Pico Technology

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

1.  New Product — EL041 Thermocouple Converter

Last month we announced the launch of the EL041 four channel thermocouple converter designed for use with the EnviroMon data logging and alarm system.

Press releases for the EL041 are now available on our website in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

The EL041 is an important product in two areas, first of all it expands the use of the EnviroMon system to applications requiring the measurement of high or low temperatures (-270°C to +1820°C). Secondly, it forms the base of a stand alone thermocouple data logging solution - previously to record from thermocouples required the use of the TC-08 thermocouple data logger and a PC.

The EL041 has a list price of £199 (approx $367 / €298) and is available immediately.

2.  New Oscilloscope Training Courses

We are pleased to announce an expansion in the number and type of training courses we offer. We now offer two general purpose oscilloscope training courses and three automotive specific training courses.

Basic oscilloscope training (1/2 day)

This is a half day course. It assumes no knowledge of oscilloscopes, and has the overall objective that each delegate will understand basic operation and functionality of the instrument. On completion, each delegate should be able to make basic timing and amplitude measurements. Although based around the use of Pico PC oscilloscopes this course is suitable for all oscilloscope users.

Advanced oscilloscope training (1/2 day)

This course is designed for existing owners of our oscilloscopes (or prospective purchasers who want an in depth knowledge of the functionality). It explains how to get the best out of the product by using some of the more advanced features of the oscilloscope and spectrum analyser. The course will cover the different display modes, advanced settings, trigger modes, custom ranges and user defined test menus.

Pico Automotive Diagnostic Kit Training (1 day)

This course is designed to help customers get the best out of the Automotive Diagnostics Kit and PicoScope Automotive software. It briefly covers the use of the drop down menu of tests and waveforms, then goes on to explain some of the more advanced features of the software like trigger controls, manually selecting timebases and voltage ranges, custom ranges, creating your own library of waveforms. The course will also give hints and tips for getting the best results from the ignition pickups, current clamps and break out leads. Delegates attending this course should have a basic knowledge of oscilloscopes and vehicle electrical/electronic systems.

Basic Engine Management Diagnostics using PicoScope (1 day)

The course will include the basic working principles of Engine Management systems, testing components and system diagnostics using oscilloscopes. The course will be split between theory and practical demonstrations in a workshop using the Pico Automotive Diagnostic Kit.

Advanced Engine Management Diagnostics using PicoScope (1 day)

This course is an in-depth study of electronic engine controls including fuel and emission management. The focus will be to use PicoScope to evaluate engine systems and their components including sensors and actuators such as injectors, lambda sensors and ignition components. The course will be split between theory and practical demonstrations in a workshop using the Pico Automotive Diagnostic Kit.

Delegates for all the above courses will receive training notes and a certificate of attendance. For details of venues, dates and costs can be found in the training section of our website.

3.  New Software Release

PicoScope R5.10.05 was uploaded to our website on Wednesday 5th May. This release fixes a number of minor bugs but does not contain any new features so it is only worth downloading if you have been affected by one of the bugs described below:

• Rulers flickering during drawing
• Crash during File | Save as with “hide file extensions” enabled in Windows
• Settings.pss file saved in the wrong directory
• Incorrect display of some saved waveforms if hardware not attached
• ADC-42 voltage / offset issues fixed

Both full and demo versions of our software can be downloaded for free.

4.  Automotive News

Diagnostics Kit reviewed

Our oscilloscope diagnostics kit has been reviewed by Professional Motor Mechanic Magazine. The verdict was that it is a “great diagnostic tool, accurate, user-friendly and affordable.”
The full review can be read online.

New automotive training courses

Following feedback from delegates we have added a new training course to focus more on the user wishing to get the best out of the software. In addition we have added more dates and venues for the automotive diagnostic training courses.

Help us Improve the Automotive Software

The automotive drop down menu in PicoScope contains over 60 tests consisting of reference waveforms and help topics. If there are any other tests you would like adding or have suggestions for improvements to the existing ones please let us know by sending an email to marketing@picotech.com

MechanEx Tradeshow — Free Tickets and Free Bacon Roll!

Pico will be exhibiting at the MechanEx show at the G-Mex centre (Manchester, UK) on the 15th and 16th June. If you pre register you not only get free entry, but also get a free bacon roll on arrival. Register online at http://www.mechanex2004.co.uk or send your name and address by email to enquiry@picotech.com with “MechanEx Ticket” as the subject of the email.

5.  New Application Note — pH Measurement With the ADC-16

New this month is an application note / science experiment showing how to measure up to four channels of pH onto a single ADC-16 high resolution data logger.

6.  Exhibitions and Training Dates

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

7.  Employment Opportunities

We currently have two vacancies:

• Distribution sales manager
• Technical specialist

Full information can be found in the employment opportunities section

8.  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 R5.09-4 (release) R5.10.5 (beta)
• PicoLog R5.09-6 (release) R5.10.3 (beta)
• EnviroMon R5.09-6 (release) R5.10.3 (beta)
• Drivers R5.09-6 (release) R5.10.1 (beta)

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).

9.  Back Issues of this Newsletter

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

10.  Subscribe / Unsubscribe Information

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