Guide to Choosing a Scope on a Budget – ScannerDanner Forum

Given the fact that budgets are a relative term, I though I’d add my two cents here.

I bought my first scope last year. I was planning on buying a Uscope. I liked the size, the price, and the features. I was however, concerned with the fact that it only had one channel. I figured that I’d wait till a two channel version of the Uscope came out and buy that. However, it became apparent that AES had no plans for a two channel version.

Upon the recommendation of a popular diagnostician on YT and even Paul Danner himself, I bought a used, but like new, Snap-On Vantage Pro. It had somewhat older firmware but since my newest car is a 2009 the coverage was fine. The cost was twice that of a Uscope but I got a two channel scope and the famous Snap-On troubleshooter as well. To me, this was a smart financial decision and I am 100% satisfied with it.

I just completed a rather challenging engine swap and without the Vantage Pro I never would have been able to troubleshoot any of the suspected problem systems. Despite the fact that it cost me twice the price of a Uscope, it easily cost justified itself during this swap.

There are numerous good reasons to buy a used Vantage Pro. Here are what I see as the most important.

First and foremost is the Snap-On component troubleshooter. Packed with information, the troubleshooter gives; troubleshooting procedures, component locations, pin outs, expected voltages and signals, sample waveforms, etc,. It makes use of an amp clamp a no brainer operation.

Secondly, and most relevant to this thread, is the fact that it is a 2 channel scope! I’ve used mine to do cam/crank correlations, O2 testing, injector testing, APP signal testing, relative compression, and several other things.

Consider the fact that the Vantage Pro offers the component troubleshooter and the 2 channel scope it is my opinion that you’d be hard pressed to find a better limited budget scope option. Another consideration might be an older used Modis – 4 channels!!

If your personal budget is such that a Vantage Pro is something you can consider, I say go for it! Prices will vary based on update version and condition. Used Vantage Pros can be found on eBay and Craigslist.