A foundational session covering essential PicoScope concepts and operation, with a focus on correcting common misconceptions spread through informal online resources.

Topics covered include:

• Sample rate fundamentals: balancing number of samples against time base, and why this matters for different signal types (CAN bus, GDI injectors, diesel injectors, secondary ignition)
• Saving and opening files correctly, including how to avoid the common mistake of opening files without a scope connected
• Posting waveforms to the forums: creating proper images and attaching data files
• Trigger modes: none, auto, repeat, and single, and how to use streaming mode to capture intermittent faults without missing data
• Using math channels, including frequency math to locate events in long captures
• Reference waveforms and split-screen views for comparing known-good data to a vehicle under test
• Proper use of attenuators and when they are needed
• AC vs DC coupling and why DC should be used in nearly all automotive applications
• A caution specific to the PicoScope 4425 regarding floating inputs and how AC signals can load across channels capacitively, potentially causing driveability issues during testing