PC-based package runs full set of automotive tests

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 26, 2002

A novel PC-based automotive diagnostics package enables measurements including: starter current; ignition, injector and ABS signals; and rotary sensor outputs.

Pico Technology has launched an automotive diagnostics package that enables measurements including: starter current; ignition, injector and ABS signals; and rotary sensor outputs.

The package comprises a powerful, yet low-cost, PC-based oscilloscope, current clamp, secondary ignition pickup and a range of test clips, leads and probes.

At the heart of the automotive diagnostics package is the PicoScope software and information suite, which features a drop down menu of common automotive tests.

In addition, the software can be customised and, via Internet access or CD ROM, can make full use of Pico's growing range of automotive test waveforms freely available from the company's website.

Alan Tong, Pico Technology's Technical Director says: "The automotive diagnostics package affords automobile technicians and engineers the ability to make accurate and high-resolution measurements and compare them to a growing number of expected results".

The automotive diagnostics package is ideal for OEMs, franchised and nonfranchised garages, breakdown/roadside recovery organisations and those providing mobile tuning/repair services.

Costing a fraction of traditional automotive oscilloscopes and engine analysers, the automotive diagnostics package features Pico's ADC-212 oscilloscope which, when used with PicoScope software, converts a desktop or laptop computer into an oscilloscope, spectrum analyser and meter at the same time.

Tong continues: "With the ADC-212 at the heart of our automotive diagnostics package, it is possible - thanks to the ADC-212's memory depth and resolution - to capture complex automotive waveforms and 'zoom in' horizontally and vertically on areas of interest".

The automotive diagnostics package includes a 600A AC/DC current clamp - ideal for displaying starter current waveforms, charging currents and for performing quick compression tests - and an insulated secondary ignition pick-up, which avoids the need for a direct connection.

In addition, a number of more general-purpose probes, leads and clips allow for the measurement of lower voltage/current signals and waveforms.

Tong concludes: "The test package is everything you need to measure and record the majority of the signals, currents and voltages responsible for whether a vehicle is functioning or not.

And with the ability to download traces and settings from the web into PicoScope technicians can compare like for like.

Both 'good' and 'bad' waveforms are present within the library as good traces alone cannot convey what may be wrong with a vehicle when a technician is unable to capture a similar trace.

With access to 'bad' waveforms it is easier to draw conclusions as to which components are at fault".

The Pico Technology automotive diagnostics package is available immediately, and retails for GBP 599.

For those already using Pico's ADC-212, the necessary accessories required to complete the automotive diagnostics package are available for around GBP 200.