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Pico Automotive Newsletter

March 2023

A new stable PicoScope 7 Automotive release offers new features and support changes.

Our latest case study focuses on a Renault Zoe with an AC fault.

HongKe presents a virtual exhibition showcasing Pico products and demos.

From our forum, Steve shares a step-by-step guide to Persistence Mode in PicoScope 7 Automotive.

Finally, check out our upcoming exhibitions, and the latest from Best of the Web.

A new stable PicoScope 7 Automotive release and related support changes

You may have already seen a notification in your PicoScope 7 Automotive (stable) software, indicating that we have recently released an updated application version (7.0.116). This new update includes Masks and Actions, DeepMeasure, and an X-Y instrument (for viewing how two waveforms change, relative to each other). PicoScope 7 Automotive now provides all the important functions that users enjoyed in PicoScope 6 Automotive.

The update includes the bonus addition of a brand-new CAN-XL decoder to accompany its CAN and CAN-FD decoder siblings. CAN-XL has been a quickly and widely adopted specification within the automotive industry. The decoder’s inclusion is another means by which PicoScope helps you diagnose faults within the cutting-edge systems and technologies encountered in today’s motor vehicles.

We have also been working hard on improving PicoScope 7 Automotive software stability. You can read the full article outlining this new PicoScope 7 Automotive release on our website.

Case study: Renault Zoe HVAC

This particular Zoe had an issue where following a repair due to the vehicle not charging. When operated, the air conditioning compressor would run up to maximum speed and then pop the safety relief valve on the pump, venting the gas to the atmosphere. This is not good for the environment and your wallet, especially with the price of R1234yf refrigerant! The original issue was, in fact, an insulation fault on the air conditioning pump, which was rectified. Once the pump had been replaced, the system re-gassed and the vehicle was checked to confirm the repair, the fault emerged!

You can read more about this fault by checking out this case study on our website.

An online exhibition from HongKe

After a long preparation process, HongKe have launched an online exhibition showcasing the very best of Pico products, as well as an entirely original test demonstration video. Full of information, this exhibition will give you a better understanding of the knowledge and principles behind car repair, and includes dynamic demo animations.

This exhibition is entirely virtual, and is available for one year. Tailored to Chinese customers, those interested can explore the Pico booth for themselves below.

Persistence mode in PicoScope 7 Automotive

PicoScope 7 Early Access now includes a Persistence Mode feature which allows multiple waveforms to be superimposed simultaneously. Differing colors are used to represent and separate the most recent waveforms from older ones.

Such a feature provides another option for capturing glitches in repetitive signals that typically remain fixed during normal operation. (i.e., fixed duty or frequency control signals)

Steve Smith has put together a forum post featuring a step-by-step guide to using our new persistence mode, which can be found on the Re: PicoScope 7 Automotive Software thread.

Our PicoScope 7 Automotive software is available to download for free on our website.

Our upcoming events

We have an exciting array of upcoming events, exhibitions and demonstrations in 2023. Check out these dates for the diary:

AutoZum 2023 // Salzburg, Austria // 20th-23rd June 2023
Agritechnica 2023 // Hanover, Germany // 12th-18th November 2023

PicoScope 7 Waveform Zoom Options by DrivelineMaster

In this video, DrivelineMaster demonstrates multiple ways to zoom in on a waveform captured using PicoScope 7 Automotive.

CAN bus testing with current clamp by AC AutoTech

In this video, AC AutoTech uses a low amp current clamp to combat a no communication issue, and identify which module on a network is communicating.