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Looking to build an powerful diagnostic pc machine. I have a cheap handheld for reading codes and live data. The shop I work in uses the verus wireless which is ok but has its downfalls I’ve been looking into the autoengunuity and escan and use the pieco lab scope combined all pc laptop based Anyone have this setup? Windows 8 has touch screen I was considering purchasing a new laptop $800 and up and a nice large touchscreen $500 to use with it like the verdict and attached to my tool cart lid. Cost savings and updates are cheaper per year what do you think?
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[quote=”Tech42″ post=61542]I have a cheap handheld for reading codes and live data.[/quote]
curious which “cheap” handheld reads live data
[quote=”crypkilla” post=61780][quote=”Tech42″ post=61542]I have a cheap handheld for reading codes and live data.[/quote]
curious which “cheap” handheld reads live data[/quote]
Cheap is always relative to how fat your wallet is ! 😛A fellow shade tree mechanic owns this one and recommends it. INNOVA 3160B
EDIT: Sadly, like all “moderately priced” scan tools, there is no way to update the firmware. If some one knows of such a beast, clue me in.
oh that is pretty cheap. i didnt know those were so cheap on amazon.
anyway, i use OBDLink SX and ScanXL Professional on my laptop. Im just a back yard mechanic. i like it. but i wawnna get a cheapo bluetooth one to use with my phone for just quickly pulling codes.
http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/obdlink-sx.html
http://www.scantool.net/software/scanxl-pro.htmlI use the Snap On MT 2500 and it suits me just fine. Sure, software updates for this ended in 2008, but my newest vehicle is a 1998 and all my other vehicles are older. It does OBD I and OBD II as well as CAN. I like being able to turn injectors on and off with the tool to determine which cylinder is misfiring rather than pulling wires of plugs or injector wires. So much easier sitting in the vehicle and activating the IAC motor to put the engine RPM up to 2000 and holding it there while I add some R 134A to my A/C system or need to do something where I would need a second person to keep a foot on the gas pedal. Loaded with trouble shooting tips and lots of other good info specific to each vehicle covered. Used to be the state of the art back in its time and still is for the vehicles it covers. But then I’m just a driveway mechanic and by no means a professional.
Simple one like this does me fine, mate has a TEXA IDC4 if I need it.
but this has a limited oscilloscope functionality and simple charger starter test as well as all the OBD stuff exempt actuaction of systems and parts etc..
Lately I upgraded to Autoenginuity. Aside from some minor issues with getting the live feed started and hanging once in a while, it seems to work as advertised. Any generic program will have glitches, and the next step up is a huge one financially. With these kind of higher level scan tools you need to know what is normal for that vehicle, so it doesn’t replace experience. If anything, you need to have a broader knowledge base to understand the data. Their claims of bidirectional control are a little exagerated, at least with the vehicles I’ve been using it on. But it offers way more than my little Autel scan tool.
Hey Tech42,
I personally have a Maxidas 708 and use a mongoose cable for the Toyota and use a pico scope on my personal laptop.
It really comes down to what are you going to use you scanner on and what for. For example do you do a bit of everything or mainly European or Asian or Domestic? Also are you planning to do J2534 reprogramming?
If you do a lot of VW/Audi I would get a VCDS vagcom.
A lot of guys do say good things about the A/E and the ATS escan. But keep in mind that the Escan is a OBD2 generic scanner.
Just remember that aftermarket scanners won’t do everything on every car they all have their downfalls even factory scanners do as well. If you can afford factory scanners get them but they are pretty expensive.
Universal diagnostic which I have is Launch X431 Dijagun. It’s use for me just fine.
I have few factory diagnostic Opel-vauxal Tech 2, Mercedes Star, Vag com, Peugeot/citroen Lexia, Renault clip. All factory diagnostic put on Panasonic toughbook except tech2 and is a great combination. Work excellent… B)Just seen a tech note from Gods Garage:-
Regrettably some issued Brains have been programmed incorrectly, there is unfortunately no way to re-program.
I use a simple Autoxray EZ read 2000 that i bought on ebay for about $50, it came with all the cables to scan all domestic vehicles with an OBD1 system all the way up through OBD2 any models that existed by 2003(Until i find an adapter for the update cable). it is updatable and you can purchase software to get a live scan. (early ford obd already allows this)
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