Without using a scope, can I watch sensor output?

[b*saint]

Is there a way to read the output frequencies of pulse sourcing sensors?

[whodwho]

You can use a PC sound card based Oscilloscope like winscope

[b*saint]

Yea I know I have that. WITHOUT using a traditional style scope. I mean is there a handheld device I can use to monitor this on the CANbus?

[jlevie]

I think the only way of seeing data from pulse train sensors is with an oscilloscope.

[DÌEGØ]

You can use a dvom but its hard to actually see things with it because everything goes hy so fast

[whodwho]

Yea I know I have that. WITHOUT using a traditional style scope...

Sorry, didn't know if it was a cost based objection to using an Oscilloscope and if you knew there was that option...so why are you against using one?

[DaveSmed]

A decent meter can do it, I can see the frequency or switch it over to duty cycle with selectable polarity trigger.

[b*saint]

No no no no. I know you need to use a scope. But - how can you measure the output of a sensor without some sort of break out connector? Like how am I suppose to put my scope on my fuel injectors without making some sort of break out harness? There no magic box to plug into the car that'll feed back with the commanded pulse width is and what not for sensors?

[b*saint]

You can use a PC sound card based Oscilloscope like winscope

Actually I read your post wrong. I dont have that but I have a windows based PicoScope.

[DaveSmed]

Back probe the connector. T-Pins work, but actual purpose made backprobes are the best. They usually have a collar or something to prevent the pins from touching.

[b*saint]

Hmm I didnt think you could take them apart like that. Ill have a look.

[DaveSmed]

The connector stays together and plugged in, you probe from the wire side sneaking a pin in next to the wire through the weather seal to touch the back side of the metal terminal.

[DaveSmed]

Ran out and quick did an injector.

Used these:




Like this:




That's engine running and all injector connectors undisturbed.

[DaveSmed]

Rereading your posts, only select info is shared on the bus systems, stuff that would be pertinent to other things on the bus. Injector PW would, as the MPG calculation from the OBC and cluster are derived from it, but say the cam sensor only goes into the DME, it doesn't come out on a bus. Only way to take a peek is that^.

*unless the scan tool asks for it.

[bimmerteck]

For injectors I generally use a inductive amp probe.


http://aeswave.com/Products/Product.asp?i=59


Clamp it around the ground of a single injector, or a bank of them. ;)