I just downloaded the latest version of pico diagnostics 2.1beta (think thats what it was)  from picos web site today.  i have had it on my laptop before and i was hoping to get the battery tester test that i have seen advertised.  is that included with this update? also is anyone using the battery test? is it accurate? all the hook ups are the same as any other batter tester.  is the cranking and starting loads enough to pass/fail and is running for 10 seconds enough to check charging? does it even check charging or is it just a battery/starter test?  the pico diagnostics seems pretty accurate in the playing around with my own car ive done as far as causing missfires and pulling spark plugs and cranking to cause a low cyl psi and it cathes all the little glitches i can make.  of course it wont ID the cylinder thats the culprit but it lets you know there is a problem.  PERSONALLY i usually dont use this software on a customers car b/c in the sake of saving time i want to ID the cylinder thats the problem in the relative cranking amps or exh pulses so i use those tests to ID problem cylinders and relative cranking compression or missfire diagnostics since the hookups arent much harder.  SO, who else uses this software as well?  Sorry for the long post with random scattered questions. This is my first post on this website and all the content and discussions seem first class with great info and great waveform sharing!  thanks!
-Shaun

Hi Shaun, I will have a go at trying to answer your questions.


Shaun Oneill wrote on Jan 28^th, 2010 at 7:13am:

I just downloaded the latest version of pico diagnostics 2.1beta (think thats what it was)  from picos web site today.

Yep, 1.2.1 I think. It's been around since middle of last year.


Shaun Oneill wrote on Jan 28^th, 2010 at 7:13am:

i have had it on my laptop before and i was hoping to get the battery tester test that i have seen advertised.  is that included with this update? also is anyone using the battery test? is it accurate? all the hook ups are the same as any other batter tester.  is the cranking and starting loads enough to pass/fail and is running for 10 seconds enough to check charging? does it even check charging or is it just a battery/starter test?

This version has the battery test. I have had very mixed results with it though. I use it occasionally but get alot of errors and negative readings. i believe It will show internal resistance of the starter, condition of the alternator. ie ripple and output. and battery condition and recovery time. I find i have to be very precise with my battery initial charge and the time it captures for. If you leave it to long or not long enough you will get strange errors.



Shaun Oneill wrote on Jan 28^th, 2010 at 7:13am:

the pico diagnostics seems pretty accurate in the playing around with my own car ive done as far as causing missfires and pulling spark plugs and cranking to cause a low cyl psi and it cathes all the little glitches i can make.  of course it wont ID the cylinder thats the culprit but it lets you know there is a problem.  PERSONALLY i usually dont use this software on a customers car b/c in the sake of saving time i want to ID the cylinder thats the problem in the relative cranking amps or exh pulses so i use those tests to ID problem cylinders and relative cranking compression or missfire diagnostics since the hookups arent much harder.

Have you tried connecting a second scope lead? I think you will find it will recognise an injector of ignition signal to sync your cylinders. Don't forget the attenuator :-)

 
Shaun Oneill wrote on Jan 28^th, 2010 at 7:13am:

SO, who else uses this software as well?

Well, Me! I use it as much as i can. If I have a vehicle that I suspect a compression issue with I start with Pico Diagnostics relative compression test so I don't waste time on a 'crook' motor.
HTH's

I meant to say Cranking Compression test! (not relative test)

Thanks for the responses Rod!  the reason i asked about the battery test was b/c after downloading and rebooting i didnt see the battery test option anywhere on the program.  
  As far as using a sync i usually go off cyl1 coil or secondary or whatever is close and not buried.  so your saying pico diagnostics will sync to a cyl? obviously it wont know if im on cyl 1 or any other cyl but will this point of reference then become cyl A for example on the programs relative compression test?  to be honest i have not tried syncing with anything when using the pico diagnostics mostly b/c it doesnt direct you too. i will deffinetly try this next time to see if it gives me the accurate results your saying it does.  good job just trying it and figuring that out!  guess i was just too ignorant/lazy to even try  :-?  
    thanks again
-shaun

Hi Shaun,
I should have elaborated a little more.


Quote:

obviously it wont know if im on cyl 1 or any other cyl but will this point of reference then become cyl A for example on the programs relative compression test?

Yep, exactly. The software still identifies the cylinder as CylA, CylB, etc. What I meant is if you show the waveform at the top of the program by clicking on the little message box  in the botton right that states something like All cylinders are above ...% you can see the sync signal from your second lead in the waveform at the top half of the screen.

I tried to add an attachment to show you what i mean. hope it works. :)

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Quote:

to be honest i have not tried syncing with anything when using the pico diagnostics mostly b/c it doesnt direct you too. i will deffinetly try this next time to see if it gives me the accurate results your saying it does.  good job just trying it and figuring that out!

* likes to key press and mouse click and even hover everywhere on new software!! Ya never know what the developers have added to the applications that isnt documented!
:) ;) :D :o

thanks again rod! something happened durring my last download b/c i am still at beta v 1.1!!!  i swear i downloaded 2.1 and installed it said finished i rebooted but still no v 2.1!?!  i will remove program and start from scratch. weird. your screen shots painted a nice picture. much appreciated.  i'm usually one to click everywhere and go all over especially on pc based scan tools.  I think i have the first version of pico diagnostics still thats pretty basic. thanks again
-shaun