Forscan: what do I need to get started

[davehu]

Have been on this forum since summer 2021. saw lots of talk about Forscan but now that I've had my lightning for a couple months I'd like to investigate Forscan. I was in with Compaq/HP for 25 years so I'm not a novice to computers both hardware and software (windows/android anyway) and now that I fully realize I'm driving a laptop with wheels I'm ready to learn more.

I'm sure this answer is somewhere on the forum Question: what do I need to get started with forscan? I've found a youtube video or two but the users on this forum are awesome. I see I can download the software. is bluetooth connection ok, or can I use a usb cable?

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[MontanaLightning]

You'll want the PC version if you intend to make any changes to the truck data. I don't believe the phone version will connect with our trucks yet. I think I was told in the next major update it will work. FORScan has a list of recommended OBD2 Bluetooth adapters.

 

[bmwhitetx]

There‘s a huge thread on it I suggest you start with. The first post in that thread gives all the possible updates. Then go to www.forscan.org and get one of the recommended wired adapters. Bluetooth is fine if you are just scanning but it’s slow. Wired is much more reliable for programming. For questions, ask in that thread.

 

[davehu]

thanks to you both. looks like I know what I'm getting myself for Christmas.

 

[RickLightning]

There‘s a huge thread on it I suggest you start with. The first post in that thread gives all the possible updates. Then go to www.forscan.org and get one of the recommended wired adapters. Bluetooth is fine if you are just scanning but it’s slow. Wired is much more reliable for programming. For questions, ask in that thread.

I don't agree with your Bluetooth summary. Been using FORScan since November of 2016 with my OBDLink MX (current version is MX+). Works great, is not slow, and no issues. In fact, as the next posts states, they recommend several bluetooth adapters.

 

[MontanaLightning]

No issues with my OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth adapter.

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