whats the difference?

 

Scanmaster = "hardware". A LED display "scanner" that you attach to the ALDL connector, allowing you to pull the values of about 20 different sensors and PCM parameters out of the PCM, generally limited to one at a time. Provides real time data on an LED display. Offers limited "record" capability, retaining only max knock retard and minimum O2 volts (and corresponding MPH) for a single WOT pass. Displays trouble (DTC) codes. For the details:

SCANMASTER

DataMaster = "software". You load the software on your laptop, get the correct interface cable, and observe the real time data on the laptop screen.... multiple sensors and parameters simultaneously, and also continuously log the data for an extended period of time. Displays trouble codes. Includes some "diagnostic" capability, e.g. color codes magnitude of long term fuel corrections by cell, calculates injector duty cycle, etc.

For details:

TTS POWER SYSTEMS

 

Sounds like datamaster is better if you alredy have the laptop... basically they do the same thing though?

 

If I had to choose, I'd say "both". I have a ScanMaster mounted on top of the steering column. Instantaneous data in a bright display that you can read as you make a pass. The laptop stuff is better for saving a file, and analyzing the entire system at a later time. I can record more than 15 minutes of data internal to my MoTeC computer (the one that runs my engine) and replay the entire time from the pits, through the staging lanes, burnout, staging, full pass and shutdown. You can reconstruct the entire run.... knowing what the sensors were reading at each point.

 

I've got both also. Datamaster is great for logging runs, etc.... looking step by step through your run. The Scanmaster is good for day to day stuff when you don't want to drag the laptop around.

 

Well I am on a budget and I certainly dont mind dragging the laptop around so thanks for the advice.