Recommended Alternative Scan Tool/Code Reader to Durametric

[78F350]

I'm currently using a TOPDON AD600S and recommend it if you are looking for one that you can use on a wide variety of vehicles. It can read all of the basic diagnostic codes for DME, ABS, Transmission, and SRS. Live data works well for the engine and it does include Camshaft Deviation. Also good on my VW TDI, Hondas, Toyotas, and daughter's F150.



I also have an old PST2 running on a decades old Toshiba laptop. With the TOPDON available, there isn't much that I use the PST2 for.

[dkh]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I'm currently using a TOPDON AD600S and recommend it if you are looking for one that you can use on a wide variety of vehicles. It can read all of the basic diagnostic codes for DME, ABS, Transmission, and SRS. Live data works well for the engine and it does include Camshaft Deviation. Also good on my VW TDI, Hondas, Toyotas, and daughter's F150.



I also have an old PST2 running on a decades old Toshiba laptop. With the TOPDON available, there isn't much that I use the PST2 for.

Thanks for that recommendation! It also has pretty good ratings with buyers on Amazon. I was hoping to get something that would also support my VW. I know that almost all basic OBDII scan tools can work on almost every car. I have a cheap one that can at least read basic codes on my Boxster and VW but this looks like it could provide more info that that basic one I have. This is likely what I'll get.

Thanks again,
Ken

[redpepperracing]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I'm currently using a TOPDON AD600S and recommend it if you are looking for one that you can use on a wide variety of vehicles. It can read all of the basic diagnostic codes for DME, ABS, Transmission, and SRS. Live data works well for the engine and it does include Camshaft Deviation. Also good on my VW TDI, Hondas, Toyotas, and daughter's F150.

Thanks for that, it's super hard to find good information on what ones will work with the Boxster. I almost bought one of those on Prime day, but I was scared off because of the lack of compatibility info. Now I know.

[dkh]

Originally Posted by redpepperracing

Thanks for that, it's super hard to find good information on what ones will work with the Boxster. I almost bought one of those on Prime day, but I was scared off because of the lack of compatibility info. Now I know.

Good thing about Amazon ordering is that usually most things are returnable if you're not happy with them. I'm probably going to order this one or the AD500 which is a little bit less expensive but not as many functions. There is also an "upgraded" AD600 which looks like it is a slightly newer model and is a little more expensive although there are currently some coupon deals on these items that put their prices a bit lower. The Topdon TopScan device that depends on software on your mobile phone or tablet looks interesting too and possibly even more capability but after one year you have to pay a subscription (~$50/year I think) to keep all the functions working. But that level of upgradeability might be worth the subscription cost.

Here's a screenshot of the Amazon listings for the AD500 and the TopScan devices.

[dkh]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I'm currently using a TOPDON AD600S and recommend it if you are looking for one that you can use on a wide variety of vehicles. It can read all of the basic diagnostic codes for DME, ABS, Transmission, and SRS. Live data works well for the engine and it does include Camshaft Deviation. Also good on my VW TDI, Hondas, Toyotas, and daughter's F150.



I also have an old PST2 running on a decades old Toshiba laptop. With the TOPDON available, there isn't much that I use the PST2 for.

Does the TOPDON AD600D report camshaft deviation in percent deviation? The TOPDON AD500 (2024 new version) reports it but not in percent.

[theiceman]

seems we still don't have consensus on a bidirectional unit ..

i have VCDS for my VW/Audi and it is an outstanding tool.. with great support.. too bad we don't have something like this for Porsche.

Still waiting to see where you guys finally land on this ..

for me i need
1. Code decoding and explanations
2. Monitoring real time data
3. Logging capability of real time data
4. Bidirectional capability to do output tests.

can durametric even do the above ?

[Hamstuh]

Adding my own personal opinion. Ive been on the hunt for alternatives too for a while, although after all I have read, watched, and experienced from high end scanners to low end. I think a Durametric might just be the best option to move forward with. I get its a bit more expensive than a $100 scanner although the differences in what a Durametric can do are night and day. Ive used a Zeus and Apollo Snapon Scanner down to a $20 bluetooth OBD reader and I think I will be buying a Durametric this week.

Because porsche is so proprietary with their product, it does make it harder to use certain functions when it comes to diag or monitoring and from researching all about the Durametric ($300). it provides everything you need for the 986 while regular scanners tend to be limited to basic scanning and light live data without graphs or in depth options such as a Durametric.

Best advise I can give to anyone looking is to do your research and more specifically on YOUTUBE. You will see the best results there with the limitations of other products and benefits over others. I was and even am still a bit hesitant on buying a Durametric over a scanner as i work on other vehicles too but Im going to buy one this week as its worth the investment and I do not plan on selling my 99 Boxster in the near future. What you buy 100% depends on what you want to use it for. If you dont plan on going DEEP into your Boxster just get a basic scanner. If you really plan on investing time into understanding your cars behaviors and potential issues that are porsche direct, invest in a Durametric.

[Hamstuh]

bumping this thread again for some second opinions. As i last mentioned, I will be buying a Durametric this week. Now my conflict is whether I should get the Pro or Enthusiast version. I do only have 1 boxster myself however connections with others are always great, I have a buddy that has a 996 that could some day need it leaving me only 1 vin left, Truthfully it seems like kind of a waste to spend $300 just to be limited to 3 vehicles

Didnt realize until recently that there are quite a active users here in Arizona, and i wouldnt be opposed to going the pro version just in the event said people might need to use it someday

[78F350]

Originally Posted by dkh

Does the TOPDON AD600D report camshaft deviation in percent deviation? The TOPDON AD500 (2024 new version) reports it but not in percent.

My AD600S reports the deviation in degrees, not percent.

[Danimal]

Used Duramterics come up for sale pretty often. I bought mine used on this site for $100. Still has two VINs and did not log mine after using it. There is a 986/996 for sale facebook group that tends to have them too.

I vote used durametric and if you need the unlimited version, worry about it later. The real challenge is finding an old windows laptop that can run it....at least it was for me.

[Hamstuh]

Originally Posted by Danimal

Used Duramterics come up for sale pretty often. I bought mine used on this site for $100. Still has two VINs and did not log mine after using it. There is a 986/996 for sale facebook group that tends to have them too.

I vote used durametric and if you need the unlimited version, worry about it later. The real challenge is finding an old windows laptop that can run it....at least it was for me.

the compatibility specs on their website says basically any windows laptop can run it. are there strict limitations that i should know about ? buying a laptop isnt an issue

[Danimal]

Yes, there is a section saying that it needs to have an older version of .NET protocol enabled. I could not enable it on a relative’s newer windows laptop (there are many posts about people having similar issues on Reddit, YouTube etc. trying to enable it for other reasons). But I was able to enable it on my mom’s old laptop.

I am a Mac user and didn’t want to buy a used laptop and hope it is compatible….so I had to beg and borrow what was available.

Originally Posted by Hamstuh

the compatibility specs on their website says basically any windows laptop can run it. are there strict limitations that i should know about ? buying a laptop isnt an issue

[Hamstuh]

Originally Posted by Danimal

Yes, there is a section saying that it needs to have an older version of .NET protocol enabled. I could not enable it on a relative’s newer windows laptop (there are many posts about people having similar issues on Reddit, YouTube etc. trying to enable it for other reasons). But I was able to enable it on my mom’s old laptop.

I am a Mac user and didn’t want to buy a used laptop and hope it is compatible….so I had to beg and borrow what was available.

Correct me if im wrong, I do work with computers quite a bit. My first thought would be to install an older version of windows and then install the proper .net for it ? I read a bit online and saw win 10 can cause some issues though a 32 bit windows 7 has worked. With that said, a fresh media creation tool install of windows should allow that protocol to install properly and therefore work ?

[78F350]

I don't know about the AD500. This is how my AD600S showed cam deviation on one of my 2001s:

[theiceman]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I don't know about the AD500. This is how my AD600S showed cam deviation on one of my 2001s:

Thanks for this pic.

yup this is exactly what i would have expected .... below is what the 500 shows.



so looks like the 500 is an epic fail.

[theiceman]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I don't know about the AD500. This is how my AD600S showed cam deviation on one of my 2001s:

Well I have to say I am very disappointed. i splurged for the TOPDON 600S as i also have a 2001S that i wanted to monitor cam deviation on and returned the 500 as it showed non sensicle data.

Below is the results on my TOPDON 600S when trying to measure cam deviation on my Boxster.



I hope im just doing something wrong, but i dont think so ...

I think this thing is a complete waste of money.

[theiceman]

Originally Posted by dkh

Does the TOPDON AD600D report camshaft deviation in percent deviation? The TOPDON AD500 (2024 new version) reports it but not in percent.

i think he means in degrees of crank , now i have it i see it, the data presented is not useful