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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: I feel the angle with these mobile device interfaces for functionality or desirability in a repair shop environment is that putting a scan tool in everyone’s hands, technicians and advisors alike, becomes much less cost-prohibitive.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Choosing the mobile device, usually a cellular telephone, scanning a QR code from inside the box the A30M is packaged in, downloading and installing the appropriate app, plugging the device into a Data Link Connector, allowing the app and device to find each other and marry, and after that, it’s really just like using most scan tools.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: Packaging is in line with other similar products. It is MUCH easier to open than the pliers Brin Kline received, but that could have been operator error.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?
A: Not technically. The PDF can be easily accessed on the website or found with a QR code in the box.
Q: What features did you like?
A: Navigation is intuitive. There is a built-in voltmeter on the interface. Granted, depending on the vehicle and how the DLC is oriented, you may not actually be able to see the voltmeter. This could be solved with an extension cable, but having a voltmeter on the interface is a handy feature.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: I can’t say that I found any features actually unlikable. If you are really just asking for “downsides,” then it has to be mentioned that this tool does not replace the “flagship” XTool scan tools or the full-featured professional scan tools most of our shops have one or multiple of. For the cost, it isn’t all that reasonable for them to do so. This tool shines, like many of its competitors, in being able to put scan tools in everyone’s hands, namely for Health Reports and basic or initial diagnostic steps. On a few vehicles this tool was used on, and its competitors for comparison, there are tests, adaptions, and controls that just are not available that are on the higher level tools.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used it, and had co-workers use it, for the purposes of some driveability diagnostics and Health Report scans.
Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? If so, what are some new features compared to the old version?
A: Not of the XTool. I have other similar Bluetooth interfaces for scan tools that I felt helped me assess the capability of the A30M.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: A nine. For what it is, it could be a good addition to a shop that has many employees where providing each a full-blown professional-level scan tool is cost prohibitive. This could give uniformity in all the reports sent in. It won’t replace those professional tools, and I don’t say that with condescension toward this tool.
