Garage Lube

What is Covered?

Introduction to the 4425A Oscilloscope

The 4425A Automotive Oscilloscope (scope) is central to all Pico Diagnostics. What is a scope; what can it do for me; how does it work; how do I use it; what are its features and what makes the PicoScope special? ... are all questions answered in this bonus module.

NVH? Why do I need it?

Noise, Vibration and Harshness is a scientific and objective approach to diagnosing problems in vehicles. Primarily, it is intended to cure customer complaints about noises and vibrations but it is so much more. NVH is a diagnostic tool in its own right that allows you to find problems, document their cause, arrive at a considered diagnosis and objectively demonstrate improvements resulting from the repair.

Vibration Theory

What are noises and vibrations, and what on earth is harshness? You will understand how:

• noises and vibrations interrelate - they are actually the same thing!
• the software isolates, identifies and displays vibrations;
• to identify the probable sources of vibrations;
• vibrations move through the vehicle; and
• vehicle components respond to and can be damaged by vibrations.

Pico NVH Hardware and the Mongoose

We will introduce you to NVH accessories and kits that work with the PicoScope. What is the difference between an accelerometer and a microphone? Both are used in NVH. How is the equipment connected up and used on a vehicle? How is engine speed retrieved using a Mongoose? Finally we will introduce the optical sensor kit, which allows you to measure rotational speeds and balance prop-shafts and other rotating components.

PicoScope 6/7 and Pico Diagnostics Software

Automotive PicoScopes use two free software tools. The first package is called PicoScope 6, the full-featured Automotive Oscilloscope Software, which is every bit as powerful as the Electronics Oscilloscope Software with many automotive enhancements. It is combined with a specialist diagnostic programme that supports many different tests, including NVH. This module introduces these packages and teaches you how to use them with special emphasis on NVH.

What are E1, P1 and T1 Vibrations

This module introduces fundamental vibrations E1 (engine), P1 (Prop-shaft and Transmission) and T1 (Wheel and Tyre) and their harmonics (higher order vibrations). You will learn about the role of balancing and where it is appropriate.

Prop-shaft Balancing

Pico NVH gives you the ability to balance components such as the prop-shaft on the vehicle, as a system. This module explains when this is appropriate and how this is accomplished.

Advanced Features

Once you have mastered the basics of NVH you will be introduced to some really useful advanced features and techniques. You will learn:

• how to isolate and display 'unknown' vibrations;
• apply filters to remove background noise;
• include and graph PIDS from your OBD tool;
• set pulley diameters to isolate accessory vibrations such as
  • pumps,
  • air-conditioning compressors,
  • alternators, or
  • fans;
• calibrate your accelerometer;
• listen to and track audio;
• export and import;
• analyse customer-recorded noises;
• and much more.

Course Details

The course is comprehensive and is conducted over two days. Pratical NVH demonstrations are included.

Overview

Our NVH training course is delivered in four 2-hour sessions spread over the two days. We conduct live demonstrations of the PicoScope 6 and Diagnostic Software packages. Practical demonstrations will show you how to use the kit in a vehicle. Many PowerPoint slides (a few are shown on this page) are used for illustration and short videos are used to demonstrate difficult-to-understand concepts.

Attendees

There is no minimum number of attendees, we are willing to provide one-on-one training if you wish. However, we believe that between four and eight attendees is ideal because it is more cost-effective and a balance is struck between individual attention and interaction between attendees.

Venue and Facilities

As the NVH training course can be conducted anywhere in South Africa, you should arrange and provide the venue. The venue should be quiet and free of distractions, have the means to display a computer screen to the attendees - such as a projector and screen or a large monitor that everyone can see, a white board and an Internet connection. It should have comfortable seating preferably with tables for laptops and note-taking.

Demonstration Vehicle

If you would like practical demonstrations of how to use the system in a vehicle, then a vehicle (in good condition) with an OBD (J2534) diagnostic connector should be provided, preferably parked under cover near to the venue.

Book your Course

Please contact us for pricing and available dates. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the suitability of your venue or facilities.