Vetronix Scanners?

[Ccmano]

We know that the GM Vetronix Tech 1 and Tech 1A were designed for use with our cars. Does anyone know if the later Tech 2 and Mastertech series work? Or are they exclusively OBDII?
H
:cheers:

[tomtom72]

Hans, How ya doing Buddy? Good I hope!

From what i understand. If you can get software written for our cars in a version that works with the new TECH2 & MasterTech units? Then yes it will do everything that the old TECH1's & 2's did and maybe even eliminate some of the "extra plug in's" that the old 1's & 2's needed for some diagnostics.

I never spoke to anyone at Vertronix. I kind of get the sense by looking up there newer machines that there is a way to use the old software library a shop might have had with a 1 or 2.

:cheers:
Tom

[GOLDCYLON]

OBD II only from my understanding. However I dont have several $K in order to invest and confirm.

However there are many quality units like the Auto X-ray 6000 series that will read both OBD I and OBD II

[tomtom72]

Hi D! Actually the mastertech & the tech2 do have OBDI adapters that are ava.

Almost all of the different levels of scanners, old ( used ) and B/N can read OBDI or II. The kernel to our particular issues are that the scanner's library of software needs to include all the sub-systems for a C4. If you buy it B/N it has got to be expensive! I do think that is a case of having 20 yr old plus cars, nobody is really interested in duplicating the software packages. JMHO:o

:cheers:
Tom

[mike100]

I'm just planning on getting a Tech II in the future for the C6. I'm invested in a refurbished tech1a so there's no going back or saving money at this point for me personally.

[GOLDCYLON]

Hi D! Actually the mastertech & the tech2 do have OBDI adapters that are ava.

Almost all of the different levels of scanners, old ( used ) and B/N can read OBDI or II. The kernel to our particular issues are that the scanner's library of software needs to include all the sub-systems for a C4. If you buy it B/N it has got to be expensive! I do think that is a case of having 20 yr old plus cars, nobody is really interested in duplicating the software packages. JMHO:o

:cheers:
Tom

Well that makes complete sense because my Auto X-ray has some OBD I Capability. However my Tech 1A has more capabilty for my Z. To include Prom and ABS systems. My suggestion is to buy both if you plan on staying in the ZR-1 hobby

[Ccmano]

Hans, How ya doing Buddy? Good I hope!

From what i understand. If you can get software written for our cars in a version that works with the new TECH2 & MasterTech units? Then yes it will do everything that the old TECH1's & 2's did and maybe even eliminate some of the "extra plug in's" that the old 1's & 2's needed for some diagnostics.

I never spoke to anyone at Vertronix. I kind of get the sense by looking up there newer machines that there is a way to use the old software library a shop might have had with a 1 or 2.

:cheers:
Tom

Doing good Tom, how about you?

I keep bidding on Tech 1/1a's on Ebay and getting out bid, just happened again today. Thought if I'm spending that much money I might just get the newer machine and have the ability to do the later cars if I move to (or add) a C6 at some later point. You hit the issue on the head in that you really need a scanner that's able to read all the C4/ZR-1 specific systems not just the generic OBDI/OBDII parameters.
H
:cheers:

[Socalerv]

Ccmano

I see you live in the Circle City. I spend time in Texas and Chino Hills. I too have been chasing a Tech 1 on Ebay with the same results.

Bidding on Ebay is a science all to itself. I am always out bid at the last moment from someone out of the blue.

Wish you the best.

[mike100]

I found a Tech1 on CF and paid 3 bills for it from some guy back east. Turns out it was broken (it did turn on). Spent $690 (!) getting a new main board put in it at Vetronix. They did at least put on a new keypad overlay and that price also included a new cable.

Turns out it was an early Tech1A (marked tech1). I have several modules and I have fixed/diagnosed 3 GM cars with it already.

You will be lucky to get a cheap deal on one of these.

[tomtom72]

Hi Hans! I'm doing okay.

I hear you about getting out bid for those things. That's why I ended up with a snap-on 2500. The problem is that snap-on doesn't, as near as I can find out, have all the S/ware licensing for our cars.

Keep at it though because I'm convinced it pays a C4 owner and ZR-1 owner to pick up a TECH1A or TECH1 the only rub is then filling in he software holes.

Good luck in your search Hans!
:cheers:
Tom

[Socalerv]

I know you need the mass storage unit version 3.2 but what other modules do you need to have for a 90?

[Moonlk]

Mine has separate modules for the ECM and the body systems (climate, sound, ABS, airbag, etc)

[Socalerv]

What is the latest versino; Tech 1 or Tech 1A?

Which one is prefered?

[mike100]

The Tech1A is newer. I think the Tech1 was made for the (as i seem to recall ,about) 90 and earlier cars. There is an additional RJ type plug on the side (network or telephone type of connector) on the tech1A that is for special tests using a test lead that either reads or supplies power to circuits in the car according to special tests programmed into it.

[Moonlk]

Mine is a Tech 1 and will do all OBD1 cars up to 95 if you have the right cartridges.

[GOLDCYLON]

What is the latest versino; Tech 1 or Tech 1A?

Which one is prefered?


The Tech 1A is newer and allows you to do more tests and EEprom configurations. Im not sure is the Tech 1 has a RS232 connector but the tech 1A does so you could interface with an old style printer. Keep in mind when I say newer we are still talking early 90s. These units were About 2K back in the day plus all the cartiridges and cables.

A Tech1A can do OB2II earlier cars as well if you had the right interface VIM cable and the right cartridges.

[Socalerv]

Does anyone have a list of the Cartridges:

TK 02640GM 88-90 RWAL 4WALTK 02640BGM TRUCK RWAL/4WAL Brakes 88-92TK 06032AChevrolet EEPROM (vers. 2.0) 90-92TK 03030GM 88-91 BrakesTK 03030CGM Brake (Version 2.0) 88-92TK 03040GM 88-91 Body SystemsTK 0308088-89 ABS/IPCTK 03590HydraMatic 88-92TK 03530BInterface module transferring software update to cartridgesTK 0205087-89 ECM PLUS ALLP/N02002178OBDII AdaptedP/N02001969OBDII Cable AdapterP/N3000003orage Cartridge Version 3P/N02003137Reprogrammable High Capacity CartridgeP/N3000071GM 88-93 Chassis Ver. 1.4P/N02001773Ford 81-93 Powertrain

I have been writing down information as I go. This is as far as I have gotten.

[Hib Halverson]

We know that the GM Vetronix Tech 1 and Tech 1A were designed for use with our cars. Does anyone know if the later Tech 2 and Mastertech series work? Or are they exclusively OBDII?
H
:cheers:

Both the TECH2 and the Mastertech support pre-96 OBD systems provided they are loaded with the right software.

Mastertech uses the same software as does a TECH1/TECH1A. The TECH2 uses a different software architecture.

The TECH1 was the original Vetronix tester from the mid-80s. It was replaced with the more functional TECH1A which was made until the early-90s. The TECH1A has both an RS232 port and a "instrumentation port" used to connect an accessory probe for certain measuring functions.

The TECH1A cannot be used to reprogram the EPROMs in 90-95 LT5 calibrations.

Software for the TECH1 or TECH1A is no longer available on the retail market. Occasionally, you'll find some of it on eBay.

I have some older GM Powertrain software for TECH1 and Mastertech. If anyone is interested in purchasing it, email me privately at finspeed@netmotive.net

[Socalerv]

Just got home from buying a Tech 1A on Craigslist. Looks brand new or hardly used. Paid $360.

This is what was in the case:

Tech 1A Vetronix Scanner #03001033
Cigarette Lighter Power Cord
Battery Power Cord
Red Voltmeter Test Lead
SOFTWARE CARTRIDGES
Asian imports P/N02001971 (83-94)
GM/Ford Chassis
P/N 02002344 GM (88-96) Ford (86-95)

GM/Ford/Chrysler Powertrain
P/N 02002462 GM(81-97) Ford(81-97) Chrysler(83-97)

GM/Ford/Chrysler Powertrain
P/N 02002404 GM(81-96) Ford(81-96) Chrysler(83-96)

ADAPTERS

OBDII Interface P/N02002178
ECM 5 PIN ADAPTER P/N TA02169
Chrysler Engine/CCD Interface V.2
P/N 02002192

Ford 7/14 PIN DLC Adapter P/N 02002042
Quantity – 2 adapters

GM 12/14 PIN DLC Adapter P/N 02001384
Quantity (2)

ALDL PIN E Adapter Model 94-014

Isuzu/Delco 3 PIN DLC Adapter
P/N 02001325

Isuzu/Delco 3 PIN Adapter
P/N TA 02279B

Bosch ABS Adapter 90/91 vehicles
P/N TA00022

RWAL/4WAL Adapter
P/N TA2659A

Chrysler SCI 6/14 PIN DLC Adapter
P/N 02002154

14 PIN DLC Self Test Adapter
P/N 02001607

CABLES

Toyota OBDII Adapter
P/N 02001896

OBDII Type 3
P/N 02001969

Toyota OBDII TDCL
P/N 02001895

Mazda OBDII
P/N 02001922

Chrysler 6/24 PIN CCD adapter cable
P/N 02001830

VIM 16/24 PIN DLC Adapter Cable
P/N 3000081

OBDII Nissan Check Cable
P/N 02001897

14 PIN DLC Cable
P/N 02001392

Hyundai/Mitsubishi Chrysler Import Cable
P/N02001921

[mike100]

looks like you are off to a good start. I have found the mass-storage cartridge does pretty much everything. I think they eventually got the technology to have big enough memory chips to cover a 100 different applications and tests one one part. I have not had to use any individual one yet, but I was curious if the ABS module might have tests on it the mass-storage one doesn't (haven't messed with it yet).

[Moonlk]

Good deal !!!