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BigTim
1st November 2007, 09:25 PM
Hi all,

searching through previous threads I noticed that there was a lack of anything between the cheap, generic OBDII scanners that can't be used to reset faults :mad: and the mid range, fairly expensive and/or single vehicle only units like the Faultmate SV or Rovacom Lite, let alone the high end stuff (Testbook, Rovacom, Autologic etc etc)

I've found something new that I thought should be shared.

http://www.nanocom.it/home_eng.htm

As with all things it's got it's pro's and con's:

Pro
- multiple vehicles / types (all Td5 Defenders and Discos)
- not locked to your VIN
- easily portable
- no laptop required, all functions can be accessed on the unit itself as well as via laptop if preferred.
- solid construction with steel case.
- easy to use
- relatively affordable
Con
- Td5's only (sorry to the V8 and Disco 3 owners)
- case is not sealed against dust / moisture
- the manual and software suffer a little from the translation from Italian and could use some more detailed explanations in places.
- whilst it will list a fault code it does not give any troubleshooting hints.

Apparently there will be an Australian stockist eventually but when I didn't get an answer on p/a from them I direct ordered a unit from England. Cost me 200 pounds for the unit ;) and 60 pounds for fedex :eek:but it was here in a week. (about $600 AU delivered)

My limited testing over the last fortnight on my '03 Defender 90 is encouraging:
- can view and log live values for most engine sensors / parameters - interesting to look at the run to work each day.
- can view and clear engine faults (had a logged faulty injector but it turned out to be the connector between the injector loom and the main ecu loom).
- engine actuators can be tested (injectors, glow plugs, EGR, etc etc.
- ABS actuators can be tested (individual brakes etc)
- too much else to list here.

Enough to say I think it was money well spent. If you're Sydney based and want to have a look for yourself drop me a PM.

Disclaimer - I have absolutely no connection with the product or company, simply impressed.

Graz
1st November 2007, 10:07 PM
LandyAndy you have a PM

Slunnie
1st November 2007, 10:29 PM
Is it correct that it work with the Disco2? I almost got the impression it was for the Disco1 with TD5 reading the first part, and that it can not interrogate the Disco2 ABS system.

Graeme
2nd November 2007, 06:11 AM
Is it correct that it work with the Disco2? I almost got the impression it was for the Disco1 with TD5 reading the first part, and that it can not interrogate the Disco2 ABS system.
I think the reference to Discovery 1 is probably a typo considering the reference to future developments for SLABS for Discovery 11.

Slunnie
2nd November 2007, 07:00 AM
Oops, I missed that in what must have been a bit of a skim read.:(

Captain_Rightfoot
2nd November 2007, 07:02 AM
Hmmm... keep us posted.. sounds interesting.

BigTim
2nd November 2007, 07:40 AM
Okay - can't say for sure about interrogating Disco 2 ABS - but I don't think so at this stage. The software program only refers to Def ABS and Def ALM which I presume is Defender.

On the other hand when I pull the settings from the ECU there is a SLABS parameter (disabled) along with various other items that are definitely not on the Defender like Fuel Used, Cruise control settings, Auto gear box, active engine mounting etc. I presume this is because the NNN prefix ECU is a common part across a range of vehicles? Sounds like one for Tombraider et-al to comment on.

Ruslan
2nd November 2007, 09:24 AM
Hi Tim,

Did you try to backup ECU Map File using that tool? What format does it save (xml, html,..)?

Thanks,
Ruslan

BigTim
2nd November 2007, 11:57 AM
Yes, it backs up the ecu map but in a proprietary .map format. I will not be trying the download function until I've gotten confirmation from some of the other early users that it works. (mainly coz I don't have a spare ECU hanging around the place to get me to work on Monday morning....)

No software tools are provided to view or modify said files.

Looks like it is probably a hex file but significant research will be required to figure out what is what and I for one am not game to start messing around with fuel/air mixtures etc. I'll leave that to those with the expertise and equipment to devlop and test the maps and I'd caution others to do the same.

I'm a electronics geek not an engine tuner :wasntme:

I should probably point out that use of this backup/restore function to "copy" a chipped ecu for use in another vehicle would be a blatant violation of copyright law. :nazilock: Not that anyone on this forum would consider that kind of thing.
Obviously this functionality is available on many of the other tools as well but their price tended to restrict them to garages etc.
Remember 'With great power comes great responsibility'.