BEST ECU CHIP TUNING TOOLS
In the area of chip tuning, there are many solutions available for vehicle software. Device manufacturers offer the possibility to read and write ECUs and TCUs via OBD sockets, benches and start modes. The most famous chip tuning equipment are Alientech, Flashtec, Magic Motorsport, BC Consulting, FR-Team International SA. In this article, we’ll discuss the products available, their capabilities, and the pros and cons of each device. In addition, a subjective evaluation of the ease of work and ease of work in each of the available programming modes, under a detailed description of each device.
Chip tuning tool maker Alien Technology The manufacturer offers two products for different purposes. Kess and K-Tag, which we discuss below.
Flashtec A Swiss brand that offers us a very generic CMD Flash device. We will also discuss it.
Magic Motorsport The manufacturer offers the modular MagPro and Flex. At the equal time, it’s miles a enterprise with the quality customer service withinside the industry.
BC Consulting New players on the market allow us to buy BFlash. Evolving interface
FR Team International SA
The creator of this device is called Autotuner. The exact description can of course be found later in the article.
The best ECU chip tuning tool
KTAG
A high-level programmer designed to work with ECUs outside the vehicle. K-TAG allows to read any file: Microprocessor, Flash EPROM, EEPROM and save all files in a protected file. So you can always revert to the original settings – make a so-called backup. An undeniable advantage is the huge log database, which allows you to use most existing computers. It also turns out that connecting a control device is easier than using competing devices. The downside is that the app is slow and not very intuitive, but you can’t book these deals. Simple instructions, high-resolution photos and step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Support for issues is slow and requires a lot of details and logs. The device is especially useful in situations where OBD programmers fail or cannot be read, as well as boats, trucks and agricultural machinery.
Available Modes: Start (10/10)
Support: slow, not very friendly
New solutions: late, always behind, but only tried and tested solutions
Price: From $1000
Kess
Twin to K-Tag device, but designed to be programmed via the OBD port. Use the same software with all the pros and cons. Very stable and very safe to program. Suitable for older vehicles, buses, trucks and farm machinery. Great for some Sagem, Siemens computers.
Available modes: OBD (8/10), Bank (5/10)
Support: slow, not very friendly
New solutions: late, always behind, but only tried and tested solutions
Price: from 1500 EUR
CMD Flash
An extraordinarily flexible device, lets in programming through OBD connector, the use of BDM and in Boot and Bench mode. It works flawlessly with European automotive, automated DSG gearboxes, Bosh EDC engine controllers. Very clean to use, obvious software, fast, solid and in lots of instances lets in one contact to repair the authentic laptop software. Support is hardly ever wished however works pretty well. When working “on the table”, a committed adapter is frequently sufficient to facilitate the ECU connection process.
Available modes: OBD (9/10), Boot (8/10), Bench (6/10)
Support: helpful, does now no longer hesitate too lengthy with the solution however works simplest at some point of the workplace hours given at the website
New solutions: often brought updates, new protocols frequently appear
Price: Starting up from 4750€
MagPro
The device with the pleasant support, fast fixing problems, and regularly introducing new answers in particular for the purchaser all through the day. It is the right interface that helps nearly the complete variety of contemporary-day automobile industry. As the handiest one has the choice of now no longer growing the programming counter for VAG institution controllers. The software program is straightforward to apply however calls for that the tool be linked to the electricity deliver for commissioning. It works amazing for Asian motors: Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and many others and motors of the VAG institution – Audi, Skoda, VW, Seat primarily based totally on Simos computers. Very certain commands for operating in BOOT mode make regular lifestyles easier.
Available modes: OBD (8/10), Boot (8/10), Bench (10/10)
Support: fast, unique and open to communication
New answers: very regularly pioneers of latest answers
Price: Starting up from 4690€
BFlash
The most recent participant at the market, a tool that ultimately can be very useful, however in the interim it’s difficult to mention some thing approximately it. It has a complicated logging gadget for parameters and log browsing. Very proper workmanship.
Available modes: OBD (?/ 10), Boot (?/ 10), Bench (?/ 10)
Support: unfortunately, you cannot say whatever approximately him yet.
New answers: nonetheless in development.
Price: Staring up from 4900€
Autotuner
One of the quality alternatives viable today. The device works flawlessly with the modern car industry, perfect for BMW motors primarily based totally on MDG1 computers, and the whole F series. It permits digital and direct readings, works nicely in Boot mode and thoroughly in Bench mode. Support is helpful, it reacts pretty quickly. The tool itself has an in depth set of add-ons connected to the purchase, so it does now no longer require extra funding in adapters. However, every so often connecting the ECU in boot mode may be complicated, which extends the work. The software program could be very brief and clean to use, as are the commands supplied for every protocol without delay from the application.
Available modes: OBD (10/10), Boot (7/10), Bench (10/10)
Support: proper, does now no longer permit lengthy to watch for an answer, it isn’t a one-off that fixing the hassle is going past the to be had protocols
New solutions: common updates, as an example nonetheless in a few instances because the simplest ones that permit kinds of communique whilst the others have one
Price: Starting up from 4900€
Chip Tuning Tools – Summary
In summary, you may say that every gadget fills a barely exceptional hole at the automobile market. When operating handiest with new vehicles, the smallest feasible mechanical intervention is needed because of the manufacturer’s assurance situations or consumer preferences. If we already should take away the ECU from the car the quickest and most secure manner it’ll now no longer open it however use the Bench protocol. However, don’t forget that those answers are generally brought later than Boot read, so in case you need to be aggressive at the market, you need to have a huge variety of possibilities.
Having experience, we are able to now suggest it because the maximum whole device for work: MagPro. As the fine overlaying the present day automobile duo of devices: Autotuner + K-Tag. However, you should in no way overlook approximately consistent development, whilst you need to be the fine you need to be geared up because the fine – the more the range the better. The “no record at the server” message need to now no longer wonder anyone, although the ECU we’re operating on seems at the listing supported on this specific program. Then you’re taking the subsequent gadget from the shelf and the subsequent one, you need to assure that the consumer has now no longer come to you loads of kilometres for no reason.
What hardware alternatives to pick: master or slave?
It all relies upon at the choices and man or woman of the corporation. If you’re a complicated tuner and you’ve got your personal examined answers then the grasp device will assist you to perform with none limitations. However, in case you are seeking out a corporation in an effort to offer you with dyno examined chip tuning documents, the pleasant preference may be SLAVE device.
SLAVE device presents you with REALTIME SUPPORT. When you purchase SLAVE TOOL in our corporation, we supply your account a unique priority. SLAVE orders are made without delay through our software program engineers. With this cooperation mode, we additionally permit adjusting the working time of your corporation to our server.
The benefits of grasp and slave device
Getting started:
Slave: Allow you to begin running without delay after unpacking.
Master: Allows you to begin running without delay, however calls for great guidance in order that it could be used withinside the proper way
Required information:
Slave: Basic understanding approximately using the tool itself. Connections and programming are accomplished grade by grade in step with the instructions, the machine video display units us in case of errors.
Master: A deep know-how of the mechanisms of engine operation is required. By connecting the ECU you could use an arbitrary document to write, additionally incorrect, all of it relies upon on you.
Personalization:
Slave: Using the Slave tool you operate the default format of the producer or our emblem – TC-Performance
Master: Being the proprietor of the grasp you could create your personal emblem seen at the tool and in the software program
Files:
Slave: the tool generates a steady and encoded document, assigned to our Master tool, in reaction to the order you furthermore might get a wonderfully matched document after modification. You aren’t involved approximately a mistake or mismatch.
Master: The device generates decoded documents for content material that all of us could have get admission to to. In addition, it may keep any document to any computer, it effortlessly exposes the patron to errors or maybe harm to the ECU if he does now no longer have good understanding.
General Overwiew:
Slave: Equipment is directed to clients who need to get complete assist from our side, each technical and great. The expenses of document adjustments can also be lower.
Master: This device need to pick folks who would love to have a extra variety of opportunities over computer systems and are prepared to take complete obligation for it.