Automotive oscilloscopes
A PicoScope (sometimes known as a labscope) turns your laptop or desktop PC into a powerful diagnostic tool. Think of it as the X-ray machine of diagnostics, letting you see the changing signals inside wires. You can purchase a PicoScope on its own, but most people purchase one of our award-winning Automotive Diagnostics Kits. These money-saving kits contain everything you need – just add a PC.
PicoScope Automotive is the powerful software package that turns your PC into a diagnostic oscilloscope when used with a PicoScope device. PicoScope has been designed to make it easy for you to diagnose vehicle faults. Packed with features such as automated measurements, reference waveforms and the ability to save and print waveforms, PicoScope Automotive is the ultimate tool for your diagnostic toolbox.
Also included is PicoDiagnostics software to quickly test batteries, alternators, starter motors, compression and cylinder balance. Professional reports allow you to show your customer what you have checked and any problems you have found.
Download the software today, which will run in demo mode without a scope attached, allowing you to explore the capability and see how PicoScope can benefit your business and customers.
There are over 150 guided tests, ranging from simple injector tests through to more complex topics such as CAN bus testing, integrated into the software.
When you select a guided test all settings are configured for you, and an example waveform is loaded. Diagrams and photos then show you the leads and accessories you need, how to connect to the vehicle, and how to perform the test.
Once the test has been completed you will find guidance on understanding the waveform, how the component works, and typical faults/fixes.
As vehicle technology changes we continue to add more tests through the free software updates.
Engine timing waveform
We have been upgrading and improving PicoScope software for over 20 years. This allows us to make the maximum use of the latest technology both in the oscilloscope hardware and the PC itself.
The modern user interface is uncluttered and easy to use. There are no old-fashioned knobs and dials. We leave most of the space free for what matters: your waveforms.
Recent new features include:
Software upgrades are free for the life of the product and download in the background while you are working.
Alongside our PicoScope 6 software, you also have our highly powerful PicoDiagnostics software. Included free of charge, this software turns your PicoScope into a highly powerful diagnostic device. See the tests listed below for a glimpse into how PicoDiagnostics can turbocharge your performance.
Check for mechanical issues in seconds: Simply clip the test leads to the battery and crank the engine. The relative compression of each cylinder is shown in an easy-to-understand bar graph format.
To show absolute compression, add an optional pressure transducer to one cylinder, and the software will calculate the pressure for all cylinders in bar or PSI.
Did you know that your PicoScope also can operate as a highly accurate and efficient battery and charging circuit tester? This allows you to test your customers' vehicles without the need for dedicated, expensive test tools.
Using PicoDiagnostics, you can check the battery, starter, alternator, and wiring, all in one quick test. Easy-to-understand reports with red, amber or green indicators can be printed for customers, either to show the electrical system is in good condition, or to explain why a component needs replacing.
The battery test checks the state of charge, the voltage drop during starting, and compares the cold cranking amps (CCA) with the rating for the battery.
The charging test checks the alternator is correctly charging the battery and spots problems, such as overcharging or excessive ripple due to a blown diode.
The starter test helps identify a failing starter motor by measuring its coil resistance.
The drop test measures the voltage drop (and resistance) of the cables running from the battery to the starter motor. This will discover starting issues caused by corroded or damaged battery cables, or poor connections to the chassis ground.
Once your test is completed, you can print out a copy of the report for your customer. This report is fully customizable with your own company details and logo to give a professional appearance.
Check for misfires, and check if each cylinder is contributing the same amount of power, with the cylinder balance test.
Simply connect channel A of the PicoScope to the vehicle battery and start the engine. The software detects changes in engine speed as each cylinder fires. An easy-to-understand bar graph display shows the relative power output from each cylinder.
Please note: this test will not work correctly on certain vehicles that disable cylinders for emissions control reasons, or on low-compression engines with 8 or more cylinders.
The PicoDiagnostics NVH software can analyze vibrations and help to diagnose NVH problems. All you need is a PicoScope Automotive oscilloscope, the PicoDiagnostics NVH kit and a software license key (available from Pico Technology support).
The PicoDiagnostics NVH system is in use in thousands of workshops worldwide, due to the speed and simplicity of operation in capturing and analysing both vibration and noise problems across the whole vehicle.
The system can obtain RPM, speed and other PID data via a J2534 interface (not supplied), and includes the ability to view Parameter ID (PID) values in the time domain.
The PicoDiagnostcis NVH system includes special time domain functions optimised for measuring creaks, squeaks and harshness, such as knocks,
There is also an inbuilt Function Generator that can generate sounds, using your laptop. These sounds can stimulate resonance, making an object vibrate with a greater amplitude at its specific natural frequency. This is a very useful feature when customers complain about interior rattles, as they often have difficulty describing the sound or pinpointing the origin.
To learn more about our NVH system, please visit our product pages.
PicoScope has been designed to be easy to use for the beginner - the guided tests quickly get you up to speed and if you are confident using a multimeter and scan tool you will have no problem with a PicoScope.
PicoScope also has a depth of features that makes it the oscilloscope of choice for expert users ranging diagnostic specialists to designers of vehicle systems. For vehicle manufacturers, having dealers, field service technicians and designers all use the same tool has proved immensely valuable.
Some of the advanced features include:
In short we believe that PicoScope is the best automotive oscilloscope software for new and experienced users alike. But don't just take our word for it: read some reviews from our users.