New accessory: TA234 Current Clamp
The TA234 probe is a 30 A current clamp. The extended measuring jaws allow measurement in a confined space and are big enough to fit around a battery cable, so it is ideal for studying battery drain issues. When measuring DC, a simple thumbwheel on the probe allows zero adjustment.
This current clamp is ideally suited for use with scopes and features additional screening to reduce noise pickup.
Competition time... Win an NVH or WPS500 kit!
In 2014 we ran several competitions based around the PicoScope Waveform Library. Now in 2015, we have decided to run another competition. This time we are going to give 1 lucky winner the choice of receiving either an NVH Diagnostics Kit, or a WPS500X Pressure Transducer Kit, with 4 runners up winning one of our Coil-on-plug and signal probes.
To enter, simply save your waveforms to the Waveform Library. The more you save, the more chances you get to win! All the waveforms uploaded to the database between June 1st and August 23rd will be entered into the draw. Only one prize per customer. There is no cash alternative. You cannot choose an alternative prize (except where stated). Winner to be announced in August Pico Technology Automotive newsletter.
To access the Waveform Library you must have an automotive scope connected and have a valid user name and password for thePico Automotive forum.
Top Tech Live! 2015: Semi-final & Final
Top Technician is an annual competition that was created in 2002 to recognise and reward the best vehicle technicians in the UK, at a time when the national press were focussing on the minority who lack technical knowledge and the practical skills needed to ensure the motoring public remain safe in their increasingly complex cars.
Top Technician continues to champion the best repairers in the United Kingdom, whether they work in an independent workshop, dealership, fast fit or operate as a mobile mechanic. Prize funds worth well over 10k and real benefits for every entrant are possible each year thanks to the ongoing support of their technical partner, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), and blue chip sponsors.
Pico Technology were one of the sponsors of Top Technician 2015, and our very own 2013 Top Technician Winner Steve Smith was asked to judge various stages of the competition. Here is Steve's overview of the semi-final and final this year:
Top Tech Pico challenge (semi-final)
Toyota Auris 1.6 Petrol
The Top Technician Pico semi-final challenge surrounded a relative compression test using PicoScope software, whilst incorporating a sync to identify the offending cylinder from the waveform obtained.
Here the technicians had to demonstrate the principle around a relative compression test using a current clamp to measure peak current in relation to peak compression events of our doctored engine ( 1 x spark plug removed!)
It was clear from the outset that all the semi-finalists had used the technique but incorporating a sync presented some pitfalls whilst the technicians were under examination conditions with the clock ticking (nothing is easy). Preventing the engine from starting was paramount to the test and whilst this could be achieved in a number of ways, disconnecting the injectors was the approved method, preventing neat fuel from entering the catalyst or detonation increasing cranking speed due to residual heat.
The ideal location to obtain a sync signal was via number 1 cylinder coil-on-plug unit. This signal is generally present prior to TDC of number 1 cylinder, allowing the technicians to use the firing to identify the offending cylinder.
Those who synchronised on number 1 injector presented themselves with an additional calculation to make in terms of the injection event during the four stroke cycle. Whilst the ignition event takes place at near TDC compression, the injection event takes place 360 degrees later presenting the technicians with additional calculations to take into consideration when identifying the offending cylinder.
Above we have the waveform obtained from our engine with number 4 spark plug removed and the number 4 ignition coil shorted to ground, whilst syncing to number 1 ignition coil trigger signal.
Top Tech Pico challenge (final)
Steve Smith's Top Tech final challenge surrounding in cylinder pressure analysis using the Pico WPS500X pressure transducer.
The finalists not only required scope and pressure transducer knowledge, but also required a thorough understanding of the 4 stroke cycle and how it is reflected in the waveforms obtained. Thanks again to James Dillon and the KA engine in a basket, each individual cylinder could be manipulated in such a way as to alter the valve timing presenting the technicians with 4 different waveforms for each of the 4 cylinders!
None of the technicians had any access to technical information about this engine as to be honest, there is very little in the way of official technical data with explanations as to why an in cylinder waveform displays various characteristics. The technicians therefore had to think this one through and analyse the waveform thoroughly (they were on their own with this one).
So, 4 cylinders with 3 faults, once cylinder inlet valve fails to open, one cylinder exhaust valve fails to open, one cylinder with no fault and the final cylinder with a subtle fault in the way of a tight exhaust valve tappet.
Technical question: WPS500X
We recently had a customer question come through our Support desk, regarding the WPS500X pressure transducer. Steve Smith, our Automotive Applications Specialist responds:
Q: Hi - Can you tell me if the WPS500X can be used for dynamic diesel compression measurements?
A: Hi and many thanks for your question. The WPS500X pressure transducer has the ability to measure cylinder pressure on both petrol and diesel engines.
The kit supplied with the WPS500X only includes adapters for petrol engines. Should you wish to use the transducer with a diesel engine, at present you would have to source a diesel compression test kit utilising quick couple connectors that you can link to the quick couple Foster connector of the WPS500X pressure transducer.
We are planning to introduce a diesel compression test kit to link the WPS500X pressure transducer to AST or Sykes Pickavant kits, giving access to their wide range of existing diesel fittings.
For measuring dynamic pressures with petrol engines, this is fine so long as the combustion is removed from the cylinder (injectors are cut from the cylinder under test). The WPS500X is capable of momentarily measuring the dramatic increase in cylinder pressure from idle speed to WOT (Wide Open Throttle) but not for prolonged periods of time i.e. monitoring. The same applies to diesel engines once you have overcome the adaptor issue.
For any compression measurement using the WPS500X the combustion process must be removed from the cylinder.
NB. The increase in cylinder pressure in either diesel or petrol engines must not exceed 500 PSI, and the battery compartment of the WPS500X must never exceed 80 degrees celsius.
Latest award news from Pico Technology
At AMR Beijing 2015 Pico received various awards, including a Top 20 Productaward for our PicoDiagnostics NVH Kit, and the 2015 Recommended Product category for our PicoScope 4425 automotive scope.
For further information on these and previous awards, please visit the awards page on www.picoauto.com.
Events
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Please visit http://pico.jobs/ to see our current vacancies.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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