Customer Reviews

Auterra A-501 DashDyno SPD ProPack In-Vehicle Automotive Computer - Scan Tool, Performance Meter, and Data Logger

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've used this on a bunch of cars and it has worked great on every one. I've tried it on a 2006 Subaru WRX, 2004 Mazda RX-8, 2004 BMW 325i, 2004 Infiniti G35, and a 2007 Lotus Elise. It does what it says in terms of being able to monitor all the parameters and has flexible display options. The only issue I have had is the update rate on the Infiniti was slow, but that's Nissan's fault, not Auterra's.

I've also used the Dyno part of it on all the above cars and am really impressed with how close it comes to the stock HP and torque charts for the cars. Getting all the data for the car is a bit time consuming (you need to find the weight, drag, gear ratios, etc), but once you have that, it does work. If nothing else, the 0-60 timer is really fun when you find a blank stretch of road.

The included mount with the 501 kit is a nice, flexible RAM brand mount.

The only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars for me is the user interface. It asks WAY too many questions when all you want to look at is a single value like Engine RPM. I wish they figured out a way to make it simpler while also maintaining all the great features.

The Auterra does what it is advertised to do. However, there are some minor issues:

First, set-up is not intuitive, sometimes difficult, and not well-explained either by written instructions or the step-by-step instructions on-screen. It does take some time to figure out how to set displays and alarms, and with certain more elaborate functions, you're on your own.

Second, the LCD screen itself seems inadequate - it's poorly-lit and the contrast controls are somewhat ineffective. It's also subject to some "roll and flicker" as voltages to the unit change. In a product this expensive, the screen should be of a higher quality.

Third, the connections are also problematic. It's very easy for the OBD connector to be knocked or vibrated out of the vehicle's OBD socket - my solution was to use electrical tape to secure the connection. The same is true at the other end - the pin connectors in the box itself will sometimes vibrate out, and the unit will have to be unplugged and reset. Again, the solution is a bit of electrical tape - but that's an unnecessary issue that should have been worked out before the product was put on the market.

Beyond that, the software works well, the displays are accurate and helpful, and there are a number of neat things you can do with the Auterra if you want to monitor more esoteric vehicle parameters. Better than the Scangauge it replaced; more diverse in functions than other "prettier" products on the market, but the Auterra definitely needs a few upgrades to remain competitive.

Ian says it all quite well. I especially concur regarding the steps necessary to get what you want. It leaves me wishing it all was a bit simpler to do. Auterra compares their product with G-tech. I own them both as well as EFILive and an Actron CP9145 scanner. I don't see the comparison to the G-tech other than the performance monitoring aspect. It's almost like pitting a PC against a calculator. The DashDyno is significantly more expensive, has many more features, occupies the DLC port and is completely OBD II reliant. The G-tech is a non On Board Diagnostic tool with a single purpose unit that is completely stand-alone other than using the cigarette lighter for power.

The DashDyno RAM mount is a real quality item and nothing about the unit and accessories are cheap. The LCD display is limited by its size, hence the amount of real time information shown is what you might expect. In that regard the DashDyno is probably better compared to a high end hand scanner in regard to its data collection and display.

I have only used the DashDyno on my Lancer and it would continually go to sleep while driving. I've not investigated the cause and because of this I'm not in love with the DashDyno at this time. I intend to hook it up with one or more of my other cars and will edit or add to this review at that time.

I wish there was more online support through an active forum so questions and issues could be discussed as the comment about instructions and inadequate supplied information is correct. I think the customer base just isn't great enough at this time.

I think is the DashDyno is a sophisticated little black box / scanner /accelerometer with some exciting features that are missed by the typical casual user like myself. The performance monitoring aspect in conjunction with the data collection sets it apart from every other item out there. I need to dedicate some serious time to the unit so I can understand all the features and navigate the layered menu system while driving. For the price of the DashDyno, it needs some serious attention as it carries the cost tag of a good laptop. The DashDyno shouldn't be a compulsion type of purchase and I wish I would have spent more time in contact with customer support before buying the A-501 which I own. The single email I sent them was quickly and satisfactorily answered; so someone at tech support is there listening.

I would recommend the DashDyno with a little caution. There's nothing out there like it without spending a lot more money to get the same results. But you need to evaluate whether you want to spend more money for something even more sophisticated for data collection and display features because you are already making a significant investment. For considerably more money you can have the whole enchilada with something like HP Tuners or EFIlive's basic software.

I gave the 501-A 3 stars because I'm not convinced it works well with my Lancer and the spotty documentation and the need for more ubiquitous support.

A month of use and one software upgrade it is better.. Creating a new file for recording was a pain and now with the new software it generates a new file name still not perfect, it should do that automatically every time I press the record button. But I still have to press a few buttons to create the new file.

The main issue is connection with my Mazda MX-5 which is still not resolved, it does not connect easily. I still have to go to preferences and select automatic detection and after connection revert back to Mazda to get specific parameters... a lengthy process which should not be needed for a product like this.

My Scangauge connects every time easily on start-up, the only two things it does not do is record and have a alarm function. That is why I have the dashdyno.

The other issue with the dashdyno is that you cannot edit the existing screen or alarm files. you have create a new one if you want to change anything. And all this has to be done on the dashdyno it self and lots of buttons need to be pressed, I am glad I have the power adapter for it. It would be better if this could be done with the dashscan software. If I change the alarm file I have to recreate the screen file from scratch to use the new alarm file in it.

I hope the company resolves these issues soon.. and it would be a great product.. I had initially given it 4 stars but after reminding myself of these issues I am giving it 3 stars.

After opening the package,I realized there were no directions for the product. I installed the CD which did have the instruction manual. I would have had to print at least 20 pages(I stopped counting)instead I took my PC to my vehicle to try the unit out. I followed directions to a T,and it wouldn't connect to either of my vehicles. So back inside and did more reading. I finally gave up and went to the company website and found an update that I downloaded. So I tried to upload the update to the dash dyno,it wouldn't accept or read the update. I gave up after 45 mins or so and waited for the wife to get home since she is a computer wiz. It took her 20 mins and something about going in through the back door? Back out and hooked it to my truck,again following the directions. After getting the same error message 4 times,it recognized and connected to my truck. Your supposed to take the memory card out and plug it in the PC to have the CD load info on it. I did that,and reinserted the memory card into the dash dyno. Now the dash dyno won't read the memory card. So I try and load the files from the CD again,same thing. I try a smaller memory card from my camera thinking I may have a bad card. Same thing. So, I decide I'll try to read live data and forget about saving the data. The dash dyno won't work on my '03 Cummins pickup and decide to try it on my '96 Caprice SS. Now it won't connect to it. After several tries it does connect and won't read any live data. I decide to trip a trouble code and see if it will even read and reset trouble codes. It won't even do that. In my opinion,I got a bad unit. But...after going to several websites,I read about frustrated users with similar problems. I also read about happy users. Once the company comes up with better quality control,adds more processor speed so it doesn't take so long going from one file or program to another and provides a printed instruction manual,they may have a decent product. I gave it One star because it does have a sweet mount. Nice heavy duty unit.

No tech help did not return emails sent for help with this Auterre A-501 dashdyno tried 2 new vech. with it would not, unit said it was connected with vech but would not give any readings tried installed it on my new laptop unit said it was connected with vech but would not give any readings would not tell anyone to buy this tech help or trying to reach anybody to talk to from Auterre A-501 dashdyno was useless sent it back to Amazon they where really help full really a good company to work with , thanks Amason
Joe from Texas

It has wires everywhere. They stick out and make it look stupid. Dont put your hand anywhere near the SD card while it powered. It will pop out lock up the unit and kill the SD card. The stupid card ejects EASILY.

This unit has many great features and options, however it occasionally causes a Check Engine Light on my car. I can hear my engine choking. I think this unit occasionally glitches up the ECU of your car. The upside is that you can clear this CEL immediately with the unit. The downside is you don't know what kind of long term damage this can do to your engine.