Case Study and Competition News

We are pleased to announce that James Scott (with his below Case Study) is the winner of our current Case Study competition… but never fear, our next competition is now running!! Do you fancy up to £200 in credit vouchers to spend on Automotive Pico Technology products when buying direct? Entry is the same as before, just like James all you need to do is navigate to the Case Studies section of our forum and tell us about your investigations and stories when using our products. We will award the credit to whom we believe submits the best quality case study. To improve your chances of being chosen, your submission should have a clear explanation of the task, and include photos and PicoScope screen captures. Don’t feel your investigations aren‘t good enough, put them on the forum… you never know!

Many have said using PicoScope is a learning experience. This Case Study details James Scott’s (of Seymour Horwell in Devon) first real diagnosis that couldn’t be found using “conventional testing methods”. Armed with his PicoScope 4423, James set about diagnosing the fault on this 2004 Volvo V40 1.9 TD. “The customer had the vehicle recovered to the workshop with what they suspected to be a timing belt failure. I removed the upper belt cover but the belt was still on and not slack, cranking the engine the car ran, and I drove the ‘non–start’ car into the workshop with a huge sigh of relief that I wouldn’t be taking the cylinder head off…” View the rest of James’ Case Study on our forum.

Best of the Web

This month Autonerdz have updated their superb download package, free of charge! In the words of Tom Roberts himself “This package has a lot of useful content. Great for educators as well as techs and shop owners. Something in this for everyone.”

Just download the package into a folder on your hard drive or USB stick, unzip and enjoy!

Here we have another video case study on YouTube with Paul Danner (aka ScannerDanner). In this video Paul investigates a 1.8L 2003 Pontiac Vibe. This is a Toyota engine in this car and apparently is known for injector problems. In this video Paul covers the following:

• How to do an injector balance test with a timer tool.
• How to monitor injector flow with a pressure transducer connected to the fuel rail using a PicoScope (jump to 18 minutes)
• Using fuel trim for direction
• How to use fuel trim numbers at different RPMs.

The depth of explanation combined with the use of Paul’s Smartboard enable easy viewing of his videos, so don’t miss out!

View the 2003 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L Misfire, Rough Idle video

Our very own collection of informative videos can be found in our automotive library.

Forthcoming Exhibitions and Events

Please see our events page for the latest information about forthcoming exhibitions, courses and other events.

Training Courses

If you own, or are thinking of buying, a Pico Automotive Diagnostics Kit, you mustn’t miss the Professional Diagnostics Ltd Engine Management Diagnostics course. This two-day course introduces the basic working principles of engine management systems, component testing and system diagnostics using oscilloscopes. The course is split between class–based theory sessions and practical demonstrations in a workshop using the Pico Automotive Diagnostics Kit. The course runs several times a year around the UK, and the following dates are currently available: Direct PicoScope Diagnostics Course (Hosted by CES)  10/11 July 2012 Chester, England PicoScope Diagnostics Course 17/18 July 2012 Accrington, England Direct PicoScope Diagnostics Course (Weekend) 18/19 August 2012 Bedford, England Direct PicoScope Diagnostics Course (Weekend) 15/16 September 2012 Bedford, England Places are limited, so please call 07881 555385 to reserve your place, or visit www.prodiag.co.uk for more information.
Autonerdz, a Pico distributor based in North America, delivers PicoScope Oscilloscope Training both at their headquarters located in Olympia WA, and online.The following date is currently available: PicoScope Hands On Class 13 July 2012 4715 Fir Tree Rd SE, Olympia, WA, USA 98501 (Autonerdz Training Center) For further information, or to register, call Autonerdz on 877-628-4899 (Toll Free USA and Canada) or via email.
Diagnostic Solutions, a Pico distributor based in Ireland, delivers PicoScope Oscilloscope Training in Dublin. Please email colin@diagnosticsolutions.ie for further information. Please contact your local distributor for information on training events outside the UK.

Are You a ‘Happy Engineer’, or is it Time to Inspire Technology?

Do you feel flat and un–motivated on a Monday morning? Do you use technology yet dream of developing it? Do you wish you had the time to investigate and develop your own ideas?
At Pico Technology you can do just that. Our Blue Sky afternoons once a week allow you to flex those brainwaves! If this sounds too good to be true perhaps it’s time you looked to join our award winning company?
As part of Pico Technology you’ll feel valued and appreciated. What’s more you’ll be able to see directly how your efforts make a difference to our customers.

So if you want your efforts recognised, and your inspirations rewarded… why not face Monday mornings with Pico Technology? As part of our team you will benefit from:

• Designing, developing and supporting exciting new and existing products
• Being part of constant technical innovation
• Opportunities to shine in test and measurement, and prestigious automotive markets
• Working for a company that frequently wins awards
• Working flexible hours
• Seeing your projects through from early design to release
• Being recognised, and rewarded for your hard work and commitment
• Being part of a profit share scheme
• …plus many more benefits!

We are continuously looking to expand our talented team of C++ and C# software engineers to work on the next generation of high performance test equipment and automotive diagnostic products. Don't worry if you don’t fit exactly into any of these categories, as we are always looking for design talent.

• Development Engineer — C++ / C# Software Engineer (including Automotive diagnostics and testing)
• Development Engineer — Digital Electronics
• Development Engineer — Graduate opportunities

Pico Technology has grown every year for the last 20 years. Our ongoing recruitment is required to help in the continued growth and expansion of our company.

Find details of the above positions, and an online application form at pico.jobs. You will also find our C# / C++ Software Engineers Technical Test online: it could be your first step to an inspiring software design career… so why not have a go? Once you have completed the test simply send us your source code together with your CV when you apply.

You can also send enquiries by email to jobs@picotech.com. We look forward to hearing from you.