I thought I would post a few pictures of various PicoScope setup applications.

The PicoScope design lends itself to many different configuration approaches so it can be taylored to specific needs and existing equipment. It never ceases to amaze me how many different ways this equipment is being put to use.  ;D

Thanks to Scott Porter for these pictures of his hand built desktop cart application:

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/sp1.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/sp2.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/sp3.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/sp4.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/sp5.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/sp6.jpg


Thanks to Romain D'Hont for this photo of his desktop cart application:

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/rdh1.jpg


Thanks to Nick Hibberd for these pics of his handy laptop cart arrangement.  Obviously used in a high performance application:  :P

Note: (4/27/06)  The original pictures were pulled and this one put in their place at Nick's request.  The old ones showed Ferraris.

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/nh6.jpg


Thanks to Howard Pitkow for submitting this laptop cart application:

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/hp1.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/hp2.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/hp3.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/hp4.jpg


And last, but not least, Andy Chandler's self contained portable case setup.  Thanks Andy:

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/ac1.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/ac2.jpg


If you have a setup you would like to share, feel free to add your setup to this gallery.  I can host your pictures, if you like.  Just email them to me.

8)

Here is another desktop application from Louis Schussman.  Thanks Louis!

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/ls2.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/ls1.jpg

Daniel Mathre sent in this photo of his PicoScope setup:

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/dm1.jpg

Thanks Dan   ;D

Here are some image of my diagnostic cart


www.autonerdz.com/images/sj38.gif

www.autonerdz.com/images/sj39.gif

www.autonerdz.com/images/sj40.gif

I was talking to one of my tool dealers and told him this was a nice case and he asked if I wanted it.  I said sure and he gave it to me.  Of course I modified it and put it to good use.

My pc is not displayed here but when I need to use it I just open the case and place it on top.


I have the 212-3 powered off the jump box so it is truly mobile

If you power the older 212 series this way be sure to check the charge level of the jump box/ power supply before use.  If it is low it can give some weird readings on the scope.  As Tom would say don't ask me how I know that. :)

Topper, one of our PicoScope support group members, submitted this photo of the first hand held PicoScope.  So, for those of you that just HAVE to have a hand held, but still want the most powerful automotive scope on the planet....here is your answer  [smiley=disimulo.gif]

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Craftsman Mobile Tool Dock works great in the shop. It has taken a couple of hits and still works the same.

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Hi Group:

I thought I would put my pico set up on here.

I always see guys asking what is a good way to have a trouble shooter cart.

Well I have found that all these out dated diagnostic engine analyzer carts go very cheap and you can pick them up for about nothing.

I have a bear that I turned into a information center with mitchell alldata,fax etc and storage for scanners.

I got a sun 2500 machine that I turned into the pico troubleshooter test station.
The top draw holds all the pins connectors adapters etc.

The next draw down holds my pocket pc's and some wiring.

The next one down has a printer set up and the bottom draw for other connectors and testing equipment

Here is a picture

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I also forgot to tell you I hooked my pico box on the boom and ran colored wires so you know what channel is what and so some guy don't trip over the cords and rip your pico box out.

Well what brought this up was Carl Grotti showed me how he uses a presentation mouse on his 40 foot wide screen external monitor  that he has  hooked to his lap top that he has sitting at the side of the bay.


A presentation mouse is a wireless mouse  that you can aim it at the external monitor and control the pico from the car seat.

Very sweet idea"s Carl thanks.

So what I did was buy a flat screen monitor and take the mount off of it and make a hook on the back to hook to the steering wheel now I can sit in the drivers seat and use the presentation mouse on the flat screen and run my pico from there and I don't have to get up to change a setting or freeze or etc.

Then I made a bracket at the side of this test bay that I can hang it on if I want to take the car out and bring in another one.

Here is the monitor in the truck I was working on

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It has been working very good so far.

When I get done I hook it to my pico cart like this.

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Well I have one other set up and this one Carl might need with his new tool.

This one was an old allen scope.

Hopfully these set up's give some people ideas for carts that they can build cheap and look nice.

I guess we better look at Carls new toy.

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Here is another Pico setup submitted by Jan, one of our group members in The Netherlands.  Nice portable tray arrangement.  Thanks Jan  :)

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/tar53.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/tar54.jpg

http://www.autonerdz.com/images/tar55.jpg

Went  to see a friend in the hospital awhile back, seem One of the support personel come in and ask what he wanted for lunch( pushing this small pole type cart with a laptop on it with a couple of baskets etc..) Well I have a cust in the medical sales field and he is looking for something. In the meantime I ran across this on E-bay item # 280095411574 that was designed for a mobile ecg station, they sale new for 500.oo or so and appears to maybe work for some guys(buyitnow for 280.oo). I also found a company(AFC) that builds some nice carts   http://www.afcindustries.com/Pole_Cart_app.htm    that look pretty interesting for around the 600.oo range. Thought I would share this as I am still undecided and waiting for my cust to get back to me on what he found.
Regards,
Dave

Well the cart I WANT , I cant afford. It is 935.oo and Is simular to this pic, modified with na 70 inch pole witha bar across the top for hanging the cables etc..
Still looking...
Dave

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Here is mine, got about 200 coco`s in her..Very Proud of it  ;D

Dave

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Another of my testlink box

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I can set-up 2 separate laptops on this, but use the right half for notes etc....for now.
Dave

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I`ll share a pic of "command central" also..
Borrowed my Mother-in-laws camera and got carried away..

Dave

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Dave

Are you into PCs or what  ;D man is that your work office or home  :-/

Is the cart stable when moved around? you havea nice setup well done,

Mick

Mick,
Thats my info database, at the shop, no confusers at home :-) I try and leave all this mess here when I leave...Its hard to do but I`m getting better at it as time go by. The data base is linked thru the office to the big cart outside, so I can access all the confusers from either Monitor etc.
Thanks for the Compliment on my Home-Made Cart, I put some though and insight into it, but thanks to the other pics and info gathered from the site, I got some good ideas and proceeded to make it. You will notice the "Joe Wider" 45 lb weight on the bottom of the pole, that gives it enough security to be snatched around the shop, and my Doc likes the idea of me telling him I`m using the "exercise equipment" (little does he know how often  ;D
Regards,
Dave

This set works much better than I originally planned.

5.25" External drive enclosure wrapped in neoprene with self sealing silicone tape.

2" L-Brackets, velcro and other fasteners. All aluminum parts.

Samsung Q1 with wireless hi speed. Pico works best with a mouse for me.

I actually downloaded pico 6.0.11 wirelessly while working on a car.

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Hey guys,
Here's an update of my setup with Mac's Pico Boom [smiley=disimulo.gif]
It would have been expensive to ship the actual boom overseas so Mac only send me the box with wiring and the switches. So I went to the metal wholesale company across the street and lucky me [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] they just had the (mis) fabrication that I needed lying in the scrap department for Free [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]
With some minor modifications and mounting hinges the boom was ready to recieve the box and wiring.
Along with the switches I also added connectors for my Snap-On scanner, 5-gas and a USB for the Auto Enginuity scanner ::)

More tomorrow ;)   Jan.

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OK let's[smiley=rockon.gif]go on.
I attached the SO and AE connectors with velcro to the side of the box, made short data & usb cables and ordered an obdII extension cable http://www.obd2cables.com/products/product_info.php?cPath=21_29&products_id=89 with connector http://www.obd2cables.com/products/product_info.php?products_id=44 to make the vehicle connection [smiley=idea.gif]
The TEMP and RPM connectors are for the 5-gas tester.
My Pico is safely stored underneath the laptop and after trimming the wiring with 90 degree connectors my setup was ready for use [smiley=evil.gif]
All this might be devious [smiley=devious.gif] it took me about 1.5 day to plan and make this ;) but I like to make my own tools sometimes :)
The easiest way to avoid these annoying cables lying on the floor and protect your Pico is to just order the Pico Boom http://www.datec.us/

Jan. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

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Jan

Nice job,  [smiley=cool.gif]

Very neat and precise  [smiley=happy.gif]

You sure do have patience  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Mick

Very nice Jan [smiley=ok.gif]
I saw some where you mentioned moving your shop.  Is that one not nice enough?
Are you strickly a foreign car specialist?[smiley=wink.gif]
 Down the road from me there is a fellow who came from the Netherlands and he works on mostly foreign cars in his shop. He told me one day that he worked for a pontiac dealer before he came to this country so I tell him he was always a foreign car mechanic :)

[smiley=dankk2.gif] Rick,

Quote:

I saw some where you mentioned moving your shop.  Is that one not nice enough?

Although the shop suit's me quite well ::) two of the reasons to move are Tax and to get out of the screaming city [smiley=justcrazy.gif]
When we lease out the shop, we'll have less tax to pay [smiley=cheesy.gif] and the noises on this industrial area are almost increasing every day :(
I'm mostly doing US cars ::) and not being anxious to lose a few customers as were only moving about 30 to 40 miles to a more quiet place on the countryside ::)

ps i'll measure the valve stem next week as I forgot yesterday :-[
[smiley=dankk2.gif]Mick

Quote:

You sure do have patience

Days are too short ;)

Jan [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Jan Kraakman wrote on Aug 27^th, 2008 at 4:12am:

The easiest way to avoid these annoying cables lying on the floor and protect your Pico is to just order the Pico Boom http://www.datec.us/ Jan. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Jan, how are you liking that PICO boom? It looks like a nice setup for a decent price, I'm just wondering if the added cabling adds a lot of noise into the signals?

James,

We have two of them here and like them very much.  The added cabling is not a problem but you cannot place attenuators at the end of the boom.  That will distort your signals.  The attenuators still must be placed on the scope.

So, order the boom with the added switches so you can switch the neons out of the circuit when sampling higher voltages, since you don't want those shunted through the neons once you have attached the attenuator to the scope.

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to show off my little cart mod that I made. :D
I find having the laptop on the boom very handy when I need to work in strange places, like inside a cabin working at a kick panel or under the dash.

I have the boom height adjustable so I can have the laptop at eye level if I am working on my knees inside the car. I also made the laptop platform adjustable so I can tilt the computer towards me.

I know it probably looks a little strange :-/ but I find it works really well for me.

Cheers,
Rod

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That’s good Rod  :)

What’s holding the laptop to the boom table? :-/

The Pico box looks as if it is taped to stay on the boom, maybe if I made this set up I would use Velcro tape so as I could remove easy for the road test that I like to do.

[smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Mick

Hi Mick,


Quote:

What’s holding the laptop to the boom table?

Love  ;D

Na, I have 1" angle around the edge of the platform and a rubber mat to stop it from slipping.
It never moves on it.

The boom is extendible.


Quote:

The Pico box looks as if it is taped to stay on the boom, maybe if I made this set up I would use Velcro tape so as I could remove easy for the road test that I like to do.

Yeh, the tape looks pretty ordinary I know! I have a very strong rubber octopus strap taped to the pico.
It is the same type of strap as the one you can just see in the picture hanging from the hood. The pico hooks into a small  hole in the top of the boom. I hang the pico under the bonet if i need more length or even hang it from the platform sometimes. I hate the tape on my new toy but it works really well, very quick and easy to move the Pico anywhere i need to. :)

Here is my Mobile Pico Set up I made....  Got the idea from visiting my girlfriend at work... She works at a hospital...

I Put a Router in at my Internet Access point and also a Wireless Hub so I can Print from the car...

The dual monitors was the way to go for me so I would be able to see the Pico Screen anywhere, plus it gave me the chance to have Mitchell or AllData open on the Lap Top...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Build2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Build3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Build.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Primed.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Primed3.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Primed2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Painted2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/Painted.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/DeskFinale.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/tombraydar/Work/DeskFinal2.jpg

Tool cart setup. Got me pico ona mountain cart w/5 drawers that was for a genysis. Using a hp 23' monitor and panasonic toughbook computer. All wireless w/speakers/microphone. Pretty cool deal.

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Here is my contribution to the thread of ways to place your Pico.  :)

1. The modified Bosch test wagon, to move around easily.
2. When not in use, with nightcab on.
3. Sideview.

Daniel

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Dan,
 Who's the model in the back office there, I think I may have that same poster!  Ha ha, nice setup.

Hehe, my wife…. no I wish.  ;D

She had been a part of the garage since I began as self-employed mechanic in 1986. The calendar picture state/says 1985, but no name on it.

Daniel

This is my cart I built. Forgive the picture quality. I incorporated vertical slots in the rear (rubber weatherstrip lined) so that cables can pass through easily. Several holes where I can attach S-hooks. Looks bare as I only pull out the laptop, pico, attachments, scanners, etc. when I need them.

Also wanted to show the back on my Pico. I added one of those stick on wall hangers you can find at most stores. I hang a S-hook under the hood and then hang the Pico off it. Works great, keeps it out of my way and away from engine heat and accessories.

Last pic shows my scanner drawer (Pico and it's accessories are stored in different drawer) of my toolbox. Main laptop for Pico is stored in that hard black case. Another good tip, save cases from any items you get. That case came from a Snap On MicroVat, is foam lined and holds a laptop and some accessories (power cord, etc.) nicely. (iATN members can see a post on that at http://members.iatn.net/forums/read/msg.aspx?f=forum8&m=85553&fv=3&page=1 ). 2 other laptops in that drawer, along with IDS, Mentor, Mastertech, etc. A lot squeezed into that single drawer.

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Thought I would post some pics of my set up.
It's a custom made cabinet I got build  by a boilermaker in return for servicing/repairing his car.

It houses my gas analyzer, pico equipment and wifi internet connection so it can be used any where in my workshop.
The speakers on the side are so I can hear the soothing, dulcet tones of Tom Jones er Roberts on nerdz cd  ;D
Brad

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Nice Setup Brad.
What's the CODA box up the back?
Your Smoke Pro have a dipstick in the top or the little bung hole?

rod_au wrote on Jan 21^st, 2011 at 11:57pm:

What's the CODA box up the back? Where abouts Rod ? I don't own any CODA equipment Your Smoke Pro have a dipstick in the top or the little bung hole?

It has the plug,economical on oil aren't they ?
The smell of the scented oil is very therapeutic ;D ;D

Brad

Brad H wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2011 at 12:45am:

Where abouts Rod ? I don't own any CODA equipment

It's near your shelves up the back. I zoomed in, my mistake. It looked like a CODA sticker at first look.


Brad H wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2011 at 12:45am:

It has the plug,economical on oil aren't they ? The smell of the scented oil is very therapeutic

I know.. Something that smells that good couldn't possibly be good for you  ;D

rod_au wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2011 at 3:00am:

It's near your shelves up the back. I zoomed in, my mistake. It looked like a CODA sticker at first look.

You are one observant man Rod  ;)
That case on the floor is my Hanatech scantool. It lost its place when the G-Scan came along.

hERE goes my latest setup. And a picture of tha nano in action.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCmdAZOnTdY

Me Pico Video in the Neurology Dept.

bORED...

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I got something a bit different, I gutted an old silly-scope and then broke the hinges off a laptop and stuck it inside the box

Most of the time I use my toughbook in tablet mode, the pico is inside a pouch wrapped in foam with non-slip matting

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You use that ole sunner as an extended desktop.? We could have done more w/the suns but no trainage onit after thay left.

I use a garganuan vac gauge out of a jumbo sun machine. Still work good.  The needle is 6 to 8 inches long.

Nah it's just a old box I was given as nobody could fix the broken electronics, it's quite old, not worth fixing for the modern car, but it was a shame to chuck it out as it was in pristine condition, the only problem is the screen size is a bit small at 12" ;D

Another portable set-up.

Andy.

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That's definitely a portable setup Andy.
I had to look at it for a while to see what you had done. The longer I looked at it the bigger my grin got. :)

How about adding a gas strut instead of the screwdriver :question :D

Quote:

How about adding a gas strut instead of the screwdriver

Now thats an idea...

The best bits the velcro (idea's you get when the Mrs drags you round spotlight) that holds the laptop and scope in place. Rock solid. Thats until you want to pull it off. Snap, crackle, pop springs to mind.

Andy.

nobbyclrk wrote on Apr 29^th, 2011 at 1:47am:

Quote: How about adding a gas strut instead of the screwdriver Now thats an idea... The best bits the velcro (idea's you get when the Mrs drags you round spotlight) that holds the laptop and scope in place. Rock solid. Thats until you want to pull it off. Snap, crackle, pop springs to mind. Andy.

I like this idea   8-) What did you use for cables between the pico and the box ? Thanks.

Hello All,
This is the diagnostic cart I am using.  I put everything but the boom on it, about 2 years ago.  The boom was added about 3 months ago and is working very well.  It is patterned after Mac's lead boom with a couple of changes.  In the side view, you will see Tom's protective boot being used with pride! ;)  It isn't very compact, but has what I need on it when I need it.  My case with everything but my WPS500 is very close by.
The way these pics appear posted here leaves me thinking my photographic skills leave alot to be desired! :-[  If you click on each .jpg title, the pictures will appear as they were taken.
Take care,
Doug S

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Doug,

I resized your pictures for you.   ;)

Tom Roberts wrote on Apr 29^th, 2011 at 1:26pm:

Doug, I resized your pictures for you.   ;)

Thanks Tom,
Is there any way I can re-post those pictures to have them appear about the same size as everyone else's pics that you know of?    :-?
Doug S.

Quote:

Is there any way I can re-post those pictures to have them appear about the same size as everyone else's pics that you know of?

I use IfranView ( a free graphics program), choose "Image" from the tool bar, "resize/resample" and select 800 x 600 pixles, save then post it up. Done.

Andy

nobbyclrk wrote on Apr 29^th, 2011 at 4:36pm:

Is there any way I can re-post those pictures to have them appear about the same size as everyone else's pics that you know of? I use IfranView ( a free graphics program), choose "Image" from the tool bar, "resize/resample" and select 800 x 600 pixles, save then post it up. Done. Andy

Hi Andy,
I will give it a try.
Thanks,
Doug S.

Quote:

Is there any way I can re-post those pictures to have them appear about the same size as everyone else's pics that you know of?

Your edit time window is 24 hours.  You can edit your post within that time.  After that you need an administrator.

You can resize them and name them different and then replace the ones that are there.

I find that 1024x768 work well too.  That's what I did to them. This also reduced the file side from megabytes to kilobytes.   :)

Hi Tom,
I guess they will have to stand as I am going to Leavenworth with my wife to visit her parents.  I also will need to learn how to use Irfanview when I get back as I just downloaded it to my desktop PC.
Thanks again,
Doug S.

Quote:

I like this idea    What did you use for cables between the pico and the box ? Thanks.

Case was Dick Smiths. The cables I made up myself (all parts from Jaycar), 2M cable, 8 male twist on BNC connectors (Cat# PP-0678 or PP-0679, not sure which one it was) and 4 double female mounts for the case (Cat# PS-0662). A piece of cake to make and works a bomb.

Andy

Here are some images of my latest setup designed for a desktop PC.  Although it is not complete I successfully made a trial run with it capturing a failing crank sensor in the process.  8-)

Components are:

Computer stand from Family dollar, moving dolly from Harbor freight, an extra wooden pallet supplied the support bars, a kitchen TV for the monitor, a refurbished Compaq and a UPS for improved portability. Plan is to reinforce it with angle iron which will allow for mounting the speakers and using the wall mount supplied with the TV.

Sam

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Hello All,
I downloaded IrfanView and practiced re-sizing my tool cart pictures even uploading one of them to the Test Board.  It does look remarkably better and should not kill the server.  I learned something pretty cool today thanks to Andy and Tom!   8-) ;D  These will work MUCH better!
Thank you for the advice on using IrfanView Andy.  Tom, I am guessing that is what you had used to re-size my first set.
Thanks again,
Doug S.

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Here's what I have recently put together, still a work in progress and would like to mount a larger screen to the underside of the flip up lid.  The cart is Napa but it was only 350 and works well enough.  Can only open one drawer at a time, which can get irritating at times but haven't spent the time yet to figure a way around it.

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Whoa, didn't know that was going to happen.  Any help resizing those pictures would be great!

PRESTON wrote on Aug 4^th, 2011 at 7:26am:

Whoa, didn't know that was going to happen.Any help resizing those pictures would be great!

reply #54 in this thread on page 4.

I resize em at 1024 by xxxx, and find they fit pretty well.

Preston,

I fixed your images for you.  Thanks for sharing them.  

Now go and get IrfanView   ;)

Tom Roberts wrote on Aug 4^th, 2011 at 8:19pm:

Now go and get IrfanView Wink

First thing tomorrow morning!

www.imageresizer.com

Be sure to work in the correct mode (.jpg .bmp or whatever), use better image quality. Also capable of resizing lots of pictures at a time (shift+ or ctrl+)
One of the best I've found for free. Mihov also has a gallery creator, creating thumbnails, html-code and everything. Very useful. You're welcome!

Cabinet from lowes, 3/16" steel rod, foam from a box of duralast gold pads, and red head concrete anchors. $60 for parts and 4 hours labor. Wanted easier accessability. wires go through a hole i put in cabinet bottom. It looks ok, just wish i could come up with a better way to hang wires further away from floor. I didn't want to coil up wires after every use, just a pain. For now all i have to do is open cabinet, unloop and pull. Let me know what you think. Any better suggestions, let me know

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Nice.... ;D

Your images are way to big  [smiley=huh2.gif]

Sorry. i'll try this

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Before gluing foam to cabinet, used a 10mm deep socket and hammer to drive holes into foam so fit is nice and tight (that's what she said)

So here are a few snaps of my second generation diagnostic cart.  It is not just for Pico, but for all my scanning, scope, electrical diagnostics.  Let me know what you think.

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and a couple more

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Nice! I like the tower hook up deal

Well guys I got my inserts yesterday for my cart. What do you think? If anyone is interested in ordering these foam inserts let me know

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maybe one of you guys can help me resize these images :'( sorry!

Sweet Dave!  Yeah, the pics are a tad huge, do you know how to resize them?  You still have time to redo them if you know how and then modify your post.  I would like to know how much that Matco cart was, that looks like a great setup, almost like it was purpose built.

no i dont know how to resize them. ill see what i can figure out

lets see if this is better

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DaveR wrote on May 10^th, 2012 at 10:29am:

lets see if this is better

  Nailed it

yep ill try the others

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Notice the empty spot where I'm waiting for my micro current probe? The company that made these inserts said they could modify them to fit different size drawers, two of the three foam inserts are four inches thick one is three inches thick

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do you guys like the paint stick extender I used to hold the boom? What makes it nice is I can easily change the height of the boom and swivel it

DaveR wrote on May 10^th, 2012 at 10:35am:

do you guys like the paint stick extender I used to hold the boom?

  Yeah, I saw that, good idea  [smiley=thumbsup2.gif]

Nice Job Dave. I really like the foam inserts, every thing has it's place ;)

Preston the cart was just under 1000 bucks. I then made the shelf with the laptop on it > It is removeable only held on with giant magnets. Of course the boom is part Datec part me. I'd rather have all Rod though. His boom blows mine away. Only thing left is tyo design something to hold my laptop like Rod did on his cart

those insert's are sweet  [smiley=smileys-winner-407725.gif] [smiley=smileys-winner-131838.gif]

  Very well done I wish I had the room in my shop for something like that  :D

dave, that's a nice lookin' cart . . . and shop!  :). 

crackerclicker wrote on May 10^th, 2012 at 7:52pm:

dave, that's a nice lookin' cart . . . and shop!  :).

Thanks man that means a lot to me  ;)

Hi everyone, this is my first( but not last) post. I am brand new to Autonerds. Im saying hello from the north east U.S.(Boston). I am a 20 +year Ford dealer tech that now work for the city (public works). I just finished construction of mmy Pico diag roll around cart (I hope image posted) Now i just have to wait for the 4423 kit Pico-Quad delux.CAN'T WAIT!! Thanks to Tom and crew for letting me become part of this fine forum. Question, is anyone running a Dell inspiron laptop 8GBmem 750GB hard drive? Thanks in adavance to all.

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Welcome to the group! Nice stand and yes the image came through nicely. How about posting some more shots of it. I'm looking for some idea but also want it to have a boom.

Spence

Welcome aboard FoMoKarl, is that an automatic parking brake lever there?

Hi Preston, thanks - the brake is cam actuated for rear tires lock up and its manual.it rolled across the shop before I installed.lol

Spence thanks pal, I  will post more as I go. It did have a boom first-it looked to awkward.the scope mount in picture is  a rubber plow cutting edge(bearing mounted) on what was originally atop of the boom.I  will know better when i get DSO. Then I will have a better idea of BNC cables length etc.I have ford IDS vcm/vmm mounted on it now.

some more pics,still waiting for pico scope (July)

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work in progress

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new boom, less than 30 days until Pico scopes new home!!:)

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Future (PICO) Test Dummy. and No I don't have to much time on my hands :) 5.7L Chevy with working evap syst/Instr.cluster/theft/  also adjustable ignition KV/ .020-.080 orific vacuum leak-runner leak/ Do you think ill be able to put through drive cylce?? ;D
Will Be ordering DSO monday :o

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KarlW wrote on Jun 30^th, 2012 at 9:48am:

and No I don't have to much time on my hands

  I respectfully disagree,  [smiley=laughing1.gif]

I Like your test dummy....now that's what you call easy to get to....no strain on your back when you get that pico out.... :D

lol Preston, thats the beauty of working for the City ;D

Karl, my favorite part of the Cart-in-progress (Prior to the Pico addition) is the fire bottle, is that specifically for the Test Dummy?  I have more extinguishers than are required, and get asked about it every time there is an inspection personnel change. In the 70's Navy Firefighting training was to throw you in a burning steel box, and or shove you up against a vat of burning #2 fuel, never quite got over it. I'll fight a fire.[smiley=evilflame.gif]  Just not very long!

RtOne wrote on Jul 1^st, 2012 at 8:44am:

Karl, my favorite part of the Cart-in-progress (Prior to the Pico addition) is the fire bottle, is that specifically for the Test Dummy?  I have more extinguishers than are required, and get asked about it every time there is an inspection personnel change. In the 70's Navy Firefighting training was to throw you in a burning steel box, and or shove you up against a vat of burning #2 fuel, never quite got over it. I'll fight a fire.[smiley=evilflame.gif]  Just not very long!

Thanks Rtone, I get ragged on all the time for my f-extinguisures all over the place.safety first ;)

Here are some pictures submitted by Mike Flach who asked me to post them up for him.

Mike, read this for procedures to post up pictures and attachments yourself.  I'll do it for you this time....

http://www.autonerdz.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1330357236

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More from Mike.....

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And a few more.....

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Thanks for posting the pics. It took me awhile to get the cart together. I'll read the info so I can try to post the pics next time. I would also like to thank everyone else who posted all the  pictures where I could get some neat ideas from..Mike.

The OG Pico cart wasnt enough room(IDS VCM VMM-PICO- MODIS-2 LAP TOPS + MONITOTS and more) so I through this together over the weekend and today-still got to fill  drws with foam. I made boom out of 1" tube compliments of the building dept. I also used DAYTECH on the base.(wasn't a big fan of the PVC that cam with it. I still am going to build a attenuation switch board(thanks to rod_au) Got some BNC's coming(shit load) from Ebay ;) Thanks for reading

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We need BIGGER pictures, Karl! My eye sight is not what it used to be. :)

rod_au wrote on Aug 20^th, 2012 at 3:25pm:

We need BIGGER pictures

hope this is better oldtimer lol
P.S. IDS VMM sgm works pretty cool with The boss(pico) I tried today

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KarlW wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2012 at 11:04am:

hope this is better oldtimer lol

Um.. Yep, much better! [smiley=laughing2.gif]

rod_au wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2012 at 12:43pm:

Um.. Yep, much better!

you're supposed to use those new "terminal repair kit glasses" when you look at those, silly  :P.


KarlW wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2012 at 11:04am:

hope this is better oldtimer lol

karl, i resized them a little with irfanview, but the clarity isn't too good.  hope this helps.   ;)

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karl,

on a somewhat related note, what do you think of the quality of those craftsman professional boxes?

crackerclicker wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2012 at 5:08pm:

on a somewhat related note, what do you think of the quality of those craftsman professional boxes?

Crack- This box I used for several years(upward of 7). I had 2 side by side. plenty of room. the only problem I had was the top draw came with one set of rollers. It needs two. the weight kept destroying the roller slides.The only reason I retired it to the rafters was that the snap on guy(former fordtech I worked next to for many years) just about gave me the one I have now. Trust me I would never spend that kind of money on a snap on box. Im too freeken cheap ;D   I guess its like anything else. If you take care of it-it will last. I think this one is going to spray booth for Pico color make over [smiley=thumbsup2.gif]

KarlW wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2012 at 7:43pm:

I think this one is going to spray booth for Pico color make over

that's a clever idea.   8-)

Just finished arranging a new case for my picoscope, hp laptop and accesories. It is a Pelican Storm Case, they come full of foam that you cut out to fit. I made three layer, two removalble with nylon lift handles. In the top layer hp laptop, power cord, usb cable and picoscope; middle layer is amp probe and most used cables; lower layer is all the other stuff.  To finish it off laminated the Autonerdz logo to the front of the case.

It works well, you only have one case to grap, instead of a laptop case and the pico case.

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good idea- call it the "all in one for lsd"

Great Job Josh. ;)

I thought this belonged in the Pico setups area.  Very cool, Josh.

Josh wrote on Feb 16^th, 2011 at 6:48pm:

It is a Pelican Storm Case

What are the dimensions Josh. Nice case!

ben mcclelland wrote on Mar 20^th, 2012 at 10:52am:

Sorry. i'll try this

About the wall cabinet: I think it is very good for stationary use, making it easy to access anything in there which is not the case having everything lying in drawers. My two cents for improving the design, is to cut away a part of the cabinet bottom so the long cables can be pulled out of the door opening, instead of pulling them through the bottom? Then you could attach a piece of foam to the inside surface of the door, to cover most of the bottom hole.

I made a few tweaks to my Pico PC cart.  For those running desk tops, spark plug wire separators work pretty good for cleaning up the wiring. 

I am uploading some pics.  The front is about the same it is not perfect but looks a lot cleaner.

Sam

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spark plug wire separators, whats that  ;D

Looks good thats a good idea.

Where did you come up with the foam inserts?


DaveR wrote on May 10^th, 2012 at 10:14am:

Well guys I got my inserts yesterday for my cart. What do you think? If anyone is interested in ordering these foam inserts let me know

Much to Donna's dismay the DATEC Boom was delivered Saturday, SOOOOO when the project at hand was out the door, the modifications began.  We'll see how it goes and MODIFY where necessary.

In the last Picture you can see all my cabling running through the same Grommet, am I going to pick up any interference fro so close a proximity???

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Just thought I would share my set up. I bought a small light duty bottom and top box from Menards. I fabricated and welded my boom out of aluminum square stock and a plastic project box. I purchased layered foam for the drawers.

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Thought I would throw this up here. Got sick of carrying around 3 bags of diag equipment.  So I put this together. Thought it not yet complete   at least I can use it until it is. The nice thing is, is that I can plug and play on the main Pico cart at work and also take home/shops/road tests without having to disconnect everything.over and over everyday :) Plus OG (original ganksta) Picoscope cart is in a paint booth 8-)

Tom sorry I put this here because I didn't know how to put it with my other Pico carts. please feel free to move,thanks

Karl

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Looks good 78.  How did you set up the square Tube to pivot? I'd like to see that setup.  I'm ging to convert mine from the PVC to Metal conduit or Exhaust Pipe on the next go-round. If you look back at what Rod built, yours and his have no boom sag, but I do. Rod's Connection box with all the switches and hardware inside must weigh 15 pounds.

Thanks rtOne. Here are some more pics of the boom hinge and lock. As far as the boom sag goes I figured there would be some so I compensated for it when I welded it up.

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Oh Super 78 Just now now looking again at your original post and just caught what bristled my Spider Senses yesterday, but couldn't put my finger on it.  Your Attenuator at the end of the Boom, I've read that being so far from the PICO causes problems.  You may want to look into that, especially if you get funky waveforms.  E-mail Tom or Brian for confirmation or post in Pico Group help. Darn I think about this too much,  While researching, see if the cabling running right over the top over your power strip isn't going to create noise in the scope too, that EMI is sneaky.

Rt,I never thought of either of those issues. So far I haven't had any problems with it but I will be correcting both. Thank you.

RtOne wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2013 at 6:58pm:

Your Attenuator at the end of the Boom

Good eye, Lew.  Yes, the attenuators need to be attached directly to the the scope.

Tom Roberts wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2013 at 8:52pm:

Good eye, Lew

X2, how the F did you notice that?  Oh wait, somebody come across some white cross?  ;)

PRESTON wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2013 at 10:14pm:

Oh wait, somebody come across some white cross?

He He He! 45± years herdin the big trucks.  BTW long before power steering was manditory, so the girls could play too.

There is double positive to setups like the one posted,  ease of use, but most importantly it will impress the hell out of your customers and sadly some will even think you are more hardcore because you have big looking test gear.

RtOne wrote on Mar 10^th, 2013 at 3:45pm:

DATEC Boom was delivered Saturday

who sell this boom where can I get one?

www.datec.us

Erik_1940 wrote on Apr 26^th, 2013 at 1:04pm:

RtOne wrote on Mar 10th, 2013 at 3:45pm: DATEC Boom was delivered Saturday who sell this boom where can I get one?

Mike got it right Erik, It's a bit different the way they want to do the transaction, but it isn't difficult.  Just look over at the right side Top Tabs (How To Order) they'll have you e-Mail or call, I got ansy and called, then they invoiced through Pay Pal, I paid, They Shipped, and I had it in a few days.
I'm going to convert mine to a 1 piece metal tube probably 1" Conduit, to get away from the sag I get from the weight of the box switches and cabling.  Rod's Rig's Look Tougher than a Trailer Hitch.

RtOne wrote on Apr 26^th, 2013 at 4:38pm:

I'm going to convert mine to a 1 piece metal tube probably 1" Conduit, to get away from the sag I get from the weight of the box switches and cabling

So does that mean that the boom is not worth it only the box and I might have to modify it?

  Erik, I think it all depends on ones own preferences.  I have the boom as it comes straight outta the box.  I like it, but I will probably make a couple modifications in the future.  I would like it to extend further.  As it sits now, it only goes about 3 feet horizontally.  I think I need to re-work everything about how I have my cart set up though, so it isn't just the boom that is the issue for me.  I bought it and like it overall, and for me it just means that I have one less thing on my "to do" list of things to make.  Maybe hold off for a month and I'll stop by your shop on the way down to my parents house for my move to Florida, and I'll show you in person what it looks like.

PRESTON wrote on Apr 26^th, 2013 at 10:40pm:

Maybe hold off for a month and I'll stop by your shop on the way down to my parents house for my move to Florida, and I'll show you in person what it looks like

Alright thanks for the input preston
like you said I just one to scratch it off my to do list.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

No worries chief

Erick you'll like it, As Preston indicates, "Personal Preferences". I immediately saw that where Mine was going to need to be mounted the Horizontal was going to be a tad short, I just happened to have 1" PVC Conduit on hand and extended it.  It was a tad to low for my comfort and went a few inches vertical too. I think out of the carton that isn't much of an issue, but I had already stretched the PVC beyond it's structural capability before I ever put a wire inside it.

An alternative to the boom head and wires is to simply hang the Pico on the boom and run a USB cable through the tube.   ;)

Tom Roberts wrote on Apr 27^th, 2013 at 9:45am:

An alternative to the boom head and wires is to simply hang the Pico on the boom and run a USB cable through the tube.

Tom,
That is precisely the method I have in mind when I finally get my Pico and integrate it into my existing diagnostic work station !

Tom,
I also like the idea of suspending the Pico from the boom but since the Pico is powered by the USB cable I was wondering about voltage drop issues. I have a WD external USB hard drive that came with a 12" USB cable. It won't work with any cable longer than that. I have a Pico 4423 - any idea how long a USB cable I could get away with?

royd wrote on Aug 8^th, 2013 at 6:06pm:

any idea how long a USB cable I could get away with?

We recommend the Pico blue USB cables for use with the 4423.  These provide a more reliable connection with some of the lower quality USB ports on some PCs.

These are available in 1.8 meter and 4.5 meter lengths.

Tom,

I think you misunderstood the question. First of all there are no poor quality USB ports. By specification, USB 2.0 ports handle up to 500 ma of current and USB 3.0 ports handle 900 ma. Since my laptop has USB 3.0 ports I don't have to worry about power. If Pico sells USB cables 4.5 meters in length then voltage drop is not an issue. That's a good thing!  :)

royd wrote on Aug 10^th, 2013 at 5:09am:

First of all there are no poor quality USB ports.

There certainly are.  A while back, Pico suddenly started having all kinds of connectivity issues with the USB cables.  Come to find out...some PC manufacturers were using poor quality ports with reduced contact area.  Wiggling the USB cable at the PC end would cause all sorts of problems. 

Pico's solution was to have some special cables made that have extra contact area to compensate for the poor port contact area.  That solved the problem.  These cables are blue in color.

Sorry Tom - I didn't realize you were talking about the physical jack itself. I stand corrected. That's good to know and I thank you.

Here is my setup. I bought two different cases designed for a Surface Pro tablet pc. One case I cut a rectangular hole in the end with the hinge, in order for the picoscope to stick through. Then, I got a right angle USB cable so that the install would be more streamlined.

Zip the case up and let the cable come out where the two zippers come together. I glued the second case to the top of the first case, in order to make one unit. I used shoe glue because the materials are similar to what shoes are made of. It's a very secure bond. I trust it completely with my $900 tablet. I've tested it out to be sure.

The Surface Pro fits neatly into the second case. When picoscope software is downloaded, there will be tiles on the start screen in Windows 8, and you can also access it through the usual desktop location as well.

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Now that is neat.

Wow that is pretty cool McGreezy, I will have to look into that.  I just have a regular laptop, but I bet I could figure out something on how to adapt this setup to a laptop.  Maybe put a handle on it so you can carry it with you to each job.  Very nice.  I'm trying to think of a good cart setup for my pico too where when I'm done each day I can lock everything up and I won't have to worry about it.  If anyone has some cool setups I would like to see them.

Hey guys I have a datec boom with the neon switches, but can't figure out what position the neon is active (protected) and in which position they're bypassed

Jose aka superskyliner wrote on Jan 1^st, 2014 at 12:52pm:

what position the neon is active (protected) and in which position they're bypassed

I suggest you hook up to a coil primary always placing the attenuator on the scope.  Then observe the primary while switching the neon in and out.  You will see which is on and which is off.

Or, since the neons serve no real practical purpose, you can simply snip them out of the circuit.

So I'm dragging this thread back to the light of day -
I finally got my electrical diagnostic cart built. the biggest delay was building a side cabinet with a pull out drawer so the leads could be draped in without having to unroll them to use and roll 'em up again after.
I started with a 41" roller cabinet, put a 7" stand on top so the printer can go underneath, my lead cabinet on the side.

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I gotta admit Ward, that looks great...

That sure is some creative thinking !

Very cool Ward!

Now the re-organizing can begin. The one drawer that had electrical stuff can now hold air chisels and bits (gotta love a good burp gun). It'll be nice to have all the testing and diagnostic stuff in one toolbox.
I left expansion room for a WPS and a first look hootenanny.
-Ward-

  Ward that set up is bad to the bone!   Good job my friend.  Good job indeed!

Here's my setup, I just put it together today so I imagine there will be a few revisions in the weeks to come.  The Laptop I've had on my larger Torin tool chest for a while, the Pico I just picked up a few weeks ago and the Autel Maxisys came in last week.  This morning I picked up the tool cart and this week I'm expecting the Cardaq-M to arrive.

The Pico leads exit through the screwdriver holes, no drilling required.  Power cords exit on the opposite side, no drilling required there either, and go to a power strip (not shown).  This will then be plugged in to an extension cord and if I forget to unplug and roll the cart away, it will put the strain on a replaceable power strip instead of the proprietary cords.

In the smaller upper drawers I keep my personal waveform library (binder) and the manuals for all the diag equipment as well as the circuit breakers, injector actuator and COP tester.  The drawer on the right contains my USB extension cord, the Maxisys Bluetooth DLC Dongle and my Vag-Com cables (added after this picture).  In the lower drawer I've got my multimeter, spark testers, connector probes and homemade jumper wires.  The last drawer has the rest of my Pico stuff though I imagine all this space will be put to better use later on.  I'm thinking some stuff needs to be suspended from the lid.

Thanks for the space and any suggestions are welcome.
Doug

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Got my Autonerdz case and blue usb cord today. As always got to SD really fast. Also the case was even nicer than I expected. Here it is attached to my lappy.

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My first rendition.  Harbour freight box, monitor mount from Monoprice with some 2" aluminized pipe.  Datec boom with cables running through screwdriver holes.  Power bar exiting left side (had to hog out a screwdriver hole).  Auto enginuity generic on board.  Maxisys has a home in the office for the time being until I get more experience/work for it.  Small town shop......and I'm early in the learning curve.   ;D

Older 2 channel Pico, non usb style but it came with the amp clamps and clips etc. for $400.  Using a 2 channel OTC Tech scope for the time being until I need/can upgrade.

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These set-ups are all so nice and neat. The pictures all gave me some great ideas. I wanted to take a picture of my mess and show how the other half lives. But I keep forgetting. So I will just explain it to you guys.  :)

I have an old tool cart with a wheel that falls off when I hit a bump in my cracked shop floor, so my "solution" was to place the heavy MIG welder on the bottom of the cart to add weight so the wheel will not fall off. This saves me the trouble of having the entire cart flip over when the wheel falls off and dumps my laptop, scope, and all the leads I never put away onto the floor. When it did flip over I could only hope it wasn't into a puddle, but it usually was. My MIG welder repair seems to have fixed that.  :D

My backprobe tips are all bent up, then straightened, then bent again. So very few are straight. I often forget to shut my amp clamps off so I have given up on the battery back plates with their tiny screws. So now the nine volt battery just dangles by the wires, but I stuff it back in and it seems to hold on its on weight. :)

I had to replace the screen of my old dell d620 laptop myself, but because I am lazy I only put about half the little screws back in to hold the screen in. But it works great.  ;)

And even with most of the stuff being out of the case and left in a total mess on top of my old beaten down crash cart I still can't get the pico case to shut. So I just slide it half open under my tool box when not in use.

I wouldn't have it any other way... :D

richmunch wrote on Oct 25^th, 2014 at 7:39pm:

I had to replace the screen of my old dell d620 laptop myself

Oh boy, wait 'til the USB ports start to go.   :)

richmunch wrote on Oct 25^th, 2014 at 7:39pm:

I often forget to shut my amp clamps off so I have given up on the battery back plates with their tiny screws. So now the nine volt battery just dangles by the wires,

A man of "temporary measures", I like that! I can do it at home on some things, at work and with tools it drives me nuts. For your amp clamps save elastic bands as you find them, you can use them to retain the batteries. One cable tie around the clamp would also do the trick.
If the mig welder works I would lay a strategic bead on the offending wheel so it can't fall out, then give the welder it's own cart, but that's just me!
It would be interesting to see a photo of your set up.
I gave the case my PICO came in to the boss to store her Snap On Modis in, I think it made it run a little faster....... She has since bought a Verus.

Here is my little set up.

Ended up making it after getting annoyed with tripping over leads all the time.

Kind of copied Rod's and the Datec boom set ups.

The PVC pipe was cheap, time will only tell if it holds up in the shop.

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Hey that looks great Anthony.

With my setup, I placed the boom to the left of the diag trolley. I notice yours is to the right.
Reason for being on the left is whilst connected up under the bonnet of the vehicle, there is clear user access between the leads and the drivers door to operate the ignition as well as the scope etc.
I also made a hinged arm fitted to the end of the boom that formed a further extension to hang leads overhead to give improved clear user access between the scope & vehicle. The arm swung back over the length of the boom when not in use.
Check out my pics in the Buy & Sell area of Rod's site.

Having a well organised diag trolley setup is a must I reckon! Its great to share ideas & inspire others to get the best out of their equipment.

Hope yr new job out of the dealership world is going really well  :)

Good job Anthony. :)

Do you have multiple inputs connected in series for each channel in your boom box?
I avoided doing this by using DPDT switches to switch between inputs. That way other connected leads/probes do not act as an antenna.
I used shielded cable all of the way up to the BNC sockets to protect from RFI.

The first TaT magazine issue of next year (issue 43) will have plans and instructions for my boom design.

Nice job Anthony!

Anthony, Looks great!

What is the smaller box mounted lower on the boom with only three sets of connectors?

Rod, or anyone else that knows, are there any certain ratings when looking for shielded wire?  I still haven't made a boom, but would like to make one.  And would like to do it only once.

Eddie wrote on Nov 11^th, 2014 at 2:20pm:

Reason for being on the left is whilst connected up under the bonnet of the vehicle, there is clear user access between the leads and the drivers door to operate the ignition as well as the scope etc.

I didn't think of that, slight oversight on my part there  :-[.
I'll figure out a work around

The tool box swivel castors are left that was why I put the boom on the right, my other roll cabs have the swivel castors on the right.


rod_au wrote on Nov 11^th, 2014 at 5:07pm:

Do you have multiple inputs connected in series for each channel in your boom box?

yeah I daisy chained them together.
rod_au wrote on Nov 11^th, 2014 at 5:07pm:

I avoided doing this by using DPDT switches to switch between inputs. That way other connected leads/probes do not act as an antenna.

So far noise hasn't been a issue. everything is shielded cable apart from inside the box.
If I do get that Issue I'll throw some switches in them, I'll keep an eye out in the next TaT mag.

Just trying to keep in mind magnets to avoid the headache Karl had with his setup.

With using it so far I think the banana sockets will only be used to hold the leads when not in use, most my gear is all BNC connectors.



rod_au wrote on Nov 11^th, 2014 at 5:07pm:

I used shielded cable all of the way up to the BNC sockets to protect from RFI.

I did the same.

When connecting it all up I was about 2 m short of wire on the last channel.


rod_au wrote on Nov 11^th, 2014 at 5:07pm:

The first TaT magazine issue of next year (issue 43) will have plans and instructions for my boom design.

I remember the instructions up on here somewhere for your boom with the publisher documents for the stickers you used.

You should go into manufacturing the booms, I'd be willing to buy one  ;).


Eddie wrote on Nov 11^th, 2014 at 2:20pm:

Hope yr new job out of the dealership world is going really well

It is going ok so far there hasn't been too many difficult problem vehicles came in, just rewired a whole bunch of aftermarket equipment on a land cruiser. That was a headache and I think I lost some hair on that one.


Spence wrote on Nov 11^th, 2014 at 6:54pm:

Nice job Anthony!

Thanks Spence

Scott,
I purchased a large roll of shielded RG58 network cable.
I have a pair of crimping pliers and I purchase the BNC ends so that I can make up my own custom probes.
This cable is well shielded and soft enough to manipulate into tight positions. I have compared the signal on the Pico with the original Pico leads and my homemade leads and I have seen no problems with RFI or signal degradation using this cable.

Anthony Lamb wrote on Nov 12^th, 2014 at 4:23am:

The tool box swivel castors are left that was why I put the boom on the right, my other roll cabs have the swivel castors on the right.

Yeah I get yr rationale there Anthony.
Regards castors, as another feature of my diag trolley (designed from the ground up lol), I replaced the pair of fixed castors with swivelling castor wheels to allow the cab to be moved & positioned with greater ease. With all 4 wheels swivelling, it made a huge difference with moving the entire diag trolley to just the right spot.
My pics on Rod's site didn't reveal that feature lol.

Should you  choose to do a work around for your boom orientation its not a biggee I think... as is though, it would suit LHD countries like USA  ;)

Glad the new job is going ok so far  :)

BMW Scott wrote on Nov 12^th, 2014 at 4:11am:

What is the smaller box mounted lower on the boom with only three sets of connectors?

For my vantage and vantage pro.

Plan there was to use the supplied leads with the unit and use the longer pico leads, mainly for having the VP on charge while doing parasitic draw testing over long periods.

Here was a picture before it was finished
Just ignore the back ground ;)


BMW Scott wrote on Nov 12^th, 2014 at 4:11am:

anyone else that knows, are there any certain ratings when looking for shielded wire?

The wire I used on my amp clamps after the inside of the cable went open circuit. I haven't had issues with noise or attenuation of the signal with this wire.

Not sure where you would source it from in the US.

It isn't the best to have around hot parts ans the outside is pretty thin, but cheap to replace though if it is damaged.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=WB1500&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=993#1

I ended up using about 20m of this stuff in the boom for the channels.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=WB1530&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=993#1

If I was going to do it again I'd use what Rod said with some crimps and a roll of wire, save on the old fingers getting singed from the soldering iron.


Eddie wrote on Nov 12^th, 2014 at 1:50pm:

Should you  choose to do a work around for your boom orientation its not a biggee I think... as is though, it would suit LHD countries like USA

It is going to annoy the hell out of me now, won't be to bad though the leads are long enough and the position of the boom I can walk under it without ducking.

I may have to work solely on LHD vehicles or just move over there so my boom will work right, some days it is tempting ;).

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Anthony Lamb wrote on Nov 13^th, 2014 at 3:58am:

Not sure where you would source it from in the US.

This looks pretty close to what you used.

http://www.markertek.com/product/291/west-penn-wire-291-22-awg-2-conductor-cable-mic-cable-per-foot-black?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=3786&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=323931&utm_source=google&utm_term=Product_Target&utm_campaign=Shopping+Bulk+Cable&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=yKv2meOv|pcrid|44138116940|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|&gclid=Cj0KEQiAp4yjBRCE_enjmpug944BEiQATCpLvXErG85fHXX5sD_05Tb59n65GcXowRJ7u082M70VtUQaAhVf8P8HAQ#

Just updated my set up. I took some advice and ditched the aluminum boom, relocated the power strip away from the scope. I also made a new boom head and attenuator switch box. Thanks Rod for all the ideas!
so far it works great

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This is a cart I bought from Excel for $180. It makes it quick to get the scope out and setup, and I like that it can partially store under a bench to reduce the footprint when not in use.

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Nice  :)

Hey!  I've got those same roll-up test leads!  The ones sitting on the air filter housing  :)

Derreck wrote on Jan 30^th, 2015 at 8:40am:

Hey!  I've got those same roll-up test leads!  The ones sitting on the air filter housing

  Me too skippy   :)

PRESTON wrote on Jan 30^th, 2015 at 8:51am:

Me too skippy

Cool.  Cornwell truck? ;D

BTW the music city bowl was a good game.  My buddy who's a ND fan was letting me have it the whole 2 hr drive home from the game >:(

Yeah, I was tempted to send a few digs your way  ;)

PRESTON wrote on Jan 30^th, 2015 at 9:19am:

Yeah, I was tempted to send a few digs your way  ;)

Haha ... it's ok.

We only lost because we got cheated out of a touchdown on the last play of the first half ;)

Greetings fellow Nerdz,

still saving my chips for a hazet cart but I am currently running around in this baby. I just got done building a little table for the inside and the fuel economy is great!!!!!

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Nice set up Pedro ;)

Are you mobile programmer/diag tech?

Thank you Abndanger

I finally left the fulltime gig before the holidays last year. Prior to this I was providing mobile services on Saturdays only. Now its fulltime fun!!!!!! :D

Way to go Pedro!  Good luck with your new gig. :)

Thanks Busjockey!!!!! ;)

PEDRO SANCHEZ wrote on Jul 6^th, 2015 at 7:06pm:

Thank you Abndanger I finally left the fulltime gig before the holidays last year. Prior to this I was providing mobile services on Saturdays only. Now its fulltime fun!!!!!! :D

Then we should toast you with a glass of Pedro Ximenez

Salud Logic!!!!!!

[smiley=gulp.gif]

PEDRO SANCHEZ wrote on Jul 6^th, 2015 at 7:06pm:

Thank you Abndanger Welcome I finally left the fulltime gig before the holidays last year. Prior to this I was providing mobile services on Saturdays only. Now its fulltime fun!!!!!!  There is a demand for mobile programming and diag for other shops, body shops and used car jockeys. As for as I know I am the only one hear in Grand Rapids. I know I stay pretty busy. I think in your area you have several mobile guys around the area. Good luck. I know you will do well and don't let the heat of the battle get you down on the problem childs ;)

Abndanger wrote on Jul 7^th, 2015 at 6:17pm:

There is a demand for mobile programming and diag for other shops, body shops and used car jockeys.

I agree, I've been offered a job at just about every place I've visited.


Abndanger wrote on Jul 7^th, 2015 at 6:17pm:

As for as I know I am the only one hear in Grand Rapids. I know I stay pretty busy.

That's awesome!


Abndanger wrote on Jul 7^th, 2015 at 6:17pm:

I think in your area you have several mobile guys around the area.

There are a few independents like the great John Thornton and a few others, but they frequent a side of the city I rarely visit. There is a small business consisting of a few guys but they mainly cater to the large repair and body shop chains. I've been flooded with referrals within the Hispanic repair community. I think they feel comfortable communicating in Spanish. The language barrier leaves a vast majority of my people without training and access to information.


Abndanger wrote on Jul 7^th, 2015 at 6:17pm:

Good luck. I know you will do well and don't let the heat of the battle get you down on the problem childs

I appreciate the kind words, extinguishing the heat makes it all worthwhile in the end!!!!! ;D

Pedro,

John T. is an awesome instructor and good friend of mine. I learn a lot from him and respect him greatly for sharing his knowledge with us. ;)

I know Eric and Scott get out and do mobile as well.

The Hispanic community is Hugh. Very respectful people and hard workers. I do a lot for the one's here in GR. They also refer customers to my shop if things are tough.

Language barrier can be a problem at time's, but between my broken Spanish and their broken English we getter done ;D

Starting with the smaller shops and out lying area's are you best source of revenue. They depend on your expertise to help them. They view themselves as being to small to receive assistance from bigger players.

So focus on your smaller clientele. They will always be there for you when things get tough or slow ;)

There is a small network of us mobile guys who help each other and pass information when problems arise. We take care of our own :)

Maybe next time I am down that way we can hook up and chat. Always nice to meet fellow mobile guys :)

So what tools are you sporting around in that Scion? I see the scope front and center :).

I go to 3 local shops in my area, no programming....yet ;).

Mostly Nissan and Subaru stuff, But I'm always looking for advise on tooling, to get the most bang for my buck if you know what i mean!!

HarleyMike wrote on Jul 8^th, 2015 at 10:59am:

Mostly Nissan and Subaru stuff, But I'm always looking for advise on tooling, to get the most bang for my buck if you know what i mean!!

Mike, I can see you cruising into a shop with a Harley and a backpack full of OE scanners and of course your Pico :)

Abndanger wrote on Jul 9^th, 2015 at 2:15am:

Mike, I can see you cruising into a shop with a Harley and a backpack full of OE scanners and of course your Pico Smiley

One Helluva good idea but..... If the day is to nice and the road is long I may just keep on going past the shop!! 8-) [smiley=chopper.gif]

HarleyMike wrote on Jul 8^th, 2015 at 10:59am:

So what tools are you sporting around in that Scion? I see the scope front and center . I go to 3 local shops in my area, no programming....yet . Mostly Nissan and Subaru stuff, But I'm always looking for advise on tooling, to get the most bang for my buck if you know what i mean!!

Hi Mike,

The first piece of equipment that got me hooked like crack was the Autonerdz Picoscope. After that it was like a snowball effect. Prior to this I owned a Snappy scanner and Matco perception scope. I had to start somewhere.

Chrysler Witech
Ford VCMII
GM MDI
Tech2
Hyundai Kia GDS
Honda Acura HDS
Techstream Lite
JLR IDS
a few aftermarket scantools
Fuel volume tester by Mighty Vac
Fuel composition tester by Kent Moore

Taurus Judge ;)

I would recommend sticking with OE tools and acquiring the Makes you are most comfortable with first to get the best bang for your buck.

As with any great tool there is a huge learning curve. I'm trying to master the ones I have before I get more.

I got called to a tranny shop to take a look at an 01 GS300 with a harsh shift between 2nd and 3rd. The owner told me after an overhaul, and 3 valve bodies later the harshness was still there. I am by no means a trans man but I said lets take a crack at it. Plugged in the Techstream and I learned that the ECU reset function is used whenever the trans or valvebody is replaced.

Easy money.......

The best ROI from a tool was the Picoscope with membership to the Picogroup. It has supplied the residual income needed to support my crack habit ;D ;D ;D

Abndanger wrote on Jul 8^th, 2015 at 4:44am:

So focus on your smaller clientele. They will always be there for you when things get tough or slow There is a small network of us mobile guys who help each other and pass information when problems arise. We take care of our own Maybe next time I am down that way we can hook up and chat. Always nice to meet fellow mobile guys

Thank you for the advice Abndanger, I look forward to meeting you one day :)

Cool pico setups! I bought a small roll cab to use for my pico and am going to keep the pico itself in the top drawer and use some pass through's to connect my leads. However I am unsure what bnc cable extensions to get. Maybe http://www.amazon.com/Electrical-Connector-Bulkhead-Extension-Conductor/dp/B00M62KX2K/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1440362808&sr=8-12&keywords=bnc+male+to+male+extension+cablewould work? Would regular old video bnc cables work. Most cables I have seen have 50 ohm resistance, is this ok? I only need about 1 foot length. Any links to a decent extension cable would be helpful. I like the box that datec sells but don't really want the boom.
Thanks

Cory wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2015 at 1:50pm:

However I am unsure what bnc cable extensions to get. Maybe http://www.amazon.com/Electrical-Connector-Bulkhead-Extension-Conductor/dp/B00M6...would work?

If you lived in Canada I would be selling you these PP718ext   http://www.autonerdz.com/testleads.html I know you said you only a foot or so but in time you will need these for road test.

By the way welcome to the Nerdz I've had a very busy summer mostly away from the shop and hadn't had time to welcome you. ;)

Thanks for the welcome. Trying to sift through all the info here and have seen some of your posts, great info.
I do plan to order long leads for test drives or what not but for my cart I really only need some shortys.

Cory wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2015 at 5:24pm:

do plan to order long leads for test drives or what not but for my cart I really only need some shortys.

I have been in situations that has 3 channels connected in the engine bay and then I need to hook up to the fuel pump module at the rear of the vehicle well guess what, I pull that extension lead through the hole in the cart and I have not inconvenienced myself one bit  ;)

I see what your saying, I maybe didn't explain very well what I was asking. I need just the short leads for connection inside my cart for the pico and will have connectors coming through the side of the cart. Then I can just plug into the external connectors and still keep the pico safe inside the cart. Just a little cleaner I suppose. Thanks.

Cory wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2015 at 6:13pm:

I need just the short leads for connection inside my cart for the pico and will have connectors coming through the side of the cart

I think i see where you are going with this.  Keep in mind that, when using an attenuator, it must be placed directly on the scope module.  You don't want any leads between the attenuator and the scope or you'll get some distortion.  The attenuators are tuned to be placed directly on the scope BNC.

Right, I kept that in mind I seen someone else have an issue with that. Would it hurt to always leave them on or better to attach when needed?

Cory wrote on Aug 24^th, 2015 at 10:15am:

Would it hurt to always leave them on or better to attach when needed?

There are very few times you will need them using your 4425.  I just leave them off unless needed....Or think they MIGHT be needed.

We have some new items that may help keep your scope and accessories organized.

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

While I am waiting for the scope to arrive I'm trying to prepare a home for it.

I am considering purchasing the aluminum boom offered by autonerdz, although I don't necessarily want to deal with building a DIY box for all the leads. Is there any manufacture-red products like that one's shown in the thread.

I was looking at this toolchest, and adding a swivel for the laptop mount and boom on top. I am not sure if I should go with this style, or a taller unit and hide the laptop inside the actual box how some members have done.

Any thoughts or insight from those using this a lot already?

I considered cannibalizing my old Sun Machine 500 machine...although it's rather large and clunky.

Jan Kraakman wrote on Aug 26^th, 2008 at 3:21pm:

Hey guys, Here's an update of my setup with Mac's Pico Boom [smiley=disimulo.gif] It would have been expensive to ship the actual boom overseas so Mac only send me the box with wiring and the switches. So I went to the metal wholesale company across the street and lucky me [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] they just had the (mis) fabrication that I needed lying in the scrap department for Free [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] With some minor modifications and mounting hinges the boom was ready to recieve the box and wiring. Along with the switches I also added connectors for my Snap-On scanner, 5-gas and a USB for the Auto Enginuity scanner ::) More tomorrow ;)   Jan.

Pardon my ignorance but what is the purpose of the switches?

I am currently building my boom, and wasn't sure what the purpose was?

Thanks!

bigKinSD wrote on Feb 22^nd, 2016 at 8:25am:

Pardon my ignorance but what is the purpose of the switches?

The switches were to engage and disengage the neons that were for the purpose of shunting high voltage.  They didn't really work well anyway.  If I was building one now, I would forget about all that stuff and simply hang the scope from the boom.

Thanks for the tip Tom.

After reading a lot of information about probe extensions and all the heartache, that is going to be the easiest solution. I will simply run a high quality long USB through my boom, and mount my pico on the end of it.

Do these units get hot and should I add some kind of ventilation to deal with them getting warm?

Lastly, is it okay to mount the pico vertically with the 4 connectors pointing down?

bigKinSD wrote on Feb 23^rd, 2016 at 9:41am:

Do these units get hot and should I add some kind of ventilation to deal with them getting warm?

You would think that with all the power these scopes have that they would dim the lights and double as a hand warmer but they don't generate much heat a all... no worries.


bigKinSD wrote on Feb 23^rd, 2016 at 9:41am:

Lastly, is it okay to mount the pico vertically with the 4 connectors pointing down?

Sure. 

Pico only makes the one length (1.8m) USB 3.0 cable for the 4425.  Depending on your arrangement, you may have to use a more direct route to the PC rather than going through the boom.  As long as it's up and out of the way, you won't trip over it.  That also makes it easier to grab and go should you need to do a road run.

Last question, will I be okay using a high quality usb 3.0 extension cord?

bigKinSD wrote on Feb 25^th, 2016 at 8:15pm:

will I be okay using a high quality usb 3.0 extension cord?

I would think so.  As long as you keep the length to a minimum.  I would stay less than 3m.  It's best to use the Pico cable though if you can.

Here is some pics of my setup, I used some materials I had on hand and it has worked out great for me, I did not loose any storage space either. The riser holds my computer at a comfortable working height and the boom swings 360* to reach the cars in either bay. That is with the blue usb cable that came with the 4425, it is plenty long enough. Note I drilled the hole for the boom pivot at 10* angle to keep it pitched upwards a bit. The leads hang from the head of an old IV pole I got from the hospital my wife works at. The wire shelving works well so I can see thru when reaching the sockets and wrenches below, also keeps the laptop with plenty of ventilation.

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Oops the pics came out sideways for some reason, if you click the picture heading it will open a new page right side up. :-[

Hey guys I found this.
https://www.amazon.com/SRA-Cases-EN-AC-FG-BC47-Aluminum-22-4x15x7-5/dp/B00NP4JWQQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1480456974&sr=1-6&keywords=Tool+case
Does anyone know if cases are made with shelves?  Thought I could house the pico on the bottom with leads extensions, drill out 8 holes on the case, and put in bncs.  Then have the top layer to store the laptop.  When in use I put the laptop on top of the case with velcro to keep it sturdy.  Then put additional handles on it to carry it.  Thoughts?  One of the other members has done something similiar to this. :)

Busjockey,

Ask Josh about his Pelican case.  He had it here for class one time.  Nice.  And tough.  Maybe he can put up some pics here.

busjockey wrote on Nov 29^th, 2016 at 2:12pm:

Hey guys I found this. https://www.amazon.com/SRA-Cases-EN-AC-FG-BC47-Aluminum-22-4x15x7-5/dp/B00NP4JWQ...

Mike nobbyclrk in reply 47 has a similar set up you are looking into


busjockey wrote on Nov 29^th, 2016 at 2:12pm:

Does anyone know if cases are made with shelves?

Not sure but some core flute and vacuum line around it and have it velcroed would work as a semi rigid self with it open for a laptop without breaking the bank

Are you after a waterproof or resistant set up?

Pedro has a pretty slick mobile set up with a beta tools collapsible cart but that thing is expensive

http://www.beta-tools.com/catalog/articles/view/C27S/__lang_en/__catlang_en/__catalog_beta/__filters_

I just purchased a rigid brand case I am going to modify.  Thought about getting a Pelican but I don't want to drill holes in that,lol.  Anybody know where I can get velcro strips to secure my scopes and laptop?

busjockey wrote on Nov 29^th, 2016 at 2:12pm:

Hey guys I found this. https://www.amazon.com/SRA-Cases-EN-AC-FG-BC47-Aluminum-22-4x15x7-5/dp/B00NP4JWQQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1480456974&sr=1-6&keywords=Tool+case Does anyone know if cases are made with shelves?  Thought I could house the pico on the bottom with leads extensions, drill out 8 holes on the case, and put in bncs.  Then have the top layer to store the laptop.  When in use I put the laptop on top of the case with velcro to keep it sturdy.  Then put additional handles on it to carry it.  Thoughts?  One of the other members has done something similiar to this. :)

Harbor Freight. Comes with dividers and foam is precut. Can't seem to get pictures attached. 18x6x13

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-x-6-in-x-13-in-black-aluminum-case-69318.html

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Another picture

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Cool thank you Gail.  I just bought a case similar in size.  Got a Rigid brand case with high impact plastic.  I'll get some pics up in a bit. :)

busjockey wrote on Nov 30^th, 2016 at 8:12pm:

Cool thank you Gail.  I just bought a case similar in size.  Got a Rigid brand case with high impact plastic.  I'll get some pics up in a bit. :)

Above is $29.00. Didn't really need it but keep Modis in my truck. Thought it being in foam lined case would be better than original plastic case.

Yes I agree foam keeps it secure better.  I"ll get some pics up as soon as I can. :)

Thought I'd post a picture of my setup. Seems to work for what I need.

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Nice use of the extendable pole James 8-) you did a great job on the roll cabinet.

DaveR wrote on May 10^th, 2012 at 10:14am:

Well guys I got my inserts yesterday for my cart. What do you think? If anyone is interested in ordering these foam inserts let me know

I really like that Matco cart. I called my dealer and he found me one that a shop is willing to let go since they're not using it. Too bad they quit making that model.

Awesome to see these gives me ideas for my new setup. Thanks everyone

Alright everyone, I present to you the Busjockey 8 Channel Super Scope!   :D
I give credit to Mike Flach for the name. :) ;D

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I also did a youtube video of it.  Here is the link. :)
https://youtu.be/BcoSMekgZ7Q

Looks very nice Mr. Busjockey...

Nice Mike

Contact me before you make the running video. ;)

Sure Mick. :)

Interesting setup Mr Busjockey

I've been pondering for a long time weather to get a second 4 channel scope so I can work on 2 cars
Your set is great as a 7-8 channel but limited to 1 job at a time

My proto type. Two booms over head height. One for my Iota battery mantainer. One for my pico and leads. Holds most of my more common electrical test equipment. If I need to make a mobile call it can all be broken down and organized quickly to jet and then back again.

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busjockey wrote on Feb 4^th, 2017 at 10:21am:

Alright everyone, I present to you the Busjockey 8 Channel Super Scope!   Cheesy I give credit to Mike Flach for the name. Smiley Grin

Hello Mr. Busjockey,
     I see you have 2 USB cables connected to one lap top PC and am wondering what kind of patterns you can obtain with this setup?  In other words, are you able to sync the 2 scopes together to have 8 different (or 7) channels visible on your PC screen?  Have you, by chance, posted any captures I can see with your Super Scope?  If you could direct me to them, I would love to see them.
Thank you for your time,
Doug S.

Doug S. wrote on Mar 12^th, 2017 at 1:55pm:

busjockey wrote on Feb 4th, 2017 at 10:21am: Alright everyone, I present to you the Busjockey 8 Channel Super Scope!   Cheesy I give credit to Mike Flach for the name. Smiley Grin Hello Mr. Busjockey,      I see you have 2 USB cables connected to one lap top PC and am wondering what kind of patterns you can obtain with this setup?  In other words, are you able to sync the 2 scopes together to have 8 different (or 7) channels visible on your PC screen?  Have you, by chance, posted any captures I can see with your Super Scope?  If you could direct me to them, I would love to see them. Thank you for your time, Doug S.

Hi Doug

Check this thread out. http://www.autonerdz.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1488939202

Mick wrote on Mar 12^th, 2017 at 2:58pm:

Doug S. wrote on Mar 12th, 2017 at 1:55pm: busjockey wrote on Feb 4th, 2017 at 10:21am: Alright everyone, I present to you the Busjockey 8 Channel Super Scope!   Cheesy I give credit to Mike Flach for the name. Smiley Grin Hello Mr. Busjockey,      I see you have 2 USB cables connected to one lap top PC and am wondering what kind of patterns you can obtain with this setup?  In other words, are you able to sync the 2 scopes together to have 8 different (or 7) channels visible on your PC screen?  Have you, by chance, posted any captures I can see with your Super Scope?  If you could direct me to them, I would love to see them. Thank you for your time, Doug S. Hi Doug Check this thread out. http://www.autonerdz.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1488939202

Hi Mick,
It does look as it is possible to sync 2 Pico Scopes together but can be a bit challenging from what I am seeing.  Am I correct in that statement?  Is this setup difficult to get them to work together?
Thanks for your time,
DougS

Mick has more experience in this area than me but from what I have done so far and for what Mick has shown me it can be done.  :)

As for being difficult to set up it does take a little more time to set up but hey your setting up 8 channels  :).  I figure if your hooking up 8 channels you got either a real problem child or you need 8 channels to help you diagnose faster in the long run once you are set up. :)

Doug S. wrote on Mar 12^th, 2017 at 4:23pm:

Am I correct in that statement?  Is this setup difficult to get them to work together?

Doug click on that link I left above and ask some questions in that thread please ;) 

Mick wrote on Mar 12^th, 2017 at 4:56pm:

Doug S. wrote on Mar 12th, 2017 at 4:23pm: Am I correct in that statement?  Is this setup difficult to get them to work together? Doug click on that link I left above and ask some questions in that thread please ;)

Ok, Mick, I will do that.
Thank you,
Doug S

One of our test stations got a face-lift, thanks to KarlW

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I met one of our clients to drop off his order back in October. He used a similar setup to hold his scope and tablet when he works on forklifts and other industrial equipment. He clamped it onto the safety roll cage or something else that is sturdy.

I was bored so I tested it out on my bike this weekend.

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Wow, it's been great to stumble across this thread,

I really think I'm going to come up with a boom-type addition to my diagnostic toolbox, looks very practical.

The best part of this thread was scrolling back to page 1. Posts from 2004, back when I was a 16-year-old kid.
Technology really progresses quickly!

REKKED wrote on Feb 16^th, 2021 at 2:44am:

Wow, it's been great to stumble across this thread, I really think I'm going to come up with a boom-type addition to my diagnostic toolbox, looks very practical. The best part of this thread was scrolling back to page 1. Posts from 2004, back when I was a 16-year-old kid. Technology really progresses quickly!

That is the beauty of maintaining the archive, learning from and being inspired by the experiences of others.

When your boom is built post some pictures so someone else might benefit. [smiley=wink.gif]

Here is my setup

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