Autonerdz forums

I am getting ready to upgrade to a four channel scope from Tom and would like some input on which scope to choose. I have not yet researched the 4000 series in great detail. I have only seen some of the material posted here as to the power of the 4000 model.

Thanks in advance for any input and opinions.

Earl

Earl

We have both, therefore I will try to present some opinions on them, just to let you know what we think.

Power:  

The 3000 series is way more powerful than you could ever need, like on an optical distributor, or another pattern that really has a lot of speed and data.  We have never ever had a problem where we looked at it and said "geez, if i just had a bit more power...".  They blow away every other scope out there, at least until a couple weeks ago.

The 4000 is insanely powerful! You can get screens that have 65MB of data, and they will zoom!  We have actually taken some of our "crazy" patterns, and been blowing them up, and find that when you reach 65,000 times zoom you might want a bit more!  

Of course you soon learn that 65MB per page files do have a downside, and turn the scope back down to reasonable numbers.  But boy it sure is neat to create a couple of those "crazy" ones!

Ease of Use:

The 3000 you open and take patterns.  Done.

The 4000 does require a bit of getting used too.  There is certainly a learning curve, more if you already are used to a 3000.  New users, who do not have to "unlearn" the 3000 way, will probably find it a bit easier.  Please watch the great movie that Tom has already made of the 4423.  It will give you an idea of what changes, you now have to pay attention to sample rate and transition time.

But this is NOT a big impediment.  We started behind the curve a bit because the very first version of the software was a bit buggy.  The new version Pico has provided is much much simpler and easier.  For us it took probably a week and about 50 different patterns before we were comfortable, a couple weeks and a couple hundred patterns and we are doing it without thought, it just comes naturally.  Before someone else mentions it, i am sure we are at the "slow" end of the learning curve!

Price

I am not real good at this part, so I will just present a couple ideas.  Some of us, who have 5 or more children, have to pay more attention to budgets.  The 4000 series is not much more, the box is maybe $270 more?  Tom, please help by filling in better numbers.  But perhaps, as long as you are already a picogroup member, there will be used 3000 boxes coming up through Tom as others trade in.  If budget is a concern obviously strongly suggest a private talk with Tom.

Neat/Cool/WOW factor

If you are reading this paragraph buy the 4000!

Overall impression

Love both

Love both

Love both

But if I had to pick just one it would be the 4423.  We  are getting used to it, and it is a great tool.

Any specific things I can add please ask

John

John,

Quote:


For pricing questions, it's best just to check the store page or call me.  Prices have been quite fluid the past months...mostly in a favorable direction   

The difference in price between the 3423 and the 4423 depends on which packages you are comparing.  For some reason, the upgrade package went up more than the difference between the two scope boxes.  The previous 3423 upgrade kit was a bit under priced.  We no longer stock those though.  We figured that if anyone is going to upgrade to a four channel they will want to go with the latest hardware.  Of course, we can still get them.