PicoScope 2204A Oscilloscope 2 Channels 10 MHz Bandwidth, 100 MS/s Sampling Rate, Handheld USB PC Digital Portable Lab Kit, with Probes, PS7 Software and Waveform Generator

I am impressed with how quick I was able to start using this Scope. Being a BAS Field Service Engineer, the Software has many more features than I will ever use. I am able to troubleshoot with confidence. I'm no longer using the "well, it appears to work better" approach.

This is the first time I'm working with an PC oscilloscope. The reason I did choose this one is it's excellent functionality compared to its price, good set of accessories and the software which works on Linux and Mac (although I, personally, don't need this one), not just Windows. Although there are some unimportant glitches in Linux software it is nothing too annoying and especially problematic, and they amount to almost nothing if you take into account it is a Beta version of the software. Take note, that despite the Linux software marked for usage in Ubuntu 18.04 it still works just as fine in Ubuntu 16.04.The set of accessories includes 2 probes with 1x-10x built-in switchable attenuators and color marks, you may place on probes to differentiate between the channels. The probes are easy to use and they'll help you make your hands and eyes free for what is really important.As for what I bought it for - I'm a little tired of just programming everyday, so I decided to play a little with an old sound amplifier that stopped working a few months ago. And of course there are more tasks it is great for, and I think I'll find much more applications in the future.As for the price - yes, you can find an PC oscilloscope that costs less, yet will it have 2 channels, generator, 2 probes of very good quality and software for platforms outside the typical Windows? No? Then you'll need to by Windows too, which will make the total you pay at least twice as much as this little one costs. Of course it is not much of a bother if you already have Windows.Those are all pros, as for contras - they're really all just my little mistakes that are easy to fix:1) It's maximum input range is 20V and there are probes with 10x built-in attenuators, yet it is still not enough for some obvious use cases (for example I can't check power sources with this range of 200V). So, now I need an additional attenuator.2) The oscilloscope has 2 channels + generator. It's really a nice feature for fine-tuning of a stereo-amplifier except... for the best result you'll need 3 probes, not 2. And so, now I need 1 additional probe.So, if you decide to buy one, may be it'll be for the best to buy some additional accessories with it so that you'll not be limited when you use this excellent PicoScope 2204A.

Just got it today, so this is based on my first impressions only. This thing is pretty awesome. I've used scopes that cost thousands of dollars, and this is compatible. All the features are there. The display is whatever your computer has obviously, and my compact laptop probably has a bigger display than almost any normal scope. The unit itself is absolutely tiny, slightly bigger than 2 decks of cards side by side. I have considered buying a standalone scope in the past but eventually settled on this. For less money, I basically have a full fledged scope in my laptop bag. In terms of specs, it is probably less in terms of bandwidth and whatnot, but Pico also sells that if you are willing to spend the money. For my needs, I expect the 2204A to fit the bill just fine.

Good

This is a basic scope with limited abilities. But it works great and with a few extra pieces, it works very well. It was not designed to be an automotive oscilloscope, but with the addition of a couple attenuators and othe accessories, it has the ability to do 90% of what you need it for. If you are looking for a cheap option to get started with oscilloscopes, this is a great option.

The software is user friendly! Great scope for the price, you do need to buy an attenuator to protect it from high voltage. I love the fact you can save the wave for later and change the scales after for further studying the waves. I recommend this product. I was able to check the ignition coil primary circuit with no issues.

Thanks

Had to use one for my job on the road for several years. Most likely due to internal politics, I had to lug around a regular oscilloscope for quite awhile. I like the 12-bit resolution (default is 8 bit) as it gives me increased precision of my measurements. I (unfortunately) dropped it a couple times but thankfully the picoscope still works fine.I carry a usb A to usb C adapter to work with some of the newer laptops, as well as keep the picoscope in a hard carrying case. I use Caseling's 5 inch one (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WFAQNWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1).