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