FORscan Adapter

[Uncle Gump]

I just ordered the FORscan OBDlink EX adapter for my laptop.

Amazon has a $10 off coupon you can clip and save yourself a little cash.

Looking forward to playing around with it. Someday I will probably buy the MX plus wireless interface too. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[Dirtman]

I've been using the 12 dollar elm327 adapter. Works perfect. I was always cautious of the OBDlink ones because I don't know how or if they even can switch between HS-can and MS-can. The crappy little elm327s have a toggle switch. I'd like to know if you can operate both can bus systems with the OBDlink EX. Let me know when it shows up. You don't need MS-can for much but it's nice to know you can if you need to.

 

[Uncle Gump]

They say you can... it is also the adapter recommended by the FORscan team.

I was going to buy a cheaper one... and when I looked and saw the coupon... game over.

 

[Dirtman]

This the one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VQVD3F/?tag=959media-20

 

[Uncle Gump]

It is...

 

[Dirtman]

It is...

Let me know how it works. If the coupon is still there I'll probably grab one. I don't trust Amazon reviews lol.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I believe @G8orFord has one... maybe he can add to this.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have a OBDLink, it can be a PITA to get it to connect and keep it connected. My BIL gave it to me because he got a better one. I need to do the same but I rarely use it.

It was a constant irritation on our trip to Illinois last weekend, it was constantly being a PITA. All I was wanting was real coolant temp numbers on dash command besides the "Everything is Awesome!" factory temperature gauge that is basically an analog idiot light.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I have a OBDLink, it can be a PITA to get it to connect and keep it connected. My BIL gave it to me because he got a better one. I need to do the same but I rarely use it.

It was a constant irritation on our trip to Illinois last weekend, it was constantly being a PITA. All I was wanting was real coolant temp numbers on dash command besides the "Everything is Awesome!" factory temperature gauge that is basically an analog idiot light.

Could it be a slightly worn ALDL or maybe positioned so the adapter wants to slide off?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The power light is on and the WiFi light blinks constantly. It won’t connect unless the OBD and host lights are also on/blinking.

Doesn’t have any visible wear on it, it’s an OBDLink MX for what it’s worth.

 

[Dirtman]

Eh, I've never had to much luck with wifi/bluetooth adapters. For forscan you really NEED a wired adapter especially if you use it to do any service procedures. Loosing connection during something like PATs programming could be very very bad. I have a bluetooth adapter to use with torque but no harm no foul if connection dies on that.

 

[Uncle Gump]

That's kinda why I went with the hard link and laptop.

I still plan on getting the OBDlink MX plus Bluetooth adapter at some point. I have a tablet that does nothing and planning on that being my scan tool.

 

[adsm08]

I have a BBfly wireless adapter. It has the switch. It was a pain to get it hooked up the first time, after that it all I have to do is plug it in and hit the connect button on FORScan.

 

[G8orFord]

I have an OBDLink SX, EX, MX, MX wifi and 2 MX+'s. What do you want to know?
The only one that ever gave me any issues with connectivity was the MX wifi, and that was minor. I also have an older PLX Kiwi2 with the interface to connect their other modules to it to read through the Torque Pro and DashCommand interfaces. (They discontinued these items) The OBDLink devices are far superior for straight OBDII usage though.

The MX, MX+ and EX (USB) all automatically switch for MS-CAN and SW-CAN needs. The SX (USB) also does but is not as capable as the EX that replaced it.

 

[Uncle Gump]

There you go dirtman… it's seamless... no toggle. I thought that was the way it worked but never had one in my hands.

Thanks G8or!