Author Archives: bwnunnally

About bwnunnally

Bruce Nunnally is an independent Blogger who writes Cadillac Conversations on all things Cadillac. Connect with Bruce on Google+

NO.1 Auto Diagnostic Tool Store Tech 2 #cars #AliExpress #Cadillac

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The GM Tech 2 is a military grade custom hand-held computer designed to enable the GM shop technician the insights and capabilities to diagnose and maintain their charges.  GM has now replaced this system with a computer based MDI system.  However, for vehicles like my 2007 Cadillac XLR or 2008 Cadillac STS-V, the Tech 2 can be a key diagnostic and repair tool.

As an experiment, I ordered a Tech 2 on AliExpress.com from NO.1 Auto Diagnostic Tool Store.  I selected this source based on the AliExpress reputation level and number of reports.

I ordered the device on Sunday, and it arrived in Texas to my door on Wednesday — with free shipping and very good DHL service from Hong Kong to Texas!

After some initial user error, I was able to plug Tab A into Slot A and Tab B into Slot B and etc.  With the Tech 2 properly connected I was able to read from and interact with my 2007 Cadillac XLR.  I still have a lot to learn about the Tech 2 but for plug it in and see it work tonight was a success.

I will update this article as I use the No 1 Auto Diagnostic Tool Store Tech 2 a bit more, and will mention in future articles when it is in use.  I paid for the item with my own funds, and no one sponsored this article.

ProClip iPhone Car Mount for the #Cadillac XLR Test Drive @ProClipUSA #cars @iPhone_News

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After meeting them on Twitter ( @ProClipUSA ) I recently ordered a ProClip iPhone 6 Plus holder for my Cadillac XLR.

What ProClip USA is doing is nice — they make a custom mount that sort of clips into the geography of your specific car, then make standard holders for various phones or tablets that anchor to their mount.

I was expecting the parts to all snap together so I was a bit surprised that some assembly was required — one main screw and 4 anchor screws.  Not much trouble though and may be a trade off for versus shaky video.  The video is framed because the iphone is vertical.  Keep in mind we are testing the mount and not the camera/phone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6carwTfiww

Here is a resulting unedited quick drive test.  The sound is a useless but the video capture looks pretty good.  The mount appears to hold the iPhone 6 plus fairly steady.  I did NOT ask YouTube to steady the video, although that is available post-production.

I am concerned that for out the front of the car the camera should actually be turned side-ways for video.  The mount is really perhaps designed to help you use your phone as a phone while in the car, for phone calls or navigation.  I will see if turning the phone still lets it see out (!)

Updated: Here is a quick car-stopped video of the rear camera with the iPhone rotated sideways:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMTGh1G6P9E

Proclip Sideways out the front is a bit blocked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc6tpbrMFjI

The last two pics in the gallery are stills out the front from the vertical iphone:

IMG_2760

or with ‘reverse video’ turned on for the iphone and shooting a still back into the Cadillac XLR from the rear camera on the iphone

IMG_2761

and a still with the phone rotated sideways:

IMG_2772

Overall the ProClip USA mount appears to work as intended.  Install required a few minutes. I will update the post with more info as it gets more use.