Scan tool recomendation...what are you all using...??

[911 tweaks]

what are you guys using to scan 1990 and newer porsche's for trouble codes & to reset the service reminder...??
I am trying to find a reasonably priced device that DOES NOT require using a lap top computer = a hand held device w/ an adequate monitor to read the codes, be able to reset & clear codes, ect...
thx for your input...Bob

[JFP in PA]

There are only two Porsche specific tools, the PIWIS and the Durametric system, both require a laptop to use. The PIWIS will set you back $17K for the first year's lease, the Durametric about $300 to purchase the Enthusiast system.

For non Porsche specific systems, Actron makes nice stuff at reasonable prices, but it cannot see and will not clear many of the codes on a Porsche (air bags, ABS, PSM, etc.).

[911 tweaks]

thx JFP...do you use the dura w/ a laptop...?? if so, what lap top do you use as i guess it is a durable one or maybe you use your everyday laptop...?? i only have a desk top computer at the moment... :-)
someone mentioned the PDT999 made by a place in the Netherlands...928-ecu-repair...in going to this site, it looks like it only works on 928,944, 993, 964...I need something specifically to work on all boxsters & 996/997 and if earlier 911 models all the better...
I am tweeking more & more newer cars every day...
thx for your input...Bob

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by 911 tweaks

thx JFP...do you use the dura w/ a laptop...?? if so, what lap top do you use as i guess it is a durable one or maybe you use your everyday laptop...?? i only have a desk top computer at the moment... :-)
someone mentioned the PDT999 made by a place in the Netherlands...928-ecu-repair...in going to this site, it looks like it only works on 928,944, 993, 964...I need something specifically to work on all boxsters & 996/997 and if earlier 911 models all the better...
I am tweeking more & more newer cars every day...
thx for your input...Bob

I use the Durametric Pro system, and we run it both on a Dell 600m laptop (for mobile use) and a Dell XPS tower in the shop.

Durametric system works on a wide variety of older and all current Porsche models, check out their application matrix at Porsche Model and Code Matrix for Durametric Version 6

[911 tweaks]

just herd back from paul @ 928-ecu...he says his unit will only work on older porsche models as his web cites...
well.................I guess I need to look at lap tops...as was cited over on the 911 BBS asking this same q, the dura & computer is a LOT less than the porsche hammer @ 17k and Ferrari tools...
thx guys...I'l report back what I wind up going with...Bob

[onewhippedpuppy]

OBD code reader doesn't buy you much for newer Porsches. Durametrics isn't exactly a high demand software application, get a cheap new laptop for $200 or a used one for even less.

[911 tweaks]

thx matt...i am leaning twds dura & lap top...my main concern is dropping the lap top or it sliding off of seat & hit floor & crash it = break lap top...thus, my reluctance to go lap top way...
going to check out lap tops & my mac tool guy says he has a set up to cover all of my needs...we will see & I will bounce off you guys what he says to see if it is all that he says his offering(s) are...

[onewhippedpuppy]

You could try and find an older used Panasonic Toughbook. They are a hardened laptop designed to DoD specs, we use them in aerospace for our test computers.

[Aerkuld]

Just to add my 2 cents . . .

I consider my Durametric to be one of the best tools I've bought for my car. It payed for itself first time I used it when you consider the cost of taking your car to the dealership to scan codes.

As for the laptop, I can run mine just fine on a little Acer notebook PC. As Matt correctly pointed out, the Durametric software isn't exactly demanding.

[Luxter]

Originally Posted by Aerkuld

I consider my Durametric to be one of the best tools I've bought for my car. It payed for itself first time I used it when you consider the cost of taking your car to the dealership to scan codes.

I agree !
DRL's, silly seat belt chime, comfort windows and sunroof, side markers, .... I can go on and on.
Priceless.

Durametric also works very well on Mac laptops with either BootCamp or Parallels.
In either case Windoze 7 full license is required.
Cheers,
Luke

[onewhippedpuppy]

For the Durametrics guys, how deep can you go into configuration changes with the enthusiast package? I recall reading that you couldn't do some config work without buying the professional package, such as enabling the OBC.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

For the Durametrics guys, how deep can you go into configuration changes with the enthusiast package? I recall reading that you couldn't do some config work without buying the professional package, such as enabling the OBC.

I believe you are correct on the OBC. Since the change over from Version 5 to the current iteration of Version 6, Durametric has migrated certain functions over to the "Pro" package only for a couple reasons.

You may be better served to ask Durametric directly which functions are now "Pro" only.

[Uwon]

Originally Posted by Luxter

I agree !
DRL's, silly seat belt chime, comfort windows and sunroof, side markers, .... I can go on and on.
Luke

Luke, now you got my attention....which version on Durametric controls DLRs? And what exactly do you mean by "sunroof, side markers,...."
Sure would like to know.
Thanks in advance.