Solus Ultra Value / Software Availability

[FrumRoll]

I'm just a home mechanic, I have a Solus Ultra I purchased on eBay many years ago. It was advertised and sold without software, I think I paid $100 for it. After I received it I looked into getting the software for a little bit but I wasn't sure how to go about it without access to a Snap-On truck. Since then it's just been sitting. Does anyone know what the software process is? Can I do it via mail, I see lots of upgrade SKUs on Snap-On's website are they applicable even though I don't have any software currently.

Is it worth anything in it's current state? I have a Solus Ultra, a hard case, a DA-4 data cable, a battery charger, three DVDs and some documentation.

 

[chadster1]

Does it even power on? The Solus Ultra was never available without software. If it doesn't boot up then you were sold a broken unit.

You could try contacting Snap-on diagnostics to see what the flat rate repair costs would be.

 

[FrumRoll]

Does it even power on? The Solus Ultra was never available without software. If it doesn't boot up then you were sold a broken unit.

You could try contacting Snap-on diagnostics to see what the flat rate repair costs would be.

It doesn't boot but it turns on and shows me a picture asking me to insert a SD card which I don't have, if I press OK it goes to a Utilities screen where I can connect the device to a PC or format a SD card.

 

[chadster1]

It doesn't boot but it turns on and shows me a picture asking me to insert a SD card which I don't have, if I press OK it goes to a Utilities screen where I can connect the device to a PC or format a SD card.

If it is missing the SD card, you are pretty much screwed. It would need to be sent in to Snap-on diagnostics. Quite honestly, it would probably be cheaper to buy a working used Solus Ultra or newer on eBay vs. what Snap-on diagnostics is going to charge you.

 

[AJHD]

My advice is call (or email) Snap On and ask them about it. The software is on that SD card, so it was either lost or whoever you bought it from kept it for some reason.

Beyond that, you can also try to locate a dealer in your area and visit the truck. I don't know what "diagnostics" need to be run, but the dealer can set you up with the software on the truck, especially if you bring a proper sized SD card with you. My Solus Edge has an 8GB MicroSD card in it.

 

[FrumRoll]

My advice is call (or email) Snap On and ask them about it. The software is on that SD card, so it was either lost or whoever you bought it from kept it for some reason.

Beyond that, you can also try to locate a dealer in your area and visit the truck. I don't know what "diagnostics" need to be run, but the dealer can set you up with the software on the truck, especially if you bring a proper sized SD card with you. My Solus Edge has an 8GB MicroSD card in it.

Thanks, I've got an email into snap on right now. We'll see if I get a reply, I tried once before years ago and never heard back.

If I can get the original software for it, or whatever the last update the original owner purchased for some reasonable amount of money that would be great. I'd like to keep the thing out of the land fill if possible, but I can't justify spending $1,000 to get the latest and greatest as a home user.

 

[texasprd]

I doubt anyone besides the previous owner knows the last version/update that was on that tool - though maybe Snap-On tracks it by the unit serial number. Looks like 19.4 was the final update for the Solus Ultra...

Edit:
My brother-in-law used to tell me what he paid for the updates to his Snap-On handheld diagnostic units - I suspect it would cost you several hundred dollars for the software. If you want to keep it out of the landfill, you might look for a scrapyard that takes electronics or hide it in an old computer case and take it to BestBuy

 

[FrumRoll]

I doubt anyone besides the previous owner knows the last version/update that was on that tool - though maybe Snap-On tracks it by the unit serial number. Looks like 19.4 was the final update for the Solus Ultra...

I reached out to snap on, they said I can buy the 21.4 upgrade for $1000 or send it in and they'll repair it for $200. So I'm going that route. Not sure what software it will come back with, but $200 to make it usable works for me.

 

[texasprd]

It will be interesting to see what you get back - please keep us posted.

 

[FrumRoll]

The Solus came back today, they loaded 19.2 on it.

 

[texasprd]

Not bad!

 

[kadir34]

The Solus came back today, they loaded 19.2 on it.

I have solus edge too
my card is broken
I can't find the software inside
did you solve it?
I was using it for my own vehicle and I live in Türkiye.
no support here
Are there no copies of these cards?
I wrote snap on, no answer

 

[AJHD]

Are there no copies of these cards?
I wrote snap on, no answer

Copy? Any copy would be illegal if not from Snap On directly.

That's called fake or illegally pirated software, and I'm not sure if that market even exists in the scan tool world.

There has to be some form of unique registration or activation process that would stop software from being shared or distributed.

 

[Pinemarten]

It seems like sending a $5 SD card to kadir34 in Turkey wouldn't bankrupt Snap-on. SD cards can get corrupted just sitting unused.

Why warranty a $120 dollar ratchet that has been abused, but not cover an expensive scan tool that needs a cheap SD card?

 

[AJHD]

It seems like sending a $5 SD card to kadir34 in Turkey wouldn't bankrupt Snap-on. SD cards can get corrupted just sitting unused.

Why warranty a $120 dollar ratchet that has been abused, but not cover an expensive scan tool that needs a cheap SD card?

What? It's not about the SD card itself unless I'm not understanding something.

I don't know much about Turkey, but I'm sure he can buy an SD card locally or via Amazon.

The problem is with the software... That's a only from Snap On thing. Either corporate or dealer, in the US or abroad.

 

[BrandonV]

I can not imagine the software on the SD card isn't locked to the hardware via a unique identifier of sorts.

 

[kadir34]

Merhaba
Kart sorunumu hala çözemedim ve aracımdaki arızaları okuyamıyorum.
Ücreti ödeyerek alabileceğim bir kart yok mu?
Yoksa cihazı çöpe mi atmam gerekiyor?

 

[kadir34]

Hello
I still haven't been able to solve my card problem and I can't solve the problems in my vehicle. I can't drive my vehicle. Isn't there a card I can get by paying the fee?
please help me

 

[AJHD]

Call or e-mail Snap On. Find your local Snap On rep.
They own the software and scan tool platform.

 

[Wrench97]

It seems like sending a $5 SD card to kadir34 in Turkey wouldn't bankrupt Snap-on. SD cards can get corrupted just sitting unused.

Why warranty a $120 dollar ratchet that has been abused, but not cover an expensive scan tool that needs a cheap SD card?

Different warranty, diag tools are not warrantied for life, are sold and registered to a purchaser.