Quick Start Guide
1.3
Package contents
Please check that your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope package contains:
•
PicoScope 4225 / 4425 oscilloscope
•
USB 3.1 Gen 1 cable
•
Automotive accessories catalog
Some kits will contain additional items.
System requirements
To ensure that PicoScope operates correctly, you must have a computer with at least
the minimum system requirements shown in the following table. The performance
of the PicoScope software will improve with a more powerful PC, and will benefit
from a multi-core processor.
Item
Minimum specification
Operating system
Windows 7, 8 or 10. 32-bit or 64-bit.
Processor
Memory
Free disk space
Ports
USB 1.1 port
1.4
Installing the PicoScope software for Windows
1a. (Recommended: install from web) Go to www.picoauto.com, click
Downloads, select the latest PicoScope Automotive software and click the
Download button.
1b. (Alternative: install from CD) Insert the Pico software disk into your CD drive.
Windows 7 will run the disk automatically. Later version of Windows will ask
you what to do with the CD: select "Run Pico.exe".
2.
In the PicoScope installer, select the language that you wish to use.
3.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the PicoScope software.
4.
Connect the oscilloscope to your PC using the USB cable supplied.
5.
Wait for Windows to install the oscilloscope. While doing so it will display
either a message telling you that a PicoScope oscilloscope is installed or a
"new device" icon will appear in the Windows taskbar.
DO239-4
•
PicoScope software disk
•
Quick start guide
Recommended specification
As required by Windows
USB 2.0 or 3.1 port
1.5
Getting started
For more information on using your PicoScope, from a "Getting Started" guide to
more advanced topics, please visit:
www.picoauto.com/library/training
1.6
Features, connections, and indicators
The PicoScope 4225 and 4425 oscilloscopes contain our latest advances in design.
These advances give the scopes floating inputs, ConnectDetect, and a maximum
input range of ±200 V (reducing the need for attenuators).
Floating inputs
Unlike previous PicoScopes, the inputs on the PicoScope 4225 and 4425 have their
own ground reference separate from USB. Each input is independent (common
mode voltage up to ±30 V), increasing the flexibility and allowing you to directly
measure signals such as hybrid vehicle resolver circuits. It is important, however,
that every input has both a signal and a ground connection.
Overvoltage indication
If the BNC shell to chassis voltage exceeds the measurement limit, the Channel LED
will turn solid red, and the yellow warning icon
of the PicoScope screen next to the relevant channel's vertical axis. Parts of the
waveform will also be missing when the measurement limit is exceeded.
Similarly if an overvoltage of the normal measurement range is detected, the red
!
warning icon
will appear in the upper corner of the PicoScope screen, next to the
relevant channel's vertical axis.
ConnectDetect
®
The ConnectDetect feature indicates whether a channel probe has a good physical
connection to the signal under test or not. With ConnectDetect active and coupling
set to DC, the Channel LED for an enabled channel will either be green to indicate
that the test probe is directly connected to a component, or red to indicate that it
is not. This will also be shown on the PicoScope screen. To enable ConnectDetect,
click the ConnectDetect button
PicoScope 4225 and 4425 Automotive Scopes
!
will appear in the upper corner
in the software.
3