What are the major differences between a PDS and a scan tool like a Genesis?

From what I understand, which are really just azzumptions a PDS is just a 'palm pilot' with manufactures software and some hardware connections?
How off am I?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-VCM-IDS-PDS-DEALER-DIAGNOSTIC-SYSTEM-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ170254331028QQihZ007QQcategoryZ43989QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Is this similar to what we are running to the Dell in the shop?




ps. you have this this censored to much C.
I could not even enter a.s.sumptions...

The Ford PDS is a Palm like device witha VCM interface to communicate with the vechicle. However it will be obsoleted soon so we will have to update to the Ford IDS which we already have, however it is not fully in use yet. With the Ford scan tool, you can do everything the Genysis can do. However you can also reflash, and reprogram modules with updates through the internet. The Ford Scan tool also does it faster and with better results than the Genysis.

Why do we have just a Ford Scan tool? Well it is simple really......We use the tool mainly for the Ford AAA contest. It gives us the speed we need.

Why don't we have other factory scan tools too since we compete with other cars? Because those contest are not with the same car ever year. Also we do use the Factory Scan too whenever possible. Example was for New York last year, the students did go to Kia and use their equipment to train on.

The Genisys us a great scan tool for general diagnosing. However Factory scan tools are usually best
BTW Do not ever by a scan tool without knowing how to update it. If you bought a Ford VCM, you have to pay to updating yearly or loose fuctionality with it completely. At least with the Genysis, if you let the software expire, it will still operate. It will just be outdated eventually

Thanks for the info. That helps a lot.

Shouldn't this be called a 'VCM' rather than a 'PDS' sinse the PDS in just the software on the VCM?

Well, the VCM is the Red box connected to the Dell. The entire setup is called PDS from Ford and it is short for "Portable Diagnositc Software"

Alright.
With VCM (Vehicle Control Module)... i figured the whole thing was the 'module'


_________________
Ford guys just have to be more creative.
Chevrolet: Crappy Hot-Running Engines; Very Rusted Out; Lose Every Time
GM: General Mistake

While we're busy 'circling our problems' you can try and fix your General Mistake
=0

BTW this area is for questions on Imports, yours should have been in general questions.

Import-tant...
haha.
I was just reading realy fast.

Fords are imports... everywhere else


Your admin MOVE IT


_________________
Ford guys just have to be more creative.
Chevrolet: Crappy Hot-Running Engines; Very Rusted Out; Lose Every Time
GM: General Mistake

While we're busy 'circling our problems' you can try and fix your General Mistake
=0