Pico Technology

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

1.  PicoScope 2104 and 2105 Latest

The PicoScope 2104 and 2105 probe-style PC oscilloscopes, with their tempting combination of high performance and convenient, pocketable size, have taken the market by storm. They sold out almost immediately after their launch last month. If you are still waiting for yours, we promise that we are working to fulfil all orders as soon as possible.

Find out more about PicoScope handheld oscilloscopes

2.  Tech Tip: Autosetup in PicoScope

Did you know that our PicoScope software now has an Autosetup feature? When you click the yellow “lightning” button on the toolbar, the program searches for signals on all enabled channels, and adjusts the trigger, timebase and voltage ranges accordingly. It does not change the AC/DC selections, nor does it switch any channel on or off.

Autosetup works with all our PC Oscilloscopes, old and new. With the latest PicoScope 2104 and 2105 probe-style PC oscilloscopes, you can even call up this feature without taking your hand off the scope: just press the pushbutton on the unit, hold it down for about two seconds, and Autosetup will automatically start.

If your version of PicoScope doesn’t have Autosetup, you can download a FREE update from our website. See the "Latest Software Releases" section below for details.

3.  Automotive News

New Product: Coil-on-Plug Secondary Test Probe

New for automotive technicians, the coil-on-plug secondary test probe for engine diagnostics enables you to test secondary ignition in coil-on-plug systems quickly. The probe is used in conjunction with our Automotive Oscilloscope Kits, and captures detailed secondary ignition waveforms from each cylinder in just a few minutes. You can then save, print and analyse the waveforms away from the vehicle. Unlike most other coil-on- plug testers, this design requires no back-probing, no disconnection or disturbance of the wiring, and no special adaptors or foil strips. It works with most coil-on-plug systems and requires no batteries. We recommend using two TA000 test leads to connect the probe to your oscilloscope.

Find out more about the Coil-on-Plug probe

New Automotive Waveform: Coil-on-Plug

To help users of the coil-on-plug probe (above), we have added a new example “triple spark” waveform. The triple spark is used on larger V8 engines at low RPM, enabling a lower idle speed and reducing emissions.

Visit our automotive waveform library

Northwest Automotive Industry Tradeshow

The Premier Auto Repair Show in the Pacific Northwest
Puyallup, Washington, U.S.A.
12-13 May 2006

Pico will be represented by Autonerdz.com on booth #108, where our automotive representatives will be present to answer your technical questions. Visit us to see our latest automotive products, including our two-channel, four-channel and commercial-vehicle Automotive Oscilloscope Kits, and accessories such as the versatile FirstLook engine sensor.

4.  Forthcoming Exhibitions and Training Dates

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

5.  Pico Technology’s 15th Anniversary — Tell Us Your Story

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

6.  Custom Solutions for Pico Data Loggers

You may be thinking of buying a Pico Data Logger, but need expert help to integrate our software with your application or to design a signal conditioner to interface the logger to your sensor.

If so, then Innovatronics Ltd may well be able to help with a custom solution tailored to your needs. With over seven years’ experience working with Pico equipment, our in-depth knowledge and high quality solutions may be exactly what you need to fulfil your requirements.

Feel free to contact Innovatronics to discuss your project and receive a no-obligation quote for a solution to your problem.

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 R5.13.9
• PicoScope Automotive R5.13.9
• PicoLog R5.13.9
• EnviroMon R5.13.7

To download the latest software please visit the software downloads page

(Note: the above web page also contains a link to our ‘release notes’ 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/newsletter/

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