NEXIQ Technologies Inc., a brand of Snap-on Inc., and a provider of diagnostic solutions and services for the commercial-vehicle industry, has introduced Pro-Link iQ, a hand-held scan tool for commercial vehicle repair, maintenance and information. According to its manufacturer, the Pro-Link iQ represents the next generation in handheld diagnostic tools for heavy-duty truck maintenance, designed for easy and reliable scanning of vehicle functions and performance.
In association with Menlo Innovations, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based software design and development firm, the NEXIQ Technologies product-development team worked with heavy-duty truck technicians to understand what technicians needed and wanted in the scan tools they use in their maintenance and repair work. NEXIQ reported that the iQ underwent a substantial investment of research and development to ensure that its capabilities, features and benefits will be relevant to commercial-vehicle technicians today and in the future.
“We want the Pro-Link iQ to give technicians everything they’ve asked for, since they’re the ones who are using the product daily. Their input is essential to the current and future
success of the product,” said Tom Kotenko, Director of NEXIQ Technologies. “We believe that with their help, we’ve created a tool they’ll be eager to use, a scanner that simplifies vehicle diagnostics and makes the process more productive, efficient and accurate.”
The iQ was developed to diagnose engine faults, create data lists, provide trip information and perform special functions tests, and reports. While it is a highly sophisticated and innovative tool, using it is intuitive and requires a very minimal training period, the maker said. Technicians can pick it up and begin working with it immediately through a series of simple touch screens sorted by a set of clearly marked navigation tabs.
At 2.5 lbs., the Pro-Link iQ is lightweight, portable, and powerful. Its advanced-technology features enable easier data downloads while the large color screen allows for the display of much more information than conventional hand-held scanners.
The iQ is available immediately with a number of applications. These include a generic Heavy Duty Standard (HDS) application broadcast of public data for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and OBD II for light- and medium-duty vehicles. Also available are proprietary OEM applications for the Caterpillar ACERT, Detroit Diesel DDEC III, IV and V and International mid-range engines.
Coming soon are Allison transmission applications covering 1K/2K, 3K/4K, and CEC1 transmissions and WABCO air and hydraulic applications. More applications will be added soon. Existing applications will be updated regularly through the Internet.
Pro-Link iQ features include:
• A simple, common user interface (UI) across all OEM applications
• 8.4 in. color screen for use in any light
• Touch screen for easy activation of on-screen tabs
• Easily updated software (via the Internet)
• Large capacity hard drive for future updates and storage of additional information
• PC connectivity via USB port
• Can be powered by vehicle or internal battery
• Capable of printing to most USB printers
• Two USB ports, one compact flash port
In addition, the iQ is constructed to withstand shop wear and tear and includes a durable and protective carrying case as a further safeguard.
Pro-Link iQ currently is available nationwide exclusively through Snap-on franchisees.
After May 8, 2008, it will be available through NEXIQ distributors.
For more about NEXIQ Technologies, visit http://www.nexiq.com.