Introduction to the PicoScope Automotive Oscilloscope

Scan tool or scope?

We are often asked "Should I buy a scan tool or a scope". The short answer is that you need both. A scan tool can often point you in the right direction, perhaps indicating a misfire on a specific cylinder but too often the less experienced technician then ends up replacing several parts before the problem is solved. Oscilloscopes should be used:

To eliminate guesswork and test individual components before they are replaced. This avoids "parts darts" where more and more parts are replaced until the fault goes away.

To find intermittent wiring and connector faults.

As the best way to find charging and starting problems.

To find problems with actuators such as motors and injectors that are not monitored by the ECU.

To identify mechanical problems such as compression and slipped / incorrectly fitted timing belts.

For the technician, oscilloscopes lead to faster, more efficient diagnostics and a better understanding of how vehicle systems work. For the workshop, using a PicoScope encourages a "fix it right" culture by reducing the number of parts changed on guesswork. The net result is improved customer satisfaction, increased repeat business and increased profits.

Open your eyes with PicoScope software

PicoScope 6 is the most advanced automotive oscilloscope software available to date. It is stable and has been in use for many years. With award-winning features and intuitive design, this software is designed to make sure you get to the heart of the problem, fast.

When you use PicoBNC+ Accessories with the A-series scopes, the scope can identify the accessory you plug in (e.g. current clamp, resisance probe) and the software will setup the scope automatically for you.

PicoScope 7 is available in beta, which means that it is still being developed. It is almost ready for release and many workshops have stared using it in production already.

PicoScope 6 and 7 are free, with upgrades for life and can be downloaded. You can try using the software now, using a built-in, limited-function 'demo device', before you buy your PicoScope.

Download PicoScope Software

Automotive PicoScope features such as auto setup, tutorials and the guided tests quickly get new users up to speed. Advanced features such as maths channels, waveform buffers, advanced triggers and reference waveforms ensure the experienced user will not run out of power.

The modern user interface is easy to use. There are no old-fashioned knobs and dials. We leave the space free for what matters: your waveforms displayed in crisp, clear high resolution.

PicoScope software has now firmly established itself as the industry standard so the time you invest in improving your diagnostic skills will benefit you for the rest of your career. Regular updates to our software include new features and new tests, and are free for the life of the product.