New PicoScope Oscilloscope Kits Now Available

The CH-51450 PicoScope is a GM-specific 4-channel, PC-based automotive oscilloscope that can be used in the service bay or on the road to diagnose electrical circuits as well as signals relating to vacuum, fuel and hydraulic pressures, noise, vibration and harshness. GM Tools and Equipment has recently released several PicoScope diagnostic kits (Fig. 1) that are available to all GM dealerships.

Fig. 1

The CH-51450 PicoScope was first shipped to U.S. dealerships as an essential tool in 2015 as part of the CH-51450-A NVH kit. For more information and to review special pricing, log in to GM GlobalConnect, select Service from the Departments menu, and then select the Special Service Tools website link.

Here’s a look at each of the new kits that incorporate different capabilities and components of the PicoScope oscilloscope.

 

CH-51450-SCOPE

The CH-51450 4-channel oscilloscope (Fig. 2) uses extremely high capture rates and digital storage to capture and view up to 32 waveforms containing millions of samples. When using the tool for electrical diagnosis, the oscilloscope shows circuits as they are functioning to provide an accurate depiction of what the circuit is doing, which allows for analysis of the waveform captures to help identify intermittent faults.

Fig. 2

The PicoScope can be used for diagnosing:

• Noise, vibration and harshness
• Propshaft balancing
• Camshafts
• Ignitions (primary and secondary)
• Injectors and fuel pumps
• Starter and charging circuits
• Batteries, alternators and starter motors
• Lambda, airflow, ABS and MAP sensors
• Electronic throttle control
• CAN bus, LIN bus and FlexRay

The PicoScope software includes more than 150 guided tests. The built-in tests cover a range of testing procedures for analyzing batteries, alternators, starter motors, cylinder balance and other components. Each guided tests includes a number of insights, such as how to connect various tool components, example waveforms, analysis tips, and suggestions on how to reach a diagnosis.

 

CH-51450-LEAD

The CH-51450-LEAD kit (Fig. 3) is designed to be used with the PicoScope oscilloscope to diagnose electrical circuits. In addition, it aids in diagnosing variable valve timing issues, including camshaft correlation faults and stuck phasers. On the new sliding camshaft system on the new 2.0L turbocharged engine (RPO LSY), for example, it can verify if the camshaft actuators are functioning properly.

Fig. 3

The kit contains:

• Premium test leads
• GM-approved back-pinning probe set
• Small crocodile clip
• Battery clips
• 20A/60A DC current clamp
• Telescoptic pac
• Guide to Oscilloscope Diagnostics manual

The back-pinning probes slip down the side of the insulation on the back of multi-plug terminals, enabling the electrical signals to be picked up without stripping wires or disconnecting plugs.

TIP: The CH-51450-LEAD kit is available through the Loan Tool Program. Refer to part number CH-51450-LEAD-LNR for the loaner tool on the GM special tools website.

 

CH-51450 DIAG

The CH-51450 PicoScope and CH-51450 LEAD components are available together in the CH-51450-DIAG kit. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4

The kit includes:

• 4-channel oscilloscope
• USB 3.0 cable
• Premium test leads
• GM-approved back-pinning probe set
• Small crocodile clip
• Battery clips
• 20A/60A DC current clamp
• Accessory box
• PicoScope quick start guide
• Guide to Oscilloscope Diagnostics manual

 

CH-51450-A NVH and Propshaft Balancer

The CH-51450-A NVH kit (Fig. 5) provides real-time diagnosis of vehicle vibration conditions using the PicoScope. With the optical balancing kit, the system provides analysis and procedures for balancing propshafts.

Fig. 5

The kit includes:

• 4-channel oscilloscope
• GM-spec NVH and balancing software
• 3 axis NVH interface
• 3 axis accelerometer
• Accelerometer magnet
• Colored BNC cables
• Optical tachometer sensor
• Optical tachometer power adapter
• Magnetic mounting fixture
• BNC cable for optical sensor

 

Software Updates

Periodic software updates have been released for the CH-51450-A NVH kit on the GM Tools and Equipment website. Download the software through the Service Workbench selection of “Essential Tools – Software Updates” in GM GlobalConnect (U.S. only). In Canada, the software is available for download through the Service Application selection of GM Special Tools & Equipment – Software Updates in GM GlobalConnect.

Software updates and support for the PicoScope oscilloscope are available on the Pico website at picotech.com/downloads.

Additional information about how to use the varying capabilities of the PicoScope oscilloscope can be found in the Guide to Oscilloscope Diagnostics manual, which can be downloaded from the GM Tools and Equipment website. Click the Support tab for each specific CH-51450 kit to access the link to the manual.

More information on each kit (Fig. 6) is available at gmtoolsandequipment.com.

Fig. 6

– Thanks to Chuck Berecz