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