Best scanner / laptop software?

[Schrade]

What's the best 'stuff' to get a good read on the motor operating parameters? Handheld scanner? Laptop link-up?

Anyone on the boards here got these toys for sale?

Preferably, I'd like to go with laptop software with the hardwire interface...

[vilant]

Well, I imagine the best would be a Tech 1 scanner. After that would depend on how much you want to spend, and what features you want. I spent under $200 for laptop software and accessories, but had to spend a lot of time figuring it out and getting it to work. But I'm happy w/ it now.:cheers:

[Tripper_1966]

Joe, do you get all codes with the sofware on your laptop?
I read somewhere else the FX3, ABS and AC codes won't read on other readers/scanners. Don't know how true this is or not.

Just picked up my 92 LT5 #454 and just learning.

[vilant]

Well I got the EFI working properly, and that can read and reset all the ECM codes but not CCM, ABS, or SIR codes, it can also datalog. I still have to dig into the TunerPro, this can re-burn the PROM, read and reset codes (not sure how many), and datalog, but just haven't had the time yet to learn everything it can do.

[Schrade]

Well, I imagine the best would be a Tech 1 scanner. After that would depend on how much you want to spend, and what features you want. I spent under $200 for laptop software and accessories, but had to spend a lot of time figuring it out and getting it to work. But I'm happy w/ it now.:cheers:

Does a Tech1 have the same user interface? Keyboard / keypad, of any sort? Can it connect to a pc or laptop?

Which setup do most people on the boards here own? Darryl / Dominic - add a poll here???

[vilant]

Does a Tech1 have the same user interface? Keyboard / keypad, of any sort? Can it connect to a pc or laptop?

Which setup do most people on the boards here own? Darryl / Dominic - add a poll here???
The Tech 1 is a direct "real time" device with a keypad and small LCD display. Here's onr for sale on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=tech%201%20scanner&clk_rvr_id=466280266116&adpos=1t1&MT_ID=70&crlp=14785381242_2416792&geo_id=10232&keyword=tech+1+scanner&adgroup_id=%7BADGRP_ID%7D&crdt=0
It can pull and read all the codes and reset them. What I'm not sure of is, if it can datalog and re-burn the PROM (and they're fairly expensive). Not sure if it can connect to a pc (if it can, it will probably need a serial connection).
Anything you buy for a laptop will not be "real time" because of the multi-tasking the operating systems do (which means, you may have to do a little configuring). I found software that can do OBD I and II for a pretty good price, but it takes a little computer saavy to get them to work on the OBD I.

[vilant]

Joe, do you get all codes with the sofware on your laptop?
I read somewhere else the FX3, ABS and AC codes won't read on other readers/scanners. Don't know how true this is or not.

Just picked up my 92 LT5 #454 and just learning.
Forgot to mention, you can pull and reset all codes (except ABS and SIR) by grounding pin G on the ALDL connector (that puts it in diagnostic mode). The procedure is in the FSM.

[Schrade]

The Tech 1 is a direct "real time" device with a keypad and small LCD display. Here's onr for sale on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=tech%201%20scanner&clk_rvr_id=466280266116&adpos=1t1&MT_ID=70&crlp=14785381242_2416792&geo_id=10232&keyword=tech+1+scanner&adgroup_id=%7BADGRP_ID%7D&crdt=0
It can pull and read all the codes and reset them. What I'm not sure of is, if it can datalog and re-burn the PROM (and they're fairly expensive). Not sure if it can connect to a pc (if it can, it will probably need a serial connection).
Anything you buy for a laptop will not be "real time" because of the multi-tasking the operating systems do (which means, you may have to do a little configuring). I found software that can do OBD I and II for a pretty good price, but it takes a little computer saavy to get them to work on the OBD I.


Thanks there Mr. V...

No Tech1's came up with that search criteria 'Tech 1 scanner' , or 'GM Tech 1' , or 'Tech 1' , or 'Tech1' ...

ed.:
Ok - found one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Expertec-Vetronix-GM-Tech-1-Diagnostic-scanner-General-Motors-Tool-/221209352276?hash=item33811ad854&item=221209352276&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr
$5 C-bills??? yIKeS!!! And a behemoth shipping charge of an addition Franklin GaDZOoks!!! How big is this ? And are they all in the 5C price range?

And seller says this is the earlier model. WHAT'S THAT MEAN? Better than the newer one?

I can get ENIAC shipped for THAT!

Hello laptop. I can compile batch scripts and VBS for what's necessary, I do believe.

What DOES everybody here use??????????????????????????

[Schrade]

... and I'm asking about Tech1 -> computer interface, to get a printout of logged data, or to post directly to the boards here...

AND

I'm not sure I understand that the laptop link-up does NOT read real-time??? Is there a delay of some sort in data conversion?

[vilant]

Not sure what everyone else uses, but here's what I used:
http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19272
:cheers:

[vilant]

I'm not sure I understand that the laptop link-up does NOT read real-time??? Is there a delay of some sort in data conversion?
I can't explain it fully but basically, there is a milliseconds delay between when the ECM sends a signal to when the laptop reads and interprets it as compared to a handheld scanner which does it immediatly.

[Schrade]

I can't explain it fully but basically, there is a milliseconds delay between when the ECM sends a signal to when the laptop reads and interprets it as compared to a handheld scanner which does it immediatly.

Copy on that there JV!

Anyone use this Actron?
Anyone DISlike this model?
More here (a little feedback here please)
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16336

http://www.actron.com/xcart/files/d_163.jpg