New Product
4425A with new PicoBNC ™
The Ideal Automotive Diagnostic Tool
The Pico Automotive Diagnostics Kit turns your laptop or desktop PC into a powerful automotive diagnostic tool for fault finding the increasing number of sensors, actuators and electronic circuits found on today's vehicles.
The automotive kit is based around the highly successful range of Pico automotive oscilloscopes. These high resolution PC oscilloscopes connect to a USB port on your PC and cantake up to 512,000 samples per trace, making it possible to capture complex automotive waveforms — including CAN bus signals — and then zoom in on areas of interest. Being PC-based these waveforms can then be saved to your PC for future reference, printed or emailed.
Our range of oscilloscopes kits can be used to diagnose faults on anything with an engine. It does not matter if you are working with two wheels, four wheels (or many more). Our kits are also widely used on boats, aircraft and on stationary applications such as large generators. Our two–channel new kits the 4225A are ideal for occasional use or for those on a limited budget. The four–channel 4425A kits allow you to diagnose more complex problems and save time by testing more signals at the same time
Which PicoScope Automotive Kit is Right for Me?
NEW PicoScope 4425A & 4225A - Released April 16, 2020 with PicoBNC ™
2 & 4 Channel A Series Automotive Scopes
[PQ173 & PQ174] [4 CHANNEL SCOPE ONLY AVAILABLE]
Our exciting new PicoBNC ™ probe connectivity, unique to PicoScope 4225A and 4425A oscilloscopes, provides you with:
- Channel status lights to show you which probes and channels to connect and their status when you load a data file or guided test
- Smart probe interfacing so that all your probe configuration takes place in the software - no more incorrect probe switch positions!
- Powered probes that are always on and ready to go - no more flat batteries, current clamp zeroing, or auto-off!
- Future-proofing of your diagnostic capabilities as we develop new probe technologies.
- Full backwards-compatibility with BNC for all your existing PicoScope or third-party probes
Find out more about the
2 Channel 4225A Oscilloscope
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4225 Oscilloscpe only [PQ173] |
Find out more about the
4 Channel 4425A Oscilloscope
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4425 Oscilloscope only [PQ174]
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2 & 4 Channel Oscilloscope Only [PQ173 & PQ174] [2 & 4 Channel Scope Available now]
2–2 & 4 Channel Scope only [4225A & 4425A]
[PQ173 & PQ174]
The 2 & 4 Channel Scope gives you a Picoscope with USB Cable and Picoscope Automotive Software [No accessories]. The Software includes lifetime updates and upgrades for the life of the product as well as access to the Pico Waveform Library with more than 6000 sample waveforms.
The scope will allow you to perform many common tasks including testing most sensors, relative compression and cylinder balance tests however you will need to provide your own cable, clamps, probes and clips.
Over time accessories such as current clamps and ignition probes can be added to expand its uses and convert a scope into a kit.
Find out more about the
2 Channel [PQ173] 4225A Oscilloscope
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4225A Oscilloscpe only |
Find out more about the
4 Channel [PQ174] 4425A Oscilloscope
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4425A Oscilloscope only
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2 Channel Starter Kit [PQ175]-4225A Scope [2 Channel Kit - Limited Quantities Avilalable]
2–Channel Starter Kit [PQ175]-4225A Scope
The 2–Channel Starter Kit gives you the lowest possible cost entry into PicoScope ownership. The kit comes complete with a basic set of leads and clips to allow you to perform many common tasks including testing most sensors, relative compression and cylinder balance tests. Over time accessories such as current clamps and ignition probes can be added to expand its uses and convert a starter kit into a standard kit. (no case included, ships in a cardboard box.)
Find out more about the 2–Channel Starter Kit
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2 Channel Standard Kit [PQ177]-4225A Scope [Limited Quantities Avilalable Now]
2–Channel Standard Kit [PQ177]-4225A Scope
Compared to the starter kit the standard kit includes current clamps, attenuators, ignition pickups and additional probes and clips to allow virtually all the components on modern vehicles to be tested.
Find out more about the 2–Channel Standard Kit
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4 Channel Starter Kit [PQ176]-4425A Scope [4 Channel Kit Available Now]
4–Channel Starter Kit [PQ176]-4425A Scope
The 4–Channel Starter Kit contains the same four–channel oscilloscope featured in the standard and advanced kits. To keep costs down it is supplied with a basic set of leads and clips to allow you to perform many common tasks including testing most sensors, actuators, relative compression and cylinder balance tests.
(no case included, ships in a cardboard box.)
Over time accessories such as current clamps and ignition probes can be added to expand its uses and convert into a standard or advanced kit.
Find out more about the 4–Channel Starter Kit
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4 Channel Standard Kit [PQ178]-4425A Scope
4–Channel Standard Kit [PQ178]-4425A Scope
Our most popular kit gives you the ability to measure and record up to four signals simultaneously. It comes complete with a variety of accessories including leads, probes, clips and current clamps to allow virtually all the components on modern vehicles to be tested.
Find out more about the 4–Channel Standard Kit
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4 Channel Advanced Kit [PQ180]-4425A Scope
4–Channel Advanced Kit [PQ180]-4425A Scope
The 4–Channel Advanced Kit is the ultimate in vehicle diagnostics. It builds on the 4–Channel Standard Kit by including our most popular optional accessories such as universal break out leads, fuse extension leads and COP ignition pickup.
Find out more about the 4–Channel Advanced Kit
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4 Channel Diesel Kit [PQ179]-4425A Scope
4–Channel Diesel Kit [PQ179]-4425A Scope
This kit is based on the 4–Channel Standard Kit but has been adapted for use with diesel engines. The kit includes a current clamp with a DC range of 0–2000 amps — ideal for measuring the high currents drawn by the starter motors of commercial vehicles.
Find out more about the 4–Channel Diesel Kit
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4-Channel Master Kit [PQ194]-4425A Scope
4-Channel Master Kit [PQ194]-4425A Scope
Our Automotive Master Kit has been designed to give our customers a way of buying everything they could need in one hit. While there is always more you can buy to add to your toolbox, in this instance we’ve put together our most comprehensive kit to-date. Our Master Kit consists of an upgraded and extended Advanced Kit including the TA234, in a new larger tougher carry case and our WPS500X Maxi Kit in a separate case. The kit also includes our Connector breakout lead kit B, our Fuse extension lead kit, insulation piercing probes and an assorted pack of Gear Ties.
Find out more about the 4-Channel Master Kit
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4-Channel Engine & Hydraulics Kit [PQ195]-4425A Scope
4-Channel Engine & Hydraulic Kit Kit [PQ195]-4425A Scope
Our Engine & Hydraulic Kit has been designed to give our customers a way of buying everything they could need in one hit. While there is always more you can buy to add to your toolbox, in this instance we’ve put together our most comprehensive kit to-date. Our Our Engine & Hydraulic Kit consists of an upgraded and extended Advanced Kit including the TA234, in a new larger tougher carry case and our WPS600X High Pressure Kit in a separate case. The kit also includes TBA........
Find out more about the 4-Channel Engine & Hydraulic Kit
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*NEW* EV - Electric Vehicle Kit [PQ196]-4425A Scope
4-Channel EV Kit [PQ196]-4425A Scope
Our Automotive EV Kit This PicoScope 4425A kit provides comprehensive diagnostics capability for all types of EV (BEV, MHEV, PHEV, Fuel-cell), and ICE (Diesel, Gasoline, LPG). In combination with the extensive range of Pico accessories, the 4425A covers engines/motors, sensors, actuators, communications buses, Noise Vibration & Harshness, and all basic measurements in an easy-to-use system that includes extensive guidance for technicians.
The PicoScope 4425A EV Kit contains all the test equipment required to ensure it is safe to work on an EV, and to investigate any faults that are likely to cause safety issues.
Find out more about the 4-Channel EV Kit
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*NEW* 4 Channel Vehicle Assessor Kit [PQ222]
4-Channel Vehicle Assessor Kit [PQ222]-4425A Scope in Case
Our Vehicle Assessor Kit is ideal for companies who assess vehicles for insurance purposes. This PicoScope 4425A kit provides great value to assessor's capabilities to provide comprehensive diagnostics. Can be used for all types of EV (BEV, MHEV, PHEV, Fuel-cell), and ICE (Diesel, Gasoline, LPG). In combination with the extensive range of Pico accessories, the 4425A covers engines/motors, sensors, actuators, communications buses, Noise Vibration & Harshness, and all basic measurements in an easy-to-use system that includes extensive guidance for technicians.
The PicoScope 4425A Assessor Kit includes a WPS500X Pressure Transducer with carrying case.
Kit contains all the test equipment required to work on most vehicles, including a lifetime licence to the Pico Automotive Diagnostics software - includes lifetime updates and upgrades.
Find out more about the 4-Channel Vehicle Assessor Kit
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*NEW* 8-Channel Professional Kit [PQ184]-4823 Scope
8-Channel Professional Kit [PQ184]-4823 Scope
The 4823 is the world’s first high-speed, high-resolution, 8-channel automotive oscilloscope, and is fast enough for CAN, CAN FD, and FlexRay including serial data decoding. It is ready-configured for automotive probes and includes more than 150 Guided tests, plus access to thousands of comparisons in the Pico waveform library which now supports 8 channels.
Find out more about the 8-Channel Professional Kit
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Suitable for use with any modern vehicle
The Pico Automotive Diagnostics Kit can be used to measure and test virtually all of the electrical and electronic components and circuits in any modern vehicle including:
- Ignition (primary and secondary)
- Injectors and fuel pumps
- Starter and charging circuits
- Batteries, alternators and starter motors
- Lambda, airflow, ABS and MAP sensors
- Electronic throttle control
- CAN bus, LIN bus and FlexRay
Scan tool or scope?
We are often asked "Should I buy a scan tool or a scope". The short answer is that you need both. A scan tool can often point you in the right direction, perhaps indicating a misfire on a specific cylinder but too often the less experienced technician then ends replacing several parts before the problem is solved. Oscilloscopes should be used:
- To eliminate guesswork and test individual components before they are replaced. This avoids "parts darts" where more and more parts are replaced until the fault goes away.
- To find intermittent wiring and connector faults.
- When a vehicle has a problem but no code has been set or when multiple / misleading codes have been set
- As the best way to find charging and starting problems.
- To find problems with actuators such as motors and injectors that are not monitored by the ECU.
- To identify mechanical problems such as compression and slipped / incorrectly fitted timing belts.
For the technician oscilloscopes lead to faster, more efficient diagnostics and a better understanding of how vehicle systems work. For the workshop using a PicoScope encourages a "fix it right" culture by reducing the number of parts changed on guesswork. The net result is improved customer satisfaction, increased repeat business and increased profits.
Easy to use
This powerful and flexible automotive diagnostic tool has been designed for ease of use so is equally suitable for both novice and expert users.
The kit is ideal for a wide range of users including franchised and non-franchised garages, breakdown/roadside recovery organizations and mobile tuning/repair services.
Pico Automotive Diagnostics Kits are already used by several major vehicle manufacturers for dealer-level diagnostics, and we can provide fully customized kits for vehicle manufacturers and OEMs.
Ideal for use both in the workshop and on the road
The Automotive Diagnostics Kit is powered directly from the USB port of your computer — eliminating the need for power leads or battery packs, and making it suitable for use both for workshop-based and mobile automotive diagnostics.
Powerful automotive software
Included as part of the kit is the powerful PicoScope Automotive diagnostic software. Using PicoScope Automotive is both fast and easy. Simply select the sensor or circuit to be tested and the software will automatically load the required settings and give you full details of how to connect the scope, along with advice on what the waveform should look like and general technical information on the component being tested.
PicoScope 6 is the most advanced automotive oscilloscope software available to date. With award-winning features and intuitive design, this software is designed to make sure you get to the heart of the problem, fast.
Features such as auto setup, tutorials and the guided tests quickly get new users up to speed. Advanced features such as maths channels, waveform buffers, advanced triggers and reference waveforms ensure the experienced user will not run out of power.
The modern user interface is easy to use. There are no old-fashioned knobs and dials. We leave the space free for what matters: your waveforms displayed in crisp, clear high resolution.
| PicoScope software has now firmly established itself as the industry standard so the time you invest in improving your diagnostic skills will benefit you for the rest of your career. Regular updates to our software include new features and new tests, and are free for the life of the product. |
Incredible Value for Money
Pico Automotive Diagnostic Kits do not require harnesses for different models of vehicles, and software updates can be downloaded for free — making the kit a powerful and cost-effective automotive diagnostic tool.
To meet the budgets and needs of all users, Pico automotive kits are available in both 4-channel and 2-channel versions. An Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics Kit is also available for the testing of commercial vehicles.
Full Technical Backup
 Many technicians know that they should be using oscilloscopes but are worried they will be too difficult to use. If you are confident using multimeters and scan tools, you will have no problem learning to use a PicoScope.
The manual guides you step by step through installing the PicoScope and making your first measurement of battery voltage and from there the guided tests take over, showing you how to test the common components on vehicles. Next we offer a huge range of free resources to help you get the most out of your PicoScope includingonline training, videos and case studies. There is also a great community of users who share knowledge, waveforms and advice as well as helping us by suggesting software improvements.
Many of our customers tell us how owning a PicoScope has helped them understand how a modern vehicle really works and over time has opened new career opportunities as they become respected experts in diagnostics.
Buying a PicoScope is unlike dealing with some other companies who lose interest as soon as they have your money. At Pico we stand behind our products and offer free lifetime technical support by phone and online. Software updates are also free - your PicoScope keeps getting better with no subscriptions or ongoing fees to pay. It is no surprise that PicoScopes are chosen by more vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket customers than any other oscilloscope.
Optional Items:
WPS500X pressure sensor kit (optional)
Adding the WPS500X to your PicoScope opens up a new world of diagnostics by turning pressure readings into waveforms. In-cylinder waveforms show valve and timing issues, mechanical failures, blown gaskets and blocked catalytic converters.
Most pressure sensors can only measure over a limited range (so you need different ones for different tasks). The WPS500X has three ranges in one sensor so it is flexible enough to work right around the vehicle - fuel pressure, transmission pressure, intake vacuum and even pulses from the exhaust.
Supplied as a complete kit with hoses (compression, fuel, vacuum, bleed) and adaptors (exhaust, M10/M12/M14 plugs and universal).
More information on the WPS500X pressure sensor >>
Noise and vibration kit (optional)
Improvements in damping and sound insulation in modern vehicles mean that vibrations and noise that would previously be ignored (by turning up the radio) are now diagnostic headaches. Many hours can be spent, and many parts swapped, in tracking down customer complaints.
The NVH kit works with your PicoScope to quickly identify the source of the problem. If the customer complaint is noise, use the microphone; if it’s a vibration, use the accelerometer. Sophisticated software quickly pinpoints the source of the problem.
The kit can be enhanced with accessories to also allow on-vehicle driveline balancing.
More information on the NVH kit >>
PicoScope oscilloscopes - future-proof
Pico have been designing, manufacturing and improving our oscilloscopes for over 20 years. Our objective is simple: to make the best automotive oscilloscope in the world.
The recently introduced two-channel PicoScope 4225 and four-channel PicoScope 4425 are our 5th generation of automotive PC oscilloscopes. They are 5x faster and have 8x more memory than the previous generation, ensuring they are powerful enough for the next generation of vehicles with new technologies such as CAN FD.
Other innovations include:
- New floating inputs for non-grounded measurements and voltage drop tests
- Higher voltage ranges (up to 200 V without attenuators)
- ConnectDetect® to ensure you have a good connection
- Advanced triggers to capture intermittent faults
- Hardware filters and frequency measurement
- USB 3.0 connected and powered.
When you purchase any diagnostic tool you not only spend money but you also spend time learning how best to use it. We protect that investment in two ways. First we develop hardware and software that is easy to use for those starting out with oscilloscopes yet has the power and features demanded by experienced users. Second, we do not compromise on quality or specifications, so expect the PicoScope you buy today to still be an essential part of your diagnostic toolbox 10 years from now.
Floating inputs
 Floating input channels are a unique new technology that allows safe, low-noise measurements even in situations where none of the inputs are grounded.
Floating inputs allow a single input to perform voltage drop tests (for example, along the battery to starter motor cable) and measurements on non-grounded signals like hybrid electric motor drives. With floating inputs the maximum allowable voltage difference between any two channel grounds is 30 V.
The inputs can now measure up to 200 V (up from 100 V on the previous generation of PicoScope). A key benefit is that external attenuators are no longer needed for measuring injector voltages.
Remember: on a floating-input scope, grounding one input does not ground all the others. You must provide signal and return connections for each input that you are using.
ConnectDetect®
Making sure that you have a good connection to the signal you want to test is not always easy. With ConnectDetect enabled, indicators on screen, and lights on the scope itself, turn from red to green as soon as a good connection is detected.
Once a good connection is established, the on-screen icons fade so as not to obscure the waveform. If, however, the status changes (for example vibration causes a probe to become loose), the icons will highlight the change
Memory buffer
The best way to diagnose an intermittent fault is often to set up the scope to measure from several components and wait for the fault to occur. For an intermittent misfire, you might want to capture several minutes of cam, crank, ignition and injector waveforms. These types of tests require an oscilloscope with a "deep" memory buffer, so that you can capture for long periods of time and then zoom in without any gaps or loss of detail.
With PicoScope you can collect 250 MILLION samples, more than any other automotive oscilloscope. Our advanced "always on" memory technology uses hardware acceleration to make sure that the processing of large amounts of data does not slow the oscilloscope down even when you are using a slower or older PC.
Deep memory allows long recordings at high speed – you capture a complete test drive whilst looking for intermittent faults. When not using the full memory for a single waveform, PicoScope automatically stores up to the last 10,000 waveforms in the buffer, so you can stop the scope and “wind back time” to see every capture.
Crisp, clear high-resolution display
A deep waveform memory gives you a high time resolution, but a high vertical resolution is equally important. It allows you to see small changes in signal such as ignition coil oscillations and the small dip in current when an injector opens.
Many oscilloscopes only offer 8-bit resolution which allows 256 vertical steps. As most PC monitors have vertical resolutions of over 1000 pixels, this results in a low-resolution "blocky" display. The PicoScope 4225 and 4425 have 12-bit resolution (4096 steps), and when not using the full sampling rate of the scope this can be enhanced to 16 bits (65 536 steps).
The image shows the same ignition signal captured at both 8 bits and 12 bits. With the 8-bit oscilloscope the coil oscillations are distorted while at 12 bits they are in clear high definition.
Fast sampling
The latest PicoScopes can capture signals faster than ever. With sampling rates of up to 400 million samples per second, there is nothing that can escape the scrutiny of PicoScope.
CAN and FlexRay are now common on vehicles, and new protocols such as SENT for digital sensors and CAN FD (up to 5x faster than the current CAN standard) will appear in new vehicles from 2017. The fast sampling rate ensures that the PicoScope 4225 and 4425 have the speed to handle future needs as vehicle technology changes.
USB 3.0 for power, speed and simplicity
As with our previous generations of PicoScope oscilloscopes, no external power supply is required and there are no batteries to go flat, just a simple reliable connection to the USB port.
The PicoScope 4225 and 4425 have the latest SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port to interface to your PC. Don't worry if your PC only has USB 2.0 ports – the PicoScopes are fully compatible with these too. If you have USB 3.0 on your PC you will notice slightly faster screen update rates, faster file saving and USB streaming. As more of our customers move to PCs with USB 3.0, free software updates will ensure that you get the full benefits available from the new standard.
Our unique fast USB streaming allows continuous gap-free data to be collected straight to PC memory. This makes features like our cylinder balance, battery test and (optional) NVH tests possible. It also allows the oscilloscope to display live, real-time data without waiting for the screen to refresh.
Advanced features
Most new users start by using the guided tests to configure all the settings automatically. As your experience grows there are many advanced features to explore. These include:
- Advanced digital triggers. Unique among automotive oscilloscopes, these trigger modes allow you to trigger when there is too long a time gap (such as when an injector fails to fire). They can also be set to trigger and sound an alarm when a sensor signal goes out of range.
- Filters. Some signals are noisy as wires in the loom pick up noise from other wires. The ECU filters this noise out. The PicoScope 4225 and 4425 have selectable hardware filters to remove this noise, so you see what the ECU sees.
- Hardware frequency measurement. Flow sensors and some airflow sensors output a digital frequency signal. Most oscilloscopes can't extract usable diagnostic information from this, but your PicoScope can convert it to a conventional analog waveform (as shown in this MAF sensor example).
Every aspect of your PicoScope has been designed for a long working life, and it has the performance to ensure it will not be obsoleted by the changing technology in new vehicles. The hardware is robust and reliable with no moving parts or batteries to fail. Combine this with free support and free software updates for the life of the product and its easy to see why a PicoScope is the choice for professional diagnostics.
PicoScope software
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.
Download PicoScope Automotive software >>
Regular updates to our software include new features and new tests, and are free for the life of the product.
PicoScope guided tests
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.
Waveform library
The library enables you to share and back up your waveforms online and also search a global database of waveforms uploaded by PicoScope users from around the world.
The powerful search options let you find “known good” waveforms from vehicles identical to the one you are working on. Not sure if you have a slipped timing belt? There are hundreds of cam vs crank waveforms to compare against. Not sure if the cranking current is too high? Download a waveform to compare.
PicoScope software - keeps improving
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:
- 720 degree rotation rulers: ideal for looking at engine timing (see waveform showing crankshaft, camshaft and in cylinder pressure).
- Channel labels: it's important when saving a file to identify what each channel is measuring but it can be time-consuming. With channel labels you just type in a few letters and a time-saving list of names is presented.
- Vehicle database: a list of makes and models is included with the ability to store customer details too. The last few vehicles worked on are stored in a list for quick recall.
Software upgrades are free for the life of the product and download in the background while you are working.
PicoDiagnostics
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.
Compression test
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.
Battery, starter and alternator test
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.
Cylinder balance / misfire detect
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.
NVH
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).
PicoDiagnostics has had strong development focus this year, ensuring the software performs and evaluates better than ever before. Special focus has been given to NVH testing and, in particular, the way to view results and additional vehicle data.
The main updates are:
The new filter tab in the Advanced Options dialog box contains these options:
- Low pass filter – which allows any frequency below the set threshold to be detected.
- High pass filter – which allows any frequency above the set threshold to be detected.
- Band Pass – which allows frequencies between the Low pass and High pass range to be detected.
- Band Stop – which allows frequencies outside of the Low pass and High pass range to be detected.
- (You can select the low and high cutoff ranges in range menus below the options when relevant.)
There is an added OBD PID functionality for managing and using Parameter IDs (PIDs). PIDs are codes that are used to request data from a vehicle for diagnostics. The SAE standard J/1979 defines several PIDs, but many more PIDs are specified by the respective vehicle manufacturer. Typically, technicians use PIDs with a scan tool connected to the vehicle's OBD-II connector. The PID is sent to the vehicle's controller area network, a device on the bus recognizes the PID and reports the value for it back to the bus, from which it is sent to the scan tool and displayed to the technician. Note: You can only view the values from the PIDs in the Time Domain view on the record and analyze tab.
Time domain is a real-time feature you can use to measure harshness, such as knocks, creaks and squeaks. Noises and harshness like these are annoying but are only present for a very short period of time, with insufficient energy to be transferred to and displayed in the Frequency display (FFT) of the NVH user interface. Events (e.g. pothole strikes) are not transferred for display in the FFT as it requires a minimum of 2.5 seconds of continual disturbance in order to process the event. Until now, symptoms like these would be reserved for listening devices, letting the technician listen to the intensity of noises delivered to a headset from microphones placed around the offending area of the vehicle. These results, however, would be subjective and open to misinterpretation. These events are captured in the signal history as it displays the input of the attached microphone or accelerometer live (relative to time). The time domain feature will capture and display the momentary amplitude of these noises.
The inbuilt Function Generator 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 means that the technicians can listen to audio played back at specific frequencies and match it to sounds present in the vehicle. The feature can be manipulated to playback audio through the vehicle’s In Car Entertainment system (ICE) via the PC headphone socket, streamed from the PC via Bluetooth, or with an FM modulator if the vehicle does not have Aux or Bluetooth. This is a very useful feature when customers complain about interior rattles, as they often have difficulty describing the sound or pinpointing the origin. If you playback variable low frequencies via the ICE with the Function generator, and increase the volume, you can generate rattles inside the cabin that can be confirmed by the customer. This can then help the technician find the origin, and the job is safely done in a parked car.The strobe light feature is now part of the function generator.
The Harmonic Marker Count lets you choose the number of harmonic markers to use on the capture. You can now add up to 64 markers.
The G Scaling option lets you choose the scale. The dBg is a logarithmic scale while g is a linear scale.
There are improvements to microphone playback to combine all channels in view into a single audio channel.
Software that grows with you
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:
Serial decoding (CAN, LIN and FlexRay)
Mask testing. Draw a mask around a known good waveform, the software then saves or alarms every time a waveform fails.
Advanced maths. Plot changing frequency and duty cycle. Add filters. Add, subtract and perform complex equations between channels.
Custom probes. Scale the output from linear and nonlinear sensors into real-world values.
PicoScope 4225A and 4425A Series Specifications
This table lists the specifications that are most important to the average customer using the PicoScope for automotive diagnostics. If you have a more specific use for the product (or are just curious), detailed specifications are below this table.
Detailed specifications
Some of our customers use our automotive oscilloscopes for vehicle design and development and other non-diagnostic purposes. For these customers we have provided detailed technical specifications.
When operated in the presence of high EM fields, interference in the form of additional measurement noise may be experienced. This is no cause for concern but the user should endeavor to minimize any adverse effects so caused through careful positioning when in use and/or not operating close to potential sources of interference such as mobile telephone transmitters, antenna masts, etc.
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