!!!!!
Aside from its functionality, does it seem like a quality piece of equipment ?

 

Yes, I think it is pretty well constructed. It is a fairly large unit and has some heft to it. I tried all the cables and connectors and they fit tightly. I am pretty happy with it.
The A.C. brick to run it at home without the car has the shortest cords I have ever seen but that is a minor complaint. I got a chuckle when I first opened the package. All the stickers came in a bag, example: Serial number/upc bar code, model number, the GM Tech 2 label. They want you to install them yourself. This is probably how they get away with no lawsuit's for cloning the device.

 

Sounds like maybe you're describing the -CANDi interface module maybe, that would be used on many/most later GM.

 

I cannot find that info for the GM Nano. It only has the 16 pin OBD II connector, will it work with an adapter cable with OBD I cars?

 

No, not the Candi module that is fine. I am talking about the A.C. to D.C. power supply to run the Tech 2 when not connected to the ADL or OBD2 connector.

 

Mine came yesterday, but only had time to do the self-tests and all looks good. It came with a case and the hinge broke in shipping, but I think I can fix it. The PCMCIA card came with out of date software, I think, will check tonight (32.007). Just as a precaution I ordered the DC to DC converter in case the problem part goes out. Some have the issue and some do not.

 

Grandspt and JimLentz, would you mind sending me a link (or even posting the link) of where you got yours at ? Good results are good results and there are lots of them on eBay.

 

I saw a $252 offer today with a $50 ship that looked quite complete. I ain't posting any link. There's some adapters that interest me that I might put together a list and maybe offer someone that does a buy some $$ for that aspect of it.

I don't need a CANDi module now but it might be a 'good to have'.

 

I over paid for my Tech 2 from a seller on EBAY $350.00. I wanted to buy from someone in the US.
There are a lot of other sellers like: Chinacardiags.com they are cheap.
They do take PayPal so I guess you could take chance. But I am not endorsing them since I didn't want to take that chance purchasing it through them.

 

I spent $323 with a case from DHGate and the vendor shipped it free from Hong Kong via DHL in 2 days. I do not know how they did that. Part of the hinge broke in shipping and I am currently using model glue on that. It supposedly has a 2 year warranty. It seems pretty well built, except maybe the DC to DC converter issue. I have not tried it on my '92 yet, but going through the menus it appears it has everything I want. The nice feature I found is a GM Performance Parts menu which supports the LSA engine my brother had installed in his '67 Chevelle. He isn't sure if the mechanic had time to hook up the fans because he was rushed to make it to a car show. The Tech 2 can turn on each fan relay independently. It does have version 33.004 on the PCMCIA card, the latest version. I will post more when I try it on my Corvette.

 

Mine didn't come with the case but it does have version 33.004.
I actually installed the software onto an older laptop with Win XP SP3.
This lets me take the snapshots from the Tech 2 and view it on a larger screen. I had to use a serial to USB adapter. It works pretty good.

 

Does the CANdi module only get power from the 16 pin connector? I cannot get the Tech 2 to see it with the A/C adapter? I have not found anything definitive through Google.

 

I think the CANdi needs to be connected to the DLC of the vehicle. CAN Bus is a network so it looks for the ECU ID before it can report anything back through the Tech2/CANdi. At least this is how I understand it.

 

The power light on mine doesn't even try to do anything. I thought maybe it had to get power form the DLC connector. I wanted to run the 2 CANdi self tests.

 

The power light on the CANdi module doesn't come on when connected to the Tech 2? If that's what you mean mine does not light up either. I think they should flash when linked to the car's computer as that means the CANdi module is communicating. Bosch instructions;
Tech 2 CANdi User's Guide
P/N 08002749 03/07 ©2007 Robert Bosch LLC, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
The Controller Area Network Diagnostic Interface (CANdi)
is an in-cable module that works with the existing Tech
2 components including the VCI, cables, and adapters.
Installed, the CANdi module is fully backward compatible
with current tester functionality. The module powers up
in a way that makes it transparent to the user. That is,
unless the Tech 2 enables features specific to the CANdi
module, all signal lines function as they do without the
CANdi module. This allows the existing Tech 2 software
to be used with no changes, whether or not the CANdi
module is installed.
The primary function of the CANdi module is to add
CAN capability to the Tech 2 tester. The following list
summarizes the basic characteristics of the CANdi
module:
Supports simultaneous communications on three
CAN buses
Provides high speed UART communications with
the Tech 2
Ñ
Ñ
The Tech 2 commands the CANdi module operation.
When installed, the CANdi module does not interfere with
any diagnostic procedure currently performed using the
Tech 2. The usage of a CANdi module does not require
any physical changes to the Tech 2, its cables, or
adapters. The module operates in transparent mode until
awakened by the Tech 2. Upon initialization, the CANdi
module operates under master control of the Tech 2. All
functionality is determined by the Tech 2 application
software which is loaded on the Tech 2's program card.
The CANdi module always operates in slave mode to the
Tech 2, responding in high speed SAE J1708 to the tester.
Physical Interface and LED
CANdi connects to the Tech 2 by way of the existing Data
Link Connector (DLC) Burndy Connector. The vehicle side
connection remains unchanged using the existing adapter
to interface between the Burndy connector and the SAE
J1962 connector. When functioning properly, CANdi's
LED flashes. In the event of a problem, the LED will be
constantly illuminated.
Warranty and Technical Service
Included with your system is a Warranty Card that must
be submitted to Vetronix for activation of the two-year
warranty. For technical assistance, please contact
Vetronix Tech Support at (800) 321-4889 ext. 2.

 

Thanks for the detailed instructions! It seems odd you cannot run a self-test then. I will have to find a newer GM to test it on.

 

If you know a GM Tech send it with him to use for a few days to evaluate against his on the "same car(s)". I'd ask him to do maybe a few!!!

 

I found additional directions in a Cadillac forum that say to test the CANdi module I need to use the 12 pin connector as it connects the chassis ground with signal ground to test it. I will try that tonight and report back. WVZR-1, I do not know any GM techs, but it sure would help.

 

I watched a few You Tube videos on CANdi module testing and they always seem to plug the car side (DLC) connector into this home made looking electronic box!

 

I've seen some of those and searched some articles that are usually poorly translated from the same source(s). I will do some quick testing tonight to see if the GM 3000099 OBD I 12 pin adapter allows me to test the CANdi module.