Topic

I am considering buying some diagnostic equipment.
I have a Scangauge2 which is great for reading MIL codes but doesn't go much further.
And it doesn't work on pre OBD2 cars.

I can't justify £5k for T4.

I've come across http://www.blackbox-solutions.com/




Anyone got any of their products
or
anyone know of any alternatives?

or are there alternatives?

I have heard this kit mentioned before, but don't know of anyone who's used it

The "Faultmate MSV-2" should be used. The company was formely known as ROVERCOM.
See for the correct license for your business.

Faultmate MSV-2 is well known also in the LR Freelander scene.
I've no experiance myself with it.

I have a Fault mate Nano and am very happy with it. I can't compare it to a testbook as I have never so much as seen one but the Faultmate has certainly done everything I have needed it to do. I have used it to check and clear codes for the ECU, EPAS, Alarm on both my MPi and VVC, and have also programmed fobs with no problem. The faultmate gives a full readout of codes, not just numbers that you have to look up., and can be used to see if functions are operating correctly such as door switches, airbags, tensioners etc.
You only buy the software modules you need which is nice. I would suggest checking out the videos on the Blackbox website to see the unit's capabilities. They show it in use on a Range Rover but the functions for the MGF are pretty much the same.
As for support Blackbox runs a user's forum. If you have a question you ask it on the forum and a Blackbox tech will answer it online. That way other users can also see the solutions. I have found I can answer any questions I have about the system just by searching the forum.
All in all it is a good system, and with my limited background in electronic diagnostics I can certainly recommend it.

That's useful information, Rich!
Sounds better than the generic ebay readers that only show codes and allow you to clear them. This unit sounds like it does much more. ie programming fobs etc.


Here is a BBS price list

The hardware is the smaller part of the purchase. The software will be the bigger expense.
The unit that is used for the MEMS 1.9/2j is the "Nano"
Here is a link to their shop page, You can use the tabs to select the lists for Hardware or Software.
Blackbox MSV-2-Shop

Rich in Vancouver wrote: wrote:

The hardware is the smaller part of the purchase. The software will be the bigger expense.
The unit that is used for the MEMS 1.9/2j is the "Nano"
Here is a link to their shop page, You can use the tabs to select the lists for Hardware or Software.
Blackbox MSV-2-Shop

The software cost adds up, I'd need mems 1.6/1.9, mems 2j, mems 3, seimans 2000, and loads of other bits, it comes to over £1100!

OUCH!

You could always charge people 5 quid a pop to code fobs.

That would pay it off in.....................................never mind



On the other hand you don't have to buy all the software at once.

There is definatly a market for FOB coding and for BCU tuning for ZT and mk2 ZS owners but that would require software I didn't otherwise need.

I have just recently bought the Faultmate Nano for use with my MGF. In the next day or so I hope to get a chance to play around with the system and program a second fob. Like Rich, since there is no local diagnotic support available, such a unit is almost a necessity.

Ahow to use it with piccies would be good!





ps Mark, I won't get around to posting package until I come back from Italy