Monthly Content Summary

Hello, Reader!

This month we’re recapping some old business and introducing a few exciting updates.


Merchant Services has extended the deadline to file for one of the largest class action suits—make sure to sign up if you haven’t already!


We’re thrilled to welcome our new sales support team member, Tim Higgins, and to highlight our backroom special, the Smoke Pro Leak Detector.


Billy’s tech tip this month explains when and why you might need a Vehicle Service Professional (VSP) license. Be sure to check out our battery voltage chart and don’t miss the latest episode of our Tool Time Podcast for more tips and insights.

Newsletter Index



⚙️Tool Time Podcast - OEM tools


⚙️Class Action - Show me the Money!

Registration Deadline Extended


⚙️Programming - Battery Voltage

Range Chart


⚙️Employee Spotlight - Tim Higgins


⚙️Backroom Special - Smoke machine


⚙️2024 C.A.S Catalog Link


⚙️TECH TIP - Is VSP for me?

Click here to watch a recent podcast presented by Babcox Publishing discussing the benefits of using OEM Scan Tools

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Class Action - Registration Deadline Extension

For the past several newsletters, we've been following a significant class action settlement against Merchant Services, covering overcharge fees from 2004 to 2012.


This settlement represents an opportunity for many affected by hidden fees during this time to recoup losses, with billions of dollars available for distribution.


The deadline for registration has now been extended to February 2025. If you haven't registered yet, now is the perfect time—especially since fewer participants mean your share could be bigger than expected.


Don't miss your chance to claim what you might be owed!! Even if you're unsure if you're eligible, it only takes a few minutes to check and potentially secure your share of this historic settlement.


[ Register for the Settlement Now! ]

Programming - Battery Voltage Range Chart

Reprogramming, flashing, updating an ECU, call it what you want but it's always done in a key-on, engine-off condition. And that means the process is relying on a stable level battery voltage, typically kept that way with a reflashing power supply of one sort or the other. But the question that sometimes comes up is: "What is the correct system voltage range for the vehicle to maintain?" We have created a reference chart you might want to use as a reference when doing a re-flash. Even if you are using a remote reprogramming service, such as our EZ-Remote service, the system voltage needs to be within range. Here's a link to the chart, you can download it for future reference, and it's free!

Employee Spotlight: Tim Higgins

This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Tim Higgins, our newest employee in the sales support department.

Tim is originally from Attleboro, MA, and holds a degree in Accounting from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. His career began in traditional accounting roles, where he honed his technical skills and gained a strong foundation in business and financial analysis.


In addition to his background in accounting, Tim took a leap into the fitness industry, working as a personal trainer for four years. He specialized in training endurance athletes, particularly runners, helping them achieve their goals and push their limits.


Outside of work, Tim remains deeply committed to health, fitness, and wellness. A dedicated runner, he has completed several marathon-distance races and is training with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.


When he’s not running or training, Tim can often be found on the golf course, enjoying his favorite hobby and following the sport closely.


Tim also shares his love for outdoor adventures with his five-year-old German Shepherd/Lab mix, Toby, who is always by his side, embodying the same active spirit that Tim brings to every aspect of his life.


We’re excited to have Tim as part of our team!

Backroom Monthly Special: Smoke Pro - Leak Detector!

We're excited to offer a used 2021 Smoke Pro Diagnostic Leak Detector for sale! This device was found to be new defective. It was returned to the factory, repaired, and returned to us. So, we don't think we can legally sell it as new, but it is!


The Smoke Pro is well-known for its reliability in quickly identifying leaks in automotive systems, saving you time and hassle. With this NOS model, you get the same dependable performance at a much lower cost.


If you've been looking to upgrade your diagnostics equipment without breaking the bank, this is the perfect opportunity.


Don't miss out on this deal—it won't last long!


> Normal Retail Sale Price - $1,115.00

> Backroom Special - $785.00

> Savings of - $330.00 (29.6%)

! CAS 2024 Catalog Released !

Click here to download a PDF version of our recently released scan tool catalog

Tech Tip - Do you need a Vehicle Security Professional?

PICTURE IT -


1)          You just replaced the PCM in a 2016 Jeep Renegade and you're trying to program the keys with the PIN you were given by your favorite local dealer. The PIN doesn't seem to be working so you call in to CAS Tech Support and they tell you that the Dealer PIN's do not work for the aftermarket on that vehicle. This is true for many other Chrysler, Jeep, Ram & Fiat vehicles as well. The solution given is calling a locksmith with VSP credentials.


2)        A customer has their 2014 Ford Focus towed into the shop after losing all their keys. Easy job, Wait 10 minutes for the PATS to unlock using your IDS software and program 2 new keys. After trying to gain access to the PATS, the IDS software is now asking you for an LSID User ID & Passcode. You've never seen this before so a call to CAS Tech Support reveals you need your VSP credentials to gain access to the PATS functions on this and many other Ford vehicles.


       Those are 2 real world examples of why you need a VSP account before you NEED a VSP account. So what is VSP / LSID? A Vehicle Security Professional (VSP) account allows Independant Repair Shops & their technicians to securely access key, immobilizer, and PIN codes through the NASTF database called the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM).


 After you start the registration and providing the required documents you will go through a vetting process that could take a few weeks. After this process is complete and the required fees are paid you are then given a unique Locksmith ID (LSID) and passcode. These credentials will be needed when purchasing key and/or immobilizer codes on the different OEM websites. These credentials are also needed to access functions within the different OEM scan tools.

Billy Shepardson - The voice of CAS Tech Support







As a secondary form of protection, A VSP must also have a Multi Factor Authenticator app which will be provided by NASTF on their smart phone to ensure the highest level of security.


 The link to register for VSP access is

https://sdrm.nastfsecurityregistry.org/register.


Unfortunately, due to the nature of security access, CAS Tech Support cannot assist in this registration, setup or maintenance of your VSP account. We can however assist you in using your VSP credentials to gain security access on vehicles you are servicing.