Tag: master

Flashtec CMD OBD THE REVIEW

Let’s take a look at the CMD OBD flash tool. The tool at first glance is what would be classed as an all in one tool. Apart from being solely an OBD flash tool it can also be upgraded to support a number of boot loader protocols. On this occasion we will be just looking at the OBD part.

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protectionSo, to make it simple lets break it down in to different parts, let’s first look at the GUI and software.
The first thing you will notice with CMD is that the tool is secure, in the fact that the software and the tool have a security protocol. The tool must go online and handshake the CMD server at set points in time. This ensures total tool security against cloning and also from theft.cmd

After pairing the tool to the PC we can now start the software and have a look at the layout and protocols offered. From the first glance the software looks very basic in terms of a fancy GUI, as unlike its competitor all the vehicles are not laid out with make, model, engine size, output etc. The CMD is a tool for people who are already at an advanced stage of chip tuning, where they don’t need a babysitter and should already know the differences between vehicle models and ECU specs.

The CMD has another major feature under its belt, a VIRTUAL READ function. This feature lets you download original files from CMD’s online server 24hrs a day for ECU’s that cannot be ready by OBD alone. This includes boot loader only reads such as ME7, ME9, MEDC17, Simos, Visteon DCU102 and the once popular EDC16 Opel ECU. This was a major breakthrough for Opel vehicles, where tuning, EGR and DPF modification could only be done by BDM method. The CMD can virtual read the full BDM file then write the full modified file back through the OBD port, thus saving time and removal of the ECU.

Read speeds with the CMD are undoubtedly the fastest out of any of the tools. Virtual reads are circa 30 seconds; with OBD reads with vehicles on CAN usually range from 2 minutes to 20 minutes. This is a major positive for busy shops or mobile users.

Flashtec are also at the forefront of new protocols and read/write techniques. They release a steady stream of very usable updates, usually first out of the tool manufacturers, which work first time.

The tool has industry standard features such as a battery real time monitor, a recovery function in case of interrupted flashing, DTC clearing function, automatic checksum correction for all protocols, Automatic resistor switch-KLine 470 ohm pull-up resistor for VAG EDC16.

Overall the CMD is a very stable tool, Very reliable and gives you piece of mind when you press read or write button that the tool will perform.

As with everything, one tool cannot be good at everything. The only downsides that can possibly be found to the tool are that of the older / unpopular protocols i.e. older ford/jaguar vehicles and some Japanese petrol vehicles, but on the flip side it can flash all the newer models.protocols

Also with the CMD the online protocol / virtual read functions can be problematic / slow / not work if you are not in a wifi or 3g/4g data area.

Unlike its competitor, the CMD does not come with the free ST boot-loader function but in comparison it is not really required as the virtual read will give you the required file. The boot-loader is only required to read out already modified files.

Summary

I would score the CMD a 9/10.

Positives would be unrivalled read and write speeds, the virtual read function, its security and also the upgradability of the tool – so a 2nd tool does not have to be purchased.

Negatives would be that a few of the older vehicle protocols are not covered and the tool can sometimes be a problem without an internet connection.

Chip Tuners, Tuning file suppliers and Tools

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Chip tuning / ECU remapping through the last year or two has started to take a turn.  The traditional master / slave tooling business model used by current car tuning companies is slowly being phased out for a number of reasons.  Main reason businesses are realising that if they invest a little more money for a master tool, then they will have more options in terms of the chip tool, tuning file suppliers and at the end of the day, the result will be a free and clear asset to your business. Some franchise operators can be very unclear about this, it is becoming more common to see unhappy clients looking to use another tuning file supplier only to find they didn’t know that ‘their?’ equipment is slave and the limitations of options moving forward as the 2-3 k they invested has been little more than a rental for a year, where for truth and just few pounds/euros/dollars more all could have been so different.

tools-logosThere are many different tool manufactures on the market now, all competing by price and range of protocols they support. Other factors include the number of Chinese/EU cloned tools on the market, which try to emulate the real equivalent, however these will always let you down at some point.  Depending on your vehicle niche, for your European vehicles, we always recommend a CMD OBD master tool, as it handles the largest range of current protocols and won’t get you into trouble on a late Sunday afternoon in the rain.  Very reliable piece of kit that every experienced pro has!

With more and more people going to master tools and cutting out the dependency of being tied into a franchise rather now natural market forces and quality of service will start to win over, the future the industry is screaming for. The reality is most of the largest names in chip tuning operating such franchise models would never survive in a normal open market place. We at PrecisionCodeWorks are here to serve you ‘built on command’ tuning files at any time of day almost instantly – Other claim to do this, but as usual in chip tuning many talk the talk very few walk.  Owning a master tool gives you the option to use any file tuning supplier.  More options, will raise quality and bring the price of chip tuning files down!

Screen Shot 2015-01-31 at 15.06.44Now you might wonder, why would we (PrecisionCodeWorks) want to endorse this, when we can make money as a business using the “old” business model of master / slave tooling.  Our automated tuning server can tune and serve tuning files 24 hrs a day 7 days a week for 365 days a year.  Our business model ‘is to tell it as it is’ and provide the best, fastest tuning files all over the world.  We don’t need to tie our customers into contracts or use the master / slave tooling model, we have the whole world to sell to.  This is great for you the chip tuner, you own your master tool, choose who you want to provide you with chip tuning files (hopefully us) and we can supply not only competing with price, but tuning file accuracy and speed.

 

Remap by PrecisionCodeWorks

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The worlds first and only automated ECU tuning / calibration platform for gasoline and diesel vehicles, simply upload and configure your tune according to hardware modifications from the worlds best known brands. Modify and select turbocharger models and even injector size to build your ‘custom’ remap file.

The system currently supports most Bosch, Siemens and Delco systems and is updated daily.