After a fair bit of research i'm airing towards a Foxwell OB2 code reader, either the NT 200 or NT 300

I thought about going for one of the ELM 327 units on me spare laptop but i've heard different opinions on them

Has anybody got one and can advise ?



So what would you do ?

Link to Foxwell units is here : http://www.foxwelltech.com/product.html


Code reader to be used on a selection of cars for friends, family & neighbours etc




Thanks in advance

The ELM327 interface on ebay and most other places on the web aren't EL327 they aren't even true counterfeit clones. A proper ELM327 uses a custom chip the counterfeit units sort of work but have major limitations. However they are very cheap.

if buying a handheld scanner go for either one made by Memoscan or Autel these are proven to work can be found in various models from about £15 to £200+ Only consider one that covers CAN BUS and to be really useful you want one that reads live data, freeze frame and pending codes

The Memoscan U581, U585 and U600 cover all the bases and are good buys as is the Autel MS509

I have a 'fake' ELM327 unit, and it's definitely 50:50 on whether it will work or not. The official ones are extremely good, but they do cost a bit more. I paid just over a tenner for a USB one, fresh off the boat from the nearest Chinese sweat shop.

It did it's job (I was able to read and clear a fault code on a Nissan Almera) and there's plenty of software available for them. There's even some VB libraries if you want to make your own interface. And if you go for a Bluetooth one, you can use it with an Android tablet or i-thingy.

I bought an elm copy it was crap, I bought a next gen copy and it works great with torque on androide. Well worth the money.....

Mini ELM327 Car Bluetooth V1.5 OBD2 OBDII auto Diagnostic Scanner adapter tool | eBay

Quote from the official Elm Electronics Website Products Page

" There is no ELM327 v1.4a, or v1.5, or v1.5a !

Some clone makers have introduced what they call a 'v1.4a', or a 'v1.5', or a 'v1.5a' but Elm Electronics has never made one. "

END Quote

I bought a Bluetooth ODB Key It works a treat never had any problems

Took Britishtridents advice in the end and bought an Autel MS509 Maxiscan