ATS Resistance Decade Box (DEC1000)
Manually Dial In Resistance to Simulate Sensor Outputs
The ATS DEC1000 is a resistance decade box designed for diagnostic testing of automotive sensors and circuits. It allows you to simulate a wide range of sensor resistances by manually dialing in specific ohm values. This is especially helpful when verifying how a circuit or ECM reacts to different input resistances—ideal for diagnosing wiring faults, PCM response, or confirming scan tool data.
Key Features
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Simulate Sensors On the Fly: Plug into the sensor’s connector and dial in a known resistance to simulate a functioning sensor. Ideal for testing circuits for coolant temp sensors, IATs, throttle position sensors, and more.
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Quick Resistance Adjustments: Easily dial in resistance in real time while watching the circuit response on a scan tool, DVOM, or labscope.
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Check Sensor Behavior Under Load: For sensors like variable reluctance (VR) sensors, you can connect the decade box across the sensor leads to simulate internal resistance (typically around 1,000 ohms) and monitor output voltage amplitude.
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Works With Any Test Equipment: Use in conjunction with DVOMs, scan tools, or labscopes to see how the ECU responds to a known resistance value.
How It’s Used
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Replace the sensor with the DEC1000 by connecting it directly to the harness.
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Dial in resistance to simulate various sensor states.
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Monitor results on your scan tool, scope, or voltmeter.
For example: On a VR sensor: insert across both sensor wires, set to ~1000 ohms, and monitor AC voltage output with a scope. On a temp sensor circuit: adjust ohms to see changes in temperature reading on scan tool.
