Rinda Scan Tool or Diacom software?
 

Hey guys. I have a Formula 260BR with a 496Mag that is acting up. From idle I can get the boat on plane and then after about 15 seconds I get a short 2 second warning beep and the boat comes back down to idle. I figure that this is "Guardian" mode. The boat idles and starts fine. There is not a beep every minute or two. Only when it powers itself back down to idle.

Anyway, I don't have a trailer (the boat sits on a lift). I'm thinking that the chances of getting someone to come out to my dock and read my codes is going to be slim and/or expensive. So I've been reading about the Rinda Scan Tool and Diacom software. Which would be better for me? I have a laptop. The chance of me ever using this on a friends boat is fairly slim. Would I be happy with the $400 scan tool vs. the $580 Diacom software?

Thanks for the help!

If you haven't used a scan tool before you may find Diacom a little intimidating, but it's not hard to use, and you'll find it's easier to make a diagnosis when you can see all data parameters and Freezframe memory contents instead of endlessly scrolling through a tiny one line display.

Thanks alot for your input Dave. Once I get the codes with a reader, do I need a Merc PCM manual to tell what they mean?

Thanks again for your help!

Most of the codes for the 496/PCM555 are self explainitory, like "ECT Coolant Overheat". But if your not sure, you can ask here and I (or somene else) will explain, but having Merc service manual #33 (PCM555 Diagnostics) on hand would be helpful.

When you are getting an alarm, the cause of the alarm will be in the "Active Faults" list. If you are not currently getting an alarm, then you will want to retrieve the Freezframe Memory / Fault History and it will show you what caused previous alarm events.

is this software available for general public to buy?
or is service/dealer only?
is on disk to run on a laptop or is it standalone unit?

You can purchase it and yes, it runs on a laptop. I bought my kit for 400.00 on eBay.

http://www.rinda.com/marine/marine.htm

anyone have a disc i can borrow for a weekend :)

You need the software and the proper engine wiring harness adapter to sync with your laptop, which comes in the kit. Tow it to Appleton and I'll help you out :D

Hugh, I have the diacom on my laptop and usually have it out on the river when staying at the GRH. Last time I had it, we hooked it up to Johns BAJA and Bruces Pantera, pretty cool tool.

I will let you know the next time I am out there in the event you are around to hook it up.

lmao, thanks :)
Heck for the price of that tow I could probably buy both the Diacom software and the Merc Scan tool :)

whats better, the Scan tool or the software?

Thanks, I just might take you up on that.
Will not be there for the Rat Run, so I was kind of looking at checking things before the summer.

Go to the search thread below for some more insight on the possibilities.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...archid=1950005

Just ordered Diacom for my 496HO's. Had a few buzzers go off.
I used to run Diacom for ODB1-2 for my 85 corvette. I used to run it on a 386 laptop....:drink: That should bring back some memories to some.

I'll keep posted how this modern version works out.

Special Thanks out to Dave_N. Thanks for all your replies and help on this forum.

I'm looking at either a scan tool or the Diacom software for the up coming season. Would like to hear pro and cons from you guys that have either. I'm leaning towards the Diacom program...any help?

I ended up getting the Rinda Scan Tool (not the software) and it has worked great on my boat. It led me to find and fix my problem of a faulty exhaust temp sensor. I don't have any experience with the software. I would recommend that you call Rinda and talk to them about what you want to do with the reader/software and let them help you decide. I remember them being nice people.