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CAT software

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by rank, Nov 30, 2015.

  1. Nov 30, 2015 #1
    rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    I downloaded Powerspec from the Cummins website for free and use my Nexiq USB link adapter + my laptop to access the ECM on our Cummins trucks.

    What similar FREE software exists for Cat?
     
    rank, Nov 30, 2015
    rank, Nov 30, 2015
    #1
    Straight Stacks Thanks this.
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  3. Nov 30, 2015 #2
    Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Powerspec for Cummins? I'm just curious what is the difference between Powerspec, Insite, and Calterm ? All seem to be for Cummins. I'm familiar with all the Cat software, Cat ET, SIS, password generator.
     
    Diesel Dave, Nov 30, 2015
    Diesel Dave, Nov 30, 2015
    #2
    rank and dustinbrock Thank this.
  4. Dec 1, 2015 #3
    GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

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    Caterpillar and Free??? Those two words don't get a long. You'll find nothing from Cat, if anything exists, it'll be aftermarket.

    @Diesel Dave Powerspec is a free program that does basic diagnostics. Insite is Cummins main diagnostic tool that will do all the advanced diagnostics, customer parameter changes, calibration updates, etc. Calterm is engineering level software that can change things that can really screw an ECM up if you don't know what you're doing.
     
    GrapeApe, Dec 1, 2015
    GrapeApe, Dec 1, 2015
    #3
    BoxCarKidd, Diesel Dave, Heavyd and 1 other person Thank this.
  5. Dec 1, 2015 #4
    rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    I've never heard of Calterm. The only experience with Insite has been standing beside techs at KW dealerships. Insite will allow cylinder cutout tests and Powerspec doesn't. Insite will allow parameter changes to Celect and Celect+ whereas Powerspec has that functionality only with ISX, ISM. Powerspec is a free download from the Cummins website but you need to buy and adapter.

    Basically, Powerspec is a code reader for Celect and Celect +. But for ISX and ISM, Powerspec will allow you to read codes, change speed limiter settings, change driver reward settings, check sudden decelleration data, fuel mileage data and it will also allow you to choose pre-programmed tunes like "log hauler" or "flatbed" or "van" etc etc and it will allow you to specify the gross weight that you usually run. Presumably, these selections will alter engine performance but I don't know because I don't drive the ISX truck in our fleet....I drive the Celect+ therefore I have to go to the dealership and get them to change things with their Insite.
     
    rank, Dec 1, 2015
    rank, Dec 1, 2015
    #4
    BoxCarKidd and Diesel Dave Thank this.
  7. Dec 1, 2015 #5
    Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    So it seems Powerspec and Insite is almost like the Cat ET. Using the Cat ET you can diagnose for engine codes, cut out cylinders, and change "Certain" parameters and "Some" customer parameters with a password generator, also change to a desire flash file. In other words, with the Cat ET you can do it all with the exception that you need a password generator and the flash files to where a Cummins you need 3 programs. But, to change any parameters on a Cummins, do you need a password generator as well ?
     
    Diesel Dave, Dec 1, 2015
    Diesel Dave, Dec 1, 2015
    #5
  8. Dec 1, 2015 #6
    Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    "Rank", there is site you can download what your looking for but it ain't for free. And you need to be somewhat computer "savy" to make sure you don't catch a virus. There has been a few members that pm me (can't remember if it was here or the other forum) that said to quit sending leaches to the other site. BUT, in my opinion, these forums are to share our knowledge for those who need help to find what there looking for. It seems common courtesy has been lost to an extent. But there are also many who do share there knowledge and I personally am thankful for those who have. I have learned so much in these forums.
     
    Diesel Dave, Dec 1, 2015
    Diesel Dave, Dec 1, 2015
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    BoxCarKidd and rank Thank this.
  9. Dec 1, 2015 #7
    rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    No password required for Powerspec. If I was to buy Insite, I don't know if I would need a password or not.

    You don't "need" three programs for Cummins. You really only need Insite. The only reason to use Powerspec is because it's free download from the Cummins site....they want you to use it and they have a tech support line. But you get what you pay for and in this case, free means a little bit less functionality.

    As far as the Cat people not offering a product similar to Cummins' Powerspec....well, I just won't buy anything with a Cat computer then will I? Do they really think they are winning?

    I like Cat, but if I can't do the most basic of things like check codes, change speed limiter settings, check fuel mileage, number of idle hrs etc etc then why would I buy one? When i go to look at a truck that's for sale, It's kind of handy to just plug into it with my laptop and see what the seller is selling. Why would I want to drive to a dealer and pay them to hook into it. Seems idiotic.
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2015
    rank, Dec 1, 2015
    rank, Dec 1, 2015
    #7
  10. Dec 2, 2015 #8
    bigguns

    bigguns Road Train Member

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    Tell the seller to drive it to CAT and get the printout from the ecm if you trust the seller will do the right thing. Take the truck for a test ride, go to CAT, get the printout, return truck. Keep printout for yourself. P.S. I haven't forgotten the pictures for you. Dan
     
    bigguns, Dec 2, 2015
    bigguns, Dec 2, 2015
    #8
    rank Thanks this.
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