Category: Comm Adapters

Autel MaxiSys CV (Commercial Vehicle) Review

Autel MaxiSys CV (Commercial Vehicle) Review

by | Nov 29, 2017 | , | 0 |

You may be familiar with a manufacturer of auto diagnostic tools, Autel. Autel has long been in the automotive market, but they have just released their first commercial truck diagnostic kit called the Autel MaxiSys CV (Commercial Vehicle). With a retail price point of $3299, we wanted to see what this tool can do. The part number on this tool is MS908CV, and the kit includes a hard case, ruggedized 7” Android tablet, and all the cables you will need. As with any tool, we wanted to know more about the performance, so we decided to test it out...

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The New Green 9-pin J1939 Connectors Explained

The New Green 9-pin J1939 Connectors Explained

by | Oct 25, 2017 | | 9 |

Introduction to the Green Type II Can 500 9-pin Starting with model year 2016 and newer trucks, commercial vehicles started showing up with the new green 9-pin plug in the dash. Previously they were black in color and now they are green. If you have a black cable, you will find that it will not physically fit into the green diagnostic port; this left technicians with new many questions, including: So, what is going on here? Why did the truck manufacturers make our lives more difficult? Can I just but a new cable for my truck adapter? All of...

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How to spot a China Nexiq USB Link 2 Clone

How to spot a China Nexiq USB Link 2 Clone

by | Jul 26, 2017 | | 4 |

The Nexiq USB Link original adapter came out around 7 years ago, and sold over 130,000 before it was discontinued and replaced by the Nexiq USB Link 2. The Nexiq USB Link 2 came out around mid-2014, and is the number one selling commercial truck adapter in the market. Besides the fact that Nexiq is worried about USB Link 2 clone, one of the nagging issues that Nexiq had with the original design was that several different OBDII cables were needed (Regulard OBDII, Volvo/Mack HD OBDII, CAT in GMC/Chevy Truck OBDII, etc…). The other issue was that Nexiq never...

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USB Link 2 Companion Guide Free Download

USB Link 2 Companion Guide Free Download

by | Jan 6, 2017 | , | 0 |

Fill out this short form, and we will email you the USB Link 2 Companion Guide: Name *FirstLastEmail *EmailConfirm EmailPhone *CommentSubmit Nexiq USB Link 2 Companion Guide The USB Link 2 is the most common adapter in the commercial truck market. Since we sell so many of this diagnostic tool, we put together our own unauthorized guide on this device from Nexiq. This guide covers the following: How to troubleshoot the adapter when it won’t connect Where to get FREE diagnostic software to use with it How to configure over 25 pieces of diagnostic software to work properly with...

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Nexiq USB Link 2 Review Troubleshooting and Testing

by | May 19, 2015 | | 0 |

Nexiq USB Link (Original) Discontinued In early 2015, Nexiq Technologies discontinued the “tried and true” original Nexiq USB Link. This adapter had been around for around 7 years, and was wildly popular. One of the main reasons that the Nexuq USB Link became so popular was because of their distribution. Nexiq is 100% owned by Snap On, so between the large marketing spends, industry trade shows, and Snap On tool trucks, Nexiq has an unmatched distribution network. The other large source of their distribution comes from formal truck dealerships, as Nexiq is the recommended product for various truck manufacturers such as International, Freightliner, and many others. Nexiq USB Link 2 Changes We’ve literally sold over 1,000 of the original Nexiq USB Link, so to say we are familiar with them is an understatement. Lets talk about some of the changes that we’ve noticed with this new and improved USB Link 2. Packaging/Box The first thing we’ve noticed is that Nexiq is no longer packaging their adapter in the “Nexiq Box” that they’ve frequently used for not only the USB Link, but other products as well. Here is what the original box looked like: Nexiq has decided not to provide this packaging with the new USB Link 2, but I guess who really cares about packaging?  Design For all its popularity, the original Nexiq USB Link had some serious design issues....

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CAT Adapter 3 (317-7484) replaced!

by | Jan 29, 2015 | | 16 |

CAT Communication Adapter 3 (III) has been upgraded! CAT Adapter 3 The tried and true CAT Adapter 3 (Also know as the CAT Comm III)  adapter that is manufactured by Caterpillar has been upgraded. The old part number, 317-7484, has now been replaced by part number 466-6258. We took this opportunity to try and find out what has changed with this new adapter. The first thing we did is buy one, and open up the box. The box itself appears to be the exact same, and there are no changes that can be noticed. Here is what the inside looks like: There are 4 components in the box: CAT Comm Adapter III CD for installing the drivers USB Cable (From device to your computer) 6 & 9 pin cable (from device to your truck) We then took a closer look at the adapter itself. It is labeled with part # 317-7485 as you can see in this picture: This is the exact same part # as found in the original kit, part # 317-7484. So what gives? CAT raises the price a couple hundred dollars, but the adapter is the same? Lets dig a little further. The kit also contains a CD, USB cable, and 6/9 pin connector. Upon inspection, everything in this kit is exactly the same except for the provided connector pin cable. Here is what the old kit and the new kit contained from CAT:...

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Nexiq USB Link and DPA5 differences explained

by | Oct 21, 2014 | | 1 |

Nexiq USB Link vs DG Technologies DPA5 The two most common aftermarket communication adapters are the Nexiq USB Link and the DG Technologies DPA5. Customers quite often ask us: What’s the difference? Well, we’re here to break it down for you. The Nexiq USB Link is manufactured by Nexiq, which is owned by Snap On. This is by far the most common adapter, as they have a very large distribution network and brand name recognition. Below is our list of Pro’s and Con’s on this adapter: Pro’s Aftermarket cable ends are readily available all over the Internet around $30 each. You can buy them anywhere – Your Snap On Tool Truck, dealerships, Internet, etc… If repairs are needed after warranty has expired (12 months), Nexiq repairs them at reasonable pricing. Con’s Only has a 12-month warranty No diagnostic software included There are TONS of Chinese clones/knock offs so be careful where you buy from The most expensive aftermarket adapter available Item is manufactured out of plastic (Not as durable as others) The DPA5 adapter is manufactured by DG Technologies, which was previously called Dearborn Technologies. While a smaller company, they do a lot of business directly with manufacturers such as Case New Holland, Detroit, and more. Pro’s Priced competitively ($75 or so less than a Nexiq) Standard 2-year warranty and extended warranties available Made out of metal, so very...

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