Alpha OBD??? Cell or laptop??

[TJP440]

I'm back with a few more questions and I flipping hate technology that I'm no familiar with

1 set of bulbs (sealight) are here. Following member Ramrods direction I ordered the USB version, OBDlink SX which should be here tomorrow.
My plan was to use my laptop but in order to do so It will have to be disconnected from the i/net.
Not knowing if this would be an issue I emailed AlphaOBD's distributor. they called back and encouraged me to use my Cell and THEIR bluetooth device LINKY as it was more user friendly.
The issues are I am not overly familiar with cell phones and I have mild tremors which makes it much harder to use the cell.
My thought was to buy the program, put it on the laptop, disconnect from the net, hook the laptop up to the truck with the above cable.
First make a copy of the existing settings saving it to a file on the computer (Hopefully that's easy). I can't save it to google drive until I'm able to reconnect. Proceed to try and make the needed changes for the lights.
Does this make sense or am I setting myself up ?
The person I spoke with really pushed using the cell which I might be tempted to try but I do not have their recommended device and they are in Canada (2 weeks shipping?). I am not sure if another would work or if I should just try the laptop. I'd really like to get this behind me.
Sorry for being so uninformed with this technology
thanks for any help

 

[tron67j]

Copy of all settings, best thing to do. I have made all my changes with my phone. So far so good. But do what is comfortable for you.

 

[RamDiver]

I use an OBDLink SX and a laptop with AlfaOBD, it's almost instantaneous when you copy your current configuration to a file.

No worries about not having an internet connection when in the truck, that's exactly how mine works too. You can fire up AlfaOBD while inside the house to install program updates otherwise, you don't need the internet.

No worries about Google Drive, that's an Android feature. A windoze laptop copies the configuration files to a default destination in C:/Program Files/AlfaOBD/... or something like that.

After the file is saved, the program displays the location.

There are many great reasons to use a windows laptop over an android device. With speed, reliability, and security, you can easily take screenshots with your preferred naming.

I keep a log file of all the AlfaOBD changes I've made and the current status using a notepad app on my laptop.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, post them here and we can discuss them.

.

 

[04fxdwgi]

+1 on the laptop +OBDLink dongle (USB or Wifi) + AlfaOBD

I use windows 10 laptop and MX+ (Wifi use with PC, or the phone if PC not available), as I like having more screen real estate on the laptop..

 

[TJP440]

This Forum ROCKS!!!!!! Thanks to all that replied.
I'm going to proceed with the laptop as I am more familiar with it and the mild tremors I have really increase the opportunity for mistakes using the cell.
Also contemplating copying the files onto a thumb drive.
Wonder if I'm able to do so with the actual program as well?
I have the house computers on multiple location backups but not the shop, probably should do that.
Thanks again and I will keep you posted

 

[04fxdwgi]

This Forum ROCKS!!!!!! Thanks to all that replied.
I'm going to proceed with the laptop as I am more familiar with it and the mild tremors I have really increase the opportunity for mistakes using the cell.
Also contemplating copying the files onto a thumb drive.
Wonder if I'm able to do so with the actual program as well?
I have the house computers on multiple location backups but not the shop, probably should do that.
Thanks again and I will keep you posted

The only things you'll be able to copy is a copy of the BCM program (as far as I have found a use for) and you can pull the 4 digit code off so you can use on setting up security codes and such.

Since you'll be using the computer, the 1st thing to do copy the BCM configs. Then you have a base line in case you borque up something with the AlfaOBD. You'll then have a record of what you did wrong.

Also, once you copy the BCM (it'll be a TXT file), I converted it to Word and then PDF. With the PDF, I can then use Acrobat Pro and search for key words. Have found so many things very easily and fast that way.

 

[TJP440]

thanks for your reply and all others as well. I'm not disagreeing with you in any way as I'm "challenged" in this area
My understanding from their website instructions was you can move it between devices but you have to disable any active device first. may have also said something about using the same email address as was used when purchasing.
But with your input I'll start with the laptop and go from there.
Today is D-Day as I now have everything needed to proceed except confidence LOL.
I will be reporting back with results later and hopefully not
thanks again

 

[chopperman1]

Not sure why you think you need to disconnect from the internet. I use a laptop myself and have worked on dozens of trucks with Alfa. I have never once disconnected from the internet. I predominantly use MX+ adapter but I have used SX as well.

 

[TJP440]

Due to my location, everything is hardwired with no wi-fi

 

[04fxdwgi]

thanks for your reply and all others as well. I'm not disagreeing with you in any way as I'm "challenged" in this area
My understanding from their website instructions was you can move it between devices but you have to disable any active device first. may have also said something about using the same email address as was used when purchasing.
But with your input I'll start with the laptop and go from there.
Today is D-Day as I now have everything needed to proceed except confidence LOL.
I will be reporting back with results later and hopefully not
thanks again

The only thing is that the license is good for only 1 device (PC or phone / tablet). Some have said that if it is loaded on device from Google Play Store, then for some odd reason you can reload onto another device if done from the play store again. I can not verify if that is accurate or not.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Due to my location, everything is hardwired with no wi-fi

I get it. Are in one of those "quiet zones" where Wifi and telephones are is taboo?

 

[CanRebel]

thanks for your reply and all others as well. I'm not disagreeing with you in any way as I'm "challenged" in this area
My understanding from their website instructions was you can move it between devices but you have to disable any active device first. may have also said something about using the same email address as was used when purchasing.
But with your input I'll start with the laptop and go from there.
Today is D-Day as I now have everything needed to proceed except confidence LOL.
I will be reporting back with results later and hopefully not
thanks again

if you buy windows version, you can move it from Windows machine to another. Same with Android version. But you can't use Windows License on an Android device.

I have two licenses, one for Windows and one for Android. It's pain in the ass to move it. So try to make sure you install it on device you want. He can take week or two to respond.

Curious why you are purchasing it from Canadian website and not directly? The Canadian site actually directs you back to AlphaODB site.

If you had android tablet, I would recommend using that than windows version, he updates windows rarely and half the time it fails.
You can also get the demo version, before you purchase it. That way you know will know if it works on your computer or not. Might have to install framework

Also you don't need thumb drive(usb drive) unless the PC you are saving the config file is bad. It's just tiny backup file.
It's setup exe file. So you can store that anywhere or download it as many times as you want.

 

[chopperman1]

Due to my location, everything is hardwired with no wi-fi

Use your phone as a hotspot. Having internet access is incredibly useful for watching videos for what you are making the changes on. Alfa may also require internet to verify it's license for the changes, never tried it without.

 

[RamDiver]

Use your phone as a hotspot. Having internet access is incredibly useful for watching videos for what you are making the changes on. Alfa may also require internet to verify it's license for the changes, never tried it without.

I use AlfaOBD without an internet connection and have no problems making or saving changes.

I watch YouTube videos or read documents before heading out to the truck. If the video contains that much detail and I want to check it while making changes, I download the video first.

AlfaOBD does ask to check for updates after starting up, just be sure to indicate no while not connected to the internet.

While I've only had one problem after an update, as a rule, I don't install new updates until they've been out for a period. Alexey is good at fixing deficiencies pretty fast, from what I've experienced.

.

 

[TJP440]

thanks for all you input and wish you lived next door LOL.
My biggest issue is my lack of knowledge using the cell as well as technology in general. While running the home based repair/resto business the last 25 years I rarely left so I had little use for a cell. The wife had one but just used it for basic stuff. I've spent the last 2 years cleaning up the messes left by my previous employees and catching up on other things around the property.
I just recently got a cell due to a ID leak issue and implementing TFA on everything. That was two weeks of hell.
My plan at this point is to load the program on the to laptop via the net. Disconnect form the net and reconnect to the truck via a USB port and the suggested cable.
1. Save existing configuration to a file on the laptop
2. Make the required change
3. Save and close before I screw something else up LOL.
4. Disconnect from the truck and reconnect to the net
5. I will then try to save everything to a thumb drive
I did get one headlight installed yesterday and it seemed to function fine. I am not sure how immediate the flickering /errors happen but from what I've read it's lkely best to do the change before hand
Thank you and everyone else again
I will post an update when done

 

[TJP440]

I get it. Are in one of those "quiet zones" where Wifi and telephones are is taboo?

Yes sir, not enough housing density for them to run fiber. Was previously stuck with DSL through a landline but recently got T-Mobile wireless I/net. had verizon for about 2 months and it tanked. After 4 weeks, 5 Modems and well over 70 hours on the phone with their inept tech support I jumped ship

 

[TJP440]

if you buy windows version, you can move it from Windows machine to another. Same with Android version. But you can't use Windows License on an Android device.

I have two licenses, one for Windows and one for Android. It's pain in the ass to move it. So try to make sure you install it on device you want. He can take week or two to respond.

Curious why you are purchasing it from Canadian website and not directly? The Canadian site actually directs you back to AlphaODB site.

If you had android tablet, I would recommend using that than windows version, he updates windows rarely and half the time it fails.
You can also get the demo version, before you purchase it. That way you know will know if it works on your computer or not. Might have to install framework

Also you don't need thumb drive(usb drive) unless the PC you are saving the config file is bad. It's just tiny backup file.
It's setup exe file. So you can store that anywhere or download it as many times as you want.

I plan on buying it from LINKY . I may have gotten off track when I went to their distributors section. He was the one pushing me to use the cell and what appeared to be HIS version of the bluetooth? cell adapter. As mentioned I'm pretty green in the cell area. Add in mild hand tremors and the laptop becomes very appealing. I will try the demo version first and thankyou for your input

 

[04fxdwgi]

Don't need wifi to use the OBDLink MX2. It uses bluetooth directly to your laptop or phone/tablet. No internet services required.

To update it, connect to laptop via bluetooth and use your ethernet connected PC to do the upgrades.

 

[TJP440]

Don't need wifi to use the OBDLink MX2. It uses bluetooth directly to your laptop or phone/tablet. No internet services required.

To update it, connect to laptop via bluetooth and use your ethernet connected PC to do the upgrades.

What language are you speaking LOL

 

[TJP440]

I think I'm hooked up, etc but can't seem to get to where I need to go.
I have gone into the body computer area but it has listings for all kinds of crap and vehicles.. I'm wondering if the license key applied. When I launch the program is asks for the make, model but not year which I find puzzling.
one issue may be the interface cable. I bought the SX cable as suggested. But I note their application guide call for the EX cable? Screen display also mentions EX cable or MX.

I'm going to head back out and but will try to monitor this from my cell. I hope