SD3

I do not know the answer other than you are probably correct but if you think this might have come up before did you try 'search' ?

 

It performs all functions of the SD-2 and works with every Ferrari that has OBD-II (1996 and on) and the new OBD-III Standard (430). It also works on all Maserati's.

Paul

 

SD3 can run in "SD2 emulation mode" to deal with the earlier cars. In native SD3 mode, it talks to 360, 575, 430, 612, Enzo.

SD2 Emulation mode is the chunky text-based screens; SD3 mode is a graphical interface.

 

But for 348/355/550/F50 etc you need SD1, not 2 or 3.

I still say anyone outside an official dealer is crazy to have an SD2 or 3.

SD1 would be useful for an independant, but 2 and 3 require too many software upgrades and changes to remain current.

I use my local dealer to do any SD work. They're happy to simply read and clear errors, and give reports as necessary. Cost is negligable. And their equipment is always current and they know how to use it.... which is the biggest problem to overcome.

 

Yes, SD2 can do SD1 jobs, but it's a painfully slow and awkward process, and MANY SD1 functions cannot be done in the same detail.

Only today I SD1'd a 355 5.2 at the dealer. Got all the info I needed and reset it all within 15minutes. And the dealer was happy to oblige

I can't see how buying a SD3 (from what source?), can ever pay for itself..... what is the going rate lately anyway... and how many 15 minute scans will you do and charge for until it's paid....

If you think customers will pay eg $200/connection plus time etc, then maybe it may work out, but I wouldn't, and I wouldn't expect my customers to when they can get it done properly/eficiently/accurately/FREE at the dealer as part of a service, or for small fee as an independant.

 

If all you want is gearbox/clutches, engine, abs, and dashboard... then a Michelotto SD2 (yellow case) for GT cars is all you need.

They're about 2800 Euro... but you need to be a GT car owner/agent. Most teams that run the cars will have them... and may loan them.

 

Exactly how much is an SD3? couldn't you build one?

 

About $25K. It would be very difficult to build one unless you had the inside scoop on how to communicate with the individual cars comm systems. Having said that, is has been done.

 

Would have thought that was the only issue though, then just reverse engineer the SD3 and create an emulator for a laptop - maybe need to make a small box but most could be done in software methinks...$25K each...hmmm

 

Um... plus the likely lawsuit from either SpA or the OEM manufacturer for reverse engineering their hardware and/or software. Believe me, the market for these items is way too small to casually attempt it. Also, SpA provides software updates annually for all the TSB's and stuff. That'd be hard to replicate.

 

I'm in the neighborhood of Silicon Valley and a few years ago we looked into reversing an SD1. After looking at it we were told by some very good people in the industry that an individual unit was way too cost prohibitive and that we would need to make a hundred, maybe 2 hundred to make sense.

Of course in those days an SD1 was cheap, like less than 1/10th an SD3

 

They prob would not even bother to try and make a case for the units. The software laws are so good they could get a conviction on that so easy they'd have you in the slam tomorrow.

 

Probably not worth it financially I agree - but lawsuits/reverse engineering is no problem if you know what you are doing. In my experience once you understand how it works you just massively alter and improve the design and write completely new software. The reverse engineering bit is just a learning tool. Idle talk anyway, it aint gonna happen.