Hi everyone!

My names Paul and i'm 30. I started in the motor trade as an apprentice in 1997 working for Peugeot. Since then I have worked for Renault, Ford and currently I work for Jaguar.

I've been out of the motortrade for 4 years and only got back into it 3 months ago.

I'm extremely keen to learn new diagnostic skills. The amount of info on the internet these days is mindblowing and the level of complexity of the electrical systems on Jaguars seems very sophisticated compared with the other manufacturers I've worked for.

Unfortunately the diagnostic equipment that Jaguar use seems very dated. The serial tool is OK and unbelievably the scope/DMM costs more than twice the amount of a Advanced Picoscope Kit. I believe its technology is over 10 years old and its seriously underpowered and struggles to provide much needed detail when used on modern electrical systems.

I think it would probably be like comparing a 50 bhp engine to a 1200 bhp engine put next to a Picoscope.

Since I started at Jaguar I have been searching the net for the latest tools/equipment and that is when I discovered Picoscope.

I have been reading info and watching videos trying to educate myself wishing I had the money to invest in a Picoscope.

About two and a half months into my employment I was chatting with one of the other technicians at my work. He is a Volvo technician. He told me that we have a Picoscope as it is part of Volvo's mandatory equipment.

Its an ADC 212, I found the box, two current probes, 2 attenuators, and a few leads.

The parallel lead was missing, but I downloaded the latest software and had a look and I'm absolutely blown away by the power of this tool.

I especially like the look of the pressure transducer and the mixmaster add ons.

I have got a parallel lead and i'm looking forward to starting work next week and getting the opportunity to use it.

There are only 4 technicians including me and i'm sure its going to be a huge timesaver once we figure out how to harness its power.

I would like to get my hands on some add ons and a 4 channel scope but at the moment I need to convince my manager (who used to be a technician but knows hardly anything about scopes) that this it the best thing since sliced bread.

Tom Roberts wrote on Aug 1^st, 2010 at 7:55pm:


Tom

Devon is an area in South West England that is attached to another beautiful area called Cornwall these regions are known for their fishing villages and Cider.

Paul
Were in Devon are you from?

I have very fond memories of St Ives Cornwall, When I graduated from being an apprentice in 1974 I spent the summer there and went back in 1976 for almost a year. I tell my wife if I ever go back to Great Britain and had enough money to support myself it would be to St Ives.

If you convince your manager to upgrade the Pico 212 I would suggest he imports it from Tom or byes a support package, because getting you up to speed fast and continuing everyday to get the most out of your scope, you will need Toms Pico section; in there you will find videos that will help.
If there is a problem of any kind I have found it will be addressed very quickly here.

Good look to you 

Mick

Hello Paul,

Welcome.

I tried my 212/3 Pico with the latest software, version 6.4.64, and I was able to connect and the software recognized the hardware. I tried 2 ways, first starting by plugging in the hardware and then starting the software and starting the software first, choosing "no" for a demo, and then under file I clicked "connect".

Did you have the power supply connected to the hardware? You need either the power pack or the lead with battery clips to use vehicle battery.

I read too fast   
I did not try Pico Diagnostics. So I can't give you an answer on that.

HTH

dave

Paul,

I'll welcome you to the forums also. We have some spectacular members here that will kindly assist you in any way we can. It's great to see another member from a different country.

I hope you do find a way to obtain a kit from us. You'll be in good hands for support.

Additionally, if you ever have an automotive technical issue, feel free to use the Technical forum. It is there for you and I'm sure one of us can help.

Once you do get a kit from Autonerdz, we'll plug you into the Pico section for so much more information.

Regards,

Paul,

Quote:


From what I remember, the 212/3 uses the serial connector/ USB connection to ground the hardware to the PC and by using the test lead (BNC lead) connected to the vehicle battery ground should stabilize the channels.

Also, the advanced triggers do not work with the 212/3 series.

HTH

dave