My experience with a laptop GT1

[rogerkiu]

Thanks for your help!

I found 3 power supply on eBay which are all listed by a same seller:

1. 12v/40A Power supply/ battery charger/Motorhome,caravan - eBay (item 350213801087 end time Jun-24-09 21:21:11 PDT)
This one was mentioned by a member here before.

2. DC 12v 3 Stage Battery charger,Volt meter,Caravan,4WD - eBay (item 350212098193 end time Jun-19-09 19:04:27 PDT)

and 3. 12v Power supply,Volt meter,Caravan,motorhome,4WD,boat - eBay (item 220435084741 end time Jun-24-09 21:21:10 PDT)

Would you please advise me on which one is better? Maybe the most expensive one is the best one, but I wonder how about the other two. Thanks for help!

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

Thanks for your help!

I found 3 power supply on eBay which are all listed by a same seller:

1. 12v/40A Power supply/ battery charger/Motorhome,caravan - eBay (item 350213801087 end time Jun-24-09 21:21:11 PDT)
This one was mentioned by a member here before.

2. DC 12v 3 Stage Battery charger,Volt meter,Caravan,4WD - eBay (item 350212098193 end time Jun-19-09 19:04:27 PDT)

and 3. 12v Power supply,Volt meter,Caravan,motorhome,4WD,boat - eBay (item 220435084741 end time Jun-24-09 21:21:10 PDT)

Would you please advise me on which one is better? Maybe the most expensive one is the best one, but I wonder how about the other two. Thanks for help!

I bought the one in the first link from that dealer. He can customize the specs for the power supply mode for free - he made it 110V for use in the USA. I can't find the specs I used for the PS mode but I basically made it as similar to the Deutronic unit BMW uses. It's not adjustable like the Deutronic but it doesn't cost $2000 either.

I don't plan on coding/programming for several hours but for $260 I thought it was a worth it. I think for most of the stuff, us non-mechanics using the laptop GT1 are gonna use it for, you don't really need the charger/PS but it's a little insurance. If you're planning on doing anything and everything, maybe it's worht getting the Deutronic. If I was going that route I'd only get the Deutronic.

It's all in how much you're willing to risk. I went into this not knowing much and still don't. However, even with my limited experience so far, I feel comfortable enough that I PROBABLY won't kill my ECU or do something drastic with this laptop GT1. That's just how I feel. I think everyone knows they have to make their own choice at their own risk.

Others might not be so willing to risk their X5!

I'll look for the specs I used and post it.

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I bought the one in the first link from that dealer. He can customize the specs for the power supply mode for free - he made it 110V for use in the USA. I can't find the specs I used for the PS mode but I basically made it as similar to the Deutronic unit BMW uses. It's not adjustable like the Deutronic but it doesn't cost $2000 either.

I don't plan on coding/programming for several hours but for $260 I thought it was a worth it. I think for most of the stuff, us non-mechanics using the laptop GT1 are gonna use it for, you don't really need the charger/PS but it's a little insurance. If you're planning on doing anything and everything, maybe it's worht getting the Deutronic. If I was going that route I'd only get the Deutronic.

It's all in how much you're willing to risk. I went into this not knowing much and still don't. However, even with my limited experience so far, I feel comfortable enough that I PROBABLY won't kill my ECU or do something drastic with this laptop GT1. That's just how I feel. I think everyone knows they have to make their own choice at their own risk.

Others might not be so willing to risk their X5!

I'll look for the specs I used and post it.

Hi! Thanks for your advice.

Actually I am not planning to do everything, just want to do some module replacement DIY. So I think Deutronic is too much for this purpose. I believe something can provide stable voltage around 13.5v to 14v is enough for my purpose, but have no idea on AMP. Is 25 AMPs is enough or I need 40 AMPs? Thanks for any advice.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

Hi! Thanks for your advice.

Actually I am not planning to do everything, just want to do some module replacement DIY. So I think Deutronic is too much for this purpose. I believe something can provide stable voltage around 13.5v to 14v is enough for my purpose, but have no idea on AMP. Is 25 AMPs is enough or I need 40 AMPs? Thanks for any advice.

I would go with the 40amps.

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I would go with the 40amps.

Can I just use a jump start cable to connect to my X in the engine compartment from the other vehicle with running engine?

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

Thanks for your help!

I found 3 power supply on eBay which are all listed by a same seller:

1. 12v/40A Power supply/ battery charger/Motorhome,caravan - eBay (item 350213801087 end time Jun-24-09 21:21:11 PDT)
This one was mentioned by a member here before.

2. DC 12v 3 Stage Battery charger,Volt meter,Caravan,4WD - eBay (item 350212098193 end time Jun-19-09 19:04:27 PDT)

and 3. 12v Power supply,Volt meter,Caravan,motorhome,4WD,boat - eBay (item 220435084741 end time Jun-24-09 21:21:10 PDT)

Would you please advise me on which one is better? Maybe the most expensive one is the best one, but I wonder how about the other two. Thanks for help!

Update: As I mentioned before I bought the first one on the list from that ebayer. He set the specs to my preference and made it 110v for USA operation. Here are the specs I asked him to use for Power Supply (PS)mode:

PS Mode = Output 14.2VDC @ 40 amps
- Boost On = 12.7V
- Boost Off = 14.2V
- Float On = 13.2

I just want to point out that I've been using DIS v43 and have not used the charger/PS for any of my coding/programming yet. In the future I will use it for peace of mind, especially when using SSS in the future.

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Update: As I mentioned before I bought the first one on the list from that ebayer. He set the specs to my preference and made it 110v for USA operation. Here are the specs I asked him to use for Power Supply (PS)mode:

PS Mode = Output 14.2VDC @ 40 amps
- Boost On = 12.7V
- Boost Off = 14.2V
- Float On = 13.2

I just want to point out that I've been using DIS v43 and have not used the charger/PS for any of my coding/programming yet. In the future I will use it for peace of mind, especially when using SSS in the future.

Hi TwinsPoppa, have you tried this PS to code your car? How does it work? Please keep us informed.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

Hi TwinsPoppa, have you tried this PS to code your car? How does it work? Please keep us informed.

I have not had the opportunity to use the charger in PS mode for coding yet. When I need to do some coding I will update this thread.

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

It has supply mode which constantly provides a stable voltage of 13.6v to vehicle for programming. The most important is that it is not expensive, only around US$150.

The one made in Australia is also a good one but much more expensive compares to Ctek one.

The reason I picked the one from Australia is you can customize the specs to what you want and IMO is reasonably priced compared to the Deutronic models which are approx $2K. The Deutronic are adjustable in voltage but I used the specs I posted to get a constant 13.8v. Using 14.2v spec, taking into account ignition on, will be about 13.8v. Again, I just took my specs from what I could find from the Deutronic model used by BMW.

When you turn the ignition to Position 1 this will draw some power. Same if you have any accessories on. Obviously, you don't want to have accessories like the radio, fan, etc on.

The main reason the Australia one is expensive is the shipping which was $75 for me.

Again, I just want to remind everyone my experience so far: all my prior coding was not using any charger or PS. Ask Justin if we used a charger/PS when replacing his instrument cluster at the Connecticut meet. Hint: The answer will be NO.

IMO if your car has a good battery you probably don't need it if your doing the stuff I've been doing so far. The charger/PS, for me, is just a pre-caution in the future.

If you ever had to code a module for an extended time or will be doing extended diagnosis (more than 15- 30minutes), then definitely get the charger/PS.

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I have not had the opportunity to use the charger in PS mode for coding yet. When I need to do some coding I will update this thread.



The reason I picked the one from Australia is you can customize the specs to what you want and IMO is reasonably priced compared to the Deutronic models which are approx $2K. The Deutronic are adjustable in voltage but I used the specs I posted to get a constant 13.8v. Using 14.2v spec, taking into account ignition on, will be about 13.8v. Again, I just took my specs from what I could find from the Deutronic model used by BMW.

When you turn the ignition to Position 1 this will draw some power. Same if you have any accessories on. Obviously, you don't want to have accessories like the radio, fan, etc on.

The main reason the Australia one is expensive is the shipping which was $75 for me.

Again, I just want to remind everyone my experience so far: all my prior coding was not using any charger or PS. Ask Justin if we used a charger/PS when replacing his instrument cluster at the Connecticut meet. Hint: The answer will be NO.

IMO if your car has a good battery you probably don't need it if your doing the stuff I've been doing so far. The charger/PS, for me, is just a pre-caution in the future.

If you ever had to code a module for an extended time or will be doing extended diagnosis (more than 15- 30minutes), then definitely get the charger/PS.

Hi Twin, if you use SSS to code your bmw, you must have at least 13.5v or higher. Voltage below 13v will not be enough to start SSS program, SSS prompts you to connect a battery charger and restart SSS. In normal case, your vehicle battery (if in good condition) only provides up to 12.5v, no chance over 13v. That's why I am searching for a good but not expensive power supply. I am currently using SSS v31. Right now, I found that the Ctek 7000 model is the best choice, cheap and good quality. Maybe 15000 or 25000 model is better, but much more expensive.

The Australian one is also a good product, I believe, but pretty heavy, 3 kg, and as you said, shipping cost is too high, almost a quarter of the selling price.

[NBTBRV8]

I received this reply today from Ctek:

Hi,

You need to review our PS400 or EPS1245 both are within this link.
http://www.element82.co.nz/Products/tabid/170/CategoryID/97/Default.aspx

The first is a power supply with charger functionality. The second is a charger that will increase voltage and current as required but is not a power supply as such like the feature offered with the CTEK XS7000 you may of seen.

Additionally the CTEK when in power supply mode doesn't have reverse polarity protection or anti spark as its supplying power from the time its turned on. I believe either of the EPS units would work with a small compromise for one feature from each that may give you your alternative your looking for.

Not sure what the prices are on the product (DBL800) you've noted but our units are around the $980+GST

Regards

So really I am still looking...