ODB 2 Scanner - which, of 2?

[Ruger22C]

I've asked about scanners before, but now I present you with 2 specific scanners.

Equus or Auto Tap, and why?

Does anyone know much about the Equus? It's a nice package, I know you can put data on the PC, but I don't know if it does it 'live' or if you have to record it and Then transfer it. If it's live, I get the option to bring my laptop, or to not bring it.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3130-Dia...3935513&sr=8-1

http://www.autotap.com/product_learnmore.asp

 

[cprince]

I would go with the Equus 3130 b/c it's a standalone unit. The auto tap sounds great, but I would hate having to bring the laptop with me every time I want to just scan for codes--like if a friend asks you or you go shopping for used car, etc... But then again, I'm pretty lazy

 

[Vette73]

Never used the Tap but use to have a equus 3150. Equus has some of their codes wrong in the scanner. Such as saying front right sensor but its really the front left sensor type thing. They know about it and have updated their site but never updated their software.
My 3150 had version 1.00 on it and there was no update and all the 3150/3160 are is older units with abs added.

So the equus ones work ok but don't trust the codes and also don't expect any updates.

Just looked at the autotap. If you want get one of the cheap OBD cables from eBay and try some free software first. I did this for my SiLs audi and that was all I needed.

 

[T2urtle]

^ which software did you go with... i'm always looking for better software...

 

[disambiguation]

I received a CP9575 for Christmas that the guys @ my local Auto Zone use everyday and are quite satisfied with. Know these dudes over 20 years and they wouldn't steer me wrong. They said the older "91" series was a POS. Just my $.02......

 

[Vette73]

^ which software did you go with... i'm always looking for better software...

I used this. Its mostly/only? for audi/vw cars.

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.html

They have the basic free software but will do airbags which is what I needed at the time.

 

[Vette73]

Oh and the Actron CP9580 is cheaper than normal at amazon for $152 shipped right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9580-...4011625&sr=8-1

 

[Ruger22C]

"Just looked at the autotap. If you want get one of the cheap OBD cables from eBay and try some free software first. I did this for my SiLs audi and that was all I needed."

Can you point me?

 

[T2urtle]

I used this. Its mostly/only? for audi/vw cars.

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.html

They have the basic free software but will do airbags which is what I needed at the time.

nice i didn't know there was a basic free edition of VAGCOM. great that it can do airbags. Will download and put it in my folder of OBD2 programs.

I've been mainly using http://www.easyobdii.com/

 

[Vette73]

"Just looked at the autotap. If you want get one of the cheap OBD cables from eBay and try some free software first. I did this for my SiLs audi and that was all I needed."

Can you point me?

Here is one I grabbed real quick...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EOBD...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3a50fb1aed

Comes with some software and there is plenty more aftermarket which is probable better.

 

[Ruger22C]

Here is one I grabbed real quick...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EOBD...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3a50fb1aed

Comes with some software and there is plenty more aftermarket which is probable better.

Cool!

Do you notice anything that the 3130 would do, that this doesn't? in as far as codes, data, etc.

More importantly, what other software would you suggest, in case this is trash?

Appreciated.

 

[Vette73]

Cool!

Do you notice anything that the 3130 would do, that this doesn't? in as far as codes, data, etc.

More importantly, what other software would you suggest, in case this is trash?

Appreciated.

It should do at least the same if not more. Its not a hardware issue but software.

The stand alone is good as it does not require a netbook/laptop. But its limited to what the compnay offers in form of updates/supprt. In the case of the equus line that is pretty much none.

The cable and software part is the same. It totally depends on the software. Some is free and should do the basic codes and such and better software, pay, will read/do much more.

Not saying one is better than the other as it depends. The Actron CP9580 I linked to is better than the Equus IMO. They do offer updates and support. Right now their weakness is they do not have 64bit Windows software. So the scanner works fine but you can;t print data off it right now. They, actron, said an update should be coming in early 2011.