Toyota's TIS techstream

While Dell has jumped into the ruggedized notebook market with the Lattitude XFR D630, I really like the look of Toyota’s TIS techstream, as shown in the image to the left. It is based on the legendary Panasonic ToughBook Model CF-19. This ruggedized computer has a reversible screen that lets you use also use it like a tablet computer. The computer is held in a cradle that encompasses the vehicle communication module (VCM), a charging system, and an OBD-II cabling system.

This is Toyota’s OEM scan tool that is also tied into Totoya’s service information system so you can access service information right from the scan tool. Currently this setup is available from Toyota for $7995 which includes a 2-year subscription to Toyota’s information system. Also note that this OEM scan tool is the same hardware and software that is used by the Toyota dealership technicians.

PC-based solutions are readily available for scan tool operations and scope operations. While there are many products to choose from, the two following solutions seem to be the best of breed.

Scan Tool

AutoEnginuity's Logo

While Ease Diagnostics was one of the first major suppliers of a PC-based scan tool, AutoEnginuity seams to currently be the predominate and most popular PC-based scan tool.

They offer enhanced coverage for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar and Porche. One of the more attractive features of AutoEnginuity is the low cost for upgrades. Based on the package you buy access to all upgrades  for 1 year are between $50-$150.

PC-Based Digital Storage Oscilliscope

4-Channel Pico Scope

PC-based digital storage oscilloscopes (DSO) really make sense. The larger screen size of a computer is nice when you start graphing several waveforms and need to see the details.

PicoScope is the predominate pc-based DSO. You can get this DSO as a 2-channel unit or a 4-channel unit. This DSO is built in England and is available from several sources in the USA including a trainer who specializes in the PicoScope, Tom Roberts of AutoNerdz.

While there are many sources of automotive test equipment, I have to put in a plug for my friends Jorge and Carlos Menchu of AES Wave. They offer all the latest and greatest in automotive testing equipment and equipment accessories. They also support the industry by attending most major trade shows and delivering quality training.

In Summary

Are You using PC-based diagnostic equipment? If so, what are you using? Do you like it? Should you buy a ruggedized laptop (often at 3 times the price of a standard laptop) or buy a solid standard laptop and replace it if it gets broken?

Join in on the conversation and help make the decision easier for those wanting to make the transition to PC-based diagnostics.

If you are a shop owner, it is your responsibility to make this happen. The attitude must start at the top and flow down. I ran a Honda shop for 18 years and I tried to provide training in-house on a monthly basis. So the challenge is how do shops facilitate continuing education for thier techs?

Instructor-Led
Several of the parts companies offer various forms of  instructor-led training. This can range from a basic sales type event to a structured series like offered by CARQUEST Training Institute (CTI). At GTCC, where I teach, CARQUEST, NAPA, O’Reilly Auto, and a regional WD use our facilities to deliver in service training to local automotive techs.

Training Tapes/CD
Are you having any luck with training tapes/CD? There are many sources for these including automotive trade associations. Are these a viable source of upgrade training?

Regional Training Facilities
I can think of a few regional training facilities such as Linder Technical Services in Indianapolis IN, Mechanics Education Association in Maplewood, NJ, and EAST Training in Southhampton NJ. There are likely more. Are these an answer for regional training needs?

Online Training
Has anybody come up with some quality online training? Right now most of the OEM training is being delivered online in the dealership. The trip to the factory school is mainly for performance evaluation. Very well developed computer based training can be very effective. In my humble opinion, the independent service industry needs a source of well developed and compressive CBT to help carry the lion’s share of continuing education.

Access to OEM CBT Training
Most of the manufacturers have well developed and effective CBT for their car line. Are any of the OEM starting to make this available in digital format at a non-punitive price? Over a year ago at the CARS Convention in Las Vegas a Toyota Official made this comment as part of a presentation.

I see growing use of OEM websites as complete service support portals, providing access not only to service information, but also to subscription based diagnostic software, just in time training resources, and manufacturer specific technical assistance.

This sounds promising!

So, lets start a converstion about how the independent service industry is going to keep its’ technicians trained and competent. Simply register and add your comment to this post.