Tuning with a Snap-on scanner

[topfuel]

I've been using a Snap-on scanner to monitor my vitals for many
years. It has a recordable function to review data after a run,
I think I usually get about 7-10 frames of useable data.
I was wondering if the Scanmaster had a record function also?
I see so many people using it, and wanted to know if I should
get one, or just stick with what I already have.
Does anybody else use the Snap-on???

 

[Quick Turbo V6]

I have not used the Snap-on one. I have used the GM Tech 1. It has a record function on it also. The problem I found is it does not record fast enough, like Direct Scan does. The Scanmaster does not record but it has a recall button on it to see your lowest 02 voltage.


HTH,
Scott

 

[TurboDave]

Like ALL ALDL based scan tools they can only record data at aproximately 1.5 seconds per frame. It's a limitation of the data available from the ECM/PCM. Problem is, it's serial data and only running at 160 baud. Takes a long time to pump all those data bytes through in serial mode.
OTC
SnapOn
GM Tech1

etc, etc. all the same about 7-10 frames per run.
If your serious about collecting data during a drag race, this is totally insuficient and asking for trouble. There's a lot of data missing in between each and every one of those 1.5 second frames that you wont be seeing
I did the same thing in my earlier days of T/R racing. Used an OTC4000E(still have it). I thought it was the be all to end all. But couldn't get past the problems that I would occasionally feel running down the track. I could "feel" things happening, but it was a random crap shoot whether the tool would catch them
For a while I even used it to tune/design race chips with. Boy, was that a stupid mistake!!
I now use my OTC for what it was designed to do, troubleshoot known/suspected problems, NOT a race day data recorder.

However, if you need a tool for looking for problem areas and use it for "drive around" testing then any of the ALDL based scan tools are more than sufficient.

Running down the track at WOT, you only have 11-13 seconds on an average T/R, you better have something that will see ALL the data (assuming you're concerned about it).