A software release is nothing new in todays HD Truck repair industry. However, shops using Allison DOC should take note of what version they are currently running if their subscription has expired. Allison's update price policy charges different prices for their subscription renewals depending on how far behind your current software version is. Shops that are running version 12.x Allison DOC can buy a update at the normal renewal price. Shops using Allison DOC 11.x or older must buy an update at a price equal to a new subscription.

So, to avoid paying an un-necessary higher renewal fee and also get the latest 'DOC' coverage, any shop running 12.x Doc should consider updating to the new 13.0 now.

If you are wondering what version 'DOC' you're at or to place an update order, call your local CAS Rep or the CAS offices for assistance.

         

          We can be reached at 1-877-263-4897 Monday-Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM

 

 Another one bites the dust!...Another one bites the dust!... If you are still using Windows XP in your scan tool laptop watch out! The site manager for Chrysler's Tech Authority website has confirmed with us that May 15th is the deadline for XP users. Any shop trying to access their site with a PC running the XP operating system will be blocked effective May 16th! Regardless of whether you are accessing the site for information or to download calibration files, you will be blocked!...Even if you have a Tech Authority annual subscription, you will be blocked! So stop putting off getting your Windows 7 upgrade! Call CAS today and coordinate having an operating system upgrade done... Before you're out of time!

  

 The CAS Tech Support group currently provides repair support service to almost one thousand Dell and Panasonic laptops. All these laptops are used as scan tool 'platforms' using various software applications such as GM's GDS2, Ford IDS, Toyota TechStream Lite, multiple Heavy Duty Truck apps and more. So, it's safe to say they see a lot of laptop failures.

 

At a recent weekly meeting, we asked our main repair tech Billy 'Speed' Shepardson; "What was the most common hardware failure he sees with customers laptops?" His reply was quick and to the point, "USB Connectors!" According to 'Speed', almost every scan tool interface device connects to the laptop via a USB cable so those USB ports are constantly being plugged in to. Because of this frequent use, they do experience wear and tear which gives you the higher failure rate. Unfortunately, since USB ports are 'hard mounted' direct to the PC's mother board, a USB failure typically results in the need for a new motherboard...That's an expensive repair if your laptop is not under TAS support!

 

When asked if there was a way to reduce USB port failures, 'Speed' again quickly replied; 'Sure, just stop using the same port every time you hook up an interface!"

 

The funny thing is, although most Dell laptops have 4 USB ports, most techs seem to always use the same one port to connect up their scan tool! If the tech were to choose a different USB port every time he used the laptop, USB wear would be spread out between ports and the failure rate would drop! 'Speed' also mentioned his workload would go down...go figure!

 

If you or your techs require service on your laptop, in either doing a software update or resolving other operational issues, call your local CAS Rep for assistance or CAS Tech Support at 1-877-263-4897 M-F 8:30am - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time. (Ask for 'Speed' !)