Which PicoScope Kit is Right for Me?

Choosing your first PicoScope Automotive kit can feel challenging. The kits use similar core technology, but the number of channels and included accessories can make a significant difference to how you work.

The right choice depends on the vehicles you service, the tests you perform and whether you want a basic starting point or a comprehensive diagnostic setup from day one. This guide explains the main options and helps you choose a kit that suits your workshop.

Why use a PicoScope for automotive diagnostics?

A scan tool can identify fault codes and display data reported by the vehicle. A PicoScope allows you to see the actual electrical signals produced by sensors, actuators, ignition systems, communication networks and other components.

This helps technicians investigate the cause of a fault instead of relying on component replacement or guesswork. It can also reveal intermittent signal problems that may not appear during a basic scan or multimeter test.

PicoScope Automotive software is included with the scope, and Pico provides ongoing software updates. Guided tests and reference waveforms also help technicians set up tests, understand expected results and compare captured signals.

Two channels or four channels?

This is the first and most important decision.

A 2-channel PicoScope is suitable for technicians who mainly need to compare two signals at the same time. It provides an affordable entry into oscilloscope diagnostics and can handle many common sensor, actuator, ignition and current measurements.

A 4-channel PicoScope allows four related signals to be captured simultaneously. This is useful when comparing inputs and outputs, examining multiple cylinders, checking camshaft and crankshaft correlation, or viewing several ABS wheel-speed signals together.

If your budget allows and you expect your diagnostic work to grow, a 4-channel system is usually the better long-term investment. Accessories can be added later, but the number of channels in the scope cannot be upgraded.

Recommended / Popular (these will suit the majority of customers)
2-Channel Starter Kit This is the lowest-cost option for a technician wanting a PicoScope system that you can just use ‘out of the box’.  If you want to start with PicoScope, this kit allows you to benefit from a modern, high-performance labscope with PicoBNC+ test leads, and PicoScope 7 software while providing a great solution for those on a limited budget. The kit is supplied in a cardboard box to minimise expense or available in foam ideal for instant access in your existing tool trolley. View Product
4-Channel Starter Kit The 4 channel starter kit adds PicoBNC+ test leads and some selected adaptors to get you up and running with your 4425A scope straight away. The kit is supplied in a cardboard box to minimise expense or available in foam ideal for instant access in your existing tool trolley. View Product
4-Channel Standard Kit The standard kit is our most popular kit balancing the cost of the kit while providing all the essential functionality needed for effective diagnosis. With the addition of both high and low amps clamps, technicians are equipped for contact and non-intrusive testing of electrical signals. The kit is available in foam ideal for instant access in your existing tool trolley, or a carry case with foam cutouts. View Product
4-Channel Advanced Kit The Advanced kit provides an extended range of accessories including premium breakout leads, and an extensive range of breakouts and adaptors for connection to electrical signals throughout the vehicle. The kit is available in foam ideal for instant access in your existing tool trolley, or a carry case with foam cutouts. View Product
Other options (for customers with specialist / advanced requirements)
2-Channel Scope only This is perfect for a technician replacing a previous, or existing scope, who wants to just re-use their existing BNC leads but still gain access to PicoScope 7 and PicoBNC+ benefits. It is the lowest cost entry into Automotive PicoScope ownership and supports the full range of PicoBNC+ and BNC accessories so you can extend your capabilities as your needs grow. View Product
4-Channel Scope only For a technician wanting to upgrade to the market-leading diagnostic oscilloscope, this is the best place to start. Having 4 channels protects your investment for the long term and the free upgrades to PicoScope software mean you can be confident that this tool will be equipped for fast diagnosis now and in the future. You can start out using your existing BNC leads and upgrade what you want at the time of your choosing. View Product
2-Channel Standard Kit This is the most comprehensive kit we offer in a 2 channel configuration. This kit equips you with both voltage and current measurement capabilities and a set of breakout adaptors to make the most of your 2 channels. Unless you need these accessories on day 1, we recommend the 4425A starter kit as the better choice as you cannot upgrade the number of channels but can add accessories at any time. The kit is available in foam ideal for instant access in your existing tool trolley, or a carry case with foam cutouts. View Product
4-Channel Diesel Kit The diesel kit is similar to the standard kit but has been optimised for those working on diesel powertrains and light-commercial vehicles with a selected set of accessories to suit. The kit is available in foam ideal for instant access in your existing tool trolley, or a carry case with foam cutouts. View Product
4-Channel Master Kit The Master kit is designed to give our customers a comprehensive kit including the award-winning WPS500X pressure transducer and a wide range of accessories. This kit can also be supplemented for Electric Vehicles and Noise, Vibration and Harshness with the addition of specific accessory kits. The kit is available in foam ideal for instant access in your existing tool trolley, or two carry cases with foam cutouts. View Product