Scangauge II, impressions from MY point of view

[kennith]

People will tell you it works. It does.

That's not enough for me, though. I want to know more. So, I decided to put what I consider to be very important information in a thread, in case anyone gives a shit in the future. If you like yours, and haven't bragged about it an a while, this is also a good place to do so; or simply share mounting ideas/pictures.

I encourage you to do so.

That way, when you a'holler at people to search, they will fucking have something to find!

Here are some of my observations:

It?s a rectangular prism. It doesn?t have all that stupid industrial design nonsense, such as fancy curves or otherwise misshapen features. This keeps it compact, easy to mount nearly anywhere, and prevents it from clashing with design features in a vehicle.

It?s also built well. The display housing is a good combination of weight and durability. It?s not too heavy to mount solidly with adhesives, but it?s not a flimsy piece of crap, either. When you pull it out of the package, you don?t feel like you?ve been ripped off.

For the most part, it?s standardized. They don?t use some fancy proprietary LCD or strangely shaped buttons, and the terminals on the display housing are off-the-shelf units, just like the connector on the cable. All of it can be repaired or replaced.

The terminals fit flush with the housing, keeping it from deviating from the rectangular prism shape, and I did say ?terminals?. There are two of them; one on the rear, and another on the right side. This allows clean installation in a variety of spaces, as well as more temporary installations.

Keeping with this idea, the OBD-II connector on the other end of the cable features a side output, which keeps the cable out of the way. It may only exit one side, but the cable was chosen well, and will hold fast if you?ve got to wrap it back around the housing to point in another direction.

The cable is neither too long nor too short. It?s just about right for most installations.

It?s screwed together! That?s nice. If you ever do decide to repair or replace something, you?ll be able to get to it without ripping your fingernails off.

There are also enough buttons. Too many devices don?t have enough to quickly access all their features.

The Scangauge II is set up like a MFD. Hardware buttons align with software labels in menus, and the menus are very easy to navigate. This method of operation has been proven in many difficult environments to be very intuitive.

Calibration and operation are pretty much idiot?proof. All features can be accessed quickly with very little thought.

Adding to the clever design is the adjustable illumination and color features. You can really blend it in if you want.

Both the quick-start guide and manual are glossy, colorful, full of simple diagrams, and easy to reference. While everything you need to know is thoroughly detailed, it?s not printed in a difficult to understand manner, nor is it longer or shorter than it needs to be.

They are also written entirely in English.

The warranty information is printed clearly on the back of the manual, and details a simple three year repair or replacement policy. Everything is very clear, and they are intelligent enough to ask that relevant information be included with any return, such as details about the vehicle and the problems you may have encountered.

It is clearly noted that using their support service does not diminish warranty rights.

While I have not used either their support or warranty service, I must say that the clarity and openness of language is very welcome these days. Also, a three year warranty on an electronic accessory is very good.

There are really only two improvements I can imagine:

1: Fit both ends of the cable with standardized connectors, and include two detachable OBD-II connector; each pointing in a different direction.

2: While you?re at it, add a terminal to the left side of the display housing, and include blanking plugs for each terminal that isn?t used.

Overall, it's worth every red cent of the asking price.

I picked it up because I removed some of my other gear for a while, but I'll be leaving it in even when I reinstall my stuff. I can split the signal. This is a very good little device for quick reference.

Cheers,

Kennith

THREAD IS GRADUALLY BEING UPDATED WITH MORE INFORMATION

SEE POST #13 FOR MY MUSINGS ON THE SCANNING FUNCTIONS OF THE SCANGAUGE II.

 

[Devildog01]

I agree.

 

[Tugela]

Kennith, this is a fine discussion of the SG2's physical design as an object. How about its value as a tool to diagnose codes, track vehicle performance, and store/analyze data? In other words, how about an assessment of its electronic capabilities? It doesn't matter if physically it's a Da Vinci if the electronic functionality is rubbish. Which I doubt it is, only it seems strange for someone with your attention to thoroughness to omit an obviously essential category of performance in a review.

 

[mbrummal]

Kennith, have you gotten a Nanocom Evolution from BBS yet?

 

[1920SF]

I have nothing substantive to offer on Kennith's physical description and comments; but per his lead in and other's remarks I will comment on both my placement and usage.

Placement:


Per the initial post, it's light enough to stay there via velcro without too much concern about retention (a lot of other shit would be flying around the cabin long before this goes anywhere). It also has no issue remaining in place when being manipulated. Color options allow it to be green akin to the interior lighting.

In terms of actual utilization, I'll be honest it does about two things for me:
-Reads, & clears, codes (on the move)
-Monitors coolant temp

I think historical posts have covered the coolant temp phenomenon in full-I would say that initially it was almost distracting to have it in place. It didn't help that procurement last summer aligned with the demise of a clutch fan-so I could watch the temps go up even if the idiot gauge stayed in the normal slightly below halfway area...meaning it can be 182 and be at that spot, or 210 and at that location. Having the SGII let me watch it rise, and then go slightly beyond. It then prompted the 'normal' frantic searching here and elsewhere for the 'is it my fan clutch...or does my radiator need to be rodded/has my HG gone/etc. (let us all prepare for that as spring starts in earnest and soon summer will be here with overheating Discos).

Once the new fan clutch was in I then developed a paranoia which was aided by the SGII in the sense that I could tell when the thermostat opened up, what the temp would be with the A/C on vs off, etc. Now it fades into the background but just be wary of that function.

Past that I honestly don't use it all that much. I'm likely underutilziing the capabilities but having had stand along ECM in other applications (running forced induction applications via laptop and the like) I don't really want to do that much with the truck-but it's nice to know I could do more if desired.

I guess what I like about it is akin to Kennith's treatment: it does a job, it does it well. It has elegance in its simplicity and functionality. Can you get cheaper versions that do the same, perhaps. Can it be done with a smart phone and the proper software/cables, yep. This just does it without significant effort and does it well, so for my application it works.
r-
Ray

 

[kennith]

Kennith, this is a fine discussion of the SG2's physical design as an object. How about its value as a tool to diagnose codes, track vehicle performance, and store/analyze data? In other words, how about an assessment of its electronic capabilities? It doesn't matter if physically it's a Da Vinci if the electronic functionality is rubbish. Which I doubt it is, only it seems strange for someone with your attention to thoroughness to omit an obviously essential category of performance in a review.

I deliberately avoided going into such detail in my original post. It's a fair caught, though. :rofl:

I will, however, add that detail to this thread later. The product's capabilities are balanced very carefully, and deserve a thoroughly well-considered post. Any informational misstep* could give the wrong impression entirely.

As a first step, I wanted to review facets of it's design that nobody else bothers to examine. I consider those things important, and the designers of the Scangauge II obviously considered them important, as well. These were clearly purposeful choices on their part, and they deserved to be illuminated.

For now, the occasional anecdote from other owners will suffice. If possible, I will update my original post with the rest of my review. If that's not possible, I'll simply post again in this thread. It won't be long. I'll finish it up in the next day or so.

I will also forward the text of my posts to Linear-Logic. I doubt they will find it of much consequence, but at least they will receive a nice pat on the back.

Cheers,

Kennith

*...And you all know how readily I lose track of where I was going by the end of a post.

 

[kennith]

Kennith, have you gotten a Nanocom Evolution from BBS yet?

No, but I convinced my mechanic to purchase one, and have indulged myself in it's operation. I'll certainly be picking one up.

Of late, my MSV-II and it's required computer have been fully integrated into the vehicle. Since I've been changing things around and have removed everything, I thought I'd pick up a Scangauge II. I'm glad I did, so I thought I'd give it a fair review.

It's funny being in the car with none of my stuff inside. It feels like a giant trash can.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[crown14]

I picked up one of these as well, still need to program it but so far it has been nice.

 

[jafir]

Kennith, have you gotten a Nanocom Evolution from BBS yet?

I've got one. It's great. The ONLY system that it doesn't seem to be able to talk to on a D2 is the cruise control.

 

[mbrummal]

I've got one. It's great. The ONLY system that it doesn't seem to be able to talk to on a D2 is the cruise control.

I think it does on the P38, though. They might be able to add that functionality fairly easily but I doubt they will.

 

[jafir]

I think it does on the P38, though. They might be able to add that functionality fairly easily but I doubt they will.

Colin from BBS posts on aulro quite a bit, and he has been asked about that.... there doesn't seem to be much chance he's going to do it. I'm not sure why.

It does look like they are planning to either add LR3/LR4 support or create a new device in the same form factor that does support it. I guess you download info from the car to an SD card and then make your changes on a computer and then upload the changes back to the car.

 

[mbrummal]

Yeah, from what I understand the system for the newer trucks isn't really standalone.

 

[kennith]

Scanning function:

This essentially works as a normal OBD-II scanner. Codes are presented, and it?s easy to scroll through multiple codes; clearing them if required. The chief difference between the Scangauge II and a conventional scanner is ease of use.

Conventional scanners (no matter how expensive) are stupidly designed. The manuals are sixteen inches thick and written in hieroglyphics. Furthermore, they often don?t have enough buttons, and when they do, neither their arrangement nor their function is intuitive.

Indeed, operating one is an experience similar to navigating the on screen display of a computer monitor. If you have never done this, try it now.

This scanner does not suffer such misfortune. What it gives up in excessive (generally stupidly obvious and irrelevant) detail, it reclaims in speed and ease of use. Your grandparents could operate the damned thing. Indeed, in the time you've so far spent reading this post, you could have scanned your vehicle, browsed the codes, and cleared them all...

...Right after opening the package!

Very efficient.

I don?t have much more to say in this regard, nor can I report experience, as my vehicles suffer no such faults. I will, however, attempt to illustrate some of the unit?s benefits.

A nice feature is the ?ready? indicator. Codes, after all, aren?t everything. Most people know you must perform a ?drive cycle? after clearing codes and sometimes after extended periods with the vehicle?s battery disconnected.

This drive is not for fun, nor does it require a magical number of miles. While you are driving around like an idiot, the vehicle is performing a number of tests.

If your vehicle hasn?t finished all it?s self-tests after clearing codes and repairing an issue, it may not pass an inspection. This is considered ?not ready?. The Scanguage II reports readiness status within the root scanner menu.

This is not a pointless feature. It can save you a few dollars, a drive, and the wasted time you could have used to further diagnose the vehicle.

Is this a full replacement for a common $250-$350 scanner? Not really.

It doesn?t matter, though, because those things are the halfway point between giving a blow-job and receiving one. Nearly all of them are identical units with different branding, anyway. If you want an advanced scanning unit that will report the speed at which you were driving the last time you sneezed, call Blackbox.

If a Blackbox unit is within your budget, I highly recommend them. If it?s not, though, and you want a simple, fast, and incredibly well-designed scanner, this is overwhelmingly better than most.

Even if you?ve got something as nice as a Blackbox scanner (I do, so I can make this claim), this is a worthwhile addition to your diagnostic hardware. Indeed, if you are the sort of person to own such capable equipment, this is a product you simply must purchase.

The functionality beyond scanning and code-clearing, which I will illustrate in further posts, will show that the Scangauge II is a worthy purchase regardless of your scanning needs, for this is no mere scanner; it?s a multipurpose monitor, data-logger, and calculator that can improve the vehicle enjoyment experience of nearly any automotive enthusiast.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[mbs13]

Do any of the Xguages work? Other than the 4 vs 2 guage displays, that's the only diff from the product page with the E coming in 1/3 cheaper.

http://www.scangauge.com/products/features/

 

[kennith]

Note that my considerations in this thread are meant to be easily understood, without delving into overly cumbersome detail. My leaning toward prose rather than numbers is purposeful.

Some further entries will include more feature detail, and hopefully other owners will report their experience as well.

This is meant to be a decision-making process. For someone who thinks he might wish to own a Scangauge II, or simply searches for codes or scanning hardware, hopefully my thoughts will be of use in deciding whether or not to purchase this product.

Also, this is, again, from my point of view. There are very advanced and hardware and software solutions available, but I mean to openly observe how this may be of value regardless of one's current advanced diagnostic capabilities or planned purchases, in a manner that one might quickly find of use.

I see things a bit differently. My first post illustrates some of my immediate observations in regard to any product I purchase or mean to purchase. Further posts will illustrate my experience as a user.

My intention is not to bog a reader down with information readily and clearly available on Linear Logic's website.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[kennith]

Do any of the Xguages work? Other than the 4 vs 2 guage displays, that's the only diff from the product page with the E coming in 1/3 cheaper.

http://www.scangauge.com/products/features/

I'll get there.

To paraphrase Treebeard: Anything worth saying is worth taking a long time to say.

The X Gauge features are some of the few I haven't explored, as I have no intention of using them. That said, I will explore their functionality in this thread eventually. It's an advanced feature set that will require much more time for experimentation.

I will suggest, however, that the larger, more functional display on the expensive unit is worth the price difference, regardless of the X Gauge capabilities. Of course, as it appears you own both, you already know that.


...And honestly, I don't give a solitary flying fuck about Co2 emissions (reported in the Scangauge E). Indeed, if I had a bottle of fucks, it would remain entirely filled.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[ukoffroad]

...And honestly, I don't give a solitary flying fuck about Co2 emissions (reported in the Scangauge E). Indeed, if I had a bottle of fucks, it would remain entirely filled.

Cheers,

Kennith

The best posts I have seen in a while, and made me snarf a bit of coffee to boot. Cheers to youatriot:

 

[mbs13]

I've thought of the Treebeard-Kennith comparison many times in the past....

I actually own neither but pic was off a prius site which came up in interweb search. They were all geeked out about the emission stuff. I, like you, could care less.

Curious about the xguages and looking forward to your essay on them as they don't appear to be very functional with our vehicles OBD. At that point it appears to truly be larger vs smaller display argument between the "II" and the "e" price diff.

 

[NickAdams]

I bought the II. My reasoning was vehicle transferability, and the use of the X gauge feature on different vehicles.
That being said, I really wish someone would "unlock" the Disco code to make transmission temp a useable gauge. The tranny temp sensor in the disco must be more than a simple idiot gauge, because overdrive shifting seems dependent on trans temperature.

 

[Rover Mac]

I have been very pleased with the Scan Gauge II on a couple of RR P38's.

Customer service was excellant, on a 97 GEMS P38 i could never get the MPG average feature to work. I was sent another one, no problem, spent some time with technical support trying to resolve the issue. Never did work on the 97 GEMS but that feature works on a Bosch 01 and on a 98' P38 (i gave the owner my original SG II)

The features I appreciate most are ;

Temperature reading.

Easy and efficient code reading and clearing

Voltage, my alternators would begin to fail erratically, also useful for checking rebuilt / replacement alternators. With an Odyssey 2150 it could take a while for any alternator /charging issues to "come to light" . By the time the "Alternator fault" warning message displayed the alternator had failed completely.

Didn't even know there was an "emissions " function, the RR and engine are aluminium and i'll stick with the factually flawed but "entertaining" argument that the LR has a lower carbon foot print than a Prius over their respective lifetimes.

I would like the transmission temperature function.