Autel MD802 vs Durametric (side by side comparison)

[sfkjeld]

Where did you see “refurbished” units?

[p3230]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

OBD II code deciphering is not a function of the software, the software just tells you what codes you are dealing with. Unfortunately Porsche (as do many other OEM's) has always treated this information as some sort of state secret. At one time, the actually published an excellent OBD II diagnostic's manual, which contained complete "decision tree" steps for diagnosing and correcting each code, but this manual sold for around $2K and is no longer in print as it is now built into their PIWIS III.

Yes I know what you mean that it's not a function of the software but you would expect somebody that makes software for a product to be able to help you a bit not just plainly say, your on your own. These engineers that make that software must know a little bit what they are doing and should be able to help us.

[dlud]

sjkjeld: if you go to the Durametric web site you will find reference to the fact that they occasionally have refurbished units available. I emailed and they had one.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by p3230

Yes I know what you mean that it's not a function of the software but you would expect somebody that makes software for a product to be able to help you a bit not just plainly say, your on your own. These engineers that make that software must know a little bit what they are doing and should be able to help us.

They cannot do this for a very simple reason: The OBD II diagnostics are the copyrighted intellectual property of PCNA, and they do not release the rights to anyone and go after anyone that uses them without their permission. And if you don't think they are serious, I received a warning from PCNA lawyers for posting a page from the OBD II Diagnostics manual on another website and was ordered to remove it.

[p3230]

Wow they sure are p%@&ks. Did you get the OBD II manual legally though?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by p3230

Wow they sure are p%@&ks. Did you get the OBD II manual legally though?

Yes, ours are legitimate, they used to sell them to anybody with the price of admission, which was admittedly steep for a large three ring binder. When you purchased them, you were registered for updates. We actually have them for a couple of Porsche models, and over the years have received literally dozens of updated or amended pages as part of the process, which was nice for a shop. if memory serves, we received around 90 or so updates for the 986 manual alone over the years.

[sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by dlud

sjkjeld: if you go to the Durametric web site you will find reference to the fact that they occasionally have refurbished units available. I emailed and they had one.

Thank you. I emailed them and none available. They said they will not keep a wait list. I am in no rush tho as my Boxster will be garaged until May. So I guess I need to ping them weekly. I wonder how often one comes up?

[maytag]

I'm getting ready to take the plunge for a durametric.
I'm sorry to say that their website sucks, and leaves much to my imagination.

Can y'all help me determine which version I should buy? There's a couple versions of "pro", and two versions of the "enthusiast", one which says "up to 3 vin", but no other description of the difference between the multiple models.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

[rick3000]

The pro has unlimited VIN's, the enthusiast is capped at 3 VIN's, not sure why there would be two enthusiast versions, perhaps one has a longer cable? The guys that run Durametric are nice and I have heard they will reset the cable for you if you hit the cap, but I wouldn't expect it. You can also do an exchange for the pro if you hit the 3 VIN cap. Give them a call before you buy one and ask if they have any refurbished cables available, you might be able to save a few bucks.

My Durametric has actually never logged a VIN, when I asked them about it they told me I must be lucky . Their support for troubleshooting the software is really good, but they provide no information on what the data you get from the car means, and there isn't much info available online to help you decipher it. But even at $300 it's cheaper than paying a dealer to reset an airbag light.

Hope that helps!

[p3230]

There are cheaper readers that will do the same thing, and work on other cars.

[dlud]

Has anyone kept a list of the Durametric listed parameters and the expected ranges? I'm thinking about the "actual values" listings.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by p3230

There are cheaper readers that will do the same thing, and work on other cars.

There are cheaper readers, but I would really like to see one that matches ALL of the functions of the Durametric system; including system activations. We get visited by just about everyone selling scan tools; ranging in price from less than $100 to over $5,000, and we are yet to see one that can match the Durametric either in capabilities or in price..................

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by dlud

Has anyone kept a list of the Durametric listed parameters and the expected ranges? I'm thinking about the "actual values" listings.

Listed in the OEM service manual set and to some degree in the Bentley manual.

[dlud]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Listed in the OEM service manual set and to some degree in the Bentley manual.

Thanks. Thought maybe someone had put together a handy spreadsheet or listing of normal value ranges.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by dlud

Thanks. Thought maybe someone had put together a handy spreadsheet or listing of normal value ranges.

Only problem is the total number of values due to model changes runs multiple pages. All depends upon what you are looking for.

[dlud]

I see a commercial opportunity here. : )

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by dlud

I see a commercial opportunity here. : )

Just be careful, Porsche NA is absolutely draconian about anyone republishing, particularly for commercial purposes, what they have claimed as their protected intellectual property; which is just about everything from their owner's manuals to their service bulletins. They have attempted to close down websites like this one over just such issues...............

[p3230]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

There are cheaper readers, but I would really like to see one that matches ALL of the functions of the Durametric system; including system activations. We get visited by just about everyone selling scan tools; ranging in price from less than $100 to over $5,000, and we are yet to see one that can match the Durametric either in capabilities or in price..................

I know what you mean but how many do it yourselfer's that need a $1000.00 reader that will not do anymore than what a $100.00 reader will do for them. You can clear air bag codes engine codes with an Autel and it won't cost you that much. I know where your coming from because you repair Porches' so you need something more precise than any of us, I'm surprised you don't have a PIWIS or a PST2.

[356Guy]

Anybody seen this? Schwaben Pro Scan

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_STGEN1_pg3.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=scan_models&utm_source=Pelican+Pit+Stop+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4d9a027be4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e247719183-4d9a027be4-68631377

[Anker]

Originally Posted by 356Guy

Anybody seen this? Schwaben Pro Scan

The list of features and the price look really good. Can anybody chime in and identify things that a Durametric does that this doesn't?