Tech2 Scanner substitute

[Q-Bert]

Has anyone seen plans/software for building your own tech2 using a laptop?

[MT-2500]

NO.
No way.
But
There are programs out there to use a lap top for scanning OBD 11.

[Q-Bert]

Saw this on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Opel-Holden-USB-...d=p3286.c0.m14

[MT-2500]

It is a long ways from a GM tech2 scanner.
Looks like just OBD11 interface set up to a lap top.

A gm tech 2 scanner is a full, engine /transmission /body /abs /sir/havc /and other things scanner.

Obd11 is just engine obd11 system,

[wafrederick]

Vetronix,now owned by Bosch makes the Tech 2.There is a Mastertech version of this made by Vetronix.Most dealers will not sell you one.My father has one and luckily the dealer he bought his from did let him.A Tech 2 goes for about three thousand dollars,the diagnistic plug ins and cable are not cheap.The cable is $125.00 and the plug ins are $55.00 a piece.

[Q-Bert]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

It is a long ways from a GM tech2 scanner.
Looks like just OBD11 interface set up to a lap top.

A gm tech 2 scanner is a full, engine /transmission /body /abs /sir/havc /and other things scanner.

Obd11 is just engine obd11 system,

Yeah, I know MT. That's just an interface to a laptop. But I'm assuming with the properly written software one could communicate properly with that, thru a laptop, to the BCMs and "simulate" a Tech2. I've run across some "hungarian" written software that appears to communicate. It appears to be much more than just a code reader, but unfortunately everything's written in hungarian

I can't believe no one has looked at creating some software in english using one of these interfaces.

For the shade-tree mechanic, a Tech2 is a bit pricey. But everyone's got a laptop, or you could easily find a basic one for a couple of hundred, plus the cost of this interface. Now you are talking something much more plausible..

[MT-2500]

OBD 11 is easy to hook up to but it is the other computer systems and engine specific that is the hard and expensive stuff plus can system on newer cars and trucks.
It would cost a fortune to write the programs and set up a lap top to even think about getting to anything but obd11.
THAT IS THE REASON A GOOD HIGH END SCANNERS IS IN THE 3-5 GRAND RANGE.
My snap on Solus pro scanner has more ump and memory and other stuff in it that all of my other laptops and pc have all together.

[2000CAYukon]

You can get this http://www.autoenginuity.com/products.html and purchase the OE option (http://www.autoenginuity.com/products-software.html) to get transmission/body/sir etc support.

The Scan Tool plus Enhanced GM Expansion is about $500 (see http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html).

//2000CAYukon

[wafrederick]

I have heard the Snap On is very good and there is one drawback: very slow start up.I know a transmission shop that has the Lotus and is very slow to start it up.Carquest does sell the Vetronix version of the Tech 2,it is green with Bosch's logo on it.

[Q-Bert]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

OBD 11 is easy to hook up to but it is the other computer systems and engine specific that is the hard and expensive stuff plus can system on newer cars and trucks.
It would cost a fortune to write the programs and set up a lap top to even think about getting to anything but obd11.
THAT IS THE REASON A GOOD HIGH END SCANNERS IS IN THE 3-5 GRAND RANGE.
My snap on Solus pro scanner has more ump and memory and other stuff in it that all of my other laptops and pc have all together.

I respectfully disagree MT. High end scanners are expensive because:
1 - Much less limited market than laptops
2 - Captive market, with few competitors.

MDI which is currently available from GM runs using an interface similiar to the one on eBay along with software running on a laptop. In fact GM has been pushing dealers to support the Multiple PC Initiave and provide at least one laptop per 2 technicians. I believe this is a move to provide scanner capabilities thru a laptop.

The GM Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) EL-47955 is being shipped to NAO dealers during the second quarter of 2007, one per dealer (fig. 1).


TIP: Additional tools can be ordered by calling 1.800.GMTools, using prompts 1 or 4.

What is the GM MDI?

The GM MDI is a compact communication module that manages the transfer of data between a vehicle’s onboard ECU network and a PC.

The EL-47955 MDI is a kit of components

A GM MDI

B J1962 Diagnostic connector

C USB cable

D Ethernet cable

E AC adapter/power supply

Wireless interface

AAA batteries

Owner manual

Operating software for the MDI will be downloaded from the TS2WEB website.

The GM MDI allows the user to perform Pass-Thru programming procedures using software running on a laptop or desktop PC.

TIP: Any PC can be used, so long as it meets the PC Hardware Specification located at this link:
http://www.gmde.net/standards.cfm
(in Canada, review GM Dealer Infrastructure Standards located on the GM infoNET).


Benefits of the GM MDI
Today, the dealer cost to equip a technician to diagnose and reprogram vehicles is $2880 USD (Tech 2 and CANdi). When software coverage on the GM MDI is fully operational, all diagnostic and reprogramming for GM vehicles globally will be supported with this one piece of hardware at a dealer cost of less than $800.00 USD.

The GM MDI offers faster programming speed at a lower cost. Depending on vehicle architecture (protocols/modules), the GM MDI can be 20-70% faster than the Tech 2. This helps alleviate vehicle battery drain problems during programming.

Using the GM MDI for programming also frees up your Tech 2 for diagnostics and other tasks.

No additional PCs are needed. PCs that have been installed under the Multiple PC Initiative (MPI) meet the PC Hardware Specification when using the GM MDI.


What Protocols does the GM MDI Support?
For immediate use -- At present, vehicles have two buses on the 16 pin connector (high speed and low speed GMLAN). The GM MDI communicates using all of the existing GM protocols, the same as the Tech 2:

- UART

- Class 2

- KWP2000

- GMLAN (CAN)

For future use -- Global architecture coming in July 2008 for MY 2009 will use a total of 4 GMLAN links. (This is a limited rollout in MY 2009.) Global architecture adds a medium speed bus and an expansion bus. The Tech 2 and CANdi module can run only low and high speed, and won’t work on the 4 GMLAN link system for diagnostics or programming. The MDI will have this capability.

How is the GM MDI Connected?

The GM MDI will be connected between the vehicle and the PC using the DLC and cable.

Connection between the GM MDI and the PC can be accomplished several ways.

- using the supplied cable to connect the mini USB port on the GM MDI and the USB port on the PC

- using a standard CAT5 cable to connect the Ethernet port on the GM MDI and the Ethernet port on the PC

- using the WLAN card built into the GM MDI to communicate with the PC through the dealership’s wireless network

MDI connections -- bottom


A Trigger switch connector

B Vehicle Interface connector

C Power connector (AC adapter)

MDI connections -- top


A Mini USB connector

B Ethernet connector

The GM MDI is powered through the DLC when connected to the vehicle. In addition, it has 4 AAA batteries for backup. The unit can also be powered using the provided AC adapter plugged into any 120V AC electrical outlet.

Detachable port covers protect these connectors:

- Mini USB

- Ethernet

- Trigger switch

- Power

What are the Features, Controls and Indicators of the GM MDI?

The GM MDI has an easy to grip, comfortable, rugged enclosure. Rubber end covers offer extra shock resistance.

MDI controls



A On/off switch

B Status LEDs

C Vehicle Interface cable

A row of LEDs is located adjacent to the on/off power button to provide information about status and operation.

How Will the GM MDI be Used?

The GM MDI is initially being introduced with Pass-Thru programming capabilities only. It can be used to perform Pass-Thru programming on all vehicles built since 1993 and will support all vehicles into the future.

The GM MDI will be required to perform diagnostics on selected NAO vehicles for model year 2009. Diagnostic software is scheduled to be released for the GM MDI during the fourth quarter of 2008.

When diagnostics are introduced, the MDI will also get a remote data record capability. This permits recording data during a road test, similar to the Tech 2 Snap Shot function. A trigger switch connector is provided for this purpose.

Regulations require programming procedures to be compliant with SAE Recommended Practice J2534. The GM SPS is compliant with SAE Recommended Practice J2534, and the GM MDI is compliant with the portions of SAE J2534 that are applicable for GM vehicles.

The Future of the Tech 2

The Tech 2 remains an essential tool through at least the 2010 model year. The GM MDI will not support past models when its diagnostic capabilities are introduced. And, the Tech 2 will continue to be needed to diagnose all vehicles from previous model years.

Remote programming with the Tech 2 will continue to be supported for use on all 2007 and previous vehicles.

Additional information will be supplied in future TechLink articles and dealer communications.

- Thanks to Mark Stesney

REMOTE vs. PASS-THRU PROGRAMMING

Until now, you have been able to choose between two methods when programming a vehicle: Remote and Pass-Thru.

Briefly, in the Remote method, you connect the Tech 2 (and CANdi module if necessary) to the vehicle to obtain necessary information. Then, you disconnect the Tech 2 from the vehicle and connect it to the TechLine terminal to download the necessary programming into the Tech 2. Finally, you connect the Tech 2 to the vehicle a second time, to download the programming to the vehicle.

In the Pass-Thru method, the Tech 2 remains connected to the vehicle and to the TechLine terminal for the entire process. The TechLine terminal passes the programming through the Tech 2 into the vehicle.

Beginning with the 2008 model year vehicles, Pass-Thru will be the only programming method available. (Remote will continue to be available for previous vehicles.)

The new GM MDI can be used only in the Pass-Thru method. This means you can use it as your programming tool, while your Tech 2/CANdi remains available for diagnostics and other duties.