Pico Technology

Here is your monthly Test and Measurement update from Pico Technology.

1.  Tech Tip: Opening Multiple Converters in PicoLog

PicoLog, our data logging software, operates in single-converter mode by default, but did you know that it can also work with multiple converters? For example, you could monitor 16 thermocouples using two USB TC-08 thermocouple data loggers, 18 precision thermistors using six TH-03 temperature converters, or six voltage inputs using three ADC-200 PC Oscilloscopes. We are often asked how to switch to multiple- converter mode, so here is a quick guide.

The leads are available with three different blade sizes to fit different sensors and actuators. With all three leads you can test a huge range of automotive components, including:

1. Choose File | New Settings
2. Tick the “Use Multiple Converters” box at the bottom of the dialog.
3. Fill in the Sampling Rate dialog and click “OK”. PicoLog will then open the “Converters” dialog.
4. Click the “Add” button to add a converter. Select your converter and click “OK”.
5. When you return to the “Converters” dialog, click the “Parameters” button. PicoLog will open a “Measurements” dialog.
6. Click the “Add” button and set up a measurement.
7. To add more measurements, repeat step 6 as many times as necessary.
8. When you have added all your measurements, click “OK" in the Measurements dialog. PicoLog will return you to the “Converters" dialog.
9. To add your next converter, return to step 4.
10. When you have added all your converters, click “OK” in the “Converters” dialog.

You are now ready to open a data file and record data. You can change any of the settings you made earlier by choosing the appropriate item in the Settings menu and filling in the dialog box.

2.  New Automotive Tutorial: Ferrari 360 Intermittent Non-Start

Our list of automotive articles continues to grow, this time with the addition of a new Real-Life Diagnostics series written by Nick Hibberd of Hibtech Auto-Electrical Diagnostics. The articles are fully illustrated with waveforms, diagrams and photographs, and are available free of charge with no registration needed. This month, find out how a PicoScope Automotive Oscilloscope Kit helped Nick to diagnose a high- performance engine that refused to crank.

Read the tutorial

3.  Training: Engine Management Diagnostics using PicoScope
- St Neots, UK

13 to 14 March 2006

Book now for the next two-day training course for users of our Automotive Diagnostic Kits.

On the first day you will learn the basic working principles of Engine Management systems, component testing and system diagnostics using oscilloscopes. The day will be split between theory and practical demonstrations in a workshop using the Pico Automotive Diagnostic Kit. On the second day you will continue to explore practical examples of diagnostic work with the oscilloscope. You will also build your understanding of electrical and mechanical faults and the engineering significance of voltage signals.

By the end of the course you will be certified by Pico Technology to use the Pico Automotive Diagnostics Kit and PicoScope oscilloscope software specifically for advanced automotive diagnostic applications. You will then possess the knowledge to run diagnostics on most of the common automotive sensors.

More information on Pico automotive training courses

4.  Pico Technology’s 15th Anniversary — Contact Us

Pico is now in its 15th year, so we are looking forward to celebrating our anniversary in a few months’ time. In our publicity for this event, we plan to focus on our commitment to supporting our older products; in fact, our latest software still works with our very first PC Oscilloscopes and Data Loggers. If you have owned and used a Pico product for ten years or more, and would like us to publish your story, please contact us by email

5.  Employment Opportunities

Due to our continuing growth, we have vacancies for the following positions:

• Digital Hardware Engineers
• Analogue Hardware Engineers
• Applications Software Engineers

We look forward to hearing from you if you want to be part of a growing company at the leading edge of test equipment design.

View full details of all our current employment vacancies

6.  Forthcoming Exhibitions and Training Dates

Full details of upcoming exhibitions and training dates can be found on the exhibitions page.

7.  Latest Software Releases

As soon as we release new software, it is made available for FREE download from our website. To check which version you are using, start the software (PicoScope, PicoLog or EnviroMon) and select HELP | ABOUT.

The current releases are:

• PicoScope R5.13.4
• PicoLog R5.12.8
• EnviroMon R5.12.2
• PicoScope Automotive R5.13.4

To download the latest software please visit the software downloads page

(Note: the above web page also contains a link to our 'what’s new' page which describes recent changes and additions to the software.)

8.  Back Issues of this Newsletter

Back issues of this newsletter are available online at http://www.picotech.com/maillist.html

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