Laptop powered Consult on ebay?

[Black stallion]

I've only found one post in reference to a consult on ebay and it was the real thing.

I wanted to know if anyone was familiar with some of the "laptop assisted" consult plugs on ebay. They range in price from about 50 bucks to a couple hundred bucks and offer software to go along with the plug.

Would this be a cheap go-between for the diy enthusiast who would rather spend 4 grand on mods or is this a total waste of time and money?

My experience has been how could Infinity afford to still sell Q's if Kia could make the same car for 20k? You get where I'm coming from? Kind of like those so-called performance fuel economy power "resistors"

Or did I just answer my own question?

Either way I just wanted to throw that out. I apologize for not yet learning how to post links or I would have included a couple examples of what I'm talking about.

[elwesso]

i think buying a consult is stupid.. Even if you HAD to have the real thing, 4 grand would go a long way towards dealership diagnostics...

The DIY consults work reasonably... Not 100% and you cant get all the features but its not bad....

[AZhitman]

Get one here and save yourself $1900.

http://ad.nicoclub.com/phpads/...jerry

I have one and love it.

[elwesso]

greg (sorry if I asked this before), but can you do anything else, like read AT codes and stuff like that, or is it just engine stuff?

[Q451990]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW

This is one I wouldn't mind testing. I think it's the same thing as the one I built (without success) with a kit from Robert. Never did figure that one out... someday I'll mess with it. For the price, it's almost as cheap as the parts and connectors...

Someone should try it out and let us know how it works!

Heath

[Black stallion]

It seems to me these products may in fact be a feasable alternative to the much more expensive counterparts.

Maybe I'll try a couple of them and see. I noticed that some offer a lifetime subscription/upgrade.

[maxnix]

Will it measure and report the 8 cylinder engines also?

[elwesso]

as far as I know, im going to buy one soon and test it..

[Q45tech]

As I remember the V8 throws some curves with power balance test and other short term diagnostic adjustments but these read temp, ignition advance and MAF and O2 codes etc.

Much much better than nothing.

The interface is fine just that the software is incomplete based on using a 300zx as a reference to develop.

Somebody could finish writing the extra software.

[carlosinseattle]

I had a Mitsubishi 300GT VR4.We had a palm pilot and laptop based software program that did everything the dealer's diagnostic equipment could do. I will say the Q45 has a far better on board diagnostic system than the VR4 had. I do believe in these, and I'll buy it and let you guys know how it turns out.

[Black stallion]

If several people here are buying it, let's try not to bump heads on ebay. I think at least three brands offer a buy it now; My interest would be finding out which is the best. BTW I'm centerinc on ebay.

[goody90q45]

I purchased the one Greg (AZHitman) posted. It was $120 shipped from New Zealand so I may not get it before Christmas. I'll let you all know how it works.

[sdkhalsa]

I use the Nissan DataScan software and it has worked out very well. It handles 8 clylinders, power balancing, idle adjustment, mixture, oxygen sensor data, MAF data, ignition, timing, etc. I purchased the serial port interface off ebay for about $30 and it worked fine although their connector was a shotgun affair. I later found an OEM connector($24) through a diagnostic equipment company that works perfectly. Meanwhile, the DataScan software is free, but there is a $20 something dollar activation fee. If you would like further information, I can dredge-up all the web sites. All in all, if you do your own work, this rig is very worthwhile. One feature that you will no doubt use is the ability to cut out individual cylinders so as to locate faulty injectors or ignition coils.

[elwesso]

does anyone know if they slel interfaces compatible with a Ipaq PocketPC.... I have my PPC around most of the time...

[ponzy]

If several people here are buying it, let's try not to bump heads on ebay. I think at least three brands offer a buy it now; My interest would be finding out which is the best. BTW I'm centerinc on ebay.

count me in guys....just wanna know if its worth it...esp. if you're trying to keep your q and would also in some other cars....I'm interested on all info's about this laptop-powered-scan tool for Q45.

thanks

[elwesso]

just so everyone knows, I bought one off ebay and the guy that I got it from is a NICO member... he is willing to give us a good deal for a group buy once Im done testing it. I ordered it 2 days ago, im guessing ill have it by next tuesday or so...

[Meaux]

If your test is positive, I'm in...

[ponzy]

thanks for the reply....anyways.... to all nico members, happy holidays

just drop me a line at [email protected]. and how about those springs man, any news? i have to fix it sooner or later but ill fix the injectors first.

[Jberger]

Why buy from eBay when you can get them from Blazt (jerry) and others with full support and registered software. There's very little reason for the the average DIY'r to but a real consult, the laptop units are a great value.

After having received a bad consult cable and having to get it swapped, I can say that support is important enough to spend a few more bucks. And buy the Serial version with the keyspan adapter, I could never get the USB unit to work correctly.

[rubdog]

If your test is positive, I'm in...

Hey I'm a new member and I would also like to know how your test went with the software and cable. Also looking to purchase one if everything works out.

[elwesso]

so far, I havent been able to get mine to work, so im working on an alternative solution.

Let me say that I am going to set this up for NICO members to get a worry free consult that includes everything you need!

[ponzy]

ny new updates......????

thanks

[elwesso]

I had to get a new board, waiting on it hopefully tomorrow...

[Jesda]

You rock.

[ponzy]

[Black stallion]

GOOOO WES!

[elwesso]

Didnt get it today, hoping for monday before I go back to school...

[ponzy]

are there any other laptop-powered scan tool for the q beside this one?

thanks
Modified by ponzy at 8:24 PM 1/8/2007

[ponzy]

wazzz..up dude...?

[slipnfall]

Hi Guys, I'm likely one of the three sellers you have seen on eBay. I designed a USB (laptop powered) board and have had great feedback from them. I am not setup to do large scale production runs, mainly because I don't have the time/money to invest in such a venture. (I still hold a day job. ) This is also the *only* reason I haven't delved into sponsorship here at NICO: I would rather have a few happy customers over many ho-hum ones. This isn't a business venture, just something I do on the side to keep busy.

Anyways, if anyone is interested, feel free to contact me. Wes get in touch with me if you wish to setup a one-time group buy. I can deal with large orders if I can expect it.

Cheers,Jamie

PS - to those who may be interested, they *do* include the OEM DDL connector, and the entire board/cable/etc is enclosed in a durrable epoxy/rubber enclosure. Only quality components and parts are used, and every aspect from assembling, testing(on my own S13), support is done by me personally. Price is reasonable(<$80 shipped), includes warranty, and shipped/supported in the good 'ole USofA. Software is up to the end user, only because there are plenty of free versions out there to get you up and running.