GM's new MDI tool set-up options

[drapp]

Just received our new MDI tool. There are three different ways to configure the tool - USB - Wireless - Wired.

Obviously wireless has its advantages, however, that is not an option for us right now. Have any of you used the MDI in USB vs. Wired mode. What are the advantages / disadvantages?

[Jon]

Wired is very fast but requires a new/extra cat5 ethernet cable and a fair knowledge of your building's network. You are limited to 100 meters ( about 328' ) from the origin point of the cat5 run. MDI support will help you with the final configuration, you need answers to ALL of the questions on the sheet that came with the MDI box, or off of the bulletin released on DealerWorld, BEFORE you call them.

USB is the simple way to go, MDI runs that way by default. The install goes pretty quick and needs only minimal assistance from MDI support. The MDI box comes with a 9' cable but you can get a longer one, the technology limits you to 15' which is pretty close for most shops. It does work as long as you can get the car that close to the Techline PC.

The "recommended" wireless solution is pretty pricey. Unless you already happen to have the correct routers/access points in place you will be spending $1000+ to go this route. I did get MDI support to admit that you can use a common wireless router, like a LinkSys WRT54G, and set it up ahead of the Techline PC that has your MDI software installed on it. You configure it so that you end up with a mini-network of the Techline PC and the MDI box attached to your building network using the router as the interface. Everything you need for this set up costs well under $100.

I am guessing that Techline won't support this configuration, no surprise there since Techline thinks AMD Athlon PC's aren't Windows compatible, but it is so simple that there shouldn't be issues. I'm not sure of the wireless range in a shop environment, we won't have ours set up for a couple of weeks, but I'm guessing that it will reach out at least a couple of bays in all directions.

Jon

[Hotwired]

I am the default computer nerd/techee in our shop - DP will not pay for an outside vendor. I have installed a couple of wireless routers for sales and looks like I will be putting on in service soon. A couple of things I learned along the way.

1. Yes you can install a wireless router for less then $100 but might want to consider spending a little more. You can get "business" class routers for a little more.
2. Check the specifics about any router before you buy. There is a huge selection, what you see today may be discontinued tomorrow. Bear in mind the range ratings are akin to the mileage ratings on a new car window sticker!!!
3. I experienced some minor "interference" with one of my first sales floor routers. Do not know what is was, relocated and it went away. Would guess the potential for interference in the shop might be greater. With the typical open area and high ceilings in a shop I would think it would work pretty well. Will know more in a few weeks.
4. As mentioned do not expect any help from anyone at Techline. Would recommend that you fail to mention that you are on a wireless connection if you need trouble shooting. As I wrote this I think I will make a hardwired connection (CAT5)to hook to when there is a problem. This will eliminate Techline blaming my wireless if they find out.

The support people at Techline are prtty good, but their hands are tied when it comes to supporting "foreign" items.

Happy Hotwiring

[drapp]

We ran the 'default' USB set-up yesterday. It went very smoothly. Of course without actually testing it on a vehicle we don't know if it works. This set-up done until I get time to work on the wired installation.

Here's what I plan on doing.

Disconnect wire drop to Techline PC.

Connect new network switch at that point.

Connect MDI box and Techline PC to the new switch.

Configure MDI as a network component.

I am very familiar with our network configuration and all the 'numbers required'. However, I possess just enough knowledge to be very dangerous. Anyone see a particular reason not to do it this way?

[Gerry Laughlin]

Jon,
We set up ours yesterday, working like a champ. We used a Linksys WRT54GS router, but I wished we had used a Linksys WAP54G access point instead, since we basically ended up disabling the router portion. I believe it would have been easier in the long run.
Gerry

[Gerry Laughlin]

We ended up having to return the Linksys WRT54GS router and get the Linksys WAP54G access point instead. We could not get the router to act as an access point only. Anyway we have programmed a vehicle using this setup.
Gerry