Newsletter September 2016

Richard Boyd

In memory of

Richard Boyd
1986 – 2016

We are deeply upset by the sad loss of Richard, who was a key member of the Pico family and worked in our North American office for 11 years. We will all miss his knowledge, enthusiasm, friendship and lively sense of humor. Our thoughts are with Richard's family and friends at this difficult time.

Guided Test: In-cylinder cranking compression test for petrol engines

This Guided Test will be included in a future update of our PicoScope 6 Automotive software, but you can find the full test on our website right now.

The purpose of this test is to evaluate the cylinder efficiency of a petrol engine through 720° of crankshaft rotation during cranking. The Pico standard compression hose used during this test does not contain a Schrader valve, therefore the rise and fall in cylinder pressures will be recorded relative to crankshaft position.

How to perform the test

PicoScope settings

Channel A: 1 x WPS500X (Range 1) @ -2 .. 14 bar
Timebase: 500 ms/div

Note: Cylinder efficiency is dependent upon: cranking speed, adequate intake and exhaust flow, correct valve timing and the mechanical condition of the engine.

During the various stages of crankshaft rotation, cylinder pressures may be either positive or negative. For the purpose of our test, Atmospheric pressure = 0 bar, therefore any value above 0 bar relates to positive pressure, and any value below 0 bar relates to negative pressure (vacuum).

Note: Engine must be prohibited from starting and fuel injection is cut from all cylinders.

Frank Massey's Top ten tests with PicoScope: Test 4

Product focus: M18 Adaptor

Automechanika Frankfurt 2016

Waveform library

Training

We have a collection of some of the best material for new users to reference and learn how to use their Automotive PicoScope. To view this content please visit the training section of our website.