is measured in hertz (Hz).
The frequency value displayed, is the inverse of the Delta value, and can also be calculated as 1 divided by Delta. The frequency value (Hz) shown is automatically calculated by the scope.
Example 1: Delta = 20.46ms, to get frequency divide 1 by .02046 (1/.02046 = 48.87Hz)
Example 2: Delta = 2.53ms, to get frequency divide 1 by .00253 (1/.00253 = 395.27Hz)
Use applicable decimal point placement during division as the Delta value changes.