Neil Hilton, Head of Hella Gutmann Solutions UK, discusses the company’s mega macs ONE tablet, and how motor factors can use it to boost the diagnostic capabilities of their customers.
The increasing everyday use of smartphones is also reflected in the growing popularity of tablets in modern workshops. The sales of Android devices in particular are booming because they are fast, affordable, and – due to the multitude of apps available – versatile. As a result, Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) launched mega macs ONE, a system that transforms a tablet with Android 6.0 or higher – and a minimum 7-inch screen – into a fully-fledged diagnostic tool.
HGS has longstanding relationships with motor factors throughout the country, and we therefore recognise the important position they hold in helping workshops with both the parts and the equipment they need to remain competitive in an ever- changing market.
The introduction of mega macs ONE is particularly important, as it allows workshops to access premium level diagnostic capability at budget prices. By combining the best of HGS knowhow with extremely competitively priced – often 80% lower than comparable Windows devices – off-the-shelf Android technology, we have adapted these multifunctional devices into high calibre diagnostic tools.
It therefore also provides factors with the perfect offering to act as a stepping stone to help their workshop customers improve their diagnostic ability and subsequently service a wider range of vehicles, thus increasing their overall profitability.
Another benefit for factors is that the mega macs ONE app comes with, in effect, a limitless shelf life, as it is only activated once it’s downloaded. After concluding the licence agreement, technicians will receive the Bluetooth VCI (vehicle communication interface), which it uses to communicate with the vehicle and, once the software has been installed on the tablet, they can use it for an unlimited period of time.
What’s on offer?
All the basic diagnostic functions available on the mega macs ONE are equivalent to those provided by our other mega macs tools. These range from displaying the OBD (on board diagnostic) socket location in the vehicle, to reading/deleting trouble codes, Global scan, resetting service indicators, parameter depictions (up to 16 at the same time), basic settings and adaptions, coding and actuator tests, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) calibration software as standard. The diagnostic results can also be printed out or emailed to customers as a PDF document.
For rapid vehicle selection, VIN-based identification is available. Users simply click once to see the OBD socket location and, if the Global check option is selected, the system will automatically scan all the existing ECUs at high speed. Helpfully, users can toggle between several functions at any time when diagnostics are in progress, without having to repeat the selection.
The mega macs ONE option also comes with other helpful customisation features such as landscape and portrait screen mode, and the ability to alter the recording duration of measured parameter values. Another hugely practical benefit worth highlighting is that it will sound a warning when the user is leaving the VCI wireless range, which avoids unnecessary interruption of the diagnostic process and accidental loss of the VCI.
Keeping updated
As is the case with all our conventional mega macs diagnostic tools, technicians also have the benefits of regular updates. However, this is made even easier with mega macs ONE, as these are automatic and therefore do not need user intervention.
Finally, should the Android device be dropped or damaged and need to be replaced, all the data and the service history and action records remain safely stored in the cloud. This means that once a new device has been purchased and the app has been downloaded, all the information will appear, and the process will flawlessly recommence.
Although the mega macs ONE is a great way for factors to affordably introduce workshops to premium level diagnostics, in common with all HGS equipment, it is backed up with an unrivalled support package provided by our technical call centre, which is able to give expert advice to users experiencing difficulty.
Features at a glance
- Wireless communication with the vehicle
- Quick and unambiguous vehicle selection via VIN identification
- Graphic display of diagnostic connection
- Reading/deleting trouble codes and a comprehensive global check of more than 40 vehicle makes and 48,000+ vehicle models
- Explanation of trouble codes with detailed information and descriptions
- Full parameter depiction with graphics and explanation
- Actuator tests, coding, basic settings
- Service resets, including condition- based and long life resets
- Diagnostic results sent as PDF via email
- Flexible views (landscape and portrait format)
- Car history for results recall
- ADAS calibration software as standard
