I never suggested he buy the VCI dongle, I was only offering information on what I received when I bought mine. And it isn't a "simple" program by any stretch of the imagination. When you've got 6 ford products in your family, It becomes far more than "Adequate". I thought this forum was about information......To each his own..

 

AE has real-time graphing for up to 4 PIDs simultaneously. There is a DTC database built in, and buying the Powertrain Control and Emission Diagnostics manual to augment AE is a very powerful combination for the price. Netbook, AE, added RAM, separate multimeter, and the PC/ED combined cost is less than any "real" scan tool I've seen on the market.

bigb56 - If you really want to upgrade your hardware in the cab, you can sell the legacy AE (it works just fine on our era of vehicle) and laptop. If you do that, you need to start over for the price of new. If you upgrade to the software version that works on a Windows tablet, I don't know if it will work with the legacy OBDII adapter. You will need to call AE and give them your situation and your plan, then see what they offer.

 

The new v.13 will do 8 (2 banks of 4). However, you can't capture the glitch, scroll backwards, etc., in real time. You get what you get and then have to save and replay the session.

But, you're only seeing PID's. What about CCT's, GPC, GPM, etc.

AE has added a "display speed" to the current version which does help see anomalies. But, if you miss it, it's gone.

There is a listing of Fault Codes which has no other information or direction for the user other than the code/definition. with out the Powertrain Control and Emission Diagnostics manual. All the user know is the definition of the code.

I agree having those are essential with AE. Without them your blind. But again, your adding costs which in comparison closes the price gap.

AE in no way is comparable to the "real" san tools you are referring. Those have several components which allow the user to drill-down to the issue, often without having to interpret data or stream. There no interface for an Oscilloscope (even a one or two channel would be a great enhancement to the user), DVOM to eliminate another tool and so on.

So, in comparison, when you don't have these, you have a basic or adequate scan tool only. It does keep the parts suppliers in business.

For example: run a CCT and 99% of the time Inj#8 shows as an issue.

With another tool the CCT is displayed real time in several differen mode selections and can be compared to its mating cylinder on a graph for comparison so you have more certainty it's operating correctly than an assumption because it always shows up.

*In Summary:

I would say it is reasonably priced for the DIY'r. AE does offer different specific bundles for manufacturers product line, this is a cost saving to the customer.

Most others have manufacturer bundles by vehicle origin. ie: Domestic, Asian, European, etc. So, AE exceeds in this category by allowing specific make purchases. AE also offers these bundles. But, again, without other key tools for diagnostics.

I use AE often. But, also use the "real" (as you state) scan tools as well.

For the 7.3 and 6.0 AE is a "good" product, Not a "great" product. What separates it is affordability. Often that affordability costs the user in other ways.

As for the CAN systems, AE has glitches which they do attempt to correct. But, honestly, they lag when compared to the others.

The old adage of "You get what you pay for" applies here.

AE: $448.00
AE: VSI-J2534 Programmer $1,099.95
Laptop: $250.00
Single Channel Scope: $399.00
DVOM: $157.33 (Inexpensive Automotive)
Ford Service Manual: $295.00
Ford Powertrain Control Module Manual: $250.33 (MY 1999 & 2000 Only)
Ford EEC-V 104-Pin Breakout Box: $460.00 (OTC, not Rotunda)
*Total Cost: $3,359.61 (Includes one year of updates)
Includes Owners Manual

Industry Professional Tool:
VSI-J2534 Programmer *Included
2 Channel*: *Included
DVOM *Included
Ford Service Manual: $295.00
Ford Powertrain Control Module Manual: *Included - All Years / Domestic
EEC-V 104-Pin Breakout Box: *Included (+ Vi, Vii) (Snap On, Not Rotunda)
*Total Cost: $3,699.00 (Includes two years of up-dates)
* Includes unlimited Tech Support, DVD Training Video Series

 

Here is some information for ya: Hook up to a 2011 or later Ford CAN and pull up the HVAC Module for testing. Tell me how much your LED Cluster Display costs to replace when you're done.

On the bright side, "sometimes" the PCM will reset it before its damaged.

Stay far, far away from the late model CAN systems baring the enhanced powertrain and ABS.

 

I would never suggest AE ($360 at Riffraff Diesel) for a shop, it's too basic. I just see it as a great intermediate scan tool for the DIYer that likely already has a DVOM for other purposes (I have a Fluke that was $90 years ago, but the new probes alone were $90).

As for events - I log when I'm connected, so I can always get the blip back. I am unclear on GPC and GPM, but I can get CCT by way of PERDELs. My old version plays 4 at a time, but I record all 8, plus the EOT. I can graph all 8 PERDELs on a single chart with spreadsheet software (Open Office - free).

 

IMO, the vast majority of us on FTE are DIYers, and are fixing our trucks from Paycheck to paycheck. My AE cost me somewhere around $365(Thanks Clay).I happen to think from that chunk of change that I got what I paid for. If it keeps me and mine out of the clutches of the Dealer, all the Better.