Hi, 

I’m new to the world of Ford diagnostics and need some advice as to what diagnostic software to use. I’ve read Forscan is the way to go but what would I require to run this, is it a phone based app or do I need a laptop and a cable?

I’m not wanting to do any coding just code reading and to check DPF levels and pressure now and again. 
 

Any advice is appreciated 

the real features are via a laptop - there is a cut down simple version for phones  https://forscan.org/download.html

either way you need the interlace between the two which (is wrongly) known as a dongle - of which there are many - loads of rubbish from china for less than a postage stamp (but not as useful) and some great ones - with wires which is better for a laptop but less convenient and now these days for not much, some great Bluetooth ones that work with phones (and laptops that know what Bluetooth is)

if you want to destroy civilization you can find them on amazon or responsible outlets like   https://www.bmdiag.co.uk/all-products/page/2/

of the Bluetooth ones - this one does an 18v need for big boy stuff on fords https://www.bmdiag.co.uk/vgate-vlinker-fs-bluetooth-mfi-certified

 

 

For info here is a comparison of the Phone and Laptop versions of FORScan, as you can see, calling the Phone versions a cut down does them a disservice. https://forscan.org/comparsion.html

If you don't want to do Programming then it is a no brainer, the phone version gives you much more scope for collecting Live data unless you like driving with an open Laptop on the passenger seat and a Cable draped over you. I carry my Adaptor in the car and have been known to get FORScan running when the Traffic Lights were at red when I suspected there was a fault during a journey.

I would only buy one of the recommended Bluetooth Adaptors though because most of the cheap ones either do not work or do not work properly and obviously in the odd occasion that you need the Laptop version then your Bluetooth Adaptor will work with that. https://forscan.org/download.html