Bi Directional Scanner Options

We currently have the Auto Enginuity laptop based scanner, and for the most part it has worked pretty good for reading info from our vehicles (Impalas, Caravans and Freestars). We have their Domestic package coverage which gives bi directional controls..only problems run into there is finding the proper function most times. One of the great things I like about this scanner is you can save the results of a DTC reading, complete with freeze frame data into any folder you want. I have folders for every cab in the fleet and its an easy way to keep track of all their various trouble codes and resulting repairs this way. Not sure if any other stand alone scanner has this capability to save its DTC results onto a computer, in a file format that can be opened by the computer (ie HTML, DOC, etc)

I have been running into several issues lately though that have me considering moving to another decent scanner. Since the AE is laptop based and the DLC connection is via a long USB cable, it ends up making the USB connection into the laptop to loosen and then you end up with intermittent loss of connection issues (usually right in the middle of a test where to happen to touch the cable and jostle it slightly). Then there is the issue that I believe is their software has a tendancy to glitch and freeze (not often but enough) whether this is a result of that poor USB connection I don't know, but I'm sure that condition does nothing any favours!

You can get a wireless DLC connector from AE, but it would require sending back the one we have now and shelling out a few hundred bucks more. So I'm sitting on the fence here trying to decide whether to recommend to my boss we get this wireless connector, or do we opt for some other type of bi directional scanner. I have been looking at the Matco Maxme, for I like the option to have extra coverage if needed for a few bucks extra a month. Our shop is just a repair/maintenance shop for our cab fleet and can't afford the high cost of the Verus and such like, but we do need as much bang for your buck as you can get for $1000 or less (CDN).

Any input from you guys appreciated, curious to hear if anyone has one of those MaxMe's tablets and what you think of it.

Apologies...I notice this ended up in wrong area...don't know how since I was in the scanners section looking for anything posted there before I posted my question.

You're all set

Man, Noah is ON IT :lol:

Chris_In_North_Bay wrote: One of the great things I like about this scanner is you can save the results of a DTC reading, complete with freeze frame data into any folder you want. I have folders for every cab in the fleet and its an easy way to keep track of all their various trouble codes and resulting repairs this way. Not sure if any other stand alone scanner has this capability to save its DTC results onto a computer, in a file format that can be opened by the computer (ie HTML, DOC, etc).

I know you said Snappy is out of your budget, but I can comment as to it's record keeping abilities. I do similar stuff on my own for database building and CYA purposes, and the features of your AE sound pretty awesome by comparison

The Snappy can store files internally for retrieval via their proprietary ShopStream Connect software, installed on your PC. Stored codes and 'scan all modules' reports are saved as .XML files. I don't think this is Snap-On exclusive, but I don't know anything else that uses it, so *shrug* Scope captures and scan data are saved as proprietary file formats, viewable on ShopStream only.

Freeze Frame and Mode $06 is a different problem. Neither can be 'saved', really. The only option you have is taking screen shots, saved as bitmap files (who uses bitmap?). The Modis Ultra only displays seven PIDs per screen, so some Freeze Frame captures end up being 10 shots long :ohmy: Mode $06 TID definitions are sometimes available on popular domestic makes, but often not.

I'm not sure exactly how valuable keeping histories on your fleet is to you, but I don't know any other scanner that'll do what your AE is doing.

Tyler wrote:

Chris_In_North_Bay wrote: One of the great things I like about this scanner is you can save the results of a DTC reading, complete with freeze frame data into any folder you want. I have folders for every cab in the fleet and its an easy way to keep track of all their various trouble codes and resulting repairs this way. Not sure if any other stand alone scanner has this capability to save its DTC results onto a computer, in a file format that can be opened by the computer (ie HTML, DOC, etc).

I know you said Snappy is out of your budget, but I can comment as to it's record keeping abilities. I do similar stuff on my own for database building and CYA purposes, and the features of your AE sound pretty awesome by comparison

The Snappy can store files internally for retrieval via their proprietary ShopStream Connect software, installed on your PC. Stored codes and 'scan all modules' reports are saved as .XML files. I don't think this is Snap-On exclusive, but I don't know anything else that uses it, so *shrug* Scope captures and scan data are saved as proprietary file formats, viewable on ShopStream only.

Freeze Frame and Mode $06 is a different problem. Neither can be 'saved', really. The only option you have is taking screen shots, saved as bitmap files (who uses bitmap?). The Modis Ultra only displays seven PIDs per screen, so some Freeze Frame captures end up being 10 shots long :ohmy: Mode $06 TID definitions are sometimes available on popular domestic makes, but often not.

I'm not sure exactly how valuable keeping histories on your fleet is to you, but I don't know any other scanner that'll do what your AE is doing.

The DTC scans with AE can be saved on your pc, you choose the folder, so I have folders for all of the cars in the fleet and choose the appropriate one and then just name it according to the date. I probably don't need to keep these records, but sometimes its handy to be able to look back if a certain code or issue resurfaces. The DTC scan is in .xml fornat and I use IE to open the files and once open can print them out if necessary. This is definitely a real bonus to using AE, probably a bit more of a hassle finding various functions and actuations than the other scanners like Autel or Matco etc..have never used any of them and others could chime in on that score. Biggest issue is the darn USB port on the laptops (on second one now) start to get loose from all the plugging and unplugging as well as the extra movements of the cables once connected. Its not like the cable gets pulled tight or anything but just the movements back and forth while you are handling the laptop etc causes the cable to move and this ends up moving the USB connection ever so slightly, and eventually the pin tension of the port gets weakened (this is all my conjecture of what happens but sounds plausable and explains why the connections end up failing). My only other option would be to JB weld a small USB hub into one of the ports and use those ports..lol. But once those got loose too then I'd really be in a bind!
Seemed like a good idea at the time and thought it was a cost savings for the functionality of the AE setup, but now seeing that using a laptop as a full time scan tool is not such a good idea. Home/occasional use fine, go for it, but they are just not cut out for the day to day strains. Ah well, was trying to save our shop some cash, but not working out that way unfortunately. Hopefully if we go ahead with new scanner purchase, we will be able to sell the AE to offset some of the cost.
Was looking at a Launch Scanpad 071 today and it looked to be pretty decent little unit and is about same price range as the autel maxisys ms906, if anybody has any experiences with any of these tools, would love to hear some feedback.
I attached one of the DTC files that AE generates for a scan, to give an idea of how they lay out there reports with the freeze frame etc. I think Internet Explorer is the best program to use for opening it.

I'm still a big fan of second hand Snap-On machines.
Not a chance in the world that I could justify the cost of my machine brand new. But for the just over $1000 I have invested in my Verus with domestic and Euro coverage and (at the time) latest software update, I feel comfortable taking on just about anything that any of the local independant shops see every day.