scantool vs autotap

shakes · 11-17-2003, 06:53 PM

scantool looks like a good, cheap obd ii option. But autotap looks like it has a cleaner interface and offers a ton more data. but the one for my car is like $280!

Does anyone have a manufacturer specific autotap? care to comment?

how bout the scantool?

I'm wondering if it'd be too hard to get the scantool and write my own app to access the custom chrysler parameters. Anyone done this?

cproaudio · 11-18-2003, 01:16 AM

Scantool does not make an ALL IN ONE obd-2 reader. Autotap does. If you buy the Scantool's tri combo reader, you'll get the cables, and 3 black boxes. You have to interchange the boxes to match the car's ptotocol.
From what I understand, Autotap's software only works with autotap. They do not offer source codes to you for writing your own interface. Scantool scanner will work with 3rd party software. I believe they even have to source codes for you to write your own software.
Both scanners seem to be able to clear check engine lights.

shakes · 11-18-2003, 07:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by cproaudio

Scantool does not make an ALL IN ONE obd-2 reader. Autotap does.

how do you mean? it seems to me like you have to buy a different autotap for every protocol as well. if you go to the 'buy now' page there's an option to buy the "generic parameters" and the "enhanced parameters" for each protocol.

autotaps software looks a lot more ... how you say ... "polished".

i'm thinking the scantool may be a better overall option for the price and custom code can be written to get at all the 'enhanced' items

cproaudio · 11-18-2003, 07:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by shakes

how do you mean? it seems to me like you have to buy a different autotap for every protocol as well. if you go to the 'buy now' page there's an option to buy the "generic parameters" and the "enhanced parameters" for each protocol.

http://www.autotap.com/autotap_windo...ducts.html#All

http://www.scantool.net/combo_packages.htm#triple_combo

Quote: Originally Posted by shakes

autotaps software looks a lot more ... how you say ... "polished".
i'm thinking the scantool may be a better overall option for the price and custom code can be written to get at all the 'enhanced' items

AFAIK Autotap scanners only works with autotap software. There's no 3rd party software for it. In case you dont like the enterface or get tired of the interface, you're stuck with it. There are 3rd party software avaliable for Scantool

shakes · 11-18-2003, 07:49 PM

yeah i noticed the all in one unit from autotap after i posted that last one.

I'm thinking the scantool will be better for a starter system ... at least to see if it's worth spending the extra money on ... for $100 you can't go wrong ...

it'd still be cool to hear if anyone on here has the autotap...

shakes · 11-19-2003, 11:43 AM

did you get the "general parameters" version or the "enhanced parameters"?

2k1civic.com · 11-26-2003, 09:46 PM

I have the autotap, but have not had a chance to really use it. the software is very lackluster. there should be gauge type display for most things.
I haven't tried the source, but if it's not vb, I won't be able to do anything with it.

shakes · 11-26-2003, 09:58 PM

the autotap software is lackluster? the screenshots they have on their site look pretty impressive compared to scantool ...

2k1civic.com · 11-26-2003, 10:00 PM

sorry, i had autotap on my mind, but meant scantool.