Hi, wondering if anyone has tried to use other manufacturer's hardware with pico software. Or are the two proprietary and can only be used with each other? Thanks

Logic wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 3:39pm:


Can't say I know the EULA of pico's software off the top of my head.

Logic wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 3:39pm:

Might you provide a different forum then that is geared towards picoscopes?

Bottom line is I like to know what I'm getting into before I drop 4K on something that I can't even try before I buy. What if 6 months after I buy a pico, something newer or better comes out that has either better hardware or software but I'm locked to my existing purchase? It's thinking towards the future and investing my hard earned money into tools that are not expandable. We all know that if you're not updating the tech side of your business, you're not going anywhere long-term

Proprietary hardware/software sucks. It first started to get on my nerves with audio/video components in the late 90's early 2000's. End up buying one component and to get full use of that product, you had to buy every other component from the same manufacturer. It's still happening today, and for that reason I now avoid Apple products wherever possible.

I get that proprietary software/connections are sometimes the only way to protect developers, and some consumers don't give a rip, but I do. I don't like being told what I can or cannot do with things that I own. If the only difference between product A and B is that one of them can only be used within it's own family of accessories, then I'll pass. If I know that when I buy my pico, all the time and effort into building a waveform library and learning the software wont be wasted if I can plug in another scope for the time being if the pico craps out or something. Or the other way around, when I get into a picoscope and somebody comes out with better software, it would sure be nice to know that I can plug that box into a pc running any type of software and it will recognize it. It's keeping your options open. These things aren't cheap and they're not exactly a throw away tool like some scanners are where it's now cheaper to buy a new one than to update them.

I've never used a picoscope, never seen one being used besides on the web/youtube. I'm smart enough and value my money enough to get all the answers I'm looking for. Are pico's the cats meow? That's their reputation. Will I probably never need or want another scope? If they're the best then probably not. But it'd be nice to know if they play well with others

Pico software is tied to the hardware, but works on many scopes.

Pico does release new scopes every so often, probably about every 5 years or so but does not obsolete the old hardware.

Pico auto progression has been version 5 software, now version 6,  hardware has been 212, 3000, 4000, and now the newest generation. Not sure on the latest software, but last I used it Pico 6 worked on my old 212

Pico does not charge for software, so it is reasonable for them to offer new products to stay in business.

There are two ways the Pico software works, one uses the memory in the scope hardware, while the other uses PC resources for the memory, and this is where it really shines. So, it would be a challenge for Pico to work on any scope.

I would not expect any new auto scopes soon, but there might be a newer software in the next few years. A Pico 7 if you will , that is just speculation though.

I bet if you check out the member map there is a Pico owner could give a live demonstrsation.

Sam

kwrencher wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 11:33pm:


Just to clarify, many of it's own Pico brand scopes. Sam brings up a GREAT point! Pico didn't dump its' customers and force them to buy a newer model. One of your concerns is your tool becoming obsolete. It's kinda hard for a scope to do that but... There are different internal hardware to help make the new 4425 shine. That being said there are times when I actually like to grab my 4423 over the 4425.


kwrencher wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 11:33pm:


Then you talked to one of the most knowledgeable people I know about them. He could tell you what Pico can do that the others can't. At times I don't follow his conversation well, we are just on difference frequencies.  There isn't much others can do that Pico can't. As far as talking you can call others outside of Canada if you wish I just think buying it in Canada is your best option. This is one of the reasons I think Tom set it up that way.

Yet you seem to want to get around actually buying the scope unless I am reading you wrong. What more do you need? I/we could post some captures for you to play with if you have the free software. Would that help and if so what kind of capture would interest you?

CKP/CMP captures?

Secondary ignition?

Sensor failures and not just engine? You can have steering angle and/or ABS.

Compression captures of an engine cranking as well as running?

Intake and exhaust pressure wave captures?

All kinds. we'll even show some anayisis of them if that helps ya.

kwrencher wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 11:33pm:


Well... It's kinda wishing you could try your Ford IDS on a GM without buying the GM tool. There is software to help on the "mark ups" of a screen capture after you have it but to expect a company to write a and invest its' time in making software for other companys scopes is a stretch. 

It seems you picked and choosed what you wanted to comment on in my post. Kinda the glass half full or half empty. Thing was it is both. The glass is filled to the middle that's all.

Welcome to the group    

kwrencher wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 1:03pm:


There are PicoScope hardware clones out there.  But....they don't work because the software provided for them is virtually useless.  Perhaps some thought you were asking if PicoScope would work with these stolen and cloned designs.  That may have been the rub.

You have had a lot of other good responses here so I don't have a lot to add but just a few thoughts....

PicoScope automotive software only works with PicoScope automotive scopes.  It's free and the updates are free.  Sometimes these updates are a huge leap.  For example, one of the updates some time ago made the 4423 models ten times more powerful.  So...a free software update gave your current model ten times more power as well as new features.

Pico puts a LOT of work into that software continuously, year after year.  Providing that kind of effort and expense to support competing hardware would be as stupid as if we provided our Picogroup resources to our competitor's customers.  That would not be sustainable and none of us would be here right now.

kwrencher wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 7:45pm:


PicoScope is very flexible with any accessory.  It does not have to be a Pico accessory.  But, the Pico accessories usually offer superipor performance.

PicoScope is the most powerful automotive scope.  The only way you are going to beat a PicoScope is with another PicoScope.   

New hardware comes out but none of the scope hardware generations become obsolete.  It's getting hard to use an old 212 model these days though.  Not because PicoScope doesn't support them but because newer PCs don't support the old parallel port interface.

kwrencher wrote on Oct 31^st, 2015 at 7:45pm:


We have you covered there.  We would be happy to set up a time with you where you could use a PicoScope live on a car.  You can do this from your location by screen sharing with us.  We can set it up so you can have a virtual hands on experience with an expert there with you to guide you and answer any questions.

kwrencher wrote on Nov 1^st, 2015 at 8:28am:


I understand this concern.  With all the hype, smoke and mirrors, out there and claims made that just don't materialize it's hard to believe Pico is the real deal.

But indeed it is.

But, like learning to play a musical instrument, it's better with instruction, study, practice, and community.  Our goal, as the ONLY PicoScope automotive specialists, is to provide you with all the resources you need to reach your desired level of proficiency.  You just have to commit to invest in yourself with study and practice.

I might add that with Pico you will find yourself developing up your own tests and test methods.

With a Pico you are only limited by

1.the presence of an electrical signal to the scope, either from a vehicle or whatever sensor or signal generation devise that you choose to apply or use.

2.in the case of bus signals the specific protocol decoding and your ability to be able to understand or interpret the bus signal

Diagnostic machines are limited by the data fields allowed, there is no limitation with a Picoscope other than your imagination and knowledge.

I frequently use my scope to verify diagnostic data....or in reality show it to be wrong

In terms of monetary risk.....all investment have individual risks, it is a part of life, those risks are individual.

The risk with a Picoscope is that one does not put in the effort to use the scope to its full advantage.

Personally I would not bother with this work any more without a Picoscope.

You will never get a result in life without prudent investment.

This investment often is not what the majority is doing.

Investing in a Picoscope is an investment in your self, but in doing so you also need to be a bit of a maverick and not a sheep, as a Picoscope is about your personal development and your interest for inquiry

A picoscope never lies....diagnostic machines do.

If you don't like PicoScope software or don't wan't to use it then it's possible to write better software on your own.

https://www.picotech.com/library/oscilloscopes/picoscope-software-development-ki...

kwrencher wrote on Nov 4^th, 2015 at 9:51pm:


Yes.  The interface is clean and intuitive.  Anyone familiar with scopes can use it immediately for basic tasks.  Being a power user takes some study and practice but that's why we are here....  To help flatten that curve.

Any scope has a learning curve and takes time to master.  But...with PicoScope that is not a waste of time.