Just picked up this pico 2204. This man's UA-cam has been an invaluable learning tool. Thank you for your work! Started with this scope, thinking I will probably over voltage my first scope! Lol
Awesome videos I am a retired mechanic. But I still like to help my friends and neighbours with their car repairs. Because of watching you on UA-cam. I have decided to pull out my old Fluke 97 Auto Scope. Thanks
Yes Darren it’s me again. If my updated cables come tomorrow I’ll be out in the shop. I’m truly enjoying the fact that us diyers can use. Much appreciated. Are you using Pico 6 or Pico automotive? I have regular Pico 6 downloaded. I had Pico 6 automotive but I deleted it a while back. That’s why I’m asking which program your using. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and videos 😊 Artie
Hey Artie, I just use normal Pico 6. There aren’t many advantages of using the automotive software with the 2204A. And on for the main features, they are both exactly the same 👍 Thanks for all the great comments!!
Thanks for sharing your excellent knowledge. Can I ask if one car failed relative compression test, should I still need to check coil plug and spark plugs condition?
I am loving your videos. Best training for newbies like myself. I have a question. The lead that you plug into the coil, that is always grounded as well? And if you are using more than one, each one is grounded I assume, because they need a reference point (and they all have a ground clamp as well...?) Thanks
To anyone wondering similar questions how to actually plug stuff in for the tests, here is a great link from pico www.picoauto.com/library/automotive-guided-tests
Jeremy Hi, re, the grounds, it depends on the scope. The grounds on this scope are joined, so in theory you only need to connect one ground, and both channels will receive it; I always connect both from habit and to avoid a spare lead lying around. Some scopes (like 4425) have floating grounds and are independent of each other. The need to have their own ground but also provide other benefits/safety for measuring more than one circuit. I am going to explain in a video I have planned! Glad you’re enjoying the channel, more to come! Thanks 👍
I’m not using the Automotive version 👍 There was a little trick to make it work but it’s not possible anymore. We never used automotive in any of our videos with 2204A 👍
Does Euro cars have clear flood mode ?? On many U.S OBD2 vehicles that are below 8601lb GVWR have clear flood mode. If you hold the accelerator pedal to the floor (WOT) it will disable the injectors hand will not start . Also I think the pattern is inconsistent because if it is an electronic throttle body the ECM might be moving it thus changing how much air in going into the cyl effecting compression .
You VVT theory may be correct as well , most system only advance the VVT when it's running but I'm not familiar with that make car so they may doing it while cranking .
Mark HB I’ll be honest, not heard of the clear flood mode before. That would bank on the driver knowing to put their foot on the gas while cranking. Most ‘Joe Public’ would just keep cranking and make it worse; so your idea about it opening throttle stacks up. Let’s see if any Ford experts can help confirm 👍
I have tried same configuration, however I do get a lot of noise and not very definitive picture. You have very clear peaks and easily determined cylinders. With mine it looks like earthquake graph with many highs and lows... Any suggestions?
Stanislav Tsonchev Hi, maybe check the clamp is not on the low current setting, that is very noisy. You can also reduce the sample rate which might help a bit. You can see my other video where I review the clamp, I play with a few setting due to the noise issue 👍
One question: when you're using the amp-clamp, it measures voltage... (in Pico), is that to do with ohms-law? Decrease in current means drop in voltage?
Great question. You should consider the amp clamp, like an ‘amp sensor’. Like a pressure sensor, it sends a voltage signal to the scope which is relevant to the current it measured. We change Pico to convert the voltage to an amp reading (eg 100mV = 1Amp)
@@HerrDagerman That’s right. Any wire with current flowing has a magnetic field around it, the clamp measures is and sends a voltage signal that’s relative
@@MechanicMindset Ok, understood :) Thanks for taking the time to help :) I went to collage for this you know but there's always something new to learn. Thanks again for introducing me to Picoscope. Your channel made me upgrade (I had a cheap Hantek oscilloscope before, I didn't like the software) to a Pico 2000-series :) Also made me order an attenuator from Amazon and two great Hantek probes :) Made me understand sample-rate too :) Golden! Really helpful in my work
I like your thinking , but it doesn’t work like that. The amp clamps only have a small voltage output. It’s the amp clamps capability to measure the height current that is required 👍
How did you identify cylinder number 1 at 3:25? The second line under the compression wave form makes tick marks under cylinder 1. I assume the ignition (spark) needs to stay on for the test to work?
@MechanicMindset thank you! I edited my original comment so that it actually reads like English and makes sense but you understood my question nevertheless :]
can you explain the wire back probe into coil #1 at 58sec mark. I assume you back probing the power wire on the COP, do you need to clamp the ground wire to the car with the HT30A wire set you using? or just leave the black connector alone?
Ed Lu Hi, for the COP, red wire in ignition trigger from ECU, black wire to ground. The clamp doesn’t have any extra cable for ground so just connect directly to scope 👍
@@MechanicMindset I finally got all the parts. Tried it the first run today on a F150 v8. I set the pico to everything in the video ChA 200mv. ChB 20v and 200ms/div. Only thing is my result the ChA blue graphic is no way as clean as in your video. I only can make out 4 peaks not 8 between each ChB. I can send you the wave file via email
Hi I have just received a 2204a mainly from your recommendations thanks My question is on this test you use a hantek amp clamp, I have a 600a clamp that wanted to use for doing this sort of test but the pico 6 software only shows 60a
You can either just use the voltage scale and convert to Amps (it should say conversion on clamp), or you can make a custom probe using that conversion in the probes menu 👍
Hi! I don’t think I used a probe setting in this video, just voltage scale. I don’t think I have a custom probe for this, I need to make one and share!
@@MechanicMindset ah... so that's why I didn't see how you set your probe settings because you used a voltage scale for 200mv=200A? because your clamp setting is 1mv/1A. I'm also interested in 2204A I'm just new also into scoping. thank you sir God bless to your channel.
@@sokakutakeda1500 That’s right, the scale isn’t so important for relative compression, we just want to compare each peak. It is really easy to set up a custom probe; just need basic maths. You can’t go wrong with the 2204A to start 👍
@@MechanicMindset yes sir I'm already saving money to buy that one instead of hantek. i already have the software in my laptop for 2000 series and the automotive one to play with the settings. i just saw some videos that you can add new custom probe on non-automotive scope but you just have to know the minimum and maximum input and scale like for instance you can add the hantek cc65 and 650 in library of the 2204A but I'm still need to learn a lot and research a lot to know how it supposed to be done so I will not have incorrect measurement in the future.
Hi @mechqnic mindset i have the cc650 amp clamp and the pico 2000 do you a probe setting the i can use for relative compression test. Much appreciated thanks
For the cylinder trigger? Many options, any way you like to pick up the coil signal, could probe the primary trigger, use the coin on coil trick, or secondary clamp if you have one. Hope that helps 👍
recantly got into scoping but come across few of the videos where you explain the attenuator because the scope you use is 20v max. but if it reads over 20v do you mean it just will max out on the scale at 20v evan tho it read 25v or will over 20v fry the scope? thanks!.
Great question: it will max out the scale on the scope. 2204A has 100V over voltage protection. I have exceeded 20V a number of time with no issue but be careful! The manufacturers recommended not to exceed the max input. 👍
I saw this Video and bought pico2204a scope for doing relative compression test but the test not success with me … please I need your help sir how can contact you
abdullbasit osman Hi, yes for sure. This is great for automotive use. For basic functions, it’s very similar to the Pico Automotive kit. Check out this video where I take a few different measurements. ua-cam.com/video/1LBKtlpCj_4/v-deo.html Also, list of the kit you need is in the description. Thanks!
@@MechanicMindset why pico manufucturer says 2204a is not automotive device? is it because 2204a cant do other automotive dignosis or it does but not good ?
@@abdullbasitosman5070 Hi, PicoScope make the automotive scope that has some extra benefits for testing automotive components. For example, it has a higher input (200V now I think), and on the later scopes the grounds for each channel are separate which will avoid short circuits when measuring multiple components (like 12V ground switched injectors). Other than that, i think it is mostly marketing plus the automotive software (which is good if you are new to using a scope). This is only my opinion of course! 2204A is great for automotive if you know it's limits; 4 channels would be nice
Hello, I got a 2040a after watching your channel. Doing a relative compression test today my image was extremely pixelated and not really detailed. Do you know what setting I should use to get a better image? Thank you.
![FIND MISFIRES FAST! [How To Check Misfire PicoScope 2204A Automotive Diagnostics] Mechanic Mindset](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MOLj5vGIDsg/mqdefault.jpg)
Check out this cool misfire test!! ua-cam.com/video/MOLj5vGIDsg/v-deo.html
Just picked up this pico 2204. This man's UA-cam has been an invaluable learning tool.
Thank you for your work!
Started with this scope, thinking I will probably over voltage my first scope! Lol
It’s a great scope to start learning with 👍 quite robust too 😅
Awesome videos
I am a retired mechanic. But I still like to help my friends and neighbours with their car repairs. Because of watching you on UA-cam. I have decided to pull out my old Fluke 97 Auto Scope.
Thanks
This shows the benefits of having a scope, nice explanation. Cheers Matt
So many great uses for this tool. It really is under used!
Excellent video mate just got the pico 2204A your video's are a great help cheers Shaun
shaun craggs Thanks! Glad they help you out! Pico 2204A is a great tool!
Estoy pensando seriamente en comprar este osciloscopio, gracias por el video, desde Peru 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
This is cool as hell. I never though of pulling the scope out to check compression
Can be a real time saver. Customer will be impressed too 😎
Great video was having can issue going to use scope to figure it out could find video how to set it up very detailed video.
Nice clear demo...well done. Simple synch. Thx
TheGibby3340 Thanks for the feedback. Glad you liked it! 👍
Yes Darren it’s me again. If my updated cables come tomorrow I’ll be out in the shop. I’m truly enjoying the fact that us diyers can use. Much appreciated. Are you using Pico 6 or Pico automotive? I have regular Pico 6 downloaded. I had Pico 6 automotive but I deleted it a while back. That’s why I’m asking which program your using. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and videos 😊 Artie
Hey Artie, I just use normal Pico 6. There aren’t many advantages of using the automotive software with the 2204A. And on for the main features, they are both exactly the same 👍 Thanks for all the great comments!!
Thank's Bro,The Content is Very Informative,Keep up!
very educative. Thank you regards
Thanks for the video
No problem!
If you could connect third sonde to manifold vacuum you would see why cranking waveforms are falling at the end.
How?
Thank you for the great teaching! Please tell me or if anyone else knows on a coil pack 99 ranger 3.0 how can you perform this test?
Is the trigger on the signal wire of the coil, or the +ve or -ve feed? I'm assuming signal wire. Thanks
brilliant thaaaaaaank you from Iraq
Channel b where do u connect on coil On positive or on signal wire?
It would be signal wire. You might need an attenuator too 👍
why not monitor battery voltage on the oscilloscope for compression testing? It gives the same waveform the voltage dips as the current increases.
We have a video on that too actually 😁
Using an amp clamp is much simpler and more accurate, especially with this low spec oscilloscope
With pico 2204a equipment
PicoDiagnostics Relative Compression Test
Can you do a test?
Not possible
@@MechanicMindset
Which model can I use?
4224a?
Great but when I do it using same setting same equipment picture not like yours
Does the amp clamp read anything at all? For example, with the ignition on
Bosch ECUs burn out quick, once I touched a rached spanner on the side of the ECU and it blew, cost me £400.
😳😖
Thanks for sharing your excellent knowledge. Can I ask if one car failed relative compression test, should I still need to check coil plug and spark plugs condition?
I would probably look at what is causing the low compression 👍 Thanks!
I am loving your videos. Best training for newbies like myself. I have a question. The lead that you plug into the coil, that is always grounded as well? And if you are using more than one, each one is grounded I assume, because they need a reference point (and they all have a ground clamp as well...?) Thanks
To anyone wondering similar questions how to actually plug stuff in for the tests, here is a great link from pico
www.picoauto.com/library/automotive-guided-tests
Jeremy Hi, re, the grounds, it depends on the scope. The grounds on this scope are joined, so in theory you only need to connect one ground, and both channels will receive it; I always connect both from habit and to avoid a spare lead lying around. Some scopes (like 4425) have floating grounds and are independent of each other. The need to have their own ground but also provide other benefits/safety for measuring more than one circuit. I am going to explain in a video I have planned! Glad you’re enjoying the channel, more to come! Thanks 👍
PS, clamp doesn’t have a ‘ground’. Imagine the two ends are connected to the electronics in the clamp
How did you get the automotive version of pico6 to work with this scope?
I’m not using the Automotive version 👍 There was a little trick to make it work but it’s not possible anymore. We never used automotive in any of our videos with 2204A 👍
@@MechanicMindset I just seen the automotive tab on the screen of your video and realized my version of pico 6 does not have it
Does Euro cars have clear flood mode ?? On many U.S OBD2 vehicles that are below 8601lb GVWR have clear flood mode. If you hold the accelerator pedal to the floor (WOT) it will disable the injectors hand will not start . Also I think the pattern is inconsistent because if it is an electronic throttle body the ECM might be moving it thus changing how much air in going into the cyl effecting compression .
You VVT theory may be correct as well , most system only advance the VVT when it's running but I'm not familiar with that make car so they may doing it while cranking .
Mark HB I’ll be honest, not heard of the clear flood mode before. That would bank on the driver knowing to put their foot on the gas while cranking. Most ‘Joe Public’ would just keep cranking and make it worse; so your idea about it opening throttle stacks up. Let’s see if any Ford experts can help confirm 👍
When taking measurement on number 1 ignition coil, did you ground the other lead or is it just one lead going straight to power?
Can’t remember how I took this measurement. If measuring direct voltage, use a ground. If just picking up the spikes, no ground needed
Did you set up the cc-650 amp clamp in picoscope 6, if so how was it done. If not what probe did you set ch. A to? Thank you
Steve M. Hi, I didn’t set it up. I just used the normal voltage scale and converted it 1mV=1A or 10mV=100mA, depending on the switch setting
I have tried same configuration, however I do get a lot of noise and not very definitive picture. You have very clear peaks and easily determined cylinders. With mine it looks like earthquake graph with many highs and lows...
Any suggestions?
Stanislav Tsonchev Hi, maybe check the clamp is not on the low current setting, that is very noisy. You can also reduce the sample rate which might help a bit. You can see my other video where I review the clamp, I play with a few setting due to the noise issue 👍
How does the common ground on the picoscope not hurt what the ampclamp shows?
The amp clamp isn’t coupled to the vehicle ground 👍
One question: when you're using the amp-clamp, it measures voltage... (in Pico), is that to do with ohms-law? Decrease in current means drop in voltage?
Great question. You should consider the amp clamp, like an ‘amp sensor’.
Like a pressure sensor, it sends a voltage signal to the scope which is relevant to the current it measured.
We change Pico to convert the voltage to an amp reading (eg 100mV = 1Amp)
@@MechanicMindset It measures the EMF-field in the wire right? So there's a setting in the software to convert the voltage to amps?
@@HerrDagerman That’s right. Any wire with current flowing has a magnetic field around it, the clamp measures is and sends a voltage signal that’s relative
@@MechanicMindset Ok, understood :) Thanks for taking the time to help :) I went to collage for this you know but there's always something new to learn. Thanks again for introducing me to Picoscope. Your channel made me upgrade (I had a cheap Hantek oscilloscope before, I didn't like the software) to a Pico 2000-series :) Also made me order an attenuator from Amazon and two great Hantek probes :) Made me understand sample-rate too :) Golden! Really helpful in my work
Could a 65 amp clamp with attenuator be used for this?
I like your thinking , but it doesn’t work like that. The amp clamps only have a small voltage output. It’s the amp clamps capability to measure the height current that is required 👍
How did you identify cylinder number 1 at 3:25? The second line under the compression wave form makes tick marks under cylinder 1. I assume the ignition (spark) needs to stay on for the test to work?
Yes, I’m using ignition for trigger 👍
@MechanicMindset thank you! I edited my original comment so that it actually reads like English and makes sense but you understood my question nevertheless :]
mind blown
can you explain the wire back probe into coil #1 at 58sec mark. I assume you back probing the power wire on the COP, do you need to clamp the ground wire to the car with the HT30A wire set you using? or just leave the black connector alone?
Ed Lu Hi, for the COP, red wire in ignition trigger from ECU, black wire to ground. The clamp doesn’t have any extra cable for ground so just connect directly to scope 👍
@@MechanicMindset thanks! going to buy your set up and test it out!
Ed Lu Cool, let me know how you get on and if you have any questions 👍
@@MechanicMindset I finally got all the parts. Tried it the first run today on a F150 v8. I set the pico to everything in the video ChA 200mv. ChB 20v and 200ms/div. Only thing is my result the ChA blue graphic is no way as clean as in your video. I only can make out 4 peaks not 8 between each ChB. I can send you the wave file via email
@@edlu73 OK, send it over. My email is in about section 👍
Im using pico 7 with the 2204a but my relative compresiune is very noisy, do you know what i could be doing wrong?
@@alexandrumardare828 using a battery charger? It’s quite hard to suggest without seeing the set up
Can I do the same compression test with pico 2204a on picoscope7 non automotive software?
Yes; this is me doing that 👍
Hi I have just received a 2204a mainly from your recommendations thanks
My question is on this test you use a hantek amp clamp, I have a 600a clamp that wanted to use for doing this sort of test but the pico 6 software only shows 60a
You can either just use the voltage scale and convert to Amps (it should say conversion on clamp), or you can make a custom probe using that conversion in the probes menu 👍
Ok thanks
hi sir! may I ask what probe settings you used for that cc 650 hantek in non-automotive scope thank you.
Hi! I don’t think I used a probe setting in this video, just voltage scale. I don’t think I have a custom probe for this, I need to make one and share!
@@MechanicMindset ah... so that's why I didn't see how you set your probe settings because you used a voltage scale for 200mv=200A? because your clamp setting is 1mv/1A. I'm also interested in 2204A I'm just new also into scoping. thank you sir God bless to your channel.
@@sokakutakeda1500 That’s right, the scale isn’t so important for relative compression, we just want to compare each peak. It is really easy to set up a custom probe; just need basic maths.
You can’t go wrong with the 2204A to start 👍
@@MechanicMindset yes sir I'm already saving money to buy that one instead of hantek. i already have the software in my laptop for 2000 series and the automotive one to play with the settings. i just saw some videos that you can add new custom probe on non-automotive scope but you just have to know the minimum and maximum input and scale like for instance you can add the hantek cc65 and 650 in library of the 2204A but I'm still need to learn a lot and research a lot to know how it supposed to be done so I will not have incorrect measurement in the future.
Hi @mechqnic mindset i have the cc650 amp clamp and the pico 2000 do you a probe setting the i can use for relative compression test. Much appreciated thanks
How do you Mount the leads on Channel B.?
For the cylinder trigger? Many options, any way you like to pick up the coil signal, could probe the primary trigger, use the coin on coil trick, or secondary clamp if you have one. Hope that helps 👍
@@MechanicMindset if I use primary trigger I use it in respect to ground.
recantly got into scoping but come across few of the videos where you explain the attenuator because the scope you use is 20v max. but if it reads over 20v do you mean it just will max out on the scale at 20v evan tho it read 25v or will over 20v fry the scope? thanks!.
Great question: it will max out the scale on the scope. 2204A has 100V over voltage protection. I have exceeded 20V a number of time with no issue but be careful! The manufacturers recommended not to exceed the max input. 👍
@@MechanicMindset thanks for the reply! picked up a cheap verus pro but perfer the layout of pico for adjustibility compared to snapon!
I saw this Video and bought pico2204a scope for doing relative compression test but the test not success with me … please I need your help sir how can contact you
you use 2204a as an automotive scope, do you think it is good to buy it? at leat iwant to use it to detect engine,abs sensors signal
abdullbasit osman Hi, yes for sure. This is great for automotive use. For basic functions, it’s very similar to the Pico Automotive kit. Check out this video where I take a few different measurements. ua-cam.com/video/1LBKtlpCj_4/v-deo.html Also, list of the kit you need is in the description. Thanks!
@@MechanicMindset why pico manufucturer says 2204a is not automotive device? is it because 2204a cant do other automotive dignosis or it does but not good ?
@@abdullbasitosman5070 Hi, PicoScope make the automotive scope that has some extra benefits for testing automotive components. For example, it has a higher input (200V now I think), and on the later scopes the grounds for each channel are separate which will avoid short circuits when measuring multiple components (like 12V ground switched injectors). Other than that, i think it is mostly marketing plus the automotive software (which is good if you are new to using a scope). This is only my opinion of course! 2204A is great for automotive if you know it's limits; 4 channels would be nice
@@MechanicMindset thank u for all your reply. not all reply people questions
abdullbasit osman You’re welcome!
How comes I copy the setting but don’t get same pattern I have to go to 500mv to get waveform
Hi, it depends what you are using to take the measurement. If it's an amp clamp, did you change the probe type?
Same hantek as yours
Hello, I got a 2040a after watching your channel. Doing a relative compression test today my image was extremely pixelated and not really detailed. Do you know what setting I should use to get a better image? Thank you.
Hi, with voltage or amp clamp?
Hello, I use a pico amp clamp.
@@Mrkerrypray You can adjust the vertical resolution in the channel A option menu 👍
You shouldn’t count cylinder 1-3-4-2?
It’s a 3 cylinder engine 😃