The auto scanner was invented quite recently. But in a short time, the market was filled with a variety of devices, which were very different from each other. Diagnostic scanners can be designed for amateur use - they are easy to learn, and their value does not make them grab their hearts. There are professional auto scanners. They are used by dealers who from time to time serve their customers by conducting technical inspections. Such a device is not only able to detect any malfunctions, it also acts much faster than when manually checking all the components of the vehicle.
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Autoscanner of which company to choose
Even an ordinary amateur auto scanner is a technically complex device. It can not be made "on the knee." It requires a long design, then carried out numerous tests, and only after this starts mass production. Small firms have no money for all this.
But large manufacturers of automotive electronics are quite capable of creating such a device. But their products cost a lot of money, this should be remembered. However, the buyer has no particular choice.
The most popular in our country are auto scanners under the following brands:
1. Autel
2. Autocom
3. Bosch
4. Carman
5. Launch
Certain interest among buyers and cause products of other companies. It cannot be said that the auto scanner market managed to “grow up” and there is no place for newbies on it.
Best low cost auto scanners
Launch CReader V
This diagnostic scanner belongs to the budget segment, although for some motorists its cost will still seem overestimated. The product differs from cheaper analogues in that it is completely autonomous. The owner does not need a computer connection to analyze the information received - the device will do it himself. The device interacts only with the engine control unit. This is explained by the fact that the device supports only the OBD-II protocol.
Launch CReader V reads the current and previously saved errors, writes the current diagnostics, and also allows you to manage the fuel injection system. All information can be displayed in text form. But for greater clarity, it is better to switch to displaying graphs. It is much easier to estimate air consumption at different engine speeds and to get acquainted with some other data.
Advantages:
- Russian language is supported;
- No need to connect to PC;
- The minimum dimensions of the device;
- Displays not only text, but also graphics;
- Does not need batteries.
Disadvantages:
- Monochrome display;
- Works only with OBD-II protocol;
- High price for so limited functionality.
ELM327
A few years ago, one of the American companies developed a special interface that translates automotive protocols into a set of standard serial port commands.
The interface received the name ELM327, its support has received a special device. Since then, the Chinese have created a huge number of copies of this device. All of them are called ELM327, the brand name is sometimes not indicated.
These copies are unlicensed. But such devices are quite inexpensive. You can buy such an auto scanner in any Chinese online store, and sometimes in Russian automotive electronics stores.
There are several hardware implementations of the ELM327 autoscanner. Some devices have a Bluetooth wireless module, thanks to which the connection to a laptop is considerably simplified. Others are endowed with only a USB-connector - in this case, the device is recognized by the operating system as a virtual COM port.And the new models have at their disposal a Wi-Fi module.
Always one thing - to work with the auto scanner will need a computer. And it should work with Windows. However, you can interact with wireless models via a smartphone. Moreover, for this you do not even need to pay extra money - many applications are distributed free of charge.
Advantages:
- There are a large number of programs to interact with the device;
- Very low cost;
- Most often, these auto scanners have minimal dimensions;
- Can be used as an onboard computer.
Disadvantages:
- Need a computer or smartphone;
- Until now, models without Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are widespread;
- The effectiveness of the work depends on the software used;
- Often determines only the injection system.
Top professional auto scanners
Carman Scan VG +
The purchase of this device can afford only a large service center or car dealer. The tool is multi-brand - it can be used to diagnose a wide variety of cars, from American “muscle cars” to Asian shorty. The device includes a four-channel multimeter, a digital oscilloscope with the same number of channels, a high-voltage oscilloscope, and a signal generator.
The autoscanner is delivered in a shockproof housing. On its front panel is a color touch screen. That it displays all the information that includes different graphics. You can control the device using a variety of buttons located on the front panel and on the sides. The device checks almost all car systems. In short, this is a real monster, who is absolutely capable of everything.
Advantages:
- Diagnoses problems in most vehicle assemblies;
- Built-in detailed help system;
- Does not require a computer connection;
- It has a shockproof housing;
- There is a touch screen with a fairly high resolution;
- There are many physical buttons.
Disadvantages:
- Extremely high price tag.
Bosch KTS 570
Another multibrand device. Released by a German company specifically for use by car dealers and car services. It allows you to conduct a multi-dimensional inspection of almost any vehicle, including trucks. But first and foremost, this unit is designed to diagnose Bosch diesel fuel systems. The device provides access to all functions of the dealer level. They are configured and encoded electronic components, as well as carried out system tests.
The autoscanner has a universal diagnostic interface, a digital multimeter and a two-channel oscilloscope. All this, in particular, allows for the meticulous testing of electrical circuits. Unfortunately, the device will have to be connected to a computer or laptop. The buyer is provided with proprietary software, which includes the ESItronic directory - it contains electrical circuits of many cars present in the market.
Advantages:
- Very handy reference;
- It can be used for instrumental diagnostics;
- There is support for 52 brands of cars at the dealer level;
- Works with some restrictions on non-Bosch fuel systems;
- Checks a variety of vehicle nodes.
Disadvantages:
- Diagnosis can not be done without a stationary PC or laptop;
- The cost of the device is prohibitively high.
Autel MaxiDas DS708
This auto scanner is not without reason called multi-brand. They are supported by work with cars from about 50 automakers. Among the brands understandable to the device are brands of European, American and Asian origin. The device is something like a GPS-navigator. The fact is that it also works on the Windows CE operating system. The image here is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen display. Button control is not implemented. But the creators introduced two rubber pads, thanks to which comfortable grip is carried out by hand.
With many European cars, the autoscanner works almost at the dealer level.In particular, it allows you to set the parameters of control units and program immobilizer chips. During diagnostics, several graphs can be displayed parallel to each other, on the same screen. Also, tests are stored in the log, so that in the future you can find periodically occurring (they are also called floating) malfunctions. It should be noted that there is not only a LAN port, but also a Wi-Fi module. All this allows you to connect the device to the local network of car service, in order to send a report to a computer or printer. In the same way implemented a firmware update. Unfortunately, after a year this option becomes paid for the buyer.
Advantages:
- Some cars are maintained at the dealer level;
- There is a wireless module and a LAN port;
- Firmware updated regularly;
- The function pleasantly pleases the eye;
- Connecting to a computer is not necessary;
- Convenient log analysis.
Disadvantages:
- Free technical support and software update only for a year;
- The cost seems a bit overpriced;
- On a 7-inch screen it is inconvenient to work with graphics.
Scanmatik 2
Auto scanners are trying to create and Russian manufacturers. Skanmatik 2 is one of their creations. The device comes in a box with many other accessories. It works best when connected to a domestic vehicle. However, in service centers it is often used to test cars. No wonder that the box contains modules for interacting with Chevrolet, Kia, Mitsubishi, and cars of some other brands.
The device must be connected to either a computer or smartphone. Interestingly, the corresponding application can be installed not only on Android, but also on Windows Mobile. Skanmatik 2 can display at the same time several graphs of current data. Also, by means of the device, it is possible to control the CO-correction on VAZ firmware with the lambda probe disabled. And, of course, the device builds reports that you can immediately send to print.
Advantages:
- The price does not seem extremely high;
- You can connect to a computer or smartphone wirelessly;
- Stable diagnostics of all systems of supported brands;
- Rich equipment;
- Ideal for domestic transport.
Disadvantages:
- The list of supported foreign brands is small;
- Without a PC or smartphone can not do;
- No apps for iOS and Windows Phone.
Which auto scanner to buy
1. A good budget solution is Launch CReader V. This is an excellent choice for those who need to diagnose only the engine. But if your injection system does not use OBD-II, but some other protocol, then you need to consider another autoscanner.
2. Another harsh minimum is ELM327. Devices from this series are created by a huge number of Chinese companies. But you should not hope for great opportunities, since such an autoscanner recognizes only the fuel injection system. But the information can be displayed on a smartphone, and it is very convenient.
3. Carman Scan VG + is designed for use at the largest car services, where it is customary to save time. The device has an astronomical value, but with its help it is possible to examine a car almost completely in a short time. In fact, the device combines a sensor signal simulator, a motor tester and a scanner.
4. If you are a dealer, and among the cars you sell are those that use the Bosch fuel system, then you need to purchase a KTS 570 from the same company. This device provides a complete check of the engine, as well as all electrical circuits. But you also have to stock up on a computer, since the auto scanner is not autonomous.
5. Autel MaxiDas DS708 is an excellent auto scanner with its own LCD display. This is an excellent choice for those service stations that do not earn a lot of money. But do not assume that you can buy this device for the minimum amount. You may also be stunned by the fact that after a year it will again have to pay for technical support and software updates.
6. If more often you need to diagnose domestic cars, then it is recommended to buy a Skanmatik 2.This is a small device that displays all data on a computer or smartphone. You can use both a USB interface and a Bluetooth connection.
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