Newsletter August 2016

Introduction

A new month with new possibilities. This month our resident Automotive Specialist Steve Smith brings you a brand new Guided Test. Covering parasitic battery drain, Steve discusses both how to complete the test and how to analyze your results.

We are currently working hard preparing for our next big event, the huge international show Automechanika Frankfurt. We also have a new product focus piece on our breakout leads kits, Frank Massey's third video from our Top ten tests series, and a video overview of the latest update (version 16) to Diagnostic Assistance from Auto-Solve.

Guided Test - Parasitic battery drain

How to perform the test

How to perform the test

PicoScope settings

Channel A: 1 x TA125 Test lead @ ± 20 V
Channel B: TA234 20/60 A current clamp (large jaw) @ ± 500 mA.

Alternatively the TA018 20/60 A current clamp (small jaw) can be used. However, a 10 A fused jumper wire may be required if the battery cable diameter exceeds 8 mm).

Timebase: 200 s/div
Sample counter: 1 MS

One of the most important items to check before carrying out this test is the status of the current clamp you wish to use.

Making sure that the current clamp's internal battery is sufficiently charged seems simple enough, but if you do not check this you could lose valuable data. You should also switch on the current clamp and let it warm up internally so it can acclimatize...

Frank Massey's Top ten tests with PicoScope: Test 3

Product Focus: Breakout leads kits

Automechanika Frankfurt 2016

New products

HT extension lead (TA037) HT extension leads are simple accessories that allow you to take accurate secondary ignition measurements on COP ignition systems. They are designed to aid diagnostics on secondary ignition circuits by allowing an HT measurement to be made when there is no, or limited, access to any spark plug leads.

Gear Ties (TA295) Gear Tie reusable rubber twist ties have a tough rubber shell that provides excellent grip, a strong wire inside that holds it shape, and a range of bright colour to catch your eye. At Pico we use these for a number of different applications, from hanging up diagnostics tools to tidying cables. The possibilities are endless.  Buy it, Twist it, Tie it, Reuse it - Gear Ties.

PicoScope Master kit

The Master kit is now available on our website   Our automotive Master kit has been designed to give our customers a way of buying everything they need in one hit. Although the amount of tools available to add to your toolbox is constantly expanding, this will provide you with the necessary equipment for comprehensive diagnostics. It consists of an upgraded and extended Advanced kit in a new, larger and tougher carry case along with our WPS500X Maxi kit in a separate case. The kit also includes our connector breakout lead kit B, the fuse extension lead kit, insulation piercing probes and an assorted pack of gear ties. The carry case also has foam cut-out locations for the PicoScope NVH Diagnostics kit.

Auto-Solve Diagnostic Assistance v16

Version 16 of the useful Diagnostic Assistance software from Auto-Solve is now released including significant  updates to the already valuable content Thousands of garages, workshops, mobile technicians and colleges benefit from the use of Diagnostic Assistance, which is there to help improve the diagnostic processes and first-time fix rate.

Auto-Solve Introduce Diagnostic Assistance V16

A quick 5 minute review of the latest version of this helpful software. Lots of info, comparative data and just-in-time-training.

Autotechnician's Big Day Out

3rd September 2016 Guests will benefit from the vast technical know-how of James Dillon, Frank Massey, Pico’s Steve Smith and Andy Crook of GotBoost. The event will run between 10am and 4pm at Tool Connection in Warwickshire. It will bring independent technicians and workshop owners together, with trainers and the team at autotechnician magazine to share techniques and ideas in an informal setting. One lucky raffle winner will take home a PicoScope 2-Channel Starter kit. If they already have a PicoScope, the prize can be exchanged for a 2000 A current clamp with a flexible COP probe. (Tickets subject to availability.)

Automotive Testing Expo 2016 Shanghai

Taking place from 26th - 29th September 2016 at the Shanghai World Exhibition & Conference Centre. The automotive testing expo 2016 will feature many automotive test technologies, including: Engine and emissions analysis Vibration testing Acoustic testing Data acquisition   Sensors and transducers NVH Quality testing/inspection Pico Technology will be represented by Hongke. Why not pay them a visit in Hall 3 at booth 6033?

Waveform Library

Training