NEW Rotkee ExaPen Load Tester and PWM Powering Probe

One of the latest products from Rotkee is the ExaPen. This tool is pretty cool for doing all sorts of electrical diagnostics. In this blog, we will walk through its features and how it can improve your diagnostics.

Introduction to the Rotkee ExaPen

The Rotkee ExaPen comes equipped with a power supply cable and a probe attachment, utilizing standard banana connectors. On the end of the probe, it has the designations for positive and negative so you don't get them the wrong way around. The device features a simple and intuitive main menu that offers five operational modes, including multimeter, power supply, and oscilloscope, which we will focus on this article. Its ergonomic design allows easy orientation adjustments depending on which hand you hold it. Now that’s pretty cool!

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Rotkee ExaPen ensures that users don’t mix up the positive and negative terminals through built-in protections.

Multimeter Mode: Precise Voltage Measurement

In multimeter mode, the Rotkee ExaPen allows users to measure voltage in a circuit with precision. It displays a basic circuit, showing a 1-kiloohm resistor, and can measure voltage directly or with resistance applied to monitor voltage drop. For instance, in a 12V circuit, the tool reads the voltage accurately and shows small drops when load is applied. The tool also features a graphing mode, which helps identify intermittent issues and varying voltages over time.

Additionally, by introducing higher resistance (such as 8-ohm or 25-ohm power resistors), the tool can demonstrate the impact on a circuit, such as dimming or completely turning off a bulb due to resistive faults. This mode works effectively on both 12V and 24V systems, making it versatile for cars and trucks alike.

The multimeter mode also allows users to adjust settings like voltage plot styles, time scale, and alert sounds, enhancing its functionality for real-time diagnostics.

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We can change the settings so it buzzes when we hit the voltage or if we want a longer time scale.

Power Supply Mode: On-Demand Component Testing

The Rotkee ExaPen’s power supply mode offers a dynamic way to power up circuits and components for testing. Once in this mode, users can power different circuits by simulating the component’s power source. When connecting a bulb to the ExaPen, for example, the tool can power the circuit, lighting up the bulb, thus simulating the real operating environment. This mode includes a "constant on" option, which delivers continuous power and allows users to monitor the current being drawn by the connected component, displaying key metrics such as the current and battery voltage on the screen.

This mode is also equipped with a protection feature that stops power flow and indicates a blown fuse if the current exceeds 10 amps. A pulsed signal or PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal can be generated, allowing for more refined control, such as adjusting duty cycles and frequencies, ideal for components like PWM-controlled fuel pumps. Users can also adjust settings, such as duty cycle and current, to simulate different load conditions. For example, reducing the duty cycle dims the bulb, making it ideal for testing components that require precise control over power input, such as solenoids. The tool's safety features are robust. Inrush current detection ensures sensitive circuit testing, and it instantly halts current flow if the load exceeds set limits, preventing overloads.

The ExaPen allows for both positive and ground-controlled circuit testing, with similar modes for each. When connected to a load, safety locks prevent accidental changes to the settings. This ensures the tool deactivates in case of overload, showing current readings, and enabling users to detect potential issues such as short circuits safely. This powerful combination of control, safety features, and real-time data monitoring makes the ExaPen ideal for diagnosing complex electrical issues and fine-tuning power delivery.

When current exceeds the set threshold, the ExaPen immediately stops current flow and displays the blown fuse indicator.

Oscilloscope Mode: Signal Analysis Made Easy

The oscilloscope mode in the Rotkee ExaPen provides a basic but effective way to check for electrical signals in circuits, making it suitable for quick diagnostics. After connecting to a signal , users can test various sensor signals. When connected to a crankshaft sensor, it detects a signal, but it's not fast or precise enough to capture detailed data from this sensor. The camshaft sensor, on the other hand, shows a clearer signal, making the ExaPen suitable for a quick evaluation.

The tool is also capable of detecting signals from a wheel speed sensor, though the changes are very small. Similarly, it can pick up injector signals, although the 12V limit prevents it from capturing the full signal spike. It works quite well with varying voltage signals, such as a throttle pedal signal, and it reads Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals accurately, though it struggles to capture precise square edges at extreme voltage levels.

While the ExaPen isn’t intended for in-depth oscilloscope work, it is helpful for quickly verifying the presence of signals like sine waves, PWM signals, and other basic waveforms. The ExaPen oscilloscope mode is a handy feature for rapid checks, ensuring there is a signal in a circuit before moving on to more specialized tool, an oscilloscope that is, for deeper analysis.

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While the ExaPen isn’t intended for in-depth oscilloscope work, it is helpful for quickly verifying the presence of signals.

Enhancing Electrical Diagnostics with the Rotkee ExaPen

All in all, Rotkee ExaPen is a versatile and efficient tool for quick electrical diagnostics and testing. It excels in safely powering components that require PWM signals and provides a range of functionalities for voltage measurement, component testing, and signal analysis. For anyone working in electrical diagnostics, this little tool is a valuable addition to your toolkit!

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