What Scan tool to go with?

[87Regal3.8SFI]

I currently have a Scanmaster 2.1 but I am hearing these are not all that accurate/slow with their info. And I am currently trying to tune my car/chase out the demons.

I only have a home PC and not a lap top. Money is sort of tight.

I am wondering if a Direct Scan would allow me to remove the box and plug into the home PC?

Or is there anything like this out there? This would be my best option as of now.

It's my understanding power loggers require a lap top?

Also has anyone used this one?: Scan Tool Comparison Chart

Thanks.

[Rodney87GN]

I am wondering if a Direct Scan would allow me to remove the box and plug into the home PC?

Directscan still needs a laptop to datalog, that's the only way it will work. Or you can get a power converter and hook up your home pc in your car.

I've seen quite a few people here selling their DS to buy the Powerloggers so you can probably pick up a cheap laptop/DS combo for under $150. Directscan is still really good to have, it's just a bit dated and cumbersome to use. I still use my Directscan with my Scanmaster.

[QUIP'6']

Originally Posted by 87Regal3.8SFI

I currently have a Scanmaster 2.1 but I am hearing these are not all that accurate/slow with their info. And I am currently trying to tune my car/chase out the demons.

I only have a home PC and not a lap top. Money is sort of tight.

I am wondering if a Direct Scan would allow me to remove the box and plug into the home PC?

Or is there anything like this out there? This would be my best option as of now.

It's my understanding power loggers require a lap top?

Also has anyone used this one?: Scan Tool Comparison Chart

Thanks.

the powerlogger comes with a chip that you put in your scanmaster so you can read everything off your scanmaster and it will read faster than a blink of an eye. it will read boost, a/f, egt , fuel pressure, ect...

[TurboDave]

abbott's correct. The powerlogger will probably be your best bet to feed a scanmaster 2.2 chip. However, you'll still need a PC or laptop to get it setup correctly. You could set your PC next to the car, and feed a longer than normal USB cable between the two. USB cable has to be a "type A" to "type B" connectors.

But without a laptop, you still wont be able to do any meaningful data logging.. Get a cheap used pentium laptop with one USB port and you're good to go.

[no-nos]

Good info, makes me wonder ...should i get a powerlogger???? i'm sorry guys for any stupid question but i see some of you have both power-logger and a scanmaster quote" The powerlogger will probably be your best bet to feed a scanmaster 2.2 chip" does this mean that you also need a scanmaster??? really confused sweet looking car dave, lov the shifter
reminds me of the old hurst shifter.

[87Regal3.8SFI]

Guess I need to save up for a lap top.

[QUIP'6']

Originally Posted by no-nos

Good info, makes me wonder ...should i get a powerlogger???? i'm sorry guys for any stupid question but i see some of you have both power-logger and a scanmaster quote" The powerlogger will probably be your best bet to feed a scanmaster 2.2 chip" does this mean that you also need a scanmaster??? really confused sweet looking car dave, lov the shifter
reminds me of the old hurst shifter.

a scanmaster should have been everybodys first investment

[QUIP'6']

Originally Posted by 87Regal3.8SFI

Guess I need to save up for a lap top.

believe me you can find an old laptop for 30+ dollars they are out there as long as it boots up and runs windows 98 who cares if it doesnt have the internet

[Topjimmy]

Originally Posted by no-nos

does this mean that you also need a scanmaster???

A Scanmaster is not required for the Powerlogger, but a laptop is needed for logging the car's ECM info and for setting up the PL ports for analog data like boost, temperature probes etc. Conversely, you could also use a version 2.1 or newer SM with the PL update chip and no laptop running but it would not save the results or allow you to review your runs.
I foresee a drop in TR head gasket sales with this combo.

Hope this helps a bit - Jimmy

[Rodney87GN]

I think the best part about having the PL/SM combo is being able to use a wideband O2 sensor and having it displayed through the Scanmaster. All you need is something like the Innovate LC1, no need to get a separate gauge.

[no-nos]

Originally Posted by Topjimmy

A Scanmaster is not required for the Powerlogger, but a laptop is needed for logging the car's ECM info and for setting up the PL ports for analog data like boost, temperature probes etc. Conversely, you could also use a version 2.1 or newer SM with the PL update chip and no laptop running but it would not save the results or allow you to review your runs.
I foresee a drop in TR head gasket sales with this combo.

Hope this helps a bit - Jimmy

thanks jimmy , that clears that up.