Crescent USB OBD2/EOBD Multi-Protocol Car Diagnostic Tool Auto Scanner

The included CD's menu system makes it easy to install the cable's driver and OBD-II Software which allows you to use your PC and a hardware interface to get the information from your car's computer. The program is very user-friendly, and easy to learn. The package includes software for reading and resetting codes. Also included is Gnet's DigitalDash 5, a front end software for a CarPC that includes OBD functionality when the device is connected to your carpc. Several 3rd party commercial demo programs are also included to allow you to explore other software available. The Crescent USB Car Diagnostic Auto Scanner is truly a versatile device! The Crescent USB Car Diagnostic Auto Scanner supports all OBD-II protocols listed below. The processor is compatible with the AT command set for the widest compatibility with freeware and commercial programs written for the ELM series of interface chips from Elm Electronics. The connection to the computer is USB via a built in USB to serial converter. Protocols supported: SAE J1850 PWM (41.6 kbaud), SAE J1850 VPW (10.4 kbaud), ISO 9141-2 (5 baud init, 10.4 kbaud), ISO 14230-4 KWP (5 baud init, 10.4 kbaud), ISO 14230-4 KWP (fast init, 10.4 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 500 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 500 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 250 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 250 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (29/11bit ID, arbitrary baudrate), SAE J1939

As a network engineer with a background in automotive research and development, I have a little experience in engine communication systems, albeit with systems that cost in the range of $10k - $200k. When it was time to take my new/used 1997 Kia Sportage for its first emissions test, I decided to communicate with it at home. A little research turned up a few options, and this one came in at the low end of the cost spectrum so I got it. It works as advertised, and you get what you pay for - I recommend it, and here is my guidance on having a successful experience with this tool.

First step: download the latest software. The vendor ships a mini-cd with the package that contains the software; on the outside of the cd envelope they place a label with the web link to download the latest version of the software, here:

[...] yes, that is the correct URL, and downloading this software is the best approach. Worked like a charm when I installed it following the instructions in the "QuickStart Guide"; it is important to follow the instructions precisely.

By the way, my laptop uses Windows 7 Ultimate, and during the install process you will be informed of the proper "com port" to use for connecting to the hardware, take note of it. Use the AutoDiscover button, then save the settings.

My research revealed that the manufacturer has been shipping hardware version 1.4, but I received hardware version 1.3a from the vendor, which, while disappointing, it's working just fine - as stated earlier, you get what you pay for, and the 24hr-shopping-center item pages never specify the hardware version being shipped. Meh.

This system works fine with my 1997 kia Sportage 4x4 EX. I anticipate purchasing the newer version 1.4x as well as purchasing software which offers a bit more polish, with functions such as printing, dashboard guages, and chip programming. Ultimately I will be converting the Kia to flex fuel and primarily buring ethanol, and I want to document the experience carefully.

I recommend this product, it's worth $45.

A disclaimer screen came up stating that the vendor of
the interface's software (not crescent's) may not connect
with various car's, one of which was my Volvo!
It connected without a hitch, the only problem being
that the data log it saves in my computer is in a format
not readable by any data bases I'm familiar with.
Otherwise a fine product for any price.

Very simple. Hooked to my PC and worked perfectly on Vista 64. not much else to say really.

Software supplied with Crescent USB OBD2/EOBD scanner tool is not that great. It does work in that it allows you to look at the current status of data streams and it will download a list of current stored error codes.
However,
a) the "OBD 2007 lite" software does not allow you to save the data as a record of current performance/system status on your PC,
b) the "OBD 2007 lite" interface output is all purely numeric and does not generate curves documenting engine performance
c) I have not been able to get the prettier "digital dash 5.0" software to work that came on the software disk. It locks-up as soon as I request the Auto-Diagnostics page. Others may have luck with this, I have not.

If you want the more advanced software that should work with the adapter (OBD2Pro by glm software) it will cost an additional chunk of change. ($79 for the software as of this writing)

I am looking for a better software package that will work with the scanner. According to the documentation, the scanner tool is versatile and should work with other packages.

Bought the OBDII scanner to diagnose the CEL on my Mazda RX8. Seems to have revealed the problem and helped me ensure the workshop fixed the right thing.

This is simple to install and use, and performed the job intended. The scanner is capable of doing more though, like real-time monitoring and logging, but the provided software only enabled the basic features. You will have to buy more sophisticated software for such more advanced features. I'm not complaining, as it still did what I needed it for.