Hi,

I am looking at getting FORScan and was wondering do I have to get the dongle they recommend on their website or does it work with other models, if so can anyone recommend one?

They recommend - Vgate vLinker FS Bluetooth

and - OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth

The Vgate is less than half the price of the MX+ but I can't seem to find any details on the difference between the two so do i just get the Vgate?

Thanks

3 minutes ago, Little P said:

I am looking at getting FORScan and was wondering do I have to get the dongle they recommend on theor website

You would be wise to, and work and work well and as intended are different things.

FORScan:

On 4/7/2024 at 8:59 PM, unofix said:

FORScan (for use with Windows Laptop) : https://forscan.org/download.html

It's what many Ford owners use including some Ford technicians.

• vLinker FS, cable for laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

OR

• OBDLINK EX, cable for laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/OBDLINK-EX-FORScan-OBD-Adapter/dp/B081VQVD3F/ref=sr_1_5

For diagnostic use only:

• vLinker FD, for android phone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H82WC8L
• vLinker FD+, for iPhone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H8JHWP2

 

 

Yeah fair point.

With FORScan can I get DPF info like soot levels and distance since last burn with the app or do I need the laptop software?

Everyone recommends FORScan but from what I have seen you can't even contact the devs to ask a question without buying the program first 

58 minutes ago, Little P said:

Yeah fair point.

With FORScan can I get DPF info like soot levels and distance since last burn with the app or do I need the laptop software?

Everyone recommends FORScan but from what I have seen you can't even contact the devs to ask a question without buying the program first 

The Phone version will show you the exact same things as the Laptop version. What you can see varies for each car type and yes the Developers got fed up with people complaining about the free Software that they downloaded when they bricked their cars 😂

6 hours ago, Little P said:

you can't even contact the devs to ask a question without buying the program first 

That's just awful !!!

Fancy having to spend £12 for a licence, just so you can contact the development team.

Now if Bill Gates was to take over FORScan you would get a much better service 🤣😂🤣

I think it's pretty fair to expect to be able to ask "will FORScan do what I need it to do?" before I buy it when the documentation on their website is far from complete, but whatever

I'm gonna buy the Vgate adaptor and see how I get on

8 minutes ago, Little P said:

I think it's pretty fair to expect to be able to ask "will FORScan do what I need it to do?" before I buy it when the documentation on their website is far from complete, but whatever

I'm gonna buy the Vgate adaptor and see how I get on

FORScan is still more of a Project than a business, the Laptop version is free and there is a small charge for a Extended Licence and the Phone versions because they took a lot of effort to develop and maintain. 

The reason that FORScan now don't answer queries from freeloaders is because an idiot downloaded the free version, completely ignored the advice about what Adaptor to use, got a free Licence, bricked his car and posted a lot of abuse about FORScan demanding that they compensate him. 

I believe there are commercial enterprises that will do what you want for several hundred or thousands of pouds. 

3 hours ago, Little P said:

I think it's pretty fair to expect to be able to ask "will FORScan do what I need it to do?" before I buy it

I think you need a dose of reality.

Have you ever tried to contact Microsoft ?

There are lots of manufactures of DTC readers, but in order to get customer assistance you first have to buy the product. Still if you feel it's not worth spending the £12 for a licence then don't. You can always buy one of the generic devices.

how is it only £12?

I need to buy a dongle as well.....

I am not after support I am just after a pre sales question, to me thats a big difference, it would be helpful if their website had more info on it saying exactly what FORScan can and cant do, then theres no need to ask

Yeah I have contacted MS many time about activating s/w and they've always been great and fast