Snap On scanners-Verus Edge support and Zeus+

[charbar]

Just got off the Snappy truck and my driver made it sound like they might stop supporting updates for my Verus Edge in the not so distant future. Anyone else heard anything about that? My snap on guy is new and young so he admits he isn't 100% sure on a lot of that stuff yet but was going to try to find some more info for me. As far as I knew my Verus Edge and the original Zeus were basically the same tool so I find it odd that they might stop updates for the Verus but not the Zeus.


I looked at the new Zeus Plus he had on the truck. Supposedly faster but how do you really tell when you are just playing with it on the truck... I asked him if the oscilloscope had been updated on them over my Verus Edge and he didn't know about that either. Anyone here have any experience with the Zeus Plus (not the original Zeus). Curious if it is that much faster and if the scope is better or not? Regardless, if they stop supporting the Verus Edge Im going to have to do something different.

 

[kzthunder]

They tend to support the last 3 versions of a platform. Once a new whiz bang tool comes out the oldest version of the old models will get dropped. Verus has been around about 10 years. Gotta keep people paying those payments.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The last verus is the 1st zeus, down to the case as I understand. Aside from interface changes, the scope is unchanged since the original Modis as far as I have been able to research. The downside is the Zeus+ has the scope as a separate item. That's the biggest problem IMO. That's what's so nice about the snap on tools, the scope is right there. No extra wires or external laptop.

I used a zeus+ at a training event. Pairing with scam module is way faster. Other than that it mostly worked as my gen1 zeus.

 

[charbar]

The last verus is the 1st zeus, down to the case as I understand. Aside from interface changes, the scope is unchanged since the original Modis as far as I have been able to research. The downside is the Zeus+ has the scope as a separate item. That's the biggest problem IMO. That's what's so nice about the snap on tools, the scope is right there. No extra wires or external laptop.

I used a zeus+ at a training event. Pairing with scam module is way faster. Other than that it mostly worked as my gen1 zeus.

Was hoping you would chime in because you are way more up to date on this stuff than I am....

The scope on the Zeus+ is for sure separate.....that's the first thing I noticed when I looked at it and thought the same thing....more fkn wires to hook up/have tangled up. My Verus has the scope stuck on the back 95% of the time or I can separate it if I need to. As I said, not the best scope but it works fine most of the time as an 'all is one' tool.

If the scope on the Zeus+ is no better then I am heavily looking towards one of the top of the line Autel units. I have scopes and J boxes so I really just need another good "daily driver" scan tool that will be supported for awhile if Snappy is actually going to leave me in the stone ages with the Verus. Why pay $11k for a Zeus + that is only going to get me new updates over what I already.........

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Was hoping you would chime in because you are way more up to date on this stuff than I am....

The scope on the Zeus+ is for sure separate.....that's the first thing I noticed when I looked at it and thought the same thing....more fkn wires to hook up/have tangled up. My Verus has the scope stuck on the back 95% of the time or I can separate it if I need to. As I said, not the best scope but it works fine most of the time as an 'all is one' tool.

If the scope on the Zeus+ is no better then I am heavily looking towards one of the top of the line Autel units. I have scopes and J boxes so I really just need another good "daily driver" scan tool that will be supported for awhile if Snappy is actually going to leave me in the stone ages with the Verus. Why pay $11k for a Zeus + that is only going to get me new updates over what I already.........

It may be worth doing the final update on the verus, then getting another tool. Keep the verus for the strengths it has, and keep another tool to be up to date and gain capabilities.

I don't believe the scope specs have ever changed, or they have never been advertised to have been changed. I believe the buffer got slightly longer at some point, which added an extra zoom scale. I don't think my modis had 128x zoom or whatever the highest is on the Zeus. That said my zeus is so much easier to use than my old gen1 modis that the scope feels more capable despite having the same specs.

 

[f121]

The last verus is the 1st zeus, down to the case as I understand. Aside from interface changes, the scope is unchanged since the original Modis as far as I have been able to research. The downside is the Zeus+ has the scope as a separate item. That's the biggest problem IMO. That's what's so nice about the snap on tools, the scope is right there. No extra wires or external laptop.

What’s the issue with having the scope module remote? Assuming it’s fast enough and the connection doesn’t drop out, I like the idea of having the display remote so I can set the scope wires up under the bonnet then sit in the car or walk around with the display. Also means when someone trips over the scope leads or opens the door they’re hooked over, your $5k scan tool isn’t in a heap on the floor.

The main thing that puts me off the windows based scan tools like verus/zeus is windows. I dont want to be waiting for windows to boot, messing around waiting for windows updates, finding the battery that was charged fine last month is now flat, all the usual windows BS. I really like how I plug my Triton into a vehicle and it turns on and is ready to use about 10s later, charges from the car and always just works.

 

[toolenthusiast]

I have a Modis Edge that’s getting way out of date and I’ve been debating two options, probably with similar thoughts as OP.

Option 1: wait until support is ending and do the final update

• Lowest overall update cost, at least for a snap-on device
• My family drives old cars anyway
• My shop has all sorts of scantools
• Modis has a decent scope built-in (but only 2 channels)
• I can keep it for a long time and probably get decent hardware support, or at least be able to get a new battery easily
• No VCI to deal with and it charges from the DLC
• But when will the last update be, like OP said?

Option 2: ditch it, get a standalone scope, and cycle through cheap chinese scanners

• Best value if up-to-date software matters
• Still end up having a scope, and 4 channels at that
• Might be nice for scope to be separate, especially since I dabble with hobby electronics
• Imported scanners honestly have more functions

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What’s the issue with having the scope module remote? Assuming it’s fast enough and the connection doesn’t drop out, I like the idea of having the display remote so I can set the scope wires up under the bonnet then sit in the car or walk around with the display. Also means when someone trips over the scope leads or opens the door they’re hooked over, your $5k scan tool isn’t in a heap on the floor.

The main thing that puts me off the windows based scan tools like verus/zeus is windows. I dont want to be waiting for windows to boot, messing around waiting for windows updates, finding the battery that was charged fine last month is now flat, all the usual windows BS. I really like how I plug my Triton into a vehicle and it turns on and is ready to use about 10s later, charges from the car and always just works.

Scope isn't remote. It's tethered to the scan tool by a 5ft cord. So now instead of having it piggybacking on my scan tool which is also the screen, I have another precious item that needs routed and drug around in addition to the scan tool. When I'm crawling in the "backseat" area of a coupe I don't need more ****. IIRC my zeus and the last gen verus (edge?) Can also use the scope remotely tethered with a cable. The best thing about snap on to me was the all in one aspect.

It makes the zeus+ have all the negatives of a laptop based scope like pico, with none of the advantages pico offers over snap on. If I want the raw power of Pico, I use the pico and accept the annoyance of extra pieces. I wanted to check for a leaking purge valve with a pressure transducer this morning. Leads go in the tool, 2"hg, condemned. With a zeus+ I would need to balance the scan tool and the scope under the hood.

IIRC jarhead diagnostics sells a mount for the zeus+ to mount the scope on the back.


I leave my zeus on the docking station, an expensive item if bought alone, and then it's always 100%. I'll reboot the whole tablet every few weeks. But yes, I had a solus legend and that booted from dead in like 5 seconds. My topdon is silly fast too, my favorite for fast jobs.

 

[f121]

Scope isn't remote. It's tethered to the scan tool by a 5ft cord.

Oh that’s hassle. I assumed it was wireless like the odb connector. TBH I can’t see any real advantage of the Zeus over the D10 then, other than being able to play Spotify off it. Maybe if I used it in a commercial setting the Zeus would make more sense. The Snap On guy has tried to sell me on Zeus a few times, but always looses me at windows.

I think I’d rather go for a decent laptop, a D10 and a pico. Which would still add up to half a Zeus+.

 

[joel63]

What’s the issue with having the scope module remote? Assuming it’s fast enough and the connection doesn’t drop out, I like the idea of having the display remote so I can set the scope wires up under the bonnet then sit in the car or walk around with the display. Also means when someone trips over the scope leads or opens the door they’re hooked over, your $5k scan tool isn’t in a heap on the floor.

The main thing that puts me off the windows based scan tools like verus/zeus is windows. I dont want to be waiting for windows to boot, messing around waiting for windows updates, finding the battery that was charged fine last month is now flat, all the usual windows BS. I really like how I plug my Triton into a vehicle and it turns on and is ready to use about 10s later, charges from the car and always just works.

It's remote sort of. It still has to be connected to the scope.
It's not Bluetooth.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Oh that’s hassle. I assumed it was wireless like the odb connector. TBH I can’t see any real advantage of the Zeus over the D10 then, other than being able to play Spotify off it. Maybe if I used it in a commercial setting the Zeus would make more sense. The Snap On guy has tried to sell me on Zeus a few times, but always looses me at windows.

I think I’d rather go for a decent laptop, a D10 and a pico. Which would still add up to half a Zeus+.

If you're cool with the cord, stick with the cord. It's hard to go back from wireless. If the scope was wireless to the scan tool I could see some value from that. Test driving with the scope can be annoying needing 10ft or more of extra leads to get from the engine bay or whatever back to the scope.

Non-work use? I wouldn't be buying a zeus. The only thing that really ***** about snap on tools is how they neuter the non-flagship tools. Limiting PIDs viewable, corded interfaces, etc. I had a Solus Legend, and it could only graph 4 things at once on the screen. I can make that work on a lot of cars. But man is it easier to make a custom list of 10+ Pids and cast a wide net to start.

 

[charbar]

Talked to the Cornwell guy and he can get Autel. He showed me one in a flier that even came with a J box and a scope for like $4k. I dont remember what model it was though.

I got on Autels website and they have so many friggin scanners I dont know what is what. Anybody know what model would be their flagship/top of the line scanner?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

MS919 or Ultra would be my guess.

The problem with autel, and launch, is places who aren't legit USA branch dealers sell non-domestic-market tools. Which adds a ton of part numbers and makes things hard to research.

I use the AESWave site to sift through scan tools because they're an actual Autel USA dealer. I believe the tool trucks also sell only the legit Autel USA tools.

 

[j3rf]

MS919 or Ultra would be my guess.

The problem with autel, and launch, is places who aren't legit USA branch dealers sell non-domestic-market tools. Which adds a ton of part numbers and makes things hard to research.

I use the AESWave site to sift through scan tools because they're an actual Autel USA dealer. I believe the tool trucks also sell only the legit Autel USA tools.

I think you can see authorized dealers on Autel's website as well.

 

[VanWinkleAuto]

Just got off the Snappy truck and my driver made it sound like they might stop supporting updates for my Verus Edge in the not so distant future. Anyone else heard anything about that? My snap on guy is new and young so he admits he isn't 100% sure on a lot of that stuff yet but was going to try to find some more info for me. As far as I knew my Verus Edge and the original Zeus were basically the same tool so I find it odd that they might stop updates for the Verus but not the Zeus.


I looked at the new Zeus Plus he had on the truck. Supposedly faster but how do you really tell when you are just playing with it on the truck... I asked him if the oscilloscope had been updated on them over my Verus Edge and he didn't know about that either. Anyone here have any experience with the Zeus Plus (not the original Zeus). Curious if it is that much faster and if the scope is better or not? Regardless, if they stop supporting the Verus Edge Im going to have to do something different.

I realize this is an old post but was curious as to your decision, if you'd backdated to the Zeus +? My biggest regret was trading my Verus Edge for the Z+. On my 2nd one, now beginning to act like the previous. Just curious if you had traded, how your Z+ had been. Thank you and have a great day

 

[f121]

I realize this is an old post but was curious as to your decision, if you'd backdated to the Zeus +? My biggest regret was trading my Verus Edge for the Z+. On my 2nd one, now beginning to act like the previous. Just curious if you had traded, how your Z+ had been. Thank you and have a great day

Why do you regret swapping the Edge for the Z+?

 

[charbar]

I realize this is an old post but was curious as to your decision, if you'd backdated to the Zeus +? My biggest regret was trading my Verus Edge for the Z+. On my 2nd one, now beginning to act like the previous. Just curious if you had traded, how your Z+ had been. Thank you and have a great day

Ended up passing on a Zeus+ and bought an Autel Ultra so I can't comment on the Zeus+. I still use my Verus Edge quite a bit though. A month or two ago my Snap On man even shot me a deal to trade in my old Verus Edge on a Zeus+ for $5k. Didn't think it was a bad deal really but ended up passing on that too.

I know my dealer has sold a pile of the Zeus+ scanners but of course he only talks about the good thing about them! Most shops around here are only educated enough to use about 5% of the tools potential so I can't really ask for any in person opinions about them either.

Im not sure if @2ndGearRubber traded his Zeus for a Zeus+ or not.....he might have some insight if so.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Ended up passing on a Zeus+ and bought an Autel Ultra so I can't comment on the Zeus+. I still use my Verus Edge quite a bit though. A month or two ago my Snap On man even shot me a deal to trade in my old Verus Edge on a Zeus+ for $5k. Didn't think it was a bad deal really but ended up passing on that too.

I know my dealer has sold a pile of the Zeus+ scanners but of course he only talks about the good thing about them! Most shops around here are only educated enough to use about 5% of the tools potential so I can't really ask for any in person opinions about them either.

Im not sure if @2ndGearRubber traded his Zeus for a Zeus+ or not.....he might have some insight if so.

I still have the old Gen 1 Windows 7 Zeus. Although the new wireless Triton is interesting but still only 4 data lines graphed at once.

Rather than pay to keep the Zeus current I just bought another Topdon with 2 years of updates and the newer protocol VCI, for less than a year of snap on data would cost. Snap on did all the diag today though, still a great tool. Value for dollar ***** with snap on compared to a lot of options but I still really like it.

 

[VanWinkleAuto]

This is my 13th SnapOn scanner. I would typically trade about 3 or 4 years. The Verus Edge to that point was hands down my favorite of all. They hyped the Z+ so much and did make me a decent deal, providing the tool had been worth even the plastic that it’s made from. A day ago this new Z+ began doing the exact same thing my previous did and now i find that it is happening w nearly all of them. Call SnapOn diag to see if they would go on remote and see if they could find any issues and I was told they wouldn’t do that because if it had a virus then they, too, would get it. I was then told it was a “me” problem. Early on i liked to actually scope and see exactly how something was failing but anymore, like most that have sone it a while, many issues are so inherent you can just about do the diag from the customer complaint. But tbh, from where i am at w this Z+, w the work station , monitor, all of the DIS cables, pressure transducers, COP pickups for most, i am in it a bit upwards of $25k (retail not actual due to trade ups thru the years) and i would just as soon use a $50 dongle that i can app on my phone as opposed to argue w this far less than even remotely subpar scan tool. The fact that the USA standard for customer service hit the skids a ways back also doesnt help matters much either. Thank you for the input.

 

[VanWinkleAuto]

Why do you regret swapping the Edge for the Z+?

Although the Verus Edge was a 2 ch scope, the Z+ being 4 w a “separate” or “stand alone” scope module that is neither being that is is attached w cords, was plagued w problems on my original, this replacement not so much. The battery life is absolutely terrible and they give no means to charge it via DC 12v unless one wants to run an inverter and use the AC power adapter. A tool that has such a short battery capacity and no ability to readily hook it to the vehicle in which one may want to actually test drive becomes problematic. I had my first for about 15 months, of which SnapOn had it a combined 3-4 months and worked on it remotely an additional 7x. 2 of those wiping absolutely everything out and doing a complete reboot just to “see if this helps”. The tool has been fast. I’ve had no issues there, until it begins freezing up. If you happen to change tabs when this is happening, not realizing it may have been thinking on the previous, might at well do a hard reset as it will not come out of it. This is where my problems began on the last and now this one began a day or two ago. To put it simply, it just isn’t at all what they made it out to be. I feel they released a tool that they hyped way too much before it was really ever ready to release to begin with. Has a lot of inherent issues it seems. They have just recently came out w a poor excuse for a docking station. Might as well be a glorified stand as you still have to plug a USB-C in to the side of the tool from a hub mounted to the ‘docking station’. The price for the dock is insane for what you’re actually getting. My Verus had a nice clean dock that would charge as soon as set on the dock and the workstation was always neat. To be fair, I’d guess that if my previous route guy hadn’t flat out lied about certain things, it may not have been as hard a hit as what it has been.

 

[charbar]

Call SnapOn diag to see if they would go on remote and see if they could find any issues and I was told they wouldn’t do that because if it had a virus then they, too, would get it. I was then told it was a “me” problem.

That's a new one to me. They have came in remote on mine different times and that was never mentioned to me once. I THINK back in the day my Snap On guy told me there were two diag centers for the scanners and that San Jose was the better one. 877-838-4896 is the number I have for them