Which adapter for FORscan
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 44
From: Berryville, AR
Which adapter for FORscan
Hey guys, I need a bluetooth OBDLink adapter. What is a good one, but reasonable on the wallet adapter? I currently have a cheap wireless one that is ridiculously slow. Thanks!
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: https://t.me/pump_upp
Scantool
My thought and my own opinion on the subject would be the OBDLink MX Bluetooth Scan Tool. It is one of the best around and it reads the canbus and ms-can bus. It claims to be the fastest which I have no way of checking. Buy one adapter and never need another one.
I don't work for them just an end user
I don't work for them just an end user
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 44
From: Berryville, AR
Thanks guys. I guess I have to spend $80.00. I was trying to be a cheapskate. 
I guess this is what I need:
superdog, is that the one?
I guess this is what I need: superdog, is that the one?
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 44
From: Berryville, AR
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 44
From: Berryville, AR
Well, I got the OBDLink MX Bluetooth Scan Tool that superdog404 recommended and everything works great. As they say, you get what you pay for. 
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6.7 Weight Loss
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Woodbury CT
I'm resurrecting this thread as I'm about to embark on the ForScan journey. I joined the ForScan forum where there was tons of discussion around which OBD reader to buy. I think I narrowed it down to the one mentioned here - OBDLink MX and VCM II. Now if you search on the VCM II you're going to see that it comes with a laptop, of course very expensive - search for just FORD IDS VCM 2 Plastic box and you'll get just the OBD reader. Unfortunately it looks like the VCM II is only RS-232 connectable / does not have BlueTooth or WiFi capability. If the VCM II does not have a wireless option I think I'm going to have to go with the OBDLink MX for IOS, Android and Windows.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
The wireless VCM2 uses a "special" D-link dongle in both the VCM2 and the laptop/computer in the wireless configuration. Otherwise, you use an A-B connector USB cable between the VCM2 and the laptop/computer.
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/diagnostic/diagids
It does not use the bluetooth adapter that connects the OBDLink MX to your smartphone or bluetooth enable laptop/computer for use with FORScan.
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/diagnostic/diagids
It does not use the bluetooth adapter that connects the OBDLink MX to your smartphone or bluetooth enable laptop/computer for use with FORScan.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 26
From: BA, OK
I was at the same place you are at now earlier this year and this is what I purchased.
Used for connecting a smartphone or a laptop via bluetooth
Used for connecting a laptop to the MX-OBDLink adapter. (my laptop does not have a bluetooth adapter). I actually purchased 2 of these by accident if you want the extra one I purchased send me a PM and I will ship it to you.
A Windows PC with an extended Forscan license is needed to make changes to the as built data such as adding the DPF% screen or changing the turn signal bump blink count.
Used for connecting a smartphone or a laptop via bluetooth
Used for connecting a laptop to the MX-OBDLink adapter. (my laptop does not have a bluetooth adapter). I actually purchased 2 of these by accident if you want the extra one I purchased send me a PM and I will ship it to you.
A Windows PC with an extended Forscan license is needed to make changes to the as built data such as adding the DPF% screen or changing the turn signal bump blink count.
6.7 Weight Loss
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 5
From: Woodbury CT
Thanks guys, I think I'm going to go with the OBDLink MX for IOS, Android and Windows and shot DirtHawg a PM for the bluetooth USB adapter. Once I get the stuff I'll connect it all up, get the necessary ForScan software for my PC and phone, then start hunting down how to make a couple modifications.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
I already registered as a user on the Forscan web site.
I don't have a windows laptop so I plan to borrow my sons.
So, is this all I need to operate FORSCAN:
1) Windows laptop with wireless connectivity and bluetooth connectivity
2) This tool from Amazon - ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows. It is $79.95 and this is the link -
Don't I also need a cable to connect to the port on my 2017 Super Duty?
Do I also need to purchase the FORSCAN license somewhere?
Thanks!
I don't have a windows laptop so I plan to borrow my sons.
So, is this all I need to operate FORSCAN:
1) Windows laptop with wireless connectivity and bluetooth connectivity
2) This tool from Amazon - ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows. It is $79.95 and this is the link -
Don't I also need a cable to connect to the port on my 2017 Super Duty?
Do I also need to purchase the FORSCAN license somewhere?
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
I already registered as a user on the Forscan web site.
I don't have a windows laptop so I plan to borrow my sons.
So, is this all I need to operate FORSCAN:
1) Windows laptop with wireless connectivity and bluetooth connectivity
2) This tool from Amazon - ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows. It is $79.95 and this is the link - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1
Don't I also need a cable to connect to the port on my 2017 Super Duty?
Do I also need to purchase the FORSCAN license somewhere?
Thanks!
I don't have a windows laptop so I plan to borrow my sons.
So, is this all I need to operate FORSCAN:
1) Windows laptop with wireless connectivity and bluetooth connectivity
2) This tool from Amazon - ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows. It is $79.95 and this is the link - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1
Don't I also need a cable to connect to the port on my 2017 Super Duty?
Do I also need to purchase the FORSCAN license somewhere?
Thanks!
No. The ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX is your link between the OBDII port and the laptop. You do need to make sure you sync the ScanTool to the laptop so they can communicate. The ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX will come with instructions on how to do this.
If you are a registered user, you can then update your FORScan to get a license. You will need internet connection to update the license.