This has been discussed in past threads to some extent, but I thought it a good time to post a thread on this subject so that awareness can be expanded and questions answered.  Here at Autonerdz, we decided long ago to set a new standard for automotive dedicated technical support.  Each PicoScope kit we sell comes with this support package.  The training and support system has evolved and expanded since we started it in 2002.  This support has been called the best in the industry.  Combined with the stellar Pico factory support, there is no equal.  We blazed the trail for Pico in the automotive market and since then, they have rocketed to the top of the heap in automotive scopes.  The concept was new in 2002 and it has taken time and effort to accomplish this.  Pico's forward thinking was in tune with the automotive industry development in this area and their entry in to the automotive field was timely.  We knew that support and training was key to product acceptance and, well, you know the results.  

As the automotive industry leader for PicoScope, we often get coat tail riders.  Might be another distributor trying to reinvent the wheel by attempting to copy our business model, or trying to grab sales on a popular product by slashing prices.  We really don't care.  Serious techs that do their homework will purchase from us for obvious reasons.  We don't just sell equipment, we sell an experience.  It's the ones that don't do their homework, that kick themselves later.  We are not in business to subsidize other distributors with our support system, but we do offer it for a yearly subscription for their customers.

It's true that our support system does not expire or require a subscription for those who purchase their PicoScope kit from Autonerdz.  However, this service does not extend to equipment not purchased from us.  This may seem like a no brainer concept, but some distributors that slash prices attract those who may wish to upgrade to a 3000 series scope, thinking that they can just continue to enjoy Autonerdz support.  I can't blame someone for wanting to get a good deal, but think about it.  Would you really expect the support system to apply to a tech that upgraded with another supplier?  Of course not, and it doesn't.  Again, we are not in business to subsidize other suppliers.  The 'good deal' is probably an illusion.  If you want to upgrade, do yourself a favor and call us.  Loyalty is well rewarded.  

So what support are we talking about?


·         Toll Free Phone Support.  No please hold hell or circular phone trees.  Calls are usually answered the same day.

·         Group Therapy With The Picotologist Sessions.  These monthly live voice enabled Internet sessions enable users to interact with each other exchanging files as well as helpful tips and techniques.

·         Email Support.  This is often a great way to get your issue resolved.  I can’t see what your doing on the phone but sending me your psd file allows me to see exactly what you are doing and helps me to give more exacting suggestions.

·         The PicoScope CD.  This CD contains hours of PicoScope training in Flash movie format and more.  We have training on PicoScope 5 as well as the new PicoScope 6 versions.  These will really help flatten that learning curve and turbocharge your PicoScope experience

·         The Autonerdz PicoScope Users Email Group.  This email list serve connects you with our users world wide and enables you to share files and offer tips or get help from the group.  This is a great enhancement for your PicoScope experience.

·         The Autonerdz Community Forums.   Access to the PicoScope Users section of the Autonerdz Community Forums.  Now including web delivered Flash tutorial movies.  Also supplied on CD.  

Comments from support group members here:

http://www.autonerdz.com/picousers.htm

Questions and discussion welcomed............

Techs,

Tom has invested an enormous amount of time, and so have I, not to mention the expense, to produce the highest quality of support and training material to our customers. I’ve went the extra mile to help users globally even if they bought somewhere else. Should we keep doing that? I know the answer, but would like your opinion.

It is amazing by the number of techs that become experts so quick. That tells two things. The GUI is user friendly and the support system points them so quickly to the problem. Not a silver bullet, just a nudge to set the scope up properly or use a different method.  

Regards,

Hi Carl.

Hell no.

I have supported Autonerdz since I first became a member.
I have bought training material,two scopes adapters etc. from Autonerdz and do not think it is right to help someone else who bought their Pico from the competition.
That in itself is a slap in the face to us loyal customers who have and will continue to support Autonerdz.
You wanted an opinion.
Ronnie.

Channel A is injector voltage between upper plenum connector and  Channel B is injector voltage between connector and power supply.
By injector connector I assume you mean AT the injector but, not a connector in the harness which is FOR the injector and that makes sense:    At the injector we have a steady supply of EMF. On the other side of the injector we see dropouts to to ground - or opens in the injector.
   The computer is not the culprit causing the droputs. We dont see that a ground is causing the dropouts because there is no accompanying current draw; therefore the dropout is an open and since we see it between the two terminals of the injector and on the one PCM side it is an intermittent openeither in the connector or in the injector.
I think that is right. I am confused but, comparing it to a voltage drop test, the problem must be BETWEEN A and B.
  Stuffin' the foot into th' mouth, thank you...

I did not mean bad connection at testing points I meant wiring circuits going open. If Fisher is correct I have a better understanding because I can see to much voltage drop on driver circuit  if not I am really confused. I should get a better understanding of this fuel control system because I am basing this on systems that I am familiar with.

I've been a member since June of 2007 when I purchased my 3000 kit, the service support and training I reveived is just incredible.

Everytime I had a question about a product ,scope set up and even instant messaging issues - Tom was there everytime.
I haven't yet know of any other company in the industry that provides the kind of support that Tom ,Carl - Autonerdz provide

Carl I second what Ronnie said. .  When I bought my pico I looked at the options and I couldn't see where I could buy what I got for any less than I did right here anyway. Having been a user of tools for many years now I value the support that comes after the sale and it always plays a part in my choice of a tool.
  I also own a couple of other scopes and I think the pico is dollar for dollar the best scope out there at least for automotive use and this is the best place to purchase it.  I notice the pico folks are working to add to the features for automotive use  and this has to be a plus as well  Just my personal opinion.

Tom
This must be a fairly common problem with these cfi 4.3s. I just had one that was a no start over the same type problem. It just wouldn't pull the injector open. When you looked at it on the scope the current  would only go to about .3 amp yet the supply looked good and the driver side showed good voltage and a pattern that pulled to ground ok  but no inductive kick to it. Some one before me had cut the connector out of it and tied the injector right to the main harness with butt connectors. I thought that was dumb in the interest of future service so I ended up replacing the injector harness and it's mating connector for the engine harness besides the injector.

*******background music playing  "Nobody Does It Better" *******

Tom must have a deal with the Postal Service, fastest service I ever get, ordered up a few trinkets and they showed up today--Got the T-Shirt to prove it !

Thanks Tom, gonna scare up some more money and buy some more !

Regards,
Dave