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Still deciding what to get. My MacBook Pro is getting old-today I updated my VMware Fusion to the highest version (I'm limited to High Sierra OSX) I've been using VMware with Windows 7 for a few years and switched to Windows 10. But lately it freaks out and looses synch, which could be tragic if in the middle of a coding operation. I've used it with my Durametric today to see if it was working ok. But for Piwis III I guess I'd have to get it already installed in a laptop. I see Lenovo T440 and Yoga S1 kits-I wouldn't know which of the 2 is better- There are 2 sites, probably the same people, selling it for $1199 with the Lenovo and free shipping-not bad https://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/por...-software.html
Back to the Launch-I spent some time looking into which one. The USA models: The new X431 Turbo 8" screen and Torque 10" -software are the same from what I've been told. The Turbo just came out at the end of 2020, runs on Android 9.0. Torque came out 2018. Of course when you buy them, you get the latest software and updates for a year.
So the Ferrari guys use the Torque to calibrate their clutch/F1 system as well as bleeding and maintenance. Comes with exotic car support. There's a shop that rents the unit for those doing a clutch job(might as well buy the X431 instead of renting): https://www.ricambiamerica.com/produ...-computer.html
The Global version of the X431 V+, seems to be the closest to the X431 Torque, but hard to say what the features and software differences are, unless you buy them both to compare- The Torque sells for around $1400, Turbo about $1000/$1100. There is also a Throttle and other higher end models. I read the Throttle can take accessories/attachments but it's still the same software/features.
Thanks to everyone who made this thread so valuable.
Question - do you know if I can use the PIWIS 2 to code the CD changer function on for my PCM. My car came with no cd changer but I need to enable it to install the mr12volt Bluetooth adapter.
I’m thinking of investing in one of these rather than giving the dealer 100 or 200 bucks to code it for me. Especially since I plan to keep my 997.1 forever ...
This is terrific information, above, posted by JB911. For the question of if an existing PCM can have the CD Changer coding added using a clone PIWIS 2, it looks like the answer is Yes:
This particular function (CD Changer) does not require an Enabling Code to be entered, you just choose between 'Installed' and 'not installed'. In the case of the CD Changer I don't see any mention of it in the PCM coding. The coding for it is in the Gateway control unit.
In the PCM, some functions, like Nav and Bluetooth require Enabling Codes. The very useful information above details how to read out the Enabling Codes from an existing PCM, which are VIN specific. I wonder if there is a way once they have been read out to see them in human readable form, or if they can only be written back out directly to another unit without ever being seen. I would like a way to see all of the Enabling Codes that have been entered on my car so that I could re-enter them if they ever got corrupted by battery problems or a less than competent PIWIS user. At that point it is too late to read them out into the PIWIS. There are other controllers where Enabling Codes are entered. The Sport Chrono Enabling Code is entered in the Vehicle Electrical System control unit, for example. It would be nice to have all the codes for ones own car. The screen below is where you enter a new code, but once entered you can't see it anymore.
It's worth mentioning that anyone can explore the PIWIS menus as shown in the post above, and learn about all of the PIWIS 2 functions. Once the required 3 files (VirtualBox Installer, VirtualBox Extension Pack, PIWIS Virtual Machine .ova file) have been downloaded you are less than a dozen clicks away from having the PIWIS Virtual Machine running on your own computer. You can then enter the Diagnostics program (the one shown above) and explore the menus to your hearts content. If you don't have the hardware PIDT test box connected to the Virtual Machine it asks you if you want to enter Simulation Mode when it can't find the hardware, you say Yes (Press F12) and away you go. Just follow the very clear directions at the start of this helpful PIWIS 2 thread: https://www.planet-9.com/threads/piw...achine.238021/
I was tempted to go with the Planet-9 links but at this point I'm too worried about my VMware Fusion losing synch with Windows 10. And I'd like to know why in the case of Piwis III, vendors are including 2 versions of the software. I think depending on the car one version is better than the other.
In my view, if I'm gonna get a turnkey system with laptop I might as well get a III.
But, still considering the Launch Torque or Turbo since it works on so many cars other than Porsche
I'm also reading these posts on MHH Auto about Piwis III- will take some time, so many pages. I believe to be a member there's a fee to pm members and participate, though guests can browse:
The same company sells the Yoga version of the Lenovo, 8GB Ram but smaller drive for a bit more. I don't know enough about these Lenovos to know which is a better option: https://www.obd2cartool.com/porsche-...13ijlbcmlv2911
I also have the Skype contact for the poster on MHH auto, he also seems to have the PT3G laptops to compare. I think he's in Europe-
This is terrific information, above, posted by JB911. For the question of if an existing PCM can have the CD Changer coding added using a clone PIWIS 2, it looks like the answer is Yes:
This particular function (CD Changer) does not require an Enabling Code to be entered, you just choose between 'Installed' and 'not installed'. In the case of the CD Changer I don't see any mention of it in the PCM coding. The coding for it is in the Gateway control unit.
In the PCM, some functions, like Nav and Bluetooth require Enabling Codes. The very useful information above details how to read out the Enabling Codes from an existing PCM, which are VIN specific. I wonder if there is a way once they have been read out to see them in human readable form, or if they can only be written back out directly to another unit without ever being seen. I would like a way to see all of the Enabling Codes that have been entered on my car so that I could re-enter them if they ever got corrupted by battery problems or a less than competent PIWIS user. At that point it is too late to read them out into the PIWIS. There are other controllers where Enabling Codes are entered. The Sport Chrono Enabling Code is entered in the Vehicle Electrical System control unit, for example. It would be nice to have all the codes for ones own car. The screen below is where you enter a new code, but once entered you can't see it anymore.
I agree. This thread, along with a lot of the posts have invaluable information. I just ordered my PIWIS II from obd.market. I'm excited to install it and start using/coding. Will definitely keep everyone posted on my experience.
First thing I'm going to do once I receive it is code my car for the cd changer option so I can get my damn mr12volt bluetooth device installed! I've done a lot of this stuff on BMW's, so excited to start my journey in the Porsche world.
Once I feel more comfortable using it, I'm happy to help other fellow Porsche/997 users in NJ area (as long as they wear a mask and adhere to covid guidelines )
Can someone that understands a bit more please explain the differences in VCI options from these systems? It seems to me the newer ones are PT3G, closer to what the current oem Porsche VCI is. This vendor even has the P sticker on their kit https://www.obd2cartool.com/porsche-...-to-use-p-1675
The VCI in this video is different, is it older? And from reading I believe this interface supports cars from 1998 up, the PT3G cars from 2002 and up(?)
Can someone that understands a bit more please explain the differences in VCI options from these systems? It seems to me the newer ones are PT3G, closer to what the current oem Porsche VCI is. This vendor even has the P sticker on their kit https://www.obd2cartool.com/porsche-...-to-use-p-1675
The VCI in this video is different, is it older? And from reading I believe this interface supports cars from 1998 up, the PT3G cars from 2002 and up(?)
I have indeed followed that thread, but started posting on this one and the Cayene coding thread since some people were also discussing the Launch X431 option vs Piwis, which I'm still considering.
I'll gather the latest vendors, prices and options and post on that thread since it seems to be the one where people bought the complete laptop/clone kits. The vendors are competing and prices and options changing in the last few months-laptop model, Ram options, and the more expensive ones can be updated online without sending back the SSD. And I'm not sure which version of Windows would be best. Some vendors include free shipping from what they claim to be US warehouse, etc
So here's a list of links of what I assume are new vendor sales options, and some might be the same vendor with different websites. Laptops seem to be Panasonic(more expensive)Lenovo Yoga, T440 and T450. Ram varies from 4 to 8GB, and all seem to be I5 CPU, touchscreen, and 2 versions of Piwis software included. Most require sending in SSD for updating, the more expensive ones can be updated online. The newer ones seem to use the PT3G VCI. I'm still trying to find more info and options(windows 7, 8, 10, XP)
It's taken quite some time reading but I see some posters went ahead and bought their systems and seem to be satisfied with vendor and option.
$1599, Panasonic CF-MX3 laptop, "Free Update Online. There will be usb key in package for you to update online when new version release. No Need to Return SSD back" https://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/por...al-driver.html
$1599 plus shipping, Piwis III for Porsche with V39.500.025 Piwis Software SSD Installed on Panasonic CF-MX3 Laptop Windows 8, Update Online with USB Dongle (SP44-1): https://www.vxdas.com/products/piwis...32431552135250
$1399, this one has the different VCI. Does anyone know the details and difference? It says:
New VCX-DoIP J2534 Piwis 3 Interface diagnostic technique based on Ethereum
VCX-DoIP J2534 Piws 3 Diagnosis Tool for luxury vehicles but without lots of requirements:
From vxdiagshop.com
Panasonic CF-MX3, Update: Free Update via U disk, connect U disk to laptop, reboot laptop, enter update page, then contact us. No need return laptop.
$1599, free shipping: https://www.vxdiagshop.com/wholesale...stic-tool.html
01-15-2021 | 02:19 PM
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