Just ordered the OBDLink EX. Always erred on the side of more is better. But, do I need the extended version? I read that the USB connection is better, but for a few more dollars there is the MX+ that has Bluetooth for Windows, Android, and IOS. I’m an Apple guy, so it would be convenient to run my IPad and phone. Are there diagnostics that I need not offered on the Apple? The truck is almost “right”, but always room for tinkering. Just trying to cover all the bases the best I can. Thanks for any help, insight, and/or suggestions.

 

Subscribing. Just got my adapter and looking forward to some pointers I know we'll get here on the formum.

 

Frankly, I carry both a BT scan tool and a USB scan tool when traveling.

Also, I have a Samsung Android tablet, a Samsung Android phone and a Windows 7 netbook that is only 7" wide. The netbook stays in/with the truck under the passenger seat.

I carry both scan tools in the event that the BT tool is having connection problems, the last thing I want to be doing is figuring out why when my truck is in need of help. I worked in classified IT networking for the military my last 7 years on active duty. I then had a good job as the IT manager/network administrator for a large manufacturing company. I learned the hard way a few times that having a backup or redundant paths of communication is a great thing.

So, that is what I have done. The scan tools below are the ones I have, but they serve the same purpose as the ones you have.

In addition, check out the 7.3L PSD Tech Folder for all sorts of advice on anything scan tool, Forscan or TorquePro related. There is a charting tool, advice on which PID's to look at, what a PID should indicate and many more nuggets of information available to anyone willing to look so that they don't have to ask a question and wait.

USB scan tool - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BT scan tool - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Regarding your Apple product questions, I don't know much about them other than I will not own an Apple product in my life for personal reasons.

Some of the Forscan extended version options are not required by most people simply looking to read DTC's or view PID's when curious or troubleshooting.

The BT scan tool I linked above does NOT support Apple products. As I understand it, there is a newer version of the BT scan tool called OBDLink MX+ that does work with Apple. Or, the older version which is the OBDLink LX WiFi. Worst case scenario is you NEED a PC or Android product you can usually pick up an old, cheap laptop on eBay or use an old Android phone that no longer has service cellular service connected to it.

 

Those are along the lines I was planning to go. I have an android phone and looking for an old laptop. My old Dell w/ XP is giving me problems. I looked into some old threads and started seeing other monitors to add. While I have the turbo and CAC tubes out for my fuel bowl rebuild and FPx lines and braided supplies, I will be putting in a fuel pressure sensor. Then I read about double EGT sensors. Is that still a good idea? Where on the manifold is easier to install and how to monitor. Right now it is just past the turbo in the exhaust. It’s all a slippery slope. But, at least the tank is back up under the truck. H&H complete. Hope to be done this week and I will fire up the Forscan.

 

I use the USB and the newest Forscan on a laptop. Forscan program said I needed extended to get into the ABS to manipulate tire size. Guess I will try the 2 week trial

 

To get started, I purchased the USB scan tool. Just finished with fuel modes and wanted to check pressures. New EV2 installed with a 90 elbow on post filter port. The USB is very fast and has already helped solve several DTC codes. I have printed the suggested PID list for new data gathering. How to display and what gauges do you put on the BT device? I may be adding my Android soon. I have a quad A-pillar setup now with trans, boost, egt, and FP.