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Ramblings from Fred: Diagnostic Equipment Today
Just back in the office from Independence Day, 2016.
While enjoying my 3 day weekend pressure washing and playing catch up on an entire laundry list of things that need done and the round-tuit has grown to the size that can be seen from space. While mindlessly power washing the dock, I started thinking about the state of diagnostic equipment today.
One of the biggest rumors floating around my little town of Columbus, IN is that the newest version of Cummins ECM command control is only going to be readable by Cummins Inline #?. This makes me stop and scratch my head. I know the reasoning behind it. If you do not like what a 3rd party diagnostic company is doing, let them know about it. You can always design your own fuel pump. Now the smart phone app and Bluetooth adapter sounds really nice for those going into Canada. I guess time will only tell on this one. I have to say trying to force everyone to buy a new translator is not going to go over well with the shops. Come to think of it, making it harder to find a shop that can work on your truck probably will not help engine sales any also.
A couple of weeks ago big news came out of Noregon. In the past few years Noregon has really perfected JPro software and teaming it up with NextStep is a total game changer. In the days that everything is getting more and more expensive, Noregon just announced a huge reduction in price. If you already own a computer with all the factory OEM software they have now made it cost effective to add a second computer or if you have nothing to get on board with computer based diagnostics. It is now practical and saves money as well as ends having mechanics setting around waiting their turn with the computer or having to get someone to come in a read the truck for you.
DG Technologies - I still call this the Dearborn Box. These are nice rugged interfaces that come with a FREE diagnostic software package. It is somewhat limited in what it can do but it is FREE. I keep looking at DG’s advertisements and they talk about everything the DBA5 can do but forget to mention you get FREE software. I know I am kind of fixated on the free software.
Nexiq is just being Nexiq and building the industry leader bullet proof USBLink II. It is no wonder that they build so many of the factory OEM data links for them. It is amazing how many emails I get from people wanting to buy the John Deere translator. They all know Nexiq builds it and you are a Nexiq factory distributor. If I could sell JD Boxes I could hire someone to write this blog for me while I sit on a beach. The IQ diagnostic hand held has been discontinued. The pocket IQ is a really nice handheld unit and will do a lot for the money.
To wrap this up all the translator boxes have pluses and minuses. Give us a call at Apex Tool Company and we can help you decide what is the best answer for your needs.
As always happy wrenching…
Fred