Technician Handbook ! 673 Electronic & Computer Controlled Systems PicoScope Features As with most software programs, the PicoScope software has a great variety of features. This section introduces the features you will use most frequently. To learn about additional features, refer to the PicoScope manual included in the kit. It can also be referenced within the software program by clicking on Help. Auto Voltage Scale Because the frequency and amplitude of different signals vary widely, there is not a single setting of voltage and time scale that will display all signals well.
One of the challenges in using a traditional oscilloscope is dialing in the signal , which involves trying different voltage and time scale settings until the signal is displayed clearly. To dial in a signal more quickly, the Auto feature automatically selects the voltage scale that best displays the signal's peak-to-peak voltage. This provides a waveform that is completely captured within the display, and allows the setting to be fine tuned if necessary. NOTE The Auto voltage scale feature does not try to set an optimum time scale. You will likely need to adjust the time scale to properly display the signal.
Auto Setup The lightning bolt icon selects Auto Setup which not only selects the voltage scale, but also the time scale. These automatic settings usually bring a signal into view, but are often not the best scales for observing it. 48 Technical Training