Counterfeit Durametric Cables

[Mark_T]

I hear ya, Mike, and it's definitely an argument that has merit, more so if it was version 5 or 6 of the software that the device was capable of running. The highest version of software this device will run is version 3. Durametric didn't seem too concerned about it when I spoke with them and, in reality, they probably care about this as much as Microsoft cares about an unlicenced copy of Windows 3.11 for Workgroups. And it will become a moot point once I purchase the real kit.

There sure are some self-righteous people in this forum. I made this post as a friendly gesture to help prevent this from happening to others, not so some podium-thumpers could lecture me on ethics.

[papasmurf]

It is kind of sad how you are being flamed. You did not intentionally set out to purchase something that was illegal or violated patents, copyrights, etc. but in the end you suffered on both ends...by having been duped into purchasing a copycat product and by being flamed by others for purchasing a copycat product. It would be an issue I think if you had intentions to resale it or you were running a repair shop with counterfeit durametric software.

[Norminhouston]

Right on, Mark T. Ignore those people.

Norm

[manolo]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

There sure are some self-righteous people in this forum. I made this post as a friendly gesture to help prevent this from happening to others, not so some podium-thumpers could lecture me on ethics.

Forums can be very helpful sometimes.

But sometimes its just not worth posting... everyone's a tough guy and an expert behind a keyboard. I don't post much or share my point of view for this reason exactly. I have done many of the mods/projects discussed here and I don't share my experiences very often. I have my own workshop/dyno and I know how to use it.

I work in motorsports. Over the past 10 years, when I have received an email/complaint/criticism from an internet tough guy and have to represent/defend the company I work for, I make a point to ask them for their phone number, or give them mine. I try to get them on the phone and speak directly whenever possible. Everytime they turn into a complete pussycat... even more so in person.

My point is, it's best not to say anything over the internet that you wouldnt say to another person directly, maybe at the next PCA event, AX, etc. On a personal note, I'm a slight @$$h01€. So if I'm an ass here, I would probably be an ass if I met you too.

[eightsandaces]

Paul, If someone was trying to cheat Durametric with malice I'd be of the same mindset you present. Since that was not the case and since Durametric themselves did not request the unit be destroyed, maybe you could lighten up a bit.

AND If you're as altruistic as you wish to present yourself why not busy your energy on doing something positive for someone today instead of trying to judge a guy looking out for his forum friends? If you think it through clearly, he was looking out for Durametric too, telling us it's an old version and a bootleg is going to stop the rest of us from making the same mistake, which was his point all along. Worry about the dirt in your own yard, I'm sure you have some human edges that could use a trim, get back to your own work...

[Paul]

I judged no one, just asked questions.

[J'sboxie]

first one i pull up and all i can say is "wow"!!!now I feel bad about taking off the label on my mattress!!!

[vipola]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

I hear ya, Mike, and it's definitely an argument that has merit, more so if it was version 5 or 6 of the software that the device was capable of running. The highest version of software this device will run is version 3. Durametric didn't seem too concerned about it when I spoke with them and, in reality, they probably care about this as much as Microsoft cares about an unlicenced copy of Windows 3.11 for Workgroups. And it will become a moot point once I purchase the real kit.

There sure are some self-righteous people in this forum. I made this post as a friendly gesture to help prevent this from happening to others, not so some podium-thumpers could lecture me on ethics.

Thanks alot! I am glad you toke the time to share your badluck with us

Originally Posted by mikefocke

every time you use the bootleg cable with the software that is not purchased from Durametric, you are committing a crime and depriving Durametric of its rightful income to pay for its developers and to fund their work to make improvements to the software as well as to achieve profits they are entitled to by reason of their investment in creating the software.

Any other reasoning is a rationalization to justify your selfish profiting from your actions.

I'm sorry to use such harsh language but I made my living developing software and had to meet a payroll and people who stole my intellectual property cost my people jobs and or raises.

And I guess you NEVER EVER downloaded an mp3 without the proper right?.. and that you pay every single piece of software on your computer?

I also make my living developing software.. but taking such attitude won't get sympaty of anyone buying more software..

and by the way, Durametric give away there software for free.. they sell the cable.. they say you can try their software with other cable, but that It will most likely not work.. Someone reverse-engineered the Durametric Cable and had it to work.. so where is the problem??
Also don't forget that Durametric itself reverse-engineered Porsche PST2 and PIWIS..
All those Durametric Cable get alot of $ away from Porsche Dealers..

So do you realise that you are actually defending a compagny who copied someone else product and make money on someone else behalf?.. and you do so talking us about peoples stoling intelectual property ?..

[mikefocke]

is an open protocol meaning that anyone can use it. It is specifically designed by the lawmakers to allow third parties to maintain cars and not restrict repairs to authorized dealers.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/opendiag/ would give an insight to the many people using that interface.

Now somehow using an open protocol for what it is designed for as Durametric does seem ok to me. See Actron et al.

Porsche has lawyers and somehow I think that if Durametric was violating some right that Porsche wished to assert via a cease and desist, Durametric would have heard by now.

Now if Durametric specifically permits by license ( as opposed to merely feeling there is no point in incurring the legal costs of enforcing the license) the use of their s/w with third party cables, then I owe the OP an apology. And if his intent was to point out the advantages of buying the real Durametric cable and s/w then again, I apologize. There is no s/w license info on the Durametric web site that I know of. (Yes, I read the darn things before ordering. I wrote them in a prior life.)

[Mark_T]

Hey Mike, it's all good. This sparked off an interesting debate and I have to admit that I was surprised by the direction the thread took, and by how strongly some people feel about these issues. As far as I'm concerned, everyone is entitled to their opinion (well, except that guy that came on here and referred to the love of my life as "disposable crap" - he oughta have his nuts slammed in a drawer! ) and where better to express that opinion than in a discussion forum.

[extanker]

you bought it in good faith so no foul.....of course if the FBI comes for you ...dont be taken alive...inmates take a dim view of copywrite preverts

[Mark_T]

Actually, it would be the Mounties, and I always keep a box of donuts by the door just in case.

[Paul]

None of my questions were intended to lecture anyone or question anyone's ethics. This reminds me of the old cliché "if the shoe fits, wear it."

I just wanted to discuss an interesting subject since more and more of this is happening in just about every industry.

Indeed, given the circumstances I agree with Mark's solution, but in the end this is just another indication that our way of life will be continued to be threatened by others that can do things cheaper than we can.