Anyone have the OTC Genisys touch or Encore

[Brownsfan]

Looking at getting a scan tool instead of just my ordinary code reader. Does anyone have these? I can get decent pricing on them but was wondering what says the GJ techs. I am leaning towards the Encore. This would be a purchase a few months down the road but have started researching them.

 

[Brownsfan]

Anyone? Before this gets lost in the sea of threads.

 

[Dusty61]

I have a Genisys Touch. I like it a lot. It can take a few minutes to get it connected.

PRO:
good battery life
Tablet & VCI modual are wireless.
Tablet has wifi capacity and can link to the net for auto connect to identifix. Has pre loaded shotcuts to Alldata, Michal 1, ITAN and others.
Is quite user friendly. Nice big screan, nice big icons. Data displays have multiple veiwing modes, graph, bar, number, LED...ect. you select only a few and isolate to just those items (like viewing all 4 wheel speed sensors for example) data can be recorded and saved. DTCs can be printed directly, emailed or saved in PDF format to a flash drive (awesome way of showing a customer a whole sheet with every DTC on it.) And they are separated by module, Engine, Transmission, ABS, ect.

Con
Startup can take a while. It sometimes has difficulty clearing some codes, it does freeze from time to time, best way to eliminate this is to shut it off at night, not just sleep mode.

it is not as fast as a code reader for just pulling codes, but it does so much more. it can pull codes out of every computer, not just PCM (so abs, airbag, trans, BCM, ect) the VCI wireless module doubles as a J-2534 pass through for flashing PCM's (you need a laptop with the appropriate software to do it properly)

all in all, i my opinion, i would buy it again. It has proven to be a very, very good investment, running a few thousand less then a Verdict or Verus, there are no "keys" to buy, the software updates are less then half of snap on. (and they update 6 or so times a year) the kit comes with just about every OBD-1 connector you will need EXCEPT GM 12 pin, for some ungodly reason they don't include that one. good news is its not much, i think it runs like 50 bucks or so.

 

[signcrafter]

What do updates cost each year? Do you have to update every year or can you skip a few years and say update every 3-4 years to save some bucks?

 

[Dusty61]

I'm pretty sure you can. Its not really an update. ..its an annual subscription. It cost 700-850 depending if you get it from a tool truck (and pay on it) or get it direct from OTC (and save money in the long run) the whole system does its updates about every other month. Sometimes it also does some minor software patch but mostly its adding more vehicle information to its data base. If you don't do the updates you don't loose anything, but you don't get anything new either. I belive you can still get the software patch but any new vehicle info is for the subscribers.

 

[Dusty61]

One other thing, OTC also has some cool add on toys for this thing. There is a 2 channel lab scope and TMPS tool you can get as add ons, and there is a heavy duty add on too that gives you the 6 & 9 Deutsche connectors for Mack International Peterbilt, ect class 8 trucks and the software. Pretty slick for one scan tool.

 

[wafrederick]

Bosch owns them now,no tech support at all.It is basically yours after purchasing them with zero tech support.Bosch purchases anything,they screw it up big time cutting corners already.Problem with OTC also,it is obsolete after a few years.

 

[FiendFX]

How much are they? I'm a fan of the Solus Ultra though.

 

[Nanashi]

Slit of people don't get this so I'm gonna put it out there. Snap on updates 2 times a year if you update every six months your in the programme and updates are cheaper. If you skip updates them your updates cost regular price. That price is the same no matter if you skip 1 update or 5.

Anyway I'm saving my pennies for a solus ultra. UV tried launch scanners I tried the maxi from Marco and neither is as reliable as the snap in or as fast. The maximus had a time of info and by bidirectional controls but it cuts out all the time or freezes. Starting it up and connecting it to a car takes to long. I own a launch CPR 129 and I love it but there are times when it won't quick connect to a vehicle but I can manually set it up. That little scanner is pretty fast but it lacks biderectional controls. At $500 I paid to much but it's cheaper than a ethos+. I live the ethos but its only worth $500, I mean come on snap on it's just a freaking code reader and it lacks trouble shooter which is awesome.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I've got an older Genisys in the shop that was last updated in 2006. Not worth spending $900 for updates since OTC has come out with newer scanners Encore & Touch.

It has been a decent scanner especially on Domestic and I bring it out at times for the older OBD1 & 2 vehicles.

OTC has a history of bringing out new platforms and discontinuing their support in only a few years.

 

[chasdude]

I have both the touch and encore in my arsenal of scanners and to be honest with you, theyre the two worst scanners I have!!! if you want the best after market scanner for the money, get an autel!!!!!!!! I have the DS 708 and that scanner blows all of them away!! even the snap on! you have to have some idea how to use it because the menu can be a little confusing at times, and there's no trouble shooter, but for sheer number of tests and capabilities, its unmatched!!! far less gaps then anyone else! tools aren't cheap! spend your money wisely and buy an autel!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[chasdude]

In regard to my last post, the snap on im comparing to is the solus ultra, and honestly, theyre close, but in my opinion the autel edges it out simply because of fewer gaps in coverage and the ease of updates.