[Automotive] Took a chance on OBDLink SX USB

[cliffordcooley]

For several years the only Diagnostic Tool I had was Innova Scantool. The Innova Scantool allowed for both OBDI and OBDII scanning. It served its purpose and for the most part I was happy with it.

Innova 1203

The Innova Scantool went out leaving me without for a few months. I had no idea what options were available to me. I did a few searches and came across a Scantool you can connect to a PC. Not knowing anything about the device, I wasn't sure if I wanted to risk purchasing. Luckily the price was not bad at all. For less than $40 dollars I didn't see much harm in trying.

OBDLink® SX USB - http://www.obdlink.com/sxusb/

I can honestly say I love this device. It does quite a bit more than a handheld scanner. The device comes with a free license to software called OBDwiz [https://www.scantool.net/obdwiz/]. Anyone with a Ford (like myself) can take advantage of free software designed specifically for Fords called FORScan [http://forscan.org/]. FORScan gives access that OBDwiz requires an additional paid license to perform.

For those that don't want to be tethered to a USB cable, there are WiFi and Bluetooth options available. OBD Interfaces that OBDwiz software is packaged with for free.

• OBDLink MX Bluetooth
• OBDLink LX Bluetooth
• OBDLink MX Wi-Fi
• OBDLink SX

I do have one Ford that is not OBDII and for OBDI the OBDLink SX does not work. For Fords that are not OBDII there are few options. Unless you spend a couple hundred dollars on a scanner that scans both OBDI and OBDII. I finally decided to purchase a Ford OBDI code reader. It is nothing fancy but it does its job fantastically (with the included half inch thick book - lol).

INNOVA 3145 - https://www.innova.com/en-US/Product/Detail/3145

Just the other day I decided to purchase a tablet just for reading trouble codes with OBDLink SX. This is still work in progress. Just received the tablet and have been updating Windows 10 Home to a new build that has of yet not been publicly released. I am happy to announce I have build 1803 (soon to be publicly released) installed and running perfect. Now I just need to get used to operating the tablet by touch. I think I will be best served by getting a touch pen for user interface by touch.

Insignia Flex 8.9" Tablet 32GB Black - https://www.insigniaproducts.com/pdp/NS-P89W6100/4574814

Refurbished from newegg for $70. But hey if it works, why not? - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA10V5X33999

Now I just have to figure out which adapter I want to use, for convert from Micro USB to USB (which includes charging at the same time). I'm thinking this adapter might be what I'm looking for, but I haven't made up my mind on it yet.

ELEGIANT 4 in 1 Micro USB HUB Adapter with Power - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIADF461R4841

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[mailpup]

Cliff, do you happen to know if this has any bidirectional functions such as turning components on and off for testing purposes? I took a quick look at the link and didn't notice any. I'm currently using an Innova 3160 scan tool but I'm now looking to upgrade to a more professional scan tool, like something from the Autel Maxisys line.

 

[cliffordcooley]

That's a good question. Honestly I hadn't thought about it. That may depend on the software used with the device, or possibly the licensed additions to the software. I myself have not gotten into anything like that yet. Though I can see the benefit to having that feature. I do know the run test will check the system and turn solenoids on and off. So there is bidirectional communication. I just can't tell you if there is manual user control (not yet anyway).

 

[mailpup]

Thanks. As you become more familiar with its capabilities I'm sure you'll discover whatever limits it has as well.

 

[cliffordcooley]

If I had experience with the pro tools, I'm sure I'd see the difference very quickly.