Obdstar Iscan Diagnostics Tablet

I've just applied an update to my OBDStar diagnostics tablet and notice that some new models have been added. Maybe of interest to members who have been waiting on this.



I have shown all MY20 and 21 models for completeness, some may have already been included prior to this update. Additionally, not listed above, there may have been some hitherto missing bikes from earlier years added in this update. Additionally earlier included bikes may have had functionality extended.

A breakdown of the individual functions/capabilities for each of the above, and all other Ducatis already on the system, can be established by downloading the spreadsheet from the manufacturers website, look under the 'Function/Manual' tab.

It should be noted that some functions such as accessory activations can only be checked for specifics by plugging the bike in and selecting that function, the tablet needs to 'speak' to the bike first. I suggest that if this is important to you check with the manufacturer, or BMDiag, directly.

Just had a chat with Robert at BMDiag, where I bought mine last year, as I was enquiring about licence renewal (it came with one year of updates). He said that they unfortunately no longer stock the OBDStar iScan as the margins were too slim* (see post below by James, they changed their minds). I did ask about the OBDProg Moto 100 that they also list. He said that it had a similar interface to the OBDStar but not as many updates and there wont be the same depth of functions as the iScan either.

From what I can see this leaves the only option to get an OBDStar iScan is buy from China or from eBay (usually will amount to the same thing, currently wildly varying prices of £395 to around £700!).

In respect of the licence renewal; that's for updates only, so really I'm sorted for my bike and any others included in the latest updates up to my renewal date (makes note to check later in the summer before my 1 year is up). The tablet will still work and do its thing, the licence renewal is just for the updates with new models and addition of functions previously missing.

 

As an example here's the functionality for the Multistrada V4 and V4s, notably activations are absent, though they may possibly be incorporated into one of the others.

 

The Ducati specific OBDStar iScan unit works well in my experience so far. So long as it's regular diagnostics, service light reset etc. (it doesn't do ECU mapping re-flashes) it seems to work well and is intuitive to use. It's an Android based tablet with the correct software, connecting leads etc. There is a generic version available too, the OBDStar MS80, that covers lots of different manufacturers coming with all the connecting leads etc. However, this is over 6x the price... The difference being for a physically bigger unit, the leads and the appropriate software. There is apparently also an MS70 version too, with the bigger screen, leads etc, covering a smaller range of manufacturers, only costing around 3.5x the Ducati only version.

Is it easy to use; I would say so, yes. Plug it in and it can automatically read the Vin or you can select the model (this can be a bit confusing as you have to know the model index, the spreadsheet helps there, you just have to enter the first character, in your case 'H' and then select from the different models shown). After that it's a case of selecting the items in the menu and reading the prompts.

You need to order, unless splashing out on the MS80 or MS70, the OBDSTAR iScan specifically for DUCATI.

Here are the options for your bike

 

The older the model of Ducati, generally the fewer options there are. Access to on-bike functions and diagnostics have become more sophisticated over time.

Visited a local member last night to read and try and clear some codes. Successful except one code kept coming back. The software knows and reports back what the codes mean in most cases. Unfortunately this one just came back with a non specific one. However, a quick web search revealed this related to an issue with the exhaust lambda sensor. Having de-cated his bike this had been removed so it made sense. Ideally he needs to get an O2 eliminator which will hopefully resolve the issue.

So, certainly a useful tool to have if your bike appears on the spreadsheet from the manufacturers website (download 'coverage' under the 'Manual' tab).

 

Without doing a deep dive into your posting history I don't know what model Ducati you own. No issues resetting service indicators for oil, annual or Desmo services on my MY18 Multistrada.

 

OK, thanks. Full functionality does sometimes take a while to be incorporated into firmware updates. I suppose these features need to be reverse engineered from the official tool/software. Maybe Ducati have incorporated further security to protect the monopoly of their dealer network? As the 1260 Multistrada has full functionally with my OBDStar I've not bothered to pay for a renewal to update mine to the latest firmware.

 

With the earlier, pre DVT, Multis I believe that you can still use MelcoDiag, though the OBDStar is somewhat less fiddly. Your profile doesn't have your location, maybe there's a member nearby who has an OBDStar and is willing to plug it in and reset the service light.

 

Unfortunately I think the ISCAN models are marque specific. Not sure how they've been knobbled though. There's a separate version for Yamaha, maybe you've already seen that. You could speak to BMDiag, they're pretty helpful.