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MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Peter Warman on June 3, 2014, 7:04 am
Edited by board administrator June 3, 2014, 2:03 pm

This looks interesting

http://bit.ly/MECH5KICKSTARTER

Your opinions please, good or bad for our industry

Peter

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Keith Simpson on June 3, 2014, 4:51 pm, in reply to "MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"

I cannot see any benefit to garages or the customer. A customer with a fault code and a brief description means nothing.

Keith

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by mike fleet on June 3, 2014, 6:09 pm, in reply to "Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Mike Fleet

hi all,why do we want customers to diagnose their own cars.fit new parts, have garages fit new parts and not cure the problem. i think cars are getting too complicated for quick diagnostic tests.its bad enough these days, customers getting parts at the same rate as trade etc.
I see many garages fit parts for customers that have been supplied by customer only to end in not curing problem.customer then does not want to pay for proper diagnostic time.
I now try to educate customers about a reasonable time scale for diagnostic tests.how many cars can u diagnose in 0.5 hours not many.
IF THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR A PROPER DIAGNOSTIC TEST ,HOW MUCH WILL IT COST FOR A AMATEUR DIAGNOSTIC TEST.
mike fleet
HOMETUNE MOTORING SERVICES.

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Steve Nicholas on June 3, 2014, 7:28 pm, in reply to "Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Stephen Nicholas

Hi All

I think experience tells us that it is rarely going to be as simple as it's presented in this publicity.

We could benefit from people trying the system, only to discover just how complex diagnostics can be and then turning to their local experts.

Others will try this out because they'll have a go at their own diagnostics etc. anyway and possibly already have a few budget code readers.

If this system turns out to be as clever as they present it to be then we can chuck our own diagnostic kit away and subscribe. Our lives will become so much simpler...

Sorry, I was just distracted by another flying pig...

Regards,

Steve

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Lee Mackintosh on June 3, 2014, 8:33 pm, in reply to "Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Lee Mackintosh

So from this new piece of technology being brought out will it be the end of DEC superscan as i would imagine all time & effort will be focused on this new project.

I can see it taking off as its quite clearly aimed at the general public or diy mechanic from the video where it states a family member can connect up to the car from a tablet with internet connection or if needed ask a professional to take a look at the data.

Most (my opinion) of the public already seem to dislike the motor trade to some degree so will happily try to avoid a garage for repairs and with a tech helpline ( if I understood Andrew Steer correctly) available more will attempt a repair if they believe a cheaper repair is possible more so than ever before.

Google is a fantastic source of info and have used it many times so armed with google and this system could be costly.

but I may have just over reacted.

Also just one little point I would like to understand, why would someone want to push more work away from the motor trade into the arms of diy mechanics or general public when they are selling diagnistic equipment aimed at the professionals who have supported them over the years.

Just my view but as said may have just completely mis-understood it all. So appologise in advance if I have.

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Peter Warman on June 4, 2014, 9:45 am, in reply to "Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Peter Warman

Hi Lee

Your thinking is along the right lines

If this really takes off then Maverick will probably make more money from this project than selling scan tools into a saturated market

The technology involved is probably the way it will eventually all go, Smart Phones, Tablets, Laptops via a bluetooth link to the EOBD socket. No more buying scan tool handsets that are out of date after 2 years, updates applied daily and just a monthly subscription

As for the general public, only DIY geeks will probably subscribe and tinker but as we all know the vehicle will end up at a workshop to be diagnosed and repaired correctly, retrieving fault codes and data is one thing, knowing what to do with it is what we are good at

I bet you will surprised how many world leading diagnostic companies are working on something similar (cloud based diagnostics)

Think we will see more of YouTube as well as more companies putting troubleshooter video clips online for common faults

Peter

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Ian Baxter on June 4, 2014, 9:46 am, in reply to "MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Ian Baxter

The promotion video is all "very Happy Valley Sunday, roses in the garden" just plug in get a code and fit a part and carry on to the beach picnic

No wonder the general public think "all you have to do is plug it-in and the computer tells you what to fix and don't want to pay for a plug-in

Ian

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Steve Nicholas on June 4, 2014, 12:46 pm, in reply to "Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Stephen Nicholas

The growing reliance on Cloud-based technology and information concerns me in light of the current explosion in incidents of computer hacking crimes.

Look at the current publicity being given to the dangers of Cryptolocker and its associated threats.

If we rely increasingly, and eventually wholly, on communications infrastructure then we could be held to ransom far more easily.

At least some local retention of diagnostic capability should be maintained.

I wouldn't want to rely solely on the Cloud for my security back-ups - far too much can go wrong.

Regards,

Steve

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Shane gray on June 5, 2014, 6:33 am, in reply to "Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Shane Gray

Personally I can't see it affecting us as people who do (try) there own diagnostics with cheap scanner are out there now!
If it's as good as it looks then it my be good for us to subscribe .surely it will only be as good as dec Ss?
Shane

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Lee Mackintosh on June 5, 2014, 7:14 am, in reply to "Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Lee Mackintosh

Ian,

That's partly my point, all that's happened in that video clip is make us look like rip of motor trade again as its simple and only takes 5 mins to plug in, diagnose and clear codes and off you go again.

So i look at it as we're being stabbed in the back (sort of) by members associated with the automotive industry.

Shane,

Who knows what effect it will have on DEC Superscan, seen it before where company's have launched new equipment after new equipment and slowly faded away to just being an ordinary everday scantool.

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Chris Angus on June 5, 2014, 2:33 pm, in reply to "MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"

Had a couple of emails about this in the last week.
All seems a bit too gimmicky for me, don't see the point, just can't see any benefits at all.
I won't be buying this.

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Luke Fryer on June 5, 2014, 5:01 pm, in reply to "MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"

Hi Guys,

Just to clarify a few points.

There are no plans for the Superscan software (ASM-X) to be stopped. In fact, if MECH5 gets funded from Kickstarter then it will help development of both systems. To be clear, MECH5 is ASM-X in the Cloud. The ASM-X software will only work with a Superscan 2 or 3 and anyone who is in subscription will get MECH5 access when it eventually becomes available - which is hopefully sooner rather than later. We don't expect everyone to use or even like MECH5 but it has many appealing aspects:

- Works on any internet connected device – phone, tablet, laptop (Windows / Apple / Android)
- Works with many VCI’s not just the Superscan although works best with Superscan 2/3 or our SCAN5 obd device when it is ready
- Low cost and no contracts (Pro version £30 for 30 days and even better rates if paying for 1 year upfront).
- Huge potential for 3rd party integration from Tech Info, Parts and other related providers
- Helps retain your customers by offering direct remote support
- Ability to assist other professional technicians remotely
- We talk a lot about its remote ability but most mechanics will use it while in their workshop using their Tablet while beside the car

We see MECH5 being used to perform remote assessment of customers vehicles which should give you a good idea what the issue is after accessing DTC's, Live Data, Actuation tests or Special functions. You then discuss with the customer the next step depending on the problem - how you charge for this service is up to you.

The enthusiast versions are limited to the number of cars they can access in a 30 day period and also limited in the advanced functions but still giving them the ability to do service related repairs should they wish. Also, we think enthusiast will be more interested in the Dashboard app we’re developing that will pull lots of information from MECH5 to display in the app that's simply not possible in other apps.

We think it's an amazing development and we're really proud of what we've already achieved. We strongly believe Cloud Diagnostics is the future and we'd love your support on Kickstarter if at all possible.

Kind regards

Luke Fryer
Nebula Systems

Re: MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #

Posted by Andy Broomhead on June 20, 2014, 10:43 pm, in reply to "MECH5 - Cloud based diagnostics #"
Andy Broomhead

Think this is dead in the water for a bit now, the deadline for the 50k target passed about 40k short.

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