Tech stream VS Scan Tool

[mmbirtcher]

I have been considering getting Techstream to access all the codes and settings on my 2006, but am a bit concerned as to the work that may be required to get it functional on my MacBook Pro. I have little interest in buying a windows tablet to make the process more streamlined nor do I want to dig into a Virtual Machine (no idea what that is) and what seems to be a bit of an in depth process.

That takes me to the various Scan Tools on the market costing anywhere from ~$100 - ~$1000. Do any of the scan tools that are closer to the $100-$200 mark cover all that Techstream does? What Scan Tools have you used with success? A couple that have come up in internet searches include XTool ($429) and CReader Elite ($189) and a veritable plethora of others…

At the least I would like to access AHC pressures, ABS bleed, Key coding, power window setting (all open), complete code reading and ECU resetting. Pretty much anything that I could do with Techstream. What Scan Tools do you recommend if any?

 

[Aracobuilt]

I am in the same predicament. Have you looked into the Innova 5610? It seems to be the best all around scanner for the money and doesn't require a subscription. It also reads ABS codes and live data.

 

[Malleus]

There is no scantool that will do what Techstream does, for the amount of money you want to spend. If you are not willing to buy an old, used windows laptop, find someone who has one and ask them to help you. I'd recommend looking into your local clubhouse. I'm sure you'll find help there.

FWI, a virtual machine is a program that runs old software on a new operating system. There is nothing to know. You use it the same way you use the operating system.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Not just old software, but different operating systems as is what the OP needs. For reference, I recently set up a Techstream laptop, I purchased a used Lenovo laptop that was a business refresh for $120, a VCI cable for $20, and a Techstream key will cost you about $15. I'm all in less than my fancy OBD reader tool that I'm pretty sure doesn't do AHC.

 

[Jerzywerzy5]

There is no product that offers similar functionality to the OEM diagnostic software. I was able to set up Techstrean in about 10 minutes on old Mac Air from the instructions on here. You can pull AHC pressures with certain options like OBDLINK but they are limited in functionality and do not work great.

Running the tests and functions you are interested in take more effort than actually installing techstream.

 

[uHu]

An old laptop with Windows XP or Win7 would be perfect for techstream. You should find one for 10-20 $, or for free in some friend's attic. Working battery is optional. That way you have another garage tool instead of a fancy MB pro.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Dammit. Looks like I’m in on an old windows laptop. Which OS is best to look for? Cheap and easy is what I’ll look for.

Oops I read back. Looks like XP or 7 might be best.

I started shopping for a used windows laptop. Are later OS ok for techstream? There seems to be limited availability of XP or 7 given their age.

 

[Kamran Khan]

Don't waste your money buying old obsolete laptops or tablets, you will have issue installing VM version of TIS. I am speaking from my personal experience, the laptop or tablet won't hold charge for longer than 5 to 10 minutes. You don't want your laptop dying on you, while you are diagnosing your car. Stay away from any PC laptop or tablet that is not rated for win10 or 11. If you get a newer PC laptop or tablet, not only you can use VM version of TIS but you can also install a clean version of TIS. Buy a new laptop or tablet with better processor and RAM. Old laptop tends to hang and can't bear the load of heavy software like Virtual Machine etc.

If you have a Macbook, you can download the Mac version of the VM that has TIS installed. You can also install a clean version of TIS on your MacBook.
Another option is to install Windows 10 or Windows 11 on your MacBook using Parallels software. After that, you can install any version of TIS on your computer. Parallels requires a paid license. There are cracked versions of Parallels available, but using them is not recommended.
There is another software similar to Parallels that is free. It is called VMware Fusion.

 

[aging fleet]

I have a mix of Honda and Toyota products in the household so I went an alternative (way less efficient) route for all of this.

I have an Innova 5410 that can scan/access all systems and clear codes, but it doesn't help with factory settings on either makes. To do that, I have a Topdon Rlink J2534 VCI which is compatible/licensed with both Honda HDS and Toyota TIS. If I need to use the factory software, I can purchase a daily subscription through Toyota or Honda which gives you access to the current version of the software and allows for reprogramming, changing settings, and calibration of any systems.

I had to go this route to reset and calibrate the SRS system in an Acura after my son slid his car into a curb and set off the curtain airbag. It works for TIS also, but unfortunately Toyota makes you buy a 2 day subscription and it cost $80. My old Techstream laptop died years ago so this is my 'Plan B' if I ever need to change the settings on the '06.

 

[Mudder]

FAQ Thread 'How-To: TechStream In 5 Minutes'

Jan 9, 2018

Getting Techstream up and running can be a bit of a pain. Hopefully this helps someone get started quickly.

Step 1: Purchase an OBD-II / Mini-VCI interface.
- I have sold out of my cables and supply chains are back in order, so no reason to purchase more. Anything like this will work: Mini-VCI cable on eBay

Step 2: Download Hypervisor

• Windows / Intel Mac [Download Virtualbox]
  • Windows: https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/7.0.2/VirtualBox-7.0.2-154219-Win.exe
  • MacOS...

• getco
• diagnostics mechanic techstream
• Replies: 1,537
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

• 
• 

Don’t know if you’ve seen this thread, the Virtual Machine is already setup and all you need is the cable. I haven’t tried it on Mac but I do use it on my windows laptop.

 

[uHu]

Sorry to pounce on you, Kamran, but I just react when even more people ask for new and powerful hardware to run old tech. I suppose it a job inflicted neurosis.

Don't waste your money buying old obsolete laptops or tablets, you will have issue installing VM version of TIS. ....

Why would you want a VM version? We are talking about TechStream, a piece of software from the 1990s. It runs perfect on an old laptop. There is no need for any network connection, so there are no security issues.

...the laptop or tablet won't hold charge for longer than 5 to 10 minutes. You don't want your laptop dying on you, while you are diagnosing your car. ....

You don't need a working battery to run TechStream. Besides, you can still buy batteries for old laptops. An old, obsolete, free laptop; and a battery for 50$ and you are set for the next 10 years, for your 25 year old vehicle.

.....Buy a new laptop or tablet with better processor and RAM. Old laptop tends to hang and can't bear the load of heavy software like Virtual Machine etc.....

There is really no need for a fast processor og lots of ram for a simple, small piece of software, 30 years old. It will never be responding quickly in any case, the waiting stems from the communication protocol, not a slow professor. And a VM will just be in the way for an easy connection.

The idea is that you use your normal computers, (desktop, laptop, mac-os, windows) for office work and h8mud. And for servicing your old cruiser, you have a disposable "brick with a screen on it" that you can throw in the boot, or in a garage drawer. It will never connect to anything but the OBD port, it will never need an update and will therefore run forever until you drive over it.
Also the FSM, as PDFs with a menu system, runs the best on an old version of internet explorer, and has equally low requirements for power and speed.

But of course, anyone can do it their way. I'm basing my input on 45 years of running old software, and deploying computer equipment for 2 mill $ every year. With any number of new laptops available, I would still use an old Win7 or XP PC for TechStream, and have the smoothest setup process ever. VMs I run in the office, and on linux boxes and NASs.

 

[Jerzywerzy5]

This is getting unnecessarily complicated.

Just follow the techstream in 5 minutes thread and install it on the MacBook you already own.

You don’t need a dedicated laptop to run a program you’ve never used before and likely won’t use again for a few years.