HP Tuners VCM scanner?

[Babaganoosh]

Anybody have any experience with this?
http://www.hptuners.com/products/vcmscanner.php

I'm looking to have a scanner for when I get my LQ4 swap done with the availability of real time data and not have a cheesy 16bit picture from a hand held.

Also unlike the other products this doesn't have vehicle licensing which is surprising so I can use it to trouble shoot other family and friends vehicles.

 

[eagle mark]

It's similar to the EFI Live I have, which also has no licensing per vehicle on scan end. Both charge for Flash end.

But both are limited to Generic OBDII PIDS or enhanced PIDS for vehicles covered! So it's not a Scan Tool that will cover all vehicles and manufacturer specific PIDS.

Since the OBDII standard covers only emissions-related powertrain systems and sensors, there is a lot information you won't be able to see with a generic OBDII scan tool.

Just to show how expensive this can add up look at this link. It's a good product I'm told but I've never used it.
http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html

Now if you wanted a PC based OBDII Scan Tool I could recommend what I have. But still just OBDII generic codes for all, not manufacturer specific. But does have options for GM, Ford enhanced. Has lots of cool data logging features and toys to boot.
http://www.palmerperformance.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=57

For a regular Scan Tool that is affordable and cover OBDI and OBDII with some enhanced manufacturer PIDS I use the AutoXray 7000 and have put it to test with freinds who are full time techs using stuff that costs sometimes 10 times more and they are PISSED that it works so well.
http://www.autoxray.com/product_detail.php?pid=136

If your planning on Tuning you'll need the flash feature so may as well start investing in HPTuner or EFI Live. I went with EFI Live because of it's ability to use the Moates RoadRunner for real time emulation and auto tune features.

HTH!

 

[Babaganoosh]

That is actually a very nice looking scanner. I will pay for the initial tune, but I would like to monitor and have the ability to watch the sensors reading out for learning. Also I would like to make simple changes to the ECM like tire size and gear ratio changes.

I really would like to buy something and not have to worry about purchasing credits or any other hidden costs. I wouldn't mind paying for the manufacturing specific package if it is reasonable.

I just cant see spending the same for a hand held as I could get PC support for the same cost and do more.

 

[eagle mark]

The only way your going to make any change, for tire size or gears or anything is EFI Live or HP Tuners. They both come with enough license/credits for a couple vehicles. There is no free hacking option like the old chips.

The other options were scan tool only!

Forget OE equiptment as the price is astronomical and even then can't change the file, just load one.

The only other option for LS engine transplants or tuning is a Moates RoadRunner at $599 and TunerPro RT can run it, the files are ready and being improved.
http://www.gearhead-efi.com/Fuel-Injection/showthread.php?1335-TunerPro-XDF-for-0411-LS1-PCM-Project

But this is a USB cable from modified PCM to laptop. The flashing through OBDII port is not used. This flashing is the complicated matter of why it's not been done yet but guys are working on it and have been for years! Just the cable that translates vehicle language to computer language is $300. There's three protocols since 1996 for OBDII. EFI Live and HPTuners cable with box in the middle handles them all.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Dang, sounds like I need to make some compromises or come up with $600.

No way I can afford a tech2 and the 16bit picture is very disappointing especially for the initial price of around $3000.

What would you recommend me doing for a reasonable affordable price?

 

[eagle mark]

What would you recommend me doing for a reasonable affordable price?

Fast food dollar menu?

There's no cheap way into this. Do you really need to flash tune? Do you really need a scan tool?

 

[Babaganoosh]

Most likely I don't need any of this, I just want a way to read what my ECM is doing after my swap is done.