When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Does anyone know if Datamaster will work on Vista and/or with USB? I searched and haven't found anything regarding the Vista question. The TTS website doesn't say it will work on Vista but it doesn't say it won't either.
I've seen varying stories about the USB question.
I am not a techie and basically want a plug and play set up. However, I cannot buy a (new) laptop without Vista or USB.
Could always try and get a used laptop, or even get a new one and reformat it with XP, then either sell Vista (if it comes with a disc) or put it on aonther PC instead.
Since its only Datamaster and youre not flashing any chips with that, it may be worth a try and see if it does work. If it doesnt work youre not going to wreck anything.
If you get a used one, you can always get a new battery or have the old one repacked. My laptop is an ASUS and the battery will go ut to 5 hours on it no problem if its on economy mode, and its almost 8 years old now.
The USB issue is an issue for alot of people, some have made it work, ive never bothered trying.
Thanks, interesting idea. Above my skills but maybe I can get some help. Is the USB issue an issue?
I can get a new laptop for $400, while it looks like a decent used one is $250-$300 and I don't know where it's been or if the battery will hold up.
--
I'm using an old Thinkpad 600E for in-garage and rolling diagnostics. These go on eBay for $ 150. Some came with XP, most with Win98. 9-pin serial port, parallel port, one USB socket two pcmcia slots. Easy to swap HDDs. Many come with both floppy & CD drives. Originally 64meg RAM...best upgraded to 128 or 196 (particularly if it's got XP).
Mine provides 9.84vdc to the AKM cable adapter...enough to run Andy's electronics.
New batteries from eBay run $45-55 and last 2-3 years. 13" screen bright enough to see from driver's seat unless 'vert top is down.
Supposedly needs 16vdc, mine runs off cigar lighter/aux power socket anytime engine is running (about 13.8 volts.) If you buy an used computer from eBay, make sure it comes with operating power supply.
Thanks for the information. I'll take a look and you confirmed that I need a 9 pin serial port; correct?
there is a particular Belkin USB serial adapter that works with all available scanning/tuning software. it's almost impossible to find a laptop with serial anymore, even a few years old, so keep the adapter in mind.
it's F5U103. mine is able to work with everything i throw at it, not just the GM automotive applications.
I just ran my first scan today using Datamaster on my laptop with USB. Mine worked fine.....now I just have to figure out what all that information means.