Garage Support

Post a Response

Oscilloscopes forum #

Posted by Piotr Sokolowski on November 24, 2012, 10:32 am

Year of Manufacture *: all

hello
Because we are having more and more users and problems being solved with oscilloscope I just wonderring maybe it would be possible to open oscilloscopes forum on UKautotalk? We could make a library with good known waveforms and share the problems and opinions? What you think about it? I think it could be really helpfull.

Link: http://www.pandpauto.co.uk

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=Peter+Warman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 2:18 pm, in reply to "Oscilloscopes forum"
Peter Warman - Administrator

Hi Piotr

We have considered this in the past. More and more techs seem to be using scopes for diagnostics plus taking good waveforms from vehicles in the workshop for later reference

If enough members were interested then I would be willing to add another forum. Captures of live data would also be useful especially CRD for comparison

This would mean members contributing, not just when they have a problem but any captures they have good Vs bad or just good. My job would be to make sure the vehicle details and engine code is displayed in the headings for easy searching

Many members have a talent for adding their own graphics, animations and descriptions to a waveform image, this would certainly inspire others to use their scope a bit more (or go out and buy one)

We have a few members who up and till a few years ago did not have much experience with a scope, but now you often see their scope images and technical articles in magazines, to me that is a great achievement (and makes you famous

)

So lets see what sort of interest there is for a scope forum

Peter

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Piotr Sokolowski <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1848' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 2:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"

that's what I wanted to hear Peter. So come on everybody put a post as your interest in this forum . If Peter admin would get enought post as interest - we would get this started. I'm sure everyone would have a benefit of that scopes forum existing .

Link: http://www.pandpauto.co.uk

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Carl Ford <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1822' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 3:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Carl Ford

Would we be able to upload the actual psdata file as well as just attaching an image?

If so good idea

Regards
Carl

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=Peter+Warman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 4:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Peter Warman - Administrator

Hi Carl

We would not be able to host the Pico files directly, as they are an unusual format

The quickest way is to set up an account with http://www.mediafire.com/ you can then upload and store your own files, then just paste the link into your post for others to download (they will need to have a copy of Pico on their laptop to view)

We should be able to retrieve waveforms that have already been posted, all I would need is the names of any member that has posted a waveform, I can the track them down and post into the new forum, this would get it populated with waveforms already on UKAT

Peter

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

In my opinion this forum should be planned before to be tech-user friendly. So any ideas how would you want this forum look like should be much appreciated.

Link: http://www.pandpauto.co.uk

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Looks easy enough Peter sounds like a good idea 😎

Regards
Carl

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by James Eardley <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3143' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 4:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
James Eardley

Hi piotr

This is an exellent idea, count me in

Other than all the reasons for having an oscilloscope forum mentioned by Piotr and Peter, I believe it could also help answer peoples questions regarding scope setups, do's and dont's and basic functions of the scope software different people are using.

It should help make the scope learning curve alot less steep for people who are willing to learn and have held off buying a scope.

When it comes to oscilloscope technique I do not think there is one single person that knows it all, so I do not think any bad can come from having a dedicated scope forum on UKAT.

I know I am one of the newer members.

But,

The UKAT forum seems to be the perfect place for an oscilloscope forum as it sets a good atmosphere.
Where the forum is busy and its members are very helpful and show a mutual respect for other technicians of all levels.

The main reason I can think why it is a good idea.

When adding waveforms to a post it lets other technicans view/analyse the data as though the suspect vehicle was infront of them.

It adds a certain quality to your post and sparks interesting conversations that everyone can learn from.

Also for those that have little scope experience let me tell you.
With a scope and a little creative thinking any of your theories, with a particular problem, can be proven or disproven but most importantly it is actually possible to make the invisable..... visable

Piotr

Thanks for setting the ball rolling.

Peter

Thanks for being so accomodating

Everyone else

Take 2 mins to add your vote if you think it is a good idea

Cheers
James

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by chris Angus <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5111' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 6:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"

Sounds a good idea but, without the feature to upload directly to UKAT it makes it a little tedious, so I think it would put people off bothering. Thinking of myself as usual

Chris

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Steve Nicholas <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5547' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 7:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Stephen Nicholas

Excellent idea, Piotr.

It is easy enough to capture screenshots from Picoscope and post them.

I have some scope experience but don't use the tool enough. A new dedicated forum would improve skills and confidence.

Regards,

Steve

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Jim Power <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3202' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 8:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
James Power

Great suggestion Piotr

As above, I have little experience and believe a dedicated forum would quickly gather momentum and be of great benefit to many.

Jim.

jim power

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Rob Nicholson <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5122' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 9:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"

Piotr

Think you have hit on a good one here with James summing it up nicely.

Not too sure I will be able to upload the Bosch FSA files as easily as Pico users but will look into it

Rob

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Simon Clarke <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3160' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 9:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Simon Clarke

A dedicated forum sounds like a great idea Piotr, i always take an interest in other peoples scopes captures, I find them helpful for raising my own scope knowledge and encourage me to get stuck in and scope as much as i can.

Simon

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by george ambelas <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3245' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 9:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
George Ambelas

this is a good idea and it can be very usefull to a lot of us. and i think it would be best to post the captures as pictures that can easily be seen by everyone. sending them in pico files makes it complicated and difficult to open them for those who don't have a pico scope. ilexa used to do this and i allways used to stragle with them

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by David evason <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3433' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 24, 2012, 10:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
David Evason

Just to add my two pence worth I think it's an excellent idea.
Being quite a new member and also quite a new user to the picoscope I find that all the posted captures have been valuable to furthering my knowledge in understanding how to 'read' the data and use the scope.

To have captures listed in their own category I believe will be so beneficial to all members for speed and ease of location.

I think that James pointed out a good point that maybe it should also be used for basic and advanced techniques and new users questions which could all be sub categories in a new scope forum.

Captures should be available in normal images on this site but also with links to the actual psdata files

As I said just chipping in my view !
Thanks

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Damian Mc Bride <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3459' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 25, 2012, 8:25 am, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Damian McBride

Hi im also fairly new here i think a scpoe forum would be a great idea

Its a shame its so hard to make fourm take psd files.
Damian

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Darren Cotton <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1876' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 25, 2012, 8:50 am, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Darren Cotton

Agree its a great suggestion,

Peter can you explain what the issue is with uploading PSdata files?? many other forums do it that are free

), also posting info away from the forum is always a danger of it disappearing,

Anyway, yes we should a dedicated section for scope captures...

Darren

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=Peter+Warman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 25, 2012, 11:33 am, in reply to "Oscilloscopes forum"

Hi All

Looks like that is a yes then

. I will try and answer some of your questions and concerns rather than reply to each individual post

I have had a email back from Jeremy Gallagher in the States that a new forum has been linked to UKAT and ready to be used. This will take a bit of time for me to configure and get all the setting right so may not be ready until around Christmas (I still have a day job in the workshop like you guys)

The forums will only allow images in the format of .gif .jpeg .bmp etc which is fine for posting your waveform images. Unfortunately it is not possible for them to host Pico format files

As we are moving more towards "Cloud Computing" I would suggest anyone who wishes to store their Pico files to use a company such as MediaFire to upload them and even have a paid for account, this will ensure your files are kept safe, nothing worse than your laptop going down and loosing all your hard work. Those with Bosch scopes can use the same method

All you will need to do then is just post the link to your Pico file into your post for members to download

Some of you mention that you do not YET have a Pico Scope but would still like to see the Pico Files in action. You can go to the Pico website and download the latest version of Pico software to your laptop (you do not have to pay or own a Pico Scope)This will allow you to view the downloaded Pico files, it will also run in demo mode

As you can imagine there are thousands of vehicle variants, model years and engine codes. This would be a nightmare for me to sort and put in different categories. So I have to go for the simplest option for me and the quickest way for you to find what you want

This means that when you post you will be asked for the "Make" "Model" "Year" and "Engine Code" and perhaps the option to supply the ECU type. Once all the details have been supplied then I can clean up your post headings (as I normally)so that when you search it will bring up a list of the correct vehicle

When you search you will just have to put in say "VW Passat CBAB 2009" this will then bring up a list of waveform posts relating to that specific vehicle (drop the year for more results)

There are always concerns about data / images being lost with third parts hosting, but we all rely on it these days with our accounts, invoicing, photo, personal info etc. What I would be willing to do is keep the waveform images stored on our own server as well as an extra additional back up, which if I get time to set up (next year) this will be accessible for members only

I hope this answers some of your questions

Peter

PS: Before the forum goes live I will try (when time allows) to pull some of the waveforms already stored in the archives and put them into new (individual) posts

You can download the latest Pico Software here, run in demo mode or view other members Pico files without having a Pico Scope

http://www.picoauto.com/software.html

Get your self a MediaFire Account to store your Pico files and Pico Images, also useful to back up you garage data / accounts

http://www.mediafire.com/

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by Piotr Sokolowski <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1848' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 25, 2012, 11:43 am, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"

well done
thank all of you guys for the YES votes. I hope we will get this new oscillosopes forum used and get our scopes skills better. Regards

Link: http://www.pandpauto.co.uk

Re: Oscilloscopes forum

Posted by mark mcgrath <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT2806' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 25, 2012, 2:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Mark McGrath

thankyou to peter for taking the time and effort

Re: Oscilloscope Forum

Posted by james dillon <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5579' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 25, 2012, 3:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
James Dillon

Hi Folks

Great idea for a great forum.

I think that it is important for people to be able to reference the actual *.psd (or Snap-on Scope *.lss or *.iss) files as well as a easy to view jpg or other image file attached to the post.

The data file allows other techs to see and help analyze your capture, and possibly help clarify or diagnose your fault. This may not be possible with just a jpeg or bitmap graphic file.

Either of the two 'main' scope formats are able to be viewed and manipulated using free software on you own pc (both Snap-on Shopstream and Pico are free application downloads). Do Bosch have a free waveform viewer?

I'm certainly looking forward to the new forum.

Cheers

James.

MediaFire

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=Peter+Warman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 26, 2012, 9:56 am, in reply to "Re: Oscilloscopes forum"
Peter Warman - Administrator

Hi Lads

I have upgraded my MediaFire Account this morning which gives you 50GB of storage and Add free for £11.20 for 12 months (peanuts)

This is a great way to store your Pico files and images to share with others

I have also downloaded the free software that lets you drag your files from your desktop onto an icon for instant upload

Another nice feature of the software is that while you have the Pico running in real time you can take an instant screen shot that will upload to your account, then just past the link into your post (excellent feature)

Peter

Re: MediaFire

Posted by Jon Morgan <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3190' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 26, 2012, 11:06 am, in reply to "MediaFire"
Jonathan Morgan

This is an excellent idea, you can't put a value on known good traces.

Regards bmp images etc, these will only allow a screenshot of one part of a trace - a lot of pico users capture a lot of data on the screen & then zoom to find multiple glitches etc.... this is impossible to view in bmp jpeg format etc...

If there is a need to learn about scope setups & capturing techniques for different uses - downloading the free Pico software is a must, along with downloading the psd files from mediafire. A screenshot in bmp jpeg etc has limited use, a psd file can be downloaded & stored for future reference in the Pico software. It can then be opened with all the original settings the psd file holds & therefore sets the scope up instantly for obtaining a capture using the settings for the known good waveform. A known good is only as good as the setup used to obtain it in my limited experience - an incorrect setup can lead you up the garden path ( also in my limited experience

).

I am no expert with a Pico, so feel free to correct anything I have posted that you feel is wrong - I am in need of scope tuition from the likes of Darren, James & James, Dave etc.... as many techs will be.

Thanks Peter for setting this up - this will be a very useful addition I reckon

AutoScope Waveform Library

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=Peter+Warman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 28, 2012, 8:20 am, in reply to "Oscilloscopes forum #"
Peter Warman - Administrator

Well we had a quiet day yesterday so I was able to get this set up

AutoScope Waveform Library

Peter

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library

Posted by Darren Cotton <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1876' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 28, 2012, 1:28 pm, in reply to "AutoScope Waveform Library"
Darren Cotton

nice, well done Peter

Darren

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library

Posted by James Eardley <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3143' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 28, 2012, 6:42 pm, in reply to "Re: AutoScope Waveform Library"
James Eardley

Peter

Nice job, you are very efficient

Thanks, I appreciate the effort you have put in

Cheers James

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library- requests waveforms?

Posted by Piotr Sokolowski <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1848' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 28, 2012, 7:53 pm, in reply to "Re: AutoScope Waveform Library"

hello Peter
can we put requests for waveforms in this place as well? I need 1.5 dci cam vs crank renault kangoo 2004

Link: http://www.pandpauto.co.uk

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library- requests waveforms?

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=PeterWarman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 28, 2012, 8:00 pm, in reply to "Re: AutoScope Waveform Library- requests waveforms?"
Peter Warman - Administrator

Hi Piotr

That should be OK. We can always delete the requesting post at a later date if a known good one is posted

Peter

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library- requests waveforms?

Posted by Jim Power <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3202' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 29, 2012, 7:31 am, in reply to "Re: AutoScope Waveform Library- requests waveforms?"
James Power

Suggested on 24th, up and running on the 28th. Good work, much appreciated.

Well done Peter.

jim power

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library

Posted by Tommy Forrest <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1706' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 1, 2012, 8:46 pm, in reply to "AutoScope Waveform Library"
Thomas Forrest

This should be an excellent forum to help learn about scope patterns. Thanks Peter for your work in setting it up.

I was a bit surprised that this is on an open forum and not a members only forum.

Tommy

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=PeterWarman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 1, 2012, 8:54 pm, in reply to "Re: AutoScope Waveform Library"
Peter Warman - Administrator

Hi Tommy

It is password protected, the newer forums remember your passwods as they are all linked that's why it appears to let you straight in

Peter

Re: AutoScope Waveform Library

Posted by Tommy Forrest <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1706' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 2, 2012, 6:48 am, in reply to "Re: AutoScope Waveform Library"
Thomas Forrest

Hi Peter, just goes to prove that modern technology is much smarter than me.

Thanks

Tommy

« Back to index

[ Garage Support ]