Video Case Study

Here we have a superb video on YouTube with Paul Danner (aka ScannerDanner).
In this video Paul covers details that were missed in the cylinder pressure and intake vacuum waveforms from earlier videos in this series. The PicoScope really shows its abilities in this final, before-the-repair video.

View the 2008 Hummer H3 Misfire Case Study (Part 6) or find all ScannerDanner's H3 Hummer videos on YouTube.

New Product Release: PicoDiagnostics NVH Kit

The PicoDiagnostics NVH Kit from Pico Technology is the cost-effective answer to the many NVH problems facing technicians today. Providing real-time diagnosis to the technician in the form of either: a bar graph, a frequency chart, a 3D frequency chart, RPM order or road speed view. The ability to start the recording before a road test, and play back the recording for analysis on your return, ensures that driver attention remains on the road. Saving the recordings couldn't be simpler: much like our other automotive software you simply save the file to your laptop's hard drive.

The cost-effective tool for real-time NVH diagnosis

• Includes accelerometer and microphone
• Full screen, high-resolution results are presented clearly and accurately
• No external memory required- saves directly to laptop or PC
• Record up to 500 seconds of data
• Automatic analysis
• Detects multiple vehicle vibrations
• Customer report function
• Plugs into your automotive PicoScope (sold separately)

Please visit our website to order, or view more information on the PicoDiagnostics NVH Kit.

PicoScope Tip: Scope input coupling

Did you know about the AC / DC Scope input coupling option when using your scope? The DC coupling feature instructs the scope to display all aspects of the input signal regardless, including both the DC and AC. This of course is the default setting as we need to see the complete picture on our initial diagnosis. However, if we select the AC coupling option we block the DC component of the input signal and only allow the AC to be displayed on screen.

As an example of the value of this coupling feature, connect channel A and B of your scope across a 12 V battery and start the engine to enable the alternator to commence charging. Leave the coupling feature of Channel A set to DC (±20 V) and select AC coupling for Channel B (±1 V).

The Coupling setting can be found either alongside the Voltage range setting...

or within the Channel Options, depending on your screen resolution.

Channel A will display the DC voltage across the battery, showing the voltage around 14 V while Channel B will display the AC present across the battery, revealing the alternator AC ripple. We are measuring the same voltage but gaining the value of 2 relevant properties of it (both the AC and DC value). Applying this coupling feature to fuel rail pressure sensors and certain active wheel speed sensors will reveal so much more.

Training courses

If you own, or are thinking of buying, a PicoScope Automotive Diagnostics Kit, you mustn't miss the Professional Diagnostics Ltd engine management diagnostics course. This two-day official Pico Technology 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 PicoScope Automotive Diagnostics Kit. The two day course includes everything you need to get the best from an oscilloscope.

Please contact Professional Diagnostics Ltd via their contact form to register interest. Please state your location and training needs when completing the form. Alternatively you can call 07881 555385 or visit www.prodiag.co.uk for more information.

A certificate of completion from Pico Technology Ltd will be presented to qualifying delegates. The courses run from 9am to 5pm with an hour for lunch (lunch is included in the booking fee).

Please contact ProDiag via their contact form to register interest in the following courses taking place in 2014:

PicoScope Diagnostics Course (hosted by Delphi)
Warwickshire, England

PicoScope Diagnostics Course
Surrey, England

PicoScope Diagnostics Course (hosted by EK Motor Factors)
Lancaster, England

Autonerdz, a Pico distributor based in North America, delivers PicoScope Oscilloscope Training both at its headquarters located in Olympia WA, and online. The following date is currently available:

PicoScope Hands-On Class
11th July, 2014
4715 Fir Tree Rd SE, Olympia, WA USA 98501 (Autonerdz Training Center)

For further information, or to register early, call Autonerdz on 877-628-4899 FREE (Toll Free USA and Canada) or via email.

PCB Automotive, a Pico distributor based in Italy, are taking their PicoScope training courses on tour. The following dates and locations are available:

PicoScope Class: Rome
June 20th Level I
June 21st Level II

PicoScope Class: Bari
July 4th Level I
July 5th Level II

PicoScope Class: Sicily
September 25th Level I
September 26th Level II
September 27th Level III

For more information please visit the PCB Auto events webpage, or email them directly.