With the introduction of mega macs X this January, Hella Gutmann has increased the scope of its range of diagnostic tools. The company’s UK head, Neil Hilton, explains what the new tool has to offer the commercial vehicle workshop.
The mega macs X aims to fundamentally change the operational method and communication with the vehicle from a diagnostic standpoint, providing a flexible solution that can adapt to the LCV requirements of the commercial vehicle fleet workshop.
Reflecting the world in which we live, Hella Gutmann has taken this formula and translated it into the world of LCV diagnostics to produce a fully scalable device that can provide the highest level of multi-brand capability and has made it able to communicate with a workshop’s existing IT infrastructure.
The mega macs X provides flexibility and an array of options when it comes to both the hardware and software configurations. It allows CV workshops to choose whether they wish to combine their existing desktop browsers or tablets with the mega macs X or move to a totally mega macs-driven platform. This flexibility means that should a workshop’s requirements change, then it is able to change the mega macs X setup to match.
Thanks to the different software modules that are available, workshops also have a choice when it comes to the scope of the services that can be accessed. This flexibility ensures that the workshop is always able to gear its requirements to the appropriate software module.
Advanced diagnostics
Not only is the mega macs X different from previous diagnostic solutions in its approach, it’s also very different in appearance, as it has neither a display nor a keypad. At a first glance, the wired OBD plug with integrated LED lighting, looks like a modern, neatly designed Bluetooth VCI, but this future-orientated and most flexible of solutions is also the most advanced diagnostic tool Hella Gutmann has ever developed. It incorporates the processor, diagnostic software and integrated diagnostic protocols, which includes among others, the CAN FD and DoIP for the latest LCV models, and communicates on a wireless basis.
The design comprises sophisticated details such as a useful cable duct and a magnetic surface, and the compact dimensions mean it can be placed easily on the charging tray when not in use. A green LED progress bar on the front and back of the device indicates active vehicle communication when performing diagnostic work.
The mega macs X approach also allows workshops to stay in control of their overheads, as beyond the one-off costs to purchase the mega macs X hardware and relevant SDI X software, the only ongoing costs are for the associated annual licence, which obviously includes any updates and system improvements as they are issued.
Naturally, the tool is equipped with ADAS calibration software as a standard feature. In addition, however, it also comes with a CSM (Cyber Security Management) function.
This means that instead of having to register individually with each VM portal to obtain diagnostic releases for their vehicles, and subjecting themselves to extensive checks and potentially significant extra costs, a one-time authentication, activated by proof of identification by passport or identity card, is all that’s needed for a mega macs user to have a clear path to work on all vehicles with a security lock, at the usual diagnostic depth.
All these functions and its flexible useability clearly puts the mega macs X at a different level to any other diagnostic tool on the market and sets the trend for the future of LCV diagnostic management.
