Great Product
I bought this product to help troubleshoot codes on my 1994 Toyota Pickup, as well as other older and newer vehicles in my "fleet". Updating the firmware was a small issue because the unit has a COM port connector, and a 3rd party USB/COM adapter didn't work with my particular laptop (which only has USB). Fortunately, I had an old PC with a COM port, and the update process worked flawlessly on that. Took about two hours to update its firmware. Kind of an unusual update process. The PC software is badly designed from a user interface, but gets the job done. My unit shipped with 1.01 firmware. So, the first "check for updates" said to update the PC software. No problem, easy download and reinstall. Next, it said to update to firmware 1.02. No problem, took about 30 minutes. Then, I checked for updates again just to make sure I was all done, and was surprised that there was another PC update, so I downloaded and reinstalled that too. Finally, it wanted yet another firmware update to 1.03. Another 45 minutes or so went by. After that, everything was all perfect. The firmware updates show a status bar, so at least you have an idea of how long you're waiting. And it might not be a bad idea to disconnect the device and reset it between firmware updates (that's what I did). After each update, check the unit to make sure it reports the firmware version that you think you loaded onto it. I did all this before even connecting it to my pickup. My desire would be to have the PC sofware show a list of all available updates in a dialog box along with information about what they do (like Windows Update), and maybe estimated install times. Then, at least you would know what you're in for (two updates, three, four, etc.) I dislike interfaces that hide the entirety of a process, and prefer more visibility with software in general.
The unit comes with two equal sized zipper/nylon cases, which are a bit snug to fit all the cables in. The cable connectors are huge, much larger than the picture would lead you to believe. The cables take more room than the unit, so you're almost forced to put some cables in the case with the unit, which raises concerns about scratching its display. A blow molded hard plastic case would have been nicer, with a recess to protect the unit (I have one of those for my Fluke 87 DMM). Also, the OBDI cables connect to the "main" adapter cable, so it always seems like you have two cables ganged together, making it hard to stow things back into the cases. Not a major issue, just an annoyance. I try and keep the product manual in the case with the unit, along with its CD, and its COM cable.
Minor issues aside with the software and cases, this appears to be a fantastic unit. Fit and finish are excellent. The build quality and materials seem very nice. The unit feels solid and doesn't "creak" like some other plastic devices. Its cables have a nice rubber feel, very flexible yet tough. The cable connectors appear to be fairly durable hard plastic. The unit itself has a nice display, easy to read, comfortable rubber buttons that feel good and have a nice tactile feedback. Nicely designed. I think it even looks cool :) I can't say enough good things about the overall build quality. Far better than similar units at this price point that I have looked at. The whole product comes in a nice heavy white box with a full color sleeve and carrying handle, and all pieces are tucked into the two zipper cases.
I only used the unit on one vehicle so far (my 1994 Toyota Pickup with OBD1), and it worked flawlessly. It automatically detected two engine codes as well as displayed full text descriptions for them, so I knew exactly what was going on (I dislike counting blinking check-engine lights). It was easy to hook up to the vehicle, and the connector fit firmly. I couldn't be happier.
Since my Toyota is an older vehicle, I haven't tested the "live" features of the unit, or the PC reporting, or any of the much fancier OBD2 features that a person would normally buy the product for. And the unit doesn't work for all older vehicles, so be sure to check the online compatibility list. My pickup matches a 4Runner, so I determined that would be a good enough match. That may not be the case for other lookalike vehicle models, it was just a happy outcome in my situation.
Overall, an excellent product so far. Well built, nice looking, works well, priced right compared to other units, does OBD1 and OBD2. Four stars for all the good stuff. Better PC software and a nicer storage case would have earned a fifth star.
|