Today we look a the XTOOL D7 Diagnostic OBDII Bidirectional Control Scan Tool. In this review I look at the functions, capabilities and the overall hardware of the D7. This tool is very similar ti it’s big brother, the D8 except it’s one inch smaller, has a smaller batter, no rear camera, and no rear kickstand. This tool has almost the same functionality of the D8, except it does not perform eeprom/ecu coding. The D7 advertises 28 special functions and has many bidirectional capabilities along with live data on all modules. It comes with a carrying case, battery charger, data cable and wired VCI.. This scan tool has a LOT of capabilities for the money.
Category: Automotive
XTOOL D8 Diagnostic OBDII Scan Tool, NEW! –
Today we take a look at the XTOOL Diagnostic OBD2 scan tool. This is a new model from XTOOL and it offers full bidirectional control, and full live data on all vehicle modules, along with 31 Special service functions. This Scan tool includes 3 year free updates, a large battery to provide long life, an 8 inch screen, carrying case, power brick and OBDII data cable with a wired VCI. This is a very capable scan tool! See the video above for more information.
Least Expensive Bi Directional Scan Tool with ABS Auto Bleed and MUCH more Xtool A30 Pro
This XTOOL A30 PRO scan tool might just be the cheapest, most affordable bi-directional scan tool available on the market today. Not only does it include ABS automated bleed (Auto bleed) but it is also a full function diagnostic scan tool with full bi-directional control AND live data on all vehicle modules and systems. This Scan tool is extremely affordable (low cost) compared to the other full bi-directional control scan tools on the market today. The XTOOL A30 PRO scan tool is wireless Bluetooth between the VCI (OBDII port) and the scan tool itself. It has built in WIFI to make one click updates super simple and easy. The scan tool has both a touchscreen, and physical buttons in case your fingers are too greasy to operate the on-screen buttons. The device itself carries a 2 year warranty. And the best part is FREE LIFETIME UPDATES. That last part is huge. I can’t think of any other scan tool in the US that has full bi-directional control with free lifetime updates. This product could very possibly change the entire scan tool industry, like the Maxicheck Pro did 3 years ago with it’s auto bleed capability when no other low priced scanner offered that capability. This new Xtool A30 Pro might set the precedent for lower priced bi-directional control scan tools, and/or do away with annual update fees. But in the meantime, this scan tool would be hard to ignore for someone looking for bi-directional control in a low priced device.
Auto Bleed ABS Brakes With Your Smartphone – Autel AP200C Scan / Service Tool
The Autel AP200C is a OBDII dongle based device and is designed to be used with your smartphone (Android or Apple). This is the ONLY OBDII dongle system/software that I have found that will allow you to auto bleed ABS brakes. In fact, I believe at the time of this video, this is the only smartphone/dongle system that will allow ANY form of bi-directional control at all. Up to this point, all these OBDII dongle systems available on the internet only display codes and live data, with no bi-directional control offered. This device is also a standard code reader with live data and will reset / clear check engine lights. The Autel AP200C along with the MaxiAP200 smartphone app is a complete code reader and scan tool with ABS Auto Bleed, Airbag Resets, Oil, Throttle, DPF, EPB, SAS, BMS Services, ABS/SRS capability.
The YouTube video for this new device below:
New ABS auto bleed device Autel AP200C
I did a video about auto bleeding ABS brakes with an affordable scan tool back in February of 2018. (link below) At that time it was the cheapest option for auto bleeding with a scan tool. Now, almost three years later, I have discovered this new device which makes it even more affordable, and even more convenient as it’s used with your cell phone instead of another stand alone device.
My previous video for auto-bleeding ABS brakes below:
Original video on auto bleeding ABS brake systems
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Harbor Freight Braun 3 in 1 Quick Connect Light Kit Review. Folding Slim Bar Flashlight .
I take a look at the all new Harbor Freight Braun 3 in 1 quick connect LED light kit, item number 56200. This light was brand new for Harbor Freight in November 2019. It is very similar to the older Braun folding slim bar from last year but this new model is brighter and includes 2 other light attachments, along with a detachable magnetic hook for hanging the light, and a carrying case. check out the video below for more info.
YouTube video down below.
PROS:
- Brightness. Just like the folding slim bar from last year, this new folding bar is VERY bright. This light will easily illuminate any tight work space with more than enough light to get the job done.
- New attachments. This new BRAUN 3 in 1 model comes with a hook attachment that also includes additional magnets. The new attachment allows for even more mounting or hanging options so you can get the light pointing in just the right direction.
- New light tip: The new folding slim bar has a loop on the tip of the light bar, which the old model did not have, which makes it much easier to hang this light under a hood, or in a wheel well. (for example)
- Flexible shaft. The flexible shaft light is a great attachment for getting light into extremely tight places or into a cylinder of an engine for inspection. Its this attachment that makes this new product worth having in your tool box.
- Removable battery. I am very happy that BRAUN and Harbor Freight decided to keep the removable 18650 battery, like the original light from last year had also. A lot of guys have purchased 18650 battery chargers with additional batteries from Amazon or eBay, and keep extra batteries charged so when their light goes dead, they’re not stuck waiting for a light to recharge. They simply swap out the battery for one that is fully charged and they’re back up and running within a minute or two. It’s great for guys who need a light for an entire 8-10 hour shift. Many of the other brands on the market who manufacturer similar lights do not have removable batteries.
- Fairly well made. The overall light and it’s attachments seem to be fairly well made. The majority of the light base (handle) feels like it’s made from aluminum, along with the green quick disconnect collar. The attachments seem to mostly be made from sturdy plastic.
CONS:
- Flashlight attachment. The standard flashlight attachment is nothing spectacular. Sure, it does the job of a standard flashlight but it’s not exceptionally bright, and it’s not the main reason for buying this kit in the first place. Not to mention, almost everyone already owns a standard flashlight anyway.
- Storage Case. The storage case that comes with this light kit makes me scratch my head. The light and it’s attachments are NOT in the case when you you purchase the kit and it’s a bit of a puzzle trying to figure out the best way to fit all the pieces into the case. There are many small elastic straps and Velcro loops that are apparently designed to hold all the bits and pieces individually but yet nothing seems to fit particularly great. The storage case would be much better if it was just a zippered pouch….. no Velcro elastic holding straps, no mesh netting sewn into each side…. Just a small bag with a zipper is all you really need.
- Retail price. The original retail price when I purchased this light was $59.99, which is about 1.5 times the price of the original slim bar light from a year earlier. However, I don’t know anyone who has paid full price for their light because you can usually find coupons that make the price on the original light either $24.99, $19.99, and sometimes as low as $18.99…… So asking $59.99 for this new light kit is a bit of a stretch. However, as I write this review for Garage Topic I see the retail price today is listed at $49.99 on the Harbor Freight website, and I have heard of coupons for this light making it as low as $39.99.
Conclusion:
The light and it’s attachments are very nice. They work great and are very handy while working on cars, trucks, heavy equipment, etc. I have also found these folding LED slim lights (new style, or last years model) are excellent for camping. The magnets will hold the lights to my truck door, tailgate, bed side, or easy-up tent supports, etc. I won’t go camping without my harbor freight LED folding lights. At full asking retail price, it’s not that great of a deal. I recommend waiting until you find a decent coupon and buy this light kit at the discounted rate. The standard flashlight attachment is basically an after thought. Sure, it’s usable, but it’s not why anyone buys this LED light kit. If you need a folding slim light, or flexible shaft light, this is a great product when purchased with a coupon….. just leave the standard flashlight attachment inside the confusing storage case in the bottom drawer of your tool box, and then you will love this new BRAUN LED light kit. lol
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