Ebay Diagnostic laptops???? Any good

It's likely old outdated software. Insite, for example, the current version is 8.3. International software needs an internet connection with current software subscription to do calibration updates. If your trucks are older, or same age when this software was current, it may work. Personally, I would never buy something like over Ebay, especially someone with only 96% feedback. I deal with people who only have 99% or better. Buyer beware.

 

I have to agree.with @Heavyd Sounds like either so outdated as to be useless, or pirated software and who knows if it will work tomorrow, much less when you get it.

 

Here's what I'll tell you, with my knowledge in multiple categories:

1 - I work at a Peterbilt dealership and handle this software
2 - I'm very computer savvy


With that being said, lets start with the basics:

The computer they're selling looks old. It's a toughbook but it appears to be running a copy of Windows Vista. Not Windows 7, not Windows 8, 8.1 or Windows 10 but Windows Vista.

Vista was released 10/11 years ago. If this computer isn't running anything higher than Visa - that's because it's not capable of it. A lot of the trucking software we use is pretty heavy and requires pretty decent computers. So to start with the obvious - if this computer can't handle an operating system any more current than one that's 10 years old, how well do you think it's going to handle a heavy program like Cummins Insite?


I would be wary of ANYONE selling a computer that doesn't list the specs of the computer, namely these things (in no particular order):

• Operating system
• Model # of laptop
• Amount of RAM
• Hard drive Size
• Screen resolution

This listing has none of those. It's very likely an extremely outdated computer that someone would have a very hard time selling as "used" without this software on, but people unfortunately get scammed by it because they want the software.


Now - on the software side, lets take a look at a couple things:

1 - Bendix ACOM is free. You can download it here, at a much higher version than what is installed on that laptop (v6.15.3.1)
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems - Bendix ACom Diagnostic Software (v.6.15.3.1) Download
2 - Paccar ESA is free through your dealership. Contact your local dealership and let them know you'd like to get set up through it. You can even get set up to use Paccar Web eCat and you'll be able to look up the diagrams / part numbers of your trucks. Just call your dealership (Peterbilt / Kenworth only, sorry!)
3 - Cummins Insite is now on version 8.3 and we were required to update to version 8.0 some time ago. Having a version less than 8.0 is going to be pretty useless unless you have very old engines. Those Incal calibrations are not going to be current either.
4 - What version of Allison DOC? The current version is 14 I believe, the old versions aren't supported anymore.

Etc etc. A lot of this software is outdated and not supported. Some of it's free. The laptop is old and probably not worth anything by itself. Some of the software is actually pretty cheap.

If you're really that interested in spending nearly $2,000 - it might be better just to buy the products. Allison DOC is $200 / year if you buy the "fleet" version. Insite is $430ish / per year.

DAVIE 4 (which wasn't on that list) is unfortunately expensive - but it's a one time purchase. There's no renewal. If you're running MX engines and need it, maybe your dealership will be willing to help with the cost of it.


In any case, if you're going to spend $2,000 on one, I'd at least try to find some that aren't so outdated.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for your insight!!
Do you have any recommendations of where to get a current software package similar to those types listed that can be installed on a new/er computer???

For instance I am buying a used KW with the pre-emissions KBT C-13 and Alison 4500 rds..
I want to be able to enable different gauge monitor PID's, change some minor things, and monitor functions/ in the CaT ecu and allison Tcu.
and getting one of the CAt-ET units that plug into the computer.
thanks!

 

You can get all of the software from dealerships - it can all be installed on current computers.

Some software you can get directly from the manufacturer (Meritor for example)

 

Last time I priced Cat ET is was over $1200.00 a year and Allison DOC is $900.00 a year. The Cat is only fleet level access, you want full dealer level. Individual pirated software is out there @ better costs with support a lot of times. Nexiq seems to be best datalink adapter out there and it will set you back close to $800.00.

 

The Panasonic CF30 MK1 is a great machine, and made in Japan. I'd start with a refurbished one with a warranty, and purchase the software from a legitimate source.
Refurbished Toughbook 30 - 1 Year Replacement Warranty - Optional Win 7 Pro

For $100.00 more, you can get a refurbished CF30 MK3 with touchscreen.
Toughbook CF-30 MK3 Touchscreen

 

CAT ET should not be $1,200 a year. I'm not sure what customer cost is, but it can't be anywhere near $1,200 because dealer cost is nowhere near that.

Allison DOC is pretty expensive, even for dealers. Sets us back quite a bit too, but I think it's more around $700ish.

Nexiq is the best adapter. They're pricey. We as dealers don't get discounts either. I recommend shopping around. Try avoiding the main companies like SnapOn because they sell them for higher prices. I called a lot of official distributors before I found one that sold them for almost $400 less than what we were paying out SnapOn guy.

 

Cat used to be one time cost, but it is now yearly subscription. I was quoted $1200 a year for fleet version thru Ohio Cat probably six or seven years ago. No thanks. Allison DOC is sold on there website or thru Noregon. A lot to spend for just one truck. Both programs can found for much less. I also use a refurbished Panasonic cf30. I have bought two through OC rugged laptops and haven't had an issue.