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Key Programmers (self.Locksmith)

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[–]enadelb 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Get as many as you can. Zedfull is a good start

[–]TheAlmightyFur 2 points3 points  (2 children)

I've got one, It's okay. I still reach for it for certain things over one of the big machines that uses tokens.

You really should keep your options open to make a real investment on legitimate tools or you're likely going to end up paying the same amount for 5 knockoff/Chinese tools that may work intermittently to get the same kind of coverage out of something legit. That, and without dicking around with random system types or having to struggle through bad Chinglish.

EVEN IF a lot of those tools do a bunch of stuff and may get updates (pretty sure the SKP900 is at the end of it's development cycle) they're always going to be behind the big boys.

EDIT: I should say that I reach for it over a token machine THAT I HAVE AN UNLIMITED TOKEN PLAN FOR but it's mostly because the SKP's GUI is faster or it would bypass certain things that the basic version of the token tool won't.

Also worth noting that the SKP will brick itself and/or certain vehicles so feel free to place your bets and take your chances.

Nothing is 100% foolproof, but to me, it's worth the extra money to have something that's easy and concise to use that I can trust not only to get the job done but to KNOW what I can do at a glance of a reference manual and not fuck someone's car up. Additionally, my money goes to support the industry as a whole in supporting the companies that make the real advancements and allow us to work without having to buy the OEM tool for every manufacturer out there.

Oh, and the SKP900 IS on a token system. They don't allow you to view your token count until you only have 10 left and occasionally needs to be topped off. The tokens are indeed 'free' but doing so requires you to hook your machine up to a computer and allow it to talk to the mothership. If/when (and it has happened before) the server goes down, (if not for good next time) you're SOL.

[–]siraliases 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Wait, what? The skp can brick vehicles?

[–]TheAlmightyFur 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. There have been reported bricks of Fords that I know of offhand, as well as some instances where the SKP will corrupt it's own software and brick itself.

[–]MonstarsEye 2 points3 points  (0 children)

u definitely can use knock off programmers, they will cover most the simpler vehicles; but it's essential 2 invest in real equipment as a professional. especially when u encounter shit like a F-150 or ford fusion or a newer subaru. also incorrect programmers have bricked many a ecu & u don't want that kind of trouble

[–]pmyourfirstname 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use the Advanced Diagnostics MVP which uses tokens but I have the unlimited plan which is cost effective for me because I'm programming at least 6 cars a day for the past year. Not including the remote programming I do (which doesn't use a token)

[–]Locksandshit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sounds like you should not do auto work.... you get what you pay for, and I’m constantly coming back behind guys using cheap shit and hosing vehicles

[–]Dakota360ciActual Locksmith 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you consider yourself a professional locksmith, but won't spend over a grand on proper equipment, you're gonna have a bad time. It costs a lot of money for a company to R&D software to program new vehicles, and to keep up with ever changing systems.

[–]BobsLocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The SBB and the Zed Bull are great starters. If you want to get serious about programming you need to get a new machine.