Code Reader
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Code Reader
What would the forum members recommend for a code reader for basic use for a 2002 7.3 PSD. I would consider myself to be an occasional user of a reader but feel that it would be nice to own my own to use at home. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
I think, hands down, it is Autoenginuity...hooks up to a laptop, PocketPC, or Palm. Serial cable or bluetooth.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
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The Auto enginuity web site says the scanner is about $250. But you have to have a some type of PC to read/log the data which would be another $400 or so. Then they also have the expansion software which reads "Ford specifc" codes for another $150. So now were up to about $800. Isn't there anything less expensive.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 329
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From: Carroll County, MD
The PC for the software does not need to be a dedicated pc, the one you are using to read this very post would probably work (unless it is at the library or something). Just set it on a table in the garage and go for it. Now I do understand that some items are best read while driving, and a laptop or other portable device is about your only answer there. You can borrow a friends laptop, as the software is now keyed to the connector and not the PC. It used to be that the software read a configuration from the PC and would only work with one PC. Now, they read the serial number from the connector, so the software can be put on many computers without having to get new activation codes all the time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Originally Posted by dcara
The Auto enginuity web site says the scanner is about $250. But you have to have a some type of PC to read/log the data which would be another $400 or so. Then they also have the expansion software which reads "Ford specifc" codes for another $150. So now were up to about $800. Isn't there anything less expensive.
I bought an old Gateway laptop for $100 which I use as a dedicated GPS & mapping software computer in my truck when I go mining...I plan on adding Autoengenuity to it using Bluetooth...then I have all my truck diagnostics with me too!
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 278
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"I bought an old Gateway laptop for $100 which I use as a dedicated GPS & mapping software computer in my truck when I go mining...I plan on adding Autoengenuity to it using Bluetooth...then I have all my truck diagnostics with me too!"
I was considering something similar. In fact I was thinking about configuring a windows based mini in-truck PC that I could place on the cup holder slides (minus the cup holder) so I could pull it out and flip up the touch screen. I just have a lot of other projects to complete before I get around to that one.
I was considering something similar. In fact I was thinking about configuring a windows based mini in-truck PC that I could place on the cup holder slides (minus the cup holder) so I could pull it out and flip up the touch screen. I just have a lot of other projects to complete before I get around to that one.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 329
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From: Carroll County, MD
The USB version of the AE gets it's power from the USB port, not the connector on the truck, so make sure if you get the USB version that whatever device you are using it with can power it.
From what I understand, some of the other versions draw their power from the OBD-II connector, so just keep that in mind.
Now what we need to figure out is how to connect the AE to some of the newer in-dash head units, like the one strokin_it7.3 just put in. That would just be plain old sweet.
From what I understand, some of the other versions draw their power from the OBD-II connector, so just keep that in mind.
Now what we need to figure out is how to connect the AE to some of the newer in-dash head units, like the one strokin_it7.3 just put in. That would just be plain old sweet.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
The mini-puter/carputer configuration I currently have in mind would have to have its own power source, not thru an interface connector. The power unit/inverter and seperate mini processor board/hardware would be under dash somewhere with a cable to the touch screen.
Can you point me to info/pics of strokin_it7.3 in dash head unit.
Can you point me to info/pics of strokin_it7.3 in dash head unit.