PicoBNC+ Prop-shaft Balancing Optical Sensor Kit

We are delighted to announce our new TA497 PicoBNC+ optical sensor, which forms part of a new PQ316 PicoBNC+ optical sensor kit.

Our NVH kits reveal vibrations related to engine (RPM), propshaft and road speed that can be caused by imbalance of rotating components, or other factors. The PicoBNC+ optical kit can be partnered with an NVH kit and a PicoBNC+ Automotive PicoScope to help users remove propshaft (drive shaft) vibrations; in these cases, it can be much faster and less expensive to rebalance the propshaft than to remove and replace it. The PicoBNC+ optical sensor kit can also support speed measurement of other rotating items.

Propshaft balancing is achieved in conjunction with our PicoDiagnostics software, which takes users through a guided process to help them quickly identify and correct imbalance. The software supports balancing using the pinion flange method (adding weights to existing holes in the flange), and the hose clamp method (clamping weights to the shaft using jubilee clips). In either case, the software provides the user with the weight and location necessary to balance the shaft, removing the need for guesswork.

The PQ316 kit includes the high-quality TA497 PicoBNC+ optical sensor that connects directly to your PicoScope, and a robust magnetic mount to ensure it is held in the correct position. When compared to its BNC equipped counterpart (using the TA186 optical sensor), the TA497 optical sensor has several ease-of-use benefits:

  • It does not need to be set up in the software, as it is automatically configured.
  • It does not have any batteries that need changing, as it is powered by the scope.
  • Furthermore, an interface box is not required as the sensor connects directly to the oscilloscope so it is, therefore, always ready for use.

Together with an NVH kit, this system brings the technician a level of capability previously only available in the vehicle manufacturer's factory or via expensive and dedicated repair facilities. All of this is supported by our ongoing software updates, which will continue to improve the system long after an initial purchase.

Optical Sensor Kit

Prop-shaft Balancing Optical Sensor Kit

This Kit is a companion to our NVH Kits, providing a high-quality optical sensor and magnetic mount for Prop-shaft Balancing when used with our balancing software.

Primarily used for balancing of propshafts (drive shafts), this Kit also supports frequency measurement of other rotating items.

When used with PicoDiagnostics software, a simple graphical guide allows you to identify and correct imbalance quickly and consistently.

Kit Contents

This Kit is a companion to our NVH Kits and is for use in conjunction with a PicoScope 4000 Series Automotive Oscilloscope.

The kit contains the following items, which can also be found on NVH Accessories:

  • PICO-TA497 PicoBNC+ Optical Sensor
  • PICO-TA187 Magnetic Base for Optical Sensor
  • PICO-TA188 Directional Tape Measure for Propshaft Balancing
  • PICO-TA240 Reflective Tape
  • PICO-PA100 Carry Case for Optical Sensor Kit

A 24" strip of reflective tape is included with each optical sensor kit. Additional reflective tape is also available for purchase.

The PP991 Optical Sensor Kit is still available, including the BNC TA186 Optical Sensor, so that users of the BNC compatible oscilloscopes still have an optical sensor option.

Balancing Propshafts with PicoDiagnostics NVH Kit

The PicoDiagnostics NVH Kits can also support balancing of rotating components when you use the optional Optical Sensor Kit with it.

The NVH Kits can reveal problems with vibrations that are related to engine speed (RPM), propshaft speed, road speed or other unrelated frequencies. With the example of a propshaft-related vibration, it can be a lot faster and cheaper to rebalance the propshaft than to replace it.

The Balancing Kit contains a high-quality optical sensor with an interface to connect it to your PicoScope and a robust magnetic mount to ensure that the optical sensor can be held in the correct position. Again, the software wizards in PicoDiagnostics will guide you through every step of the process.

Wizards and Methods

NVH Optics Balancing Screen

The Balancing software supports different methods such as pinion flange (adding weights to existing holes in the flange), and hose clamp (clamping weights to the shaft using jubilee clips). In each case the system provides complete guidance and direct instructions on both the weight and location to balance the shaft.

Together with the NVH Kits, this system brings to the technician the level of capability previously only available in the vehicle manufacturer's factory or expensive, dedicated repair facilities. All of this is supported by our ongoing software updates that will continue to improve the system long after initial purchase.

PICO-PQ316 PicoBNC+ Optical Sensor Kit
PICO-PQ316 PicoBNC+ Optical Balancing & RPM Kit
PicoBNC+ Optical Balancing & RPM Kit
PICO-PQ316
R 9,200.03
PICO-TA187 Magnetic Base for Optical Sensor
Magnetic Base for Optical Sensor
PICO-TA187
R 1,634.39
PICO-TA188 Directional Tape Measure for Propshaft Balancing
Directional Tape Measure for Propshaft Balancing
PICO-TA188
R 105.44
PICO-TA240 Reflective Tape
Reflective Tape
PICO-TA240
R 290.27
PICO-PP991 Balancing Optical Sensor Kit
PICO-PP991 BNC Optical Balancing & RPM Kit
BNC Optical Balancing & RPM Kit
PICO-PP991
R 9,200.03
PICO-TA186 Optical Sensor 3.5mm Jack
Optical Sensor 3.5mm Jack
PICO-TA186
R 5,483.11
PICO-TA187 Magnetic Base for Optical Sensor
Magnetic Base for Optical Sensor
PICO-TA187
R 1,634.39
PICO-TA284 Optical Interface and Battery
Optical Interface and Battery
PICO-TA284
R 764.47
Download the Quick Start Guide.