This bumper edition includes…
...an NVH case study from Automotive Applications Specialist Steve Smith, concerning a BMW 320d with a knocking noise from the steering column. Steve also brings news on the latest PicoScope 6 Automotive software.
Ben Martins, also an Automotive Applications Specialist, offers some training tips regarding listening to your PSDATA files.
Barney Donohew, our Automotive Applications Engineer, has released two new Guided tests specifically for the new PicoScope 4x25A diagnostic scopes.
In addition to all that, we've got videos based on the new PicoScope 4425A accessories, along with a 4425A unboxing video from Simply Diagnostics in our Best Of the Web section.
See the bottom of this newsletter for Pico's statement on COVID-19.
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Knocking steering on a BMW 320d
By Steve Smith
The customer reports that a knocking noise can be felt and heard through the steering column when rocking the steering wheel back and forth. Although the symptom has been present for about six months, it does not affect the performance or handling of the vehicle. Our customer also reports an intermittent knocking noise from the suspension when driving at low speeds over speed humps.
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Listen to your PSDATA
By Ben Martins
Recently we’ve noticed the increase in use of piezo as a trigger solution, pulse sensor, knock detection and also as a microphone. This is just a small introduction into how to listen back to a capture made using these little crystals.
I'm sure many of you reading this will know about the piezoelectric effect - how by applying a voltage to a piezo crystal, we can change its shape, and how by changing a piezo crystal's shape, we can generate a small voltage. This may not seem useful, but with PicoScope we can actually capture and save these small changes in voltage.
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PicoScope Automotive 6.14.20 and
the 4x25A scope
By Steve Smith
This new version of PicoScope 6 is dominated by the introduction of the 4x25A scopes. All the existing features we use every day remain either unchanged or improved to provide integration for the new scopes whilst supporting all other generic USB automotive scopes from Pico.
To incorporate the unique 4x25A features such as channel LED functionality, probe configuration/ID, powered probe auto zero/offset, and backward compatibility with existing BNC probes, PicoScope 6 Automotive (version 6.14.20.5136) will now perform as follows when a 4x25A scope is connected....
The PicoScope 7 Automotive beta software is also available. Note that as it is a beta not all features are yet present. |
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 PicoScope 4425A: Resistance lead
In this video Automotive Applications Specialist, Steve Smith, covers an accessory currently exclusive to the new 4x25A PicoScopes.
The BNC+ resistance lead (TA432) is a 2m lead offering dynamic measurement of resistance. Steve shows how to connect the lead to the PicoScope 4425A, and how PicoScope 7 Automotive automatically detects and configures the probe settings. Steve, having already disconnected the Engine ECU, connects the resistance lead between the pressure control valve (PCV) and vehicle harness (easily done when combined with our premium breakout leads). A simple wiggle test is then completed to show the fault appearing clearly on the waveform capture, with suggested causes covered.
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PicoScope 4425A unbox, overview and test
In this short video, Steve Scott of Simply Diagnostics unboxes the new PicoScope 4425A diagnostic scope and carries out a simple starter motor battery test in PicoScope 7 Automotive.
During the video Steve gives an overview of the scope, covering the contents of the kit and the benefits of BNC+.
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Although Pico Technology is very much up and running, we have adopted new working practices due to the coronavirus outbreak. Many of our employees are now working remotely from their homes and we will not be attending any exhibitions in the near future.
Our staff have video conferencing and other tools to support you remotely with:
- Product demonstrations
- Training
- Sales and any other enquiries - tell us what you need!
Our Technical Support team is operating as normal, and product development is continuing uninterrupted.
The manufacture of Pico products is continuing as normal, and we have a good stock of most Pico Automotive products. Because of reduced air freight capacity at the moment, we do anticipate that shipments to some destinations will take longer than normal. Please bear with us as we work through these issues.
Although our industry and the worldwide economy is challenged by the COVID-19 outbreak, we believe we have taken the right steps to safeguard our employees and implement a robust plan to serve our customers around the world with our leading diagnostic oscilloscope equipment.
We do hope that all our customers, suppliers, distributors and their families remain safe and well, and that their businesses are not too badly affected through these difficult times.
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