Autel MaxiFlash VCMI User manual

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1 Measurement
The Measurement application can provide all the features needed for performing
electrical and electronic circuit tests as well as monitoring signal activities on today’s
vehicles.
After properly connecting with a test vehicle and communicating with MaxiSys Ultra,
the VCMI (Vehicle Communication and Measurement Interface) is used as an
integrated device that functions as an oscilloscope, a waveform generator, a
multimeter and a digital OBDII breakout box.
1.1 Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope is a measuring instrument that shows how a signal varies with time
in a graphical way. Various signal activities can be displayed and monitored on a
two-dimensional grid. The graphical form created by a signal is called a waveform.
The voltage-time characteristic of the signal or waveform is drawn as a visual line
called the trace.
1.1.1 Safety Information
Follow these instructions below to reduce the risk of injury from electric shock and
prevent equipment damage.
A. Maximum input ranges
Observe all terminal ratings and warnings marked on the product.
DANGER:
To prevent electric shock, take all necessary safety precautions when
working on equipment where voltages beyond the specified input range may
exists. Contact with voltages outside of the specified measuring range
presents a risk of electric shock.
To prevent injury or death, the oscilloscope must not be directly connected to
the battery. To measure battery voltages, use a differential isolating probe

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specifically rated for battery use.
WARNING:
Operation outside of the safe input range is likely to cause permanent
damage to the oscilloscope and other connected equipment.
B. Grounding
DANGER:
The scope’s ground connection through the USB cable is for measurement
purposes only. The oscilloscope does not have a protective safety ground.
Do not connect the ground input (chassis) to any electrical power source. To
prevent personal injury or death, use a voltmeter to check that there is no
significant AC or DC voltage between the oscilloscope ground and the point
to which you intend to connect the ground input.
WARNING:
Applying a voltage to the ground input is likely to cause permanent damage
to the oscilloscope, the attached computer, and other equipment.
To prevent measurement errors caused by poor grounding, always use the
high-quality USB cable supplied with the oscilloscope or Wi-Fi connection.
C. External connections
DANGER:
To prevent injury or death, use only the power cord and adaptor supplied
with the product.
D. Environment
DANGER:
To prevent injury or death, do not use the product in wet or damp conditions,
or around explosive gas or vapor.
WARNING:
To prevent damage, always use and store your oscilloscope in appropriate
environments.
E. Product Maintenance

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The product contains no user-repairable parts. Repair, servicing and calibration
require specialized test equipment and must be performed by Autel Tech Support
or an approved service provider.
DANGER:
To prevent injury or death, do not use the product if it appears to be
damaged in any way. Stop using the product when any abnormal operations
occur.
WARNING:
Do not tamper with or disassemble the oscilloscope, connectors or
accessories. Internal damage will affect performance.
Do not block any of the instrument’s air vents to avoid damage caused by
overheating.
When cleaning the oscilloscope, use wet soft cloth with mild detergent in
water. Do not allow water to enter the oscilloscope casing.
1.1.2 General Introduction
1.1.2.1 Component Locations
The input channels are located at the bottom of the VCMI device and are
compatible with many test leads and probes.
VCMI Bottom View
1. Ethernet Connector –Connects to RJ45 Network Cable
2. Vehicle Data Connector –Connects to the vehicle DLC using the provided Main
Cable.
3. Input Channel A
4. Input Channel B

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5. Input Channel C
6. Input Channel D
The oscilloscope LED is located on the front panel of the VCMI device. When the
VCMI is properly connected and powered on, the oscilloscope LED flashes green
when operating in the oscilloscope mode.
VCMI Front View
1. Power LED
2. Battery LED
3. Waveform Generator LED
4. Multimeter LED
5. Oscilloscope LED
6. Vehicle LED
1.1.2.2 Technical Specifications
Table 1-1 Technical Specifications
Item
Description
Channels
4
Bandwidth
20MHz

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Item
Description
Maximum Sample Rate
1 or 2 channels: 80MS/s*
3 or 4 channels: 20MS/s*
* MS/s = mega samples per second
1) Select arbitrary one channel, the
maximum sample rate is 80MS/s.
2) Select two channels (AC, BC, AD, or BD),
the maximum sample rate is also 80MS/s.
3) Select two channels (AB/CD) or more
than three channels, the maximum sample
rate is 20MS/s.
Input Ranges (Full Scale)
±50 mV to ±200V
Sensitivity
10 mV/div to 40V/div
Input Coupling
AC/DC
Input Impedance
1MΩ in parallel with 25pF
Vertical Resolution
12 bits
Buffer Memory
32M samples shared among active
channels
Time Base Ranges
100ns/div to 1000s/div
Connection
USB 2.0
 Wi-Fi
Max. Wi-Fi Transmission
Distance
Up to 98ft
DC Accuracy
±1% of full scale
Storage Humidity Range
5 to 95%RH, non-condensing
1.1.2.3 Accessories
Autel USB Cable V2 (the V2 icon can be seen on the
cable) (SA001)
Connects the oscilloscope to the tablet to ensure reliable

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signal transmission.
Secondary Ignition Pickup (SA273)
The BNC connector is connected to the oscilloscope to
measure the secondary ignition voltage of conventional
ignition systems and most HEI (High Energy Ignition) and DIS
(Distributorless Ignition) systems.
Scope Test Lead
(Red: SA005, Green: SA006, Blue: SA007, Yellow: SA008)
The BNC connector is connected to the oscilloscope, and the
4mm banana plug is connected to various probes.
Breakout Lead (SA151)
Enables easy access to existing automotive wiring harness
connectors for obtaining signals of various sensors. Four
sizes are available: 0.6 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.3 mm and 2.8 mm.
Flexible Back-pinning Probe (Red: SA053, Black: SA054)
Designed for back-probing under the insulation of multi-plug
terminals to detect the signal of the test component. The
flexible part can be bent and access to difficult areas. The
probe tip is not replaceable.
Back-pinning Probe Set (SA051)
Designed for back-probing under the insulation of plugs to
pick up the signal of the test component. The probe tip is
replaceable.
Multimeter Probe (Red: SA055, Black: SA056)
Designed for connecting exposed wires or terminals.

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Small Crocodile Clips (Red: SA057, Black: SA058)
Used to connect exposed wires or terminals. SA059 (red) and
SA060 (black) for larger terminals.
Large Dolphin Clips (Red: SA059, Black: SA060)
Used to connect exposed wires or terminals, including battery
terminals. SA057 (red) and SA058 (black) for smaller
terminals.
Attenuators 20:1 (SA020)
Passive 20:1 attenuator, can output 1V when inputting a 20V
signal.
Battery Clip (Optional) (Red: SA061, Black: SA062)
Dedicated to connecting car battery terminals.
65A AC/DC Current Clamp (Optional) (SA253)
Used to measure AC or DC currents up to 65A. Two scales
are available: 1mV/10mA for 10mA to 20A, 1mV/100mA for
10mA to 65A.
650A AC/DC Current Clamp (Optional) (SA256)
Used to measure AC or DC currents up to 650A. Two scales
are available: 1mV/100mA for 100mA to 200A, 1mV/1A for
100mA to 650A.
Coil On Plug (COP) Probe (Optional) (SA271)
Used with the oscilloscope to measure the secondary ignition
voltage of COP.

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HT Extension Lead (Optional) (SA275)
Fit the HT extension leads between the coil pack and the
plugs of the independent ignition system (COP), and then
place the (SA273) secondary ignition pickup on each lead to
obtain the secondary ignition voltage.
1.1.3 Getting Started
Before opening the Oscilloscope application, the VCMI device must be connected
to the tablet via the provided USB cable or Wi-Fi network.
Figure 1-1 Sample Connection Diagram
To open the oscilloscope application
1. Insert the applicable test lead or probe terminal ends into the input channel(s)
to complete the connection (refer to Figure 1-1).
2. Tap the Measurement icon on the Home screen of the MaxiSys Ultra Tablet.
The Measurement screen opens.
3. Tap the Oscilloscope icon to open the oscilloscope menu.
4. Select a desired testing option to continue.

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NOTE
Please check the oscilloscope LED status indicator on the front panel of VCMI
device. The oscilloscope LED flashes green when operating in the oscilloscope
mode.
Message Prompt
A message showing “Are you sure to open the waveform of Demo mode?” displays
after tapping the Oscilloscope icon and opening the oscilloscope menu. Please tap
“OK” to enter the demo mode or tap “Cancel” to exit.
A message showing “Are you sure to open the waveform data?” also displays after
the tablet and the VCMI connect successfully. Please tap “OK” to display the actual
waveform or tap “Cancel” to exit.
1.1.4 Oscilloscope Update
The operating software of the oscilloscope is continually optimized. Tap the Help
button in the upper half of the screen to update.
Before update the oscilloscope software, please make sure the tablet has a stable
Internet connection.
1.1.4.1 APK Update
NOTE
The acronym APK (Android Package Kit) is used on the tablet and in this manual.
This file contains all the assets of a particular app. To update the APK, is to install
the latest version of the app on your tablet.
To update the APK
1. Tap the Help button on the upper half of the screen. A dropdown menu
displays.

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Figure 1-2 Sample Help Screen
2. Tap the Update the APK in the dropdown menu. A confirmation message
displays.
Figure 1-3 Sample Update Confirmation Screen
3. Tap OK to update the software or tap Cancel to exit.
1.1.4.2 Firmware Update
To update the firmware

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1. Tap the Help button on the upper half of the screen. A dropdown menu
displays. (Figure 1-2)
2. Tap Update Firmware in the dropdown list. The screen will switch to the
Update section in the VCMI Management application.
NOTE
Please DISCONNECT the MaxiScope from VCMI before updating. A message
displays and tap “OK” to confirm that you have disconnected MaxiScope from
VCMI.
Figure 1-4 Sample Firmware Update Screen 1
3. The current version and the latest version of the OS, firmware, and scope
firmware will display. Tap Update Now to update. Please do not leave the
update page during upgrade. It takes about 5-15 minutes for the whole
process.

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Figure 1-5 Sample Firmware Update Screen 2
1.1.5 Screen Layout and Operations
The Oscilloscope application measures changing voltages of an electrical system
over a period of time. This signal is depicted as a shape. The grid on the screen
shows divisions of voltage and time to enable measurements to be made.
Tap the Measurement icon on the home screen then select Oscilloscope in the
menu, the oscilloscope page displays. The screen typically includes the following
sections.
NOTE
The Oscilloscope application can also be opened via the Android home screen. Tap
the Measurement icon at the top of the Android home screen. Tap Oscilloscope
icon.

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Figure 1-6 Sample Oscilloscope Menu Screen
1. Upper Toolbar Buttons - see Upper Toolbar Buttons on page 13 for details.
2. Main View Section –see Main View Section on page 41 for details.
3. Lower Toolbar Buttons - see Lower Toolbar Buttons on page 49 for details.
1.1.5.1 Upper Toolbar Buttons
The upper toolbar buttons are used for configurations of various settings and
operations. The following table provides brief descriptions of each button.
Table 1-2 Scope Navigation Toolbar Buttons
Name
Button
Description
Scope
Icon
Indicates the oscilloscope connection status. See
Scope Button on page 14 for more information.
Start/Stop
Start or stop the oscilloscope device. See
Start/Stop Button on page 14 for more information.
Presets
Access preset guide. Select preset to correctly
configure oscilloscope to capture a waveform of
the specified type. See Presets Menu on page 15
for more information.

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Name
Button
Description
Waveform
Library
Search, upload, share and follow the waveforms in
the waveform library. See Waveform Library on
page 18 for more information.
Settings
Configurations of mode setting, math channels,
waveform generator, decoding setting, startup
setting and demo setting. See Settings Menu on
page 22 for more information.
Window
Display
Set the layout and channel position. See Window
Display Menu on page 34 for more information.
File
Print, open, save, delete the waveform data or
upload the waveform to waveform library.
Moreover, save, import the configuration and open
the recent documents. See File Menu on page 38
for more information.
Help
View the user manual, update the APK
(oscilloscope software) and firmware. See Help
Menu on page 40 for more information.
Number of
Samples
Set the maximum number of samples that will be
captured on each channel. See Number of
Samples on page 41 for more information.
Auto
Scale
Set the appropriate amplitude range to display the
signal correctly. See Auto Scale on page 41 for
more information.
Scope Button
This Scope button displays the oscilloscope connection status. A green check
mark means the tablet and oscilloscope are connected successfully; a red X
means the tablet and the scope are not connected.
Start/Stop Button
Tap the Start/Stop Button icon to start or stop the oscilloscope device.
Name
Button
Description
Start
Tap to start the oscilloscope and initiate sampling.

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Name
Button
Description
Stop
Tap to stop the oscilloscope and terminate
sampling.
Presets Menu
Tap the vehicle icon button in the top navigation bar to enter the Presets Menu.
This menu offers a wide variety of preset guided information for you to view.
The frequently used test components and options are listed in the presets menu:
Actuators - Test the common car actuators such as injectors, fuel pumps, and
canister purge solenoids.
Battery Charging - Test the functions related to car charging, including current
and voltage idle test.
Combination Test - Combined test of the vehicle’s sensors or actuators, such as
the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor test; the primary
ignition and crankshaft position test; the throttle position sensor and front oxygen
sensor test.
Data Communication - Test the vehicle communication buses including CAN-bus,
LIN-bus, and K-Line.
Engine Starting - Test the functions related to car starting, including starting
current and voltage test.
Ignition Systems - Test the ignition process of the vehicle, including the voltage
and current test of the primary and secondary ignition.
Sensors - Test the common car sensors such as oxygen sensors, camshaft
sensors, and crankshaft sensors.
NOTE
Do not connect to High-voltage control signal such as the ignition control wire. It
may cause the damage to the product. The measured voltage value during the
actuator test may be different from the actual value.
To use the Presets menu
1. Tap the Presets button in the top navigation bar. Asubmenu opens.
2. Tap the desired test component or option in the left column.

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Figure 1-7 Sample Presets Menu Screen 1
3. Tap the appropriate sub-options from the column that displays. Tap the
icon to download the preset guided information.
Figure 1-8 Sample Presets Menu Screen 2
4. View the preset guided information. A reference signal waveform displays (an
injector selection is used here as an example) on the Main Screen and the
preset guided information on the right side of the screen.

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Figure 1-9 Sample Presets Display Screen
5. Tap the arrow button to hide the preset guided information and display the
waveform.
Figure 1-10 Sample Reference Signal Waveform Display
NOTE
Parameter values such as the ranges of voltage and time divisions are
automatically set for presets.
6. Tap the four-directional arrow icon in the lower right corner to display the

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preset guided information such as the general description, connection
guidance, connection diagram, test guidance, real vehicle connection,
waveform analysis and related DTCs in full screen. Tap again to exit full
screen.
NOTE
Images in the preset guided information can be displayed in a full screen for
viewing in details.
Figure 1-11 Sample Image Display (Full Screen)
7. Tap the Start/Stop button. The oscilloscope will perform waveform acquisition
according to the preset parameters.
Waveform Library
Tap the waveform icon in the top navigation bar to open the Waveform Library
Page. The waveform library includes online waveform library and local waveform
library.
Online Waveform Library
The waveforms in the online waveform library are picked and uploaded by Autel
users during repair and test process using an oscilloscope. It allows you to search
for the waveforms from the vehicle and component you want to test, or upload and
share your own waveforms.

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The search result displays the information such as the waveform picture, waveform
code, VIN code, vehicle code, etc. The waveform in the online library can also be
loaded as reference waveform for better waveform analysis.
There are two methods to search for waveforms: Condition-based search and
keyword-based search.
Condition-based Search
On the condition-based search page, the waveform(s) can be accurately searched
after selecting the corresponding conditions, such as the vehicle model, test
category, status, etc. Once you have searched a waveform, you can open, share
the waveform code to others, and follow as your favorite.
Figure 1-12 Sample Conditional-based Search Screen
(1) Model: Tap the input field or the arrow icon on the right to select the vehicle
model. The manufacture and model should be selected from the column that
displays.
(2) Screening conditions
Three screening conditions are available: Test category, test item and status.
Tap the dropdown menu to select the test category such as the actuators,
battery charging, engine starting, or no selection.
Tap the dropdown menu to select the condition status: no selection, good or

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bad.
(3) Search result
The search result will automatically display in the lower section of the page
after selecting the model and conditions, showing the image of waveform,
waveform ID (waveform code), VIN or the screening conditions.
Tap the corresponding buttons on the lower right side to share, follow or open
the waveform. Tap the Load As Ref. Waveform to load the waveform as a
reference waveform for better waveform analysis.
Name
Button
Description
Share
Tap to display a waveform ID (waveform
code) and you can share it through Twitter or
Facebook to anyone you want.
Follow
Tap to follow the waveform as your favorite.
Open
Tap to open the waveform.
Keyword-based Search
On the keyword-based search page, please input the waveform code, VIN, vehicle
code, or screening conditions and then tap the “Search” button to roughly search
the waveform(s) you want. You can also scan the waveform code or VIN by tapping
the Scan icon in the input field to search the waveform.