Community Forums

DeWat · 06-23-2019, 05:37 PM

Greetings all. I've been a VMSpc user for about 5 years and always enjoyed it. When we traded our '15 Allegro Bus for the Anthem, I lost the ability to use our current VMSpc setup due to the newer high speed J1939 diagnostic ports on newer diesels. Silverleaf has said that I could get my current VMSpc JIB (interface) upgraded for the newer J1939 bus system for a little over $100 for the new cable/connector and JIB. I have been debating doing this in my mind for the last couple months, but am a little hesitant due to what appears to be (at least to me) Silverleaf's less that enthusiastic approach at supporting VMSpc. While VMSpc may have a dated look, I still very much like its display. I have followed a very long running thread on the new Bluefire, but I don't like software "apps" and the lack of ability to get a true Bluefire program while not having to create a Micro$oft store account, so Bluefire is not in the running for me... at least for now.

With all that said, I am soliciting opinions on the Scangauge D, especially compared to VMSpc for those who have used both. What are your likes/dislikes? I know that the Scangauge D is much smaller than VMSpc running on a tablet, but I'm used to the larger VMSpc. It looks like a Scangauge D would be somewhere around $50 more than upgrading my VMSpc JIB, but it just doesn't look like the Scangauge D has even half the capabilites of VMSpc.

DeWat · 06-24-2019, 03:22 PM

Just a one-time bump. No opinions... not even on the Scangauge D???

LWBAZ · 06-24-2019, 04:13 PM

Dewey, I bought a Scangauge D for our 2010 Tiffin Allegro Bus when I needed to retrieve & clear some Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) codes. It was relatively cheap and easy to install, but is clearly more limited in functionality than VMSpc.

Given the criteria and preferences you outlined, I’d be inclined to take VMSpc up on their $100 offer and hope for the best.

Matt D · 06-27-2019, 05:10 AM

Dewey, I’ve always had good help from Silverleaf on their VMSPC. I found their CS a bit slow but not unacceptably so.

I have used it on 2 coaches and like the data it provides. Unfortunately, I’ve not used it in some time because it presents a large volume of granular data that exceeds my level of interest while driving.

I find the devices needed to present the data a bit clunky. My latest combo is JIB to PC Laptop to WiFi to Splashtop Remote running on IPad located conveniently.

I’ll second Larry’s suggestion.

-Matt

DeWat · 06-27-2019, 10:19 AM

Thanks Matt & Larry

. I'm not really complaining about Silverleaf's customer service, as they've worked with me in the past, including answering my questions about upgrading my JIB, albeit, as already mentioned... a little slow. As mentioned in the OP, I was mainly attempting to get a little more educated on VMSpc vs Scangauge D. As long as the upgraded JIB and cable will work just as the older equipment did on my previous Allegro Bus and Phaeton, I would be satisfied. My reason for considering the Scangauge D is the much smaller piece of equipment, but based on the information that it presents, I still like VMSpc much better. The reason for my statement about Silverleaf being less than enthusiastic about supporting VMSpc is based on Silverleaf's own website and forum. Their forum support answers are becoming more and more distant if answered at all, and the information that they publish about upcoming updates has really dropped of the radar.

Thanks again guys.

BobGed · 06-27-2019, 11:41 AM

I had the older VMSpc jib on my 2009 coach and had it updated to use on my 2017 coach. It worked well so I wouldn't worry about that.

I did switch to the BlueFire system and sold my VMSpc equipment. The buyer has a 2017 Newmar and told me it is working as it should for him.

BirchyBoy · 06-27-2019, 12:21 PM

I’m not an Entegra owner so take this as you want. I’ve never used the system you have but it looks entirely too cumbersome to use while driving unless you have a very nice laptop or tablet stand. I’ve used app-based tools like Torque Pro and like them because they work on a phone and are wireless with the correct OBD II adapter. Do diesels have those?

I’ve had a ScanGuage II for several years and it has worked on several vehicles including my current F53 motorhome. It is great at giving simple, instantaneous readings on the four sensors you’ve selected. You can also change each reading easily if you want to keep an eye on a fifth or six sensor. I had to enter the correct codes for it to work with the newer six speed transmission, but that wasn’t hard. The D version is likely very similar. Unless you have the need for the system you have, give the D a try.