Which scanner to use Laptop or Tech1
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Which scanner to use Laptop or Tech1
I have been trying to use free software on my laptop for some time now. I have only 1 free program that will talk to my 94. Have not yet invested in a program to buy that might work better like Datamaster. I also have to opportunity to buy a Tech 1.
Am I better off investing in software for the laptop, or in a Tech 1.
(I probably will use the laptop anyway with the free stuff)
Am I better off investing in software for the laptop, or in a Tech 1.
(I probably will use the laptop anyway with the free stuff)
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena Maryland
The Tech1 is a 2 way device. The FSM for my 93 says to use the Tech1 to troubleshoot the EGR circuit. The Tech1 can turn on fans, activate the EGR Valve, etc. I do not know of any Laptop based software that is 2 way, might be out there though?
Be careful if you buy a Tech1, they use cartridges for different years and different systems on the car. You can get a Mass Storage Cartridge that can be programmed for all ODB1 GM vehicles and systems.
Be careful if you buy a Tech1, they use cartridges for different years and different systems on the car. You can get a Mass Storage Cartridge that can be programmed for all ODB1 GM vehicles and systems.
Last edited by kalister1; Sep 12, 2006 at 02:30 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Frisco, Texas USA
Originally Posted by kalister1
The Tech1 is a 2 way device. The FSM for my 93 says to use the Tech1 to troubleshoot the EGR circuit. The Tech1 can turn on fans, activate the EGR Valve, etc. I do not know of any Laptop based software that is 2 way, might be out there though?
Be careful if you buy a Tech1, they use cartridges for different years and different systems on the car. You can get a Mass Storage Cartridge that can be programmed for all ODB1 GM vehicles and systems.
Be careful if you buy a Tech1, they use cartridges for different years and different systems on the car. You can get a Mass Storage Cartridge that can be programmed for all ODB1 GM vehicles and systems.
Where can you even find a Tech1? I've tried doing Google searches and occasionally I've spotted one on e-bay. But is there are company that specializes in or carries used Tech1s and if so how much would one cost?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Location Location
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Conway AR
Hey, I'm sure interested in what you find out. I've done the Moates thing, so far, $130 spent-two cables, 1 wrong, 1 didn't work (plug was defective) and still need a USB to serial connector. I email Moates net and the answer I got back was "Umm, I thought all pcmia ports were the same". the old IBM thinkpad I gots (and listed it when I ordered the stuff from him) will NOT take the card, so I guess I'll try an adapter. I haven't gotten any support from him on this issue.
Kinda disspointed on this deal, looks like I shoulda got stuff somewhere else.
Kinda disspointed on this deal, looks like I shoulda got stuff somewhere else.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Got my Tech-1A on ebay for about $300 with mass storage cart and latest GM software. Some things can only be done with a Tech1/2/Mastertech, like setting IAC, progamming a replacement CCM, etc.
OTOH, it doesn't help much when it comes to data logging if you need to send a file out. And getting documentation seems hopeless on the older Tech 1/1A, I've been searching for a product manual or a copy of the GM training docs for months with no luck.
OTOH, it doesn't help much when it comes to data logging if you need to send a file out. And getting documentation seems hopeless on the older Tech 1/1A, I've been searching for a product manual or a copy of the GM training docs for months with no luck.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I tried to buy a Tech 1 this week on Ebay. I saw the last 2 sold for $600 and was prepared to go for the ride. The day of the sale is was just under 400. 5 minutes before the sale it was 530 or so. I bid $650 and was to low. Then bid higher and higher, could not catch the bid sometimes bidding $50 increments. Time ran out and it sold for $830 I think. I made a darn good run for it bidding past my expected budget, then it got crazy. Some one wanted it more than me but if I knew it was going to go such a distance, I would have had to bid $1000 to be assured of getting it. 
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 650
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From: Flushing NY
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
I waited a long time to get mine at a reasonable price. That week there were several being sold, including two within a few minutes of each other. I got the first of those two at $310. If you need one in a hurry, you're going to pay dearly.
Originally Posted by pcolt94
I tried to buy a Tech 1 this week on Ebay. I saw the last 2 sold for $600 and was prepared to go for the ride. The day of the sale is was just under 400. 5 minutes before the sale it was 530 or so. I bid $650 and was to low. Then bid higher and higher, could not catch the bid sometimes bidding $50 increments. Time ran out and it sold for $830 I think. I made a darn good run for it bidding past my expected budget, then it got crazy. Some one wanted it more than me but if I knew it was going to go such a distance, I would have had to bid $1000 to be assured of getting it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Originally Posted by scranage
I waited a long time to get mine at a reasonable price. That week there were several being sold, including two within a few minutes of each other. I got the first of those two at $310. If you need one in a hurry, you're going to pay dearly.
Thats got to be me and ready for the luny bin. Lost another Tech 1 on Ebay, timed out again and sold for $810. My last bid was $830. It was advertised as Tech1, not Tech 1, which is the most common way it is written. Thought not many people might have seen it, but the ones who did were aggressive as me. I could have bought one from a store for less than $800 (with a lot less stress) a few months back and though that was to much. They are selling for more and more.
