Spaceme1117

I am sure that this has never been discussed before.

What are people's opinions on the Tech2 clones that are available? What would be a good reason to get one? Are there certain ones that are recommended over others? Anything else to know about them?

Thanks.

torquetube

They're just like the real thing except for the substitute voltage regulator.

If you want the clone Tech 2 not to reset when you hit the starter motor, you'll need to do the regulator mod. You can find out more by doing a search.

I haven't done the mod, so mine resets. Generally this isn't a problem, but it does prevent me from seeing live data during/immediately after startup.

I doubt anyone can recommend a particular clone, because they're not exactly branded. The vendors selling them all have similar garish web pages and seem to change every couple of weeks. They might all come from the same factory in Shenzen.

SixAddict

Got one a year or so ago, it does what I need it to and also works on my silverado. No issues with it so far.

98Gambler

Great question been thinking about one myself. I don’t have anybody close except the dealer.

rkj427

here's a link to a thread in the C6 General on the clone Tech II's...…………………… well worth the purchase

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-pleased.html

Dano523

I have both a Tech II clone, and a MDI clone as well.

Of the two, use the MDI clone more, since it does not only Tech II work using Tech2win software on a laptop , but works with the GDS2 software for the newer cars as well.

Hence GM dumped, the tech II and it not replaced with the MDI's isntead.


As for what both with do, not only able to get to the body and EBCM levels of the car to read codes, but is used for programing of the modules as well.

So full line of with MDI clone and software you may be using.
Tech2win for C6 and older cars.
VM GDS2 for 2014 and new cars.
TIS2000 for firmware flashing of 2013 and older cars,
A/C Delco TDS for firmware flashing of 2014 and newer cars.

As for tech II, it only works on the C6 and older cars, and not on the C7 vets/2014 newer cars isntead (need MDI with GDS2 for them).

98Gambler

Thanks guys, don’t have a laptop so would have to go with a Tech II.

Dano523

For the price you will pay for a Tech II clone, you can pick up a VX gm nano and laptop less than a clone.

Hence with a MDI clone, allows you to run both Tech2win and VM GDS2, and will have you covered no matter what year the GM type car is for the needed software.

Also, tech II clone on its own will not allow you to update/flash a new module if needed, so would still need a laptop to run either TIS2000 or Ac/Declo TDS instead.

Simply, GM no longer uses the Tech II, but uses the newer MDI's, and uses Tech2win software with the MDI's when they needed the tech II type stuff. This is the reason that I use the MDI more, even if I only need to use a tech II instead.

98Gambler

Thanks Dano, We are probably going to buy a new GM Truck or Tahoe in about a year so that would be better option. I’ll assume it does not take much of a laptop to run the programs? I read some of the long thread a while ago and it looked like a pain in the a$$ to get it running right on win10, but it looks like you got it figured out. I used to enjoy building and using computers, but now it’s just a IPad and I’m good to go.

coalshark

FWIW I purchased one for our Saab and it worked well. The car, not so much.

I had best results just using an old laptop running Windows XP.

I also have this tool collecting dust in my toolbox, if anyone wants it PM me an offer.

Dano523

Some found a 13" windows 10 laptop on amazon for $95 that was just the ticket to run the nano. Hence believe it was an multi core I5 processor that the machine had, which allows you to run VM player as well.


So $95 for new laptop that can be used for other things as well, and the VX GM Nano for around $120, is still cheaper than one of the tech II clones.

As for the windows 10 break through, install VX driver MDI first, upgrade the nano firmware and click on the license icon to licensees the device and get that out of the way to begin with, Next leave VX driver MDI open/device connected when you go to isntall the GM MDI software, then VX teck2win crack to mod both the GM mdi and vx driver software.

98Gambler

Thanks again. Dano