Scanguage D Vs. Silverleaf VMSpc

[topdownman]

In another thread I discussed my intermittent CEL light, so I'm considering purchasing a diagnostic kit rather than spend the cash at a dealer having them read me my codes.

So, what is the consensus regarding the Scanguage D vs the Silverleave VMSpc. I guess I'm leaning toward the Scanguage D because it looks easy to connect and has a small footprint. I can lay my hands on a laptop for the Silverleaf, but then I've got to figure out where to mount it, etc.

Discuss.

[jlfbatonrg]

Mark,

i suspect you will get possitive responses by those who have either one. For me, i went with the ScanGauge D for the same reasons you mentioned. Dash space with the TPMS system, the EGT gauge, and the already supplied instrument cluster made finding a plce for it a bit of al challenge. Friends of ours have the Silver Leaf system and like the ability to monitor more than 4 parameters at a time. For me, four parameters on the ScanGauge D plus my separate EGT gauge, etc provide me all that I need.

[KIX]

I have not used the Scanguage; I do have and use the Silverleaf VMSpc. So, I'm not qualified to compare. But, I do like the VMS and the seemingly endless info and ability to arrange the screen the way you like it. One thing that I especially like about the VMS is the fact that it displays on a laptop or for me, a net book. An that is that I can also use electronic maps on the same computer.
Good luck with your decision.

BTW.....you can download the VMS onto your computer znd play with the program. Of course there will be no input from your engine until you buy and connect the cable.

[mbrandt1402]

Silverleaf is working on "VMSandroid". Turning a tablet into a gauge package will be awesome.

[greystroke]

The things I like about the VMSpc

Used some thin basewood and velcro to mount my notebook running XP Easy install and remove for cleaning

It reads tranny temp.

You can display the diagnostic window if your having problems and watch the codes occur in real time so you can associate with an event. Really great for troubleshooting.

The software allows me to change the display to suit my eyes. You can have multiple displays stored so you pick for an occasion. Just a click

Nice data logger. On my last short trip it logged my temps every 60 seconds. Format can easily be transfered to excel

Graphs available if your want.

Will think of more later.

I love the tank minder. It has always been within 3-5 gal.

Mileage computations

[norwestie]

I have the Scangauge D. It works well but is difficult to read when I am wearing sunglasses. I would love to have the larger, color display of the Silverleaf.

[topdownman]

Well, I went with the Scangauge D and installed it today. I had a bit of trouble locating the diagnostics port under the dash. Strangely, there's a bracket for it mounted to the firewall, but the connector was nowhere to be found. I called Freightliner and they told me to look for a two connector DEF regeneration jumper and bingo, I found it looped up over the defroster duct.

I couldn't really find a decent place to mount the unit. I didn't want to just stick it on top of the dash, and the one flat area down under my instrument cluster was sort of hidden by the steering wheel. Then I started eyeballing my little CD holder. The Sportscoach has this (really useless) CD holder right in the middle of the dash. You can insert 5 CDs into this thing, but all it does it hold them. I don't need it. So, I took it out of the dash and disassembled it. I found that the Scangauge fit nicely in the middle of it. There is a small gap on each side, so I'm going to find some filler of some sort for that, but it doesn't look bad as it is.

The guage is really cool. I'm playing around with the settings and getting it all calibrated, but I really like it. There were no stored codes when I installed the unit, and I haven't seen the CEL light since the last episode. Today I drove the unit about 25 miles just playing with the guage and she's running like a clock.

Here's a picture.