Snap On Vantage Ultra

[01ps]

I have been looking at scopes (and scan tools) for the shop I am moving to in a few weeks. It is a brand new shop, so we are starting from scratch.

We are considering a Modis, but I think a Solus Ultra and a Vantage might be a better choice (don't like the idea of one tool).

I was informed by the SO dealer of the release of the Vantage Ultra. Snap on has no product info on their website, and the dealer knows very little about it, other than a faster scope, bigger (touch) screen and higher resolution.

I have not used the Vantage Pro, but used an original Vantage for quite awhile. When it died we bought a Pico, and while it is awesome, it is a pain to set up, has a very steep learning curve, and is cumbersome. Plus the database is generic. I think it is great if all you do is driveability, but for other stuff, overkill.

Anyhoo, have you heard anything about the Vantage Ultra? I read a bit on IATN, but there was a lot of whining about missing functions, etc, and I couldn't really understand what they were talking about since I had never used the VP.

Also, what are must have accessories for the Vantage? And SO only shows a low amp clamp available, what about high amp clamp?

 

[MLB0611]

The Vantage Ultra is built on the Modis Ultra Chassis, so it is basically a Modis Ultra without the scan tool module.

The main missing thing is it has no internal fuse like a DVOM/VP so the meter can be hooked in series, like for testing for a battery drain. The Ultra and Verus platforms do not have that, nor did the original Modis. I do not think it is important as I use an low Amp clamp for that kind of testing. The other missing feature is the Zoom feature so you cannot take a waveform with a large time base and zoom in or out, at the tool, you can do it with Shop stream connect, but you have to download the file to a PC and then you can zoom, the zoom feature is on the Verus Pro.

High Amp clamp, no Snap On has never offered a High Amp Clamp, you can use one, you just have to do the math, as there is no preset scale for a HAC, get a universal HAC from AES Wave and just do the math and it will work no problem.,

HTH

 

[tyndall]

Beware of any of the new and improved (lol) models. Snap-on seems hell bent to dumb their scanners down to an Innova level.

The new Modis Ultra is faster and flashier, but they neutered the scope - only two channels and no connector for inductive tach pickup. Had one for all of a month before telling the driver to shove it. Have the new Verus now, but the boot up time means it gets left in the bag most of the time. Used it twice in the last two months.

For a new shop I'd say a Pico and maybe a good OTC.

 

[MLB0611]

Beware of any of the new and improved (lol) models. Snap-on seems hell bent to dumb their scanners down to an Innova level.

The new Modis Ultra is faster and flashier, but they neutered the scope - only two channels and no connector for inductive tach pickup. Had one for all of a month before telling the driver to shove it. Have the new Verus now, but the boot up time means it gets left in the bag most of the time. Used it twice in the last two months.

For a new shop I'd say a Pico and maybe a good OTC.

Boot up time on a Laptop based scan tool is a moot point, you turn it on first thing in the morning and it stays on all day. just like my laptop. That is what I do, I turn on my laptop and then the Verus Pro, ready to go anytime.

AS for the quip about the OTC, yeah good luck with that

 

[01ps]

The Vantage Ultra is built on the Modis Ultra Chassis, so it is basically a Modis Ultra without the scan tool module.



The main missing thing is it has no internal fuse like a DVOM/VP so the meter can be hooked in series, like for testing for a battery drain. The Ultra and Verus platforms do not have that, nor did the original Modis. I do not think it is important as I use an low Amp clamp for that kind of testing. The other missing feature is the Zoom feature so you cannot take a waveform with a large time base and zoom in or out, at the tool, you can do it with Shop stream connect, but you have to download the file to a PC and then you can zoom, the zoom feature is on the Verus Pro.



High Amp clamp, no Snap On has never offered a High Amp Clamp, you can use one, you just have to do the math, as there is no preset scale for a HAC, get a universal HAC from AES Wave and just do the math and it will work no problem.,



HTH

Why do you suppose they don't offer a high amp clamp? I use mine a lot.

Also, not being familiar with the vantage pro, is the zoom function a major loss? So what you are saying is, let's say you are graphing a parasitic draw for a few hours and see a drop in the longer time base, you can't zoom on that one spot to see the detail without shop stream?

And that is kinda dumb about the pass through amp feature missing, considering they offer it as having graphing multi meter functions, but there are ways around that I guess.

 

[Skin]

Only advantage for a Snap-On unit is the portability. In a shop the PICO, already mentioned, is a far superior scope and is cheaper to boot.

 

[bimmerTEK]

I have the Vantage pro for years and I'm happy with it. A scope is not needed as much these days.

 

[jethro29]

I have the Vantage pro for years and I'm happy with it. A scope is not needed as much these days.

I use mine almost daily,for cylinder balance tests,starter draw,voltage drop.fuel pump testing,cam and crank sensor diags,testing window motors,ect.i would be lost without my scope( vantage pro).

 

[jethro29]

the accessory I use the most for my scope is a pressure tranducer,it saves so much time and effort ,I would recommend it toany one who uses a scope.

 

[MLB0611]

Why do you suppose they don't offer a high amp clamp? I use mine a lot.

Also, not being familiar with the vantage pro, is the zoom function a major loss? So what you are saying is, let's say you are graphing a parasitic draw for a few hours and see a drop in the longer time base, you can't zoom on that one spot to see the detail without shop stream?

And that is kinda dumb about the pass through amp feature missing, considering they offer it as having graphing multi meter functions, but there are ways around that I guess.

They never did offer a High Amp probe, only the low amp, as for why IDK.FYI, you can use the low amp probe for higher amps than rated by using the DVOM settings on the scope rather than the presets and do the math. That is how I do a relative compression test with a low amp probe.

Not real important you just have to set your time base correctly and with the guided set up not real hard either. I have never used a V Pro I have only used the Modis and the Verus Pro, so I never had the built in amp pass through on a Scope so never used it, either used my low amp probe or my DVOM.

 

[kustom53]

PICO is definitely the way to go...

 

[bimmerTEK]

VP is just more than a scope. GMM is very useful

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[01ps]

PICO is definitely the way to go...

Yes, it is a beautiful scope. However in the months I've used it I found it cumbersome and overkill for day,to day use, that's why I'm considering the vantage. I'm pretty sure 95% of the time it would fit the bill, be faster to set up, more rugged, and with the database easier to find problems in the all- makes shop I works in.

Could be wrong though.


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[01ps]

Does the new ultra have an ignition scope?


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[Skin]

Yes, it is a beautiful scope. However in the months I've used it I found it cumbersome and overkill for day,to day use, that's why I'm considering the vantage. I'm pretty sure 95% of the time it would fit the bill, be faster to set up, more rugged, and with the database easier to find problems in the all- makes shop I works in.

Could be wrong though.


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No better database than the internet. If you're on IATN you can even download screen captures to compare yours to. PICO might be overkill but at the same time certain tasks require that level of functionality. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[MLB0611]

Does the new ultra have an ignition scope?


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No, nor does the verdict, only one that has secondary ignition is Verus Pro and Original Vantage Pro, of the current Snap On scopes

 

[01ps]

That amazes me, that they have removed so many functions

 

[MLB0611]

That amazes me, that they have removed so many functions

Truth be told Secondary is not used much anymore, due to COP ignition systems, but it does piss me off, that they charge soo much but remove a useful thing like zoom and Secondary.

 

[01ps]

Truth be told Secondary is not used much anymore, due to COP ignition systems, but it does piss me off, that they charge soo much but remove a useful thing like zoom and Secondary.

Ya, I want a scope, not an ipad.

Like you say there secondary is less vital, but I still work on lots of conventional stuff in my area.

 

[maven]

My dealer just rolled in today with a Vantage Ultra under his arm for me to look at....its on promo right now for $2000. at $2k its a much more acceptable option to me over a PICO then it is at $2800. The PICO is top notch but I feel like others, that its a bit cumbersome to pull out a lot.

Its time to replace my Fluke 98, all the new stuff has a screen at least twice as big, and weighs less. I avoided pulling the trigger on the PICO because I really prefer the ruggedness and mobility of the standalone units. One main reason Ive kept the 98 so long is that none of the new stuff is CATIII rated {PICO, Verus, Modis,Vantage, OTC( ) } Which means I still need to pull out my DVOM AND the scope when working on anything with an orange harness Exceptions Im aware of are Tektronix THS3000 and Fluke 190, but at ~$4500 and lacking any dedicated automotive presets or database its isnt the best value.(Though I love my Tektronix DVOM which has proved bulletproof for nearly 20years, sadly Tek stopped making handheld DVOMs)

The Vantage isnt CATIII either but the FastTrack database is useful, its standalone, rugged, pretty, and I have an excellent dealer. At $2000 I feel its gonna be hard to pull the trigger on the Tektronix/Fluke over the Vantage.

 

[maven]

I just picked up the Vantage Ultra last night. After rebates and promo it was $2095, which made it hard to pass up.

I doesnt have graphing ohms capability which seems a little odd, but I I havent used a graphing ohms readout (save for bar graphs on my Tektronics DVOM ) in the best part of a decade so its not really like I feel like I am missing out on anything.

It doesnt have an RPM lead as many people have pointed out, but it is still equipped with primary and secondary ignition tests and component data. And though it doesnt include the secondary ignition probe, it accepts it.

I was told by the Diagnostic Sales guy that updates are cheaper than the VPro... $250-300. Not sure I believe him, but it would be nice.

I was considering a PICO, the Fluke 190 and Tektronix THS3000, but since the PICO requires me to be tethered to a laptop it was out, and the Fluke and Tek both easily blow past $4000, and while they are ruggedized, and 4ch superior scopes, the component database of the Vantage and its $2400 price advantage made it a relatively easy choice.

My biggest gripe is that it (like the Modis and Verus) isnt CAT III/IV rated.
Maybe Ill have to upgrade to the new Verus Freedom if it becomes an issue...

Id be happy to answer any questions I can about features the Ultra does or doesnt have. Im hoping I like it and it helps me to make some more money and the "missing" features dont hinder my usage of it.
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[chansta]

I am stuck in the same situation deciding on a vantage ultra or the picoquad 4000 kit.

I do like the portability of the vantage as well as the pin-out/informational function of specific component you are testing. However being that it is limited to only 2 channels leaves more to be desired.

With the picoquad 4000 kit I get a 4 channel scope that is much more capable than a vantage when it comes to capturing and viewing patterns, and being pc based makes it easier to share and find known good patterns. Not to mention specifically for me, not having any accessories like low and high amp clamp, the price of the picoquad 4000 kit is much more appealing since it provides all the necessary attachments I will need to start.

With the snap on I will be able to make payments but even so I think it'll be worth it in my situation to save some money and purchase the pico.

I have been using my co-workers versus pro so I know what to expect out of a vantage ultra already.

I'm going to go with the pico.

 

[maven]

I traded the Vantage in for Modis Ultra. The diagnostic tool truck guy gave me a deal I couldn't pass on...Modis with Euro, all the obd1 adapters, low amp probe, and the carrying case for $6000 w/tax. If I ever NEED a 4 channel scope the PICO is now a required GM dealership tool, I'll just need to download the full scope software (GM doesn't use it as a 4 channel scope, its a custom software application for vibration analysis)

 

[FiendFX]

Debating if I should get the vantage pro or ultra...

 

[joel63]

Debating if I should get the vantage pro or ultra...

Is the Vantage Pro still available?

 

[FiendFX]

Is the Vantage Pro still available?

My snap on guy still has them and also ebay. Or I don't know should I wait and they will come out something better than Vantage Ultra..?

 

[maven]

If youve got the cash, start searching CL and Ebay, you should be able to find a VantagePro with reasonably new update(at least 10.4) and an amp probe or even additional accessories for right around $1000. Nothing "better" than the Ultra is likely to come out any time soon.

 

[FiendFX]

If youve got the cash, start searching CL and Ebay, you should be able to find a VantagePro with reasonably new update(at least 10.4) and an amp probe or even additional accessories for right around $1000. Nothing "better" than the Ultra is likely to come out any time soon.

How long did it take before the Vantage Ultra to come out?

 

[maven]

ummm....the Vantage Pro was out for over 6 years, so was the original Vantage.

 

[joel63]

I traded the Vantage in for Modis Ultra. The diagnostic tool truck guy gave me a deal I couldn't pass on...Modis with Euro, all the obd1 adapters, low amp probe, and the carrying case for $6000 w/tax. If I ever NEED a 4 channel scope the PICO is now a required GM dealership tool, I'll just need to download the full scope software (GM doesn't use it as a 4 channel scope, its a custom software application for vibration analysis)

How are you liking your Modis Ultra?
Are you getting along with the touch screen?
I found that there is a slight learning curve if you were using the Vantage for any length of time.
I traded in my Vantage Pro for a Modis a few years ago. Although the Modis has Vantage Pro capabilities, I really missed the stand alone Vantage Pro platform.
So, I snagged another new V Pro last summer before the Ultra came out.

Good luck with your new "toy."

 

[Technicality]

I would go with a Vantage Pro. the vantage ultra is a definite second. I would agree that a pico is a finer instrument but in a shop I think a vantage pro makes your life easier than its competition or its newer version. the built in automotive database is what made the difference for me... I considered Pico and fluke as well before buying a Vantage Pro. I got mine 2 months ago for $1620 after tax on the truck. fwiw you can find deals out there.

 

[01ps]

After a month or so of use I am happy with the ultra. Having previously used the pico I really like the fact that I don't have to unfurl a laptop, a module, cables etc every time I need to test a power seat motor. I haven't missed the 2 channels yet, but I know I might at some point. Compared to the pico I appreciate the database, it usually saves a lot of time. The pico was definitely an awesome scope, but for day to day use I prefer the vantage.

I can't really speak to the missing functions over the VP, but I am sure I will miss the secondary functions.


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[01ps]

After much more time with the vantage ultra, I really see where the missing functions are causing problems. The zoom especially, but the secondary also. It's still useful, but most of the key features have been replaced with glitz and glamour. I wish I could have gotten the vantage pro, but it had been discontinued.

 

[md21722]

I realize this is an older thread but I'm wondering if any of the features removed from the Vantage Ultra have been brought back? For example, the manual states there is a Zoom function, but this thread says there is not one?

https://www1.snapon.com/display/1060/Vantage_Ultra_User_Manual.pdf

Thanks!