Looking to buy scanner

[nblehm]

Hey guys new to the forum, found it while I was researching scan tools. Currently looking at the Modis ultra. I have read good things about the OTC Genisys touch but I am a little gun shy on otc. Currently my shop has a old Genisys and Pegisys. The Genisys is ok, and I cant stand the Pegisys. Slow, has problems connecting and the wireless/remote connect is useless. The Genisys is ok but the screen is cracked. I feel I get more use out of the 10 dollar bluetooth adapter and torque on my phone.
I understand some of the gripes with the Modis, 2 channel scope and no tach plug in. Which I am ok with. Anything else I should know? Any reviews now that it has been out for a little while. Threads I found were from Oct. I have looked at the launch but nobody around here has one so its hard to get any feed back.
The plus with the modis is from what the dealer was showing me, I like the scope. The connecter diagrams, and wave forms is a big bonus to me.

Anyway any feed back would be great. Big intimidating purchase.

 

[maven]

I cant recommend any full feature OTC scan tool or scope.

The MODIS Ultra is a great tool, especially if you arent replacing any specific combination of scope/scan tools that youve grown accustomed to. I love my Ultra. The integrated information in the Modis is second to none.(the Verus and Verdict have same info in them)

The most common complaints are the lack of a dedicated amps shunt, requiring the use of a probe (and therefore a scope channel) and the lack of an inductive rpm pickup/full ignition scope.

I have used an amp clamp/probe almost exclusively for several years now, and havent used the integrated amps feature of my DVOM more than say 5 times in the past 3-4 years. Its easier/quicker to setup a clamp than it is to install your scope/dvom to the circuit, and not to mention on many concerns, especially parasitic draw issues its in your best interest to NOT use a shunt type because it requires disturbing the connections and powering down the circuit...this action alone often makes it more difficult to diagnose concerns.

As for the ignition scope...you can still scope individual cylinders, which is typically enough on modern cars, its fairly rare these days to NEED to use parade or raster to diagnose a vehicle (though guys do still like to do this, and if youre one the MU cant do this)

An alternative is to pickup a Solus Ultra and a Vantage Pro. Gives you separate scope and scan tool (which some like and some dont), and the VP has inductive RPM and the amp shunt. Biggest bonus is going to be the price, you could easily save $2000+ this way compared to the MU if you find good deal on used, but unless your SO dealer has these used on the truck youre not going to be able to pay weekly....

 

[joel63]

I cant recommend any full feature OTC scan tool or scope.

The MODIS Ultra is a great tool, especially if you arent replacing any specific combination of scope/scan tools that youve grown accustomed to. I love my Ultra. The integrated information in the Modis is second to none.(the Verus and Verdict have same info in them)

The most common complaints are the lack of a dedicated amps shunt, requiring the use of a probe (and therefore a scope channel) and the lack of an inductive rpm pickup/full ignition scope.

I have used an amp clamp/probe almost exclusively for several years now, and havent used the integrated amps feature of my DVOM more than say 5 times in the past 3-4 years. Its easier/quicker to setup a clamp than it is to install your scope/dvom to the circuit, and not to mention on many concerns, especially parasitic draw issues its in your best interest to NOT use a shunt type because it requires disturbing the connections and powering down the circuit...this action alone often makes it more difficult to diagnose concerns.

As for the ignition scope...you can still scope individual cylinders, which is typically enough on modern cars, its fairly rare these days to NEED to use parade or raster to diagnose a vehicle (though guys do still like to do this, and if youre one the MU cant do this)

An alternative is to pickup a Solus Ultra and a Vantage Pro. Gives you separate scope and scan tool (which some like and some dont), and the VP has inductive RPM and the amp shunt. Biggest bonus is going to be the price, you could easily save $2000+ this way compared to the MU if you find good deal on used, but unless your SO dealer has these used on the truck youre not going to be able to pay weekly....

^^^^

1. This sums it up very well for the Modis Ultra.
2. Excellent review.
3. I have the Modis and the Vantage Pro

I think SO tried to streamline the Modis Ultra by eliminating some of the features that tech needed in the past. (now that there other ways of doing the same things.

Good luck with what ever you decide to get.

 

[tyndall]

The scope of the Modis Ultra really *****. Unless you like to run around testing individual components instead of getting the big picture. Or you never work on anything old. Every time I tried to use the scope it couldn't do what I needed.

It's a good scanner. That's all. It's like S-O designed the thing and five minutes before shipping they realized they forgot the scope. For the kind of money they want for it, you shouldn't have to settle for a crippled tool. Even S-O thinks it's a POS. They upgraded me to a Verus for only $500 more.

 

[FiendFX]

Snap on Solus Ultra + Vantage Ultra

 

[maven]

The scope of the Modis Ultra really *****. Unless you like to run around testing individual components instead of getting the big picture. Or you never work on anything old. Every time I tried to use the scope it couldn't do what I needed.

It's a good scanner. That's all. It's like S-O designed the thing and five minutes before shipping they realized they forgot the scope. For the kind of money they want for it, you shouldn't have to settle for a crippled tool. Even S-O thinks it's a POS. They upgraded me to a Verus for only $500 more.

What couldnt it do that you needed it to do? Was it a ModisUltra scope specific issue or a 2channel scope general issue?

Verus scope uses the same software, has same functionality....just has two more channels and the amp/ignition features built in.

If one needed to do something like scope the entire ignition system of a COP I5/6/V6/8/10 even the Verus or a PICO couldnt do it without adapters, so its basically a moot point...

 

[nblehm]

Thanks for the replies guys. I just got around to looking at this thread again. I ended up picking up the modius on Thursday. The Snap on driver had the diagnostic rep on the truck. After talking to him I felt pretty comfortable with it. Also with the rep on board they could do "special deals". From reading around, I think I got a pretty good deal on it. Plus I got the next update for free. Hopefully the support pans out like they talked it up, but that was another selling point for me. The rep is local and offered any assistance I needed learning the tool, and would come out and bring a bunch of accessories to see if I liked with the scope as well.

Anyway so far I am very happy with it. Still learning the interface but everything I have done so far, is far better then the otc scan tools I am used to. Only have used the scope once and the component test part was really nice. The tool told me connector location, picture of the connector and typical wave form. Can I find that other places sure, can I do it in the minute it took on the modius, probably not.

edit* They also offered the solus and vantage ultras, but I went for the modius. We still have the otc stuff at work if I need a separate scope. I liked the bigger screen on the modius and only having to update one tool. Also I got the modius for a good bit cheaper

 

[maven]

Yeah, I bought my Modis Ultra when the Diagknow guy was coming around too, got the MU, all the OBD1 adapters, Euro, the soft carry case, and the amp probe for $6k. very happy with it so far.

 

[maven]

Upgrade 14.2 adds graphing ohms to the ModisUltra scope/gmm

 

[BlksnshN]

Upgrade 14.2 adds graphing ohms to the ModisUltra scope/gmm

Did 14.2 just come out this week?

I bought a Vantage Ultra last Thursday and I'm pretty sure the screen says 13.4. And then this week I noticed something about 14.2 on the sales flyer.

 

[nblehm]

Mine is still 13.4. My dealer hasnt mentioned anything about an update. I think I will hold out for a bit, until my askatech free subscription runs out then update. They told me I would get another 6 months free with an update.

 

[nblehm]

Also the euro coverage that the modius has over the otc stuff is awesome. With the otc scanner you basically get global and maybe a few vehicle specific things, I have been impressed with the modius' coverage

 

[maven]

Yes you get a 6month askatech code with any update or platform purchase. I dont think the codes expire.....so run through your current one and then just punch in the one from your update later.