OBDLink EX, OBDLink MX+

[JAMMAN]

Hi,
I have used Forscan before, even bought a 1 year license, which is expired and I want to renew.

I read for a couple hours and have a question I cannot find the answer to.

Price not being an issue, can you do everything with the MX+ version that you can with the EX version ON A LAPTOP? It's nice not to have cords but if the corded version works better or is a bunch faster then I will put up with the cord.

I just configured a "newer" laptop but now I'm doubting if my BAFX bluetooth OBD2 adapter is serving me well. It seems to work but I remember not being able to do things I wanted to do even with the pay subscription using the previous laptop.

My fords currently are 96 (in ECU only), 00 and 01 so I'm not attempting rocket science.

[tractmec]

Hi,
I have used Forscan before, even bought a 1 year license, which is expired and I want to renew.

I read for a couple hours and have a question I cannot find the answer to.

Price not being an issue, can you do everything with the MX+ version that you can with the EX version ON A LAPTOP? It's nice not to have cords but if the corded version works better or is a bunch faster then I will put up with the cord.

I just configured a "newer" laptop but now I'm doubting if my BAFX bluetooth OBD2 adapter is serving me well. It seems to work but I remember not being able to do things I wanted to do even with the pay subscription using the previous laptop.

My fords currently are 96 (in ECU only), 00 and 01 so I'm not attempting rocket science.

The BAFX is probably one of the older better attempts at Bluetooth adapters but there are better adapters around now and what that adapter was likely designed for was mostly DTC reads and clears and PID reading.
Forscan has taken the the configuration and programming far beyond what the original designers of ELM327 based adapters ever envisioned them doing!

The only advantage in the MX+ version is that it supports IOS or Iphones on WIFI and Android Phones on Bluetooth(Forscan has never been very happy with the WIFI connections) where the MX version only supports Bluetooth. Both can be used with full function on Laptops with Bluetooth and WIFI(MX+).

The Wired EX version is superior and Forscan recommended(Forscan had input into it's development) for Configuration and Programming work as it is somewhat faster and there are less chances for connection drop outs(One reason why Forscan has been unhappy with WIFI connections and does not recommend Bluetooth and especially WIFI connections for programming)(also the MX+ adapter WIFI connection can disrupt the Lap Top's WIFI internet connection).

As for your vehicles, there could be some networks that are only available to a Ford VCM2(UBP networked modules) and Firmware and calibration updating in FORScan(2.4.3x branch) (PCM needing a FEPS signal among others) is still a work in development!

Hope that answers your question?

[omar302]

The EX is better if you plan to do firmware flashing. Other than that the MX+ offers everything the EX has but via Bluetooth. The MX+ also offers enhanced DTC readings for many vehicles using OBDLink's app for free. The EX does not. For a Ford vehicle that is not an advantage because ForScan can read those codes, but if you have other make vehicle(s), the MX+ in my opinion is better.

[obdlink]

The only advantage in the MX+ version is that it supports IOS or Iphones on WIFI and Android Phones on Bluetooth(Forscan has never been very happy with the WIFI connections) where the MX version only supports Bluetooth. Both can be used with full function on Laptops with Bluetooth and WIFI(MX+).

The Wired EX version is superior and Forscan recommended(Forscan had input into it's development) for Configuration and Programming work as it is somewhat faster and there are less chances for connection drop outs(One reason why Forscan has been unhappy with WIFI connections and does not recommend Bluetooth and especially WIFI connections for programming)(also the MX+ adapter WIFI connection can disrupt the Lap Top's WIFI internet connection).

While it's true that OBDLink EX's wired USB connection is inherently superior (faster & less susceptible to interference), OBDLink MX+ does NOT use WiFi for communication, it uses Bluetooth 3.0 on all platforms (Android, iOS, and Windows).

[tractmec]

The only advantage in the MX+ version is that it supports IOS or Iphones on WIFI and Android Phones on Bluetooth(Forscan has never been very happy with the WIFI connections) where the MX version only supports Bluetooth. Both can be used with full function on Laptops with Bluetooth and WIFI(MX+).

The Wired EX version is superior and Forscan recommended(Forscan had input into it's development) for Configuration and Programming work as it is somewhat faster and there are less chances for connection drop outs(One reason why Forscan has been unhappy with WIFI connections and does not recommend Bluetooth and especially WIFI connections for programming)(also the MX+ adapter WIFI connection can disrupt the Lap Top's WIFI internet connection).

While it's true that OBDLink EX's wired USB connection is inherently superior (faster & less susceptible to interference), OBDLink MX+ does NOT use WiFi for communication, it uses Bluetooth 3.0 on all platforms (Android, iOS, and Windows).

I stand corrected! Thanks!

[JAMMAN]

Looks like the only good choice to get all the features with a laptop is with the EX, thanks for all the input. Now off to buy one!