New OTC Diagnostic Scan Tool – Pegisys
July 26, 2008 10:19 am Auto Scan Tool, Auto Technician / Mechanic, Automotive Shop Owner or Manager, OTC Tool Blog, What's New?
OTC (Owatonna Tool Company) is a very large tool company as you may already know. OTC’s tool line includes hand tools, shop equipment and diagnostic scan tools. The OTC Genisys scan tool has been a very popular choice in auto scan tools for many years, but now Pegisys is staged to be OTC’s next generation of automotive diagnostic scan tools. Genisys is still a very good scan tool and will continue to be very popular due to it’s much lower cost and it will continue to be supported by OTC. OTC has many automotive code readers, scan tools and diagnostic tools. OTC currently has the OTC 3499 (no fancy name), the Nemisys, the Genisys and now the Pegisys. The Pegisys has AirBridge technology which allows wireless communication with the vehicle and the Internet. I suppose there is a correlation between the Pegisys and Pegasus, Pegasus is a winged horse in classical mythology and is also a northern constellation between Cygnus and Aquarius. It represents the freedom of the wireless capability that allows the auto tech to move around the vehicle when performing diagnostic tests. Auto scan tools normally have an interface cable that keeps the tech in the seat or requires the cable to be draped through the door or window to reach the engine compartment.
Pegisys has a touch screen. In addition to being able to use the scroll to change frames when using the scan tool, the Pegisys allows the user to make selections right on the touch screen. Everyone knows that guys are “visual” creatures. So, what better way for a guy to find the application he wants than to just touch the image on the screen?
OTC 3825 equipped with a scope. Sometimes when testing a particular component on a car, a scope is needed to see the wave patterns to help detect momentary glitches. This is particularly helpful when testing sensors like the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor).
Updates through the Internet. The Pegisys comes with a one year subscription that starts when the tool is registered for warranty on the Pegisys website. It comes with USA Domestic and Asian software and even has OBD I and OBD II cables included. Optional software enables the Pegisys to be used on European vehicles and Heavy duty truck applications.
OTC also produces car dealer specific diagnostic scan tools like the Tech 2 Scan tool for Chevrolet. While the Tech 2 has programming/flashing capability it is limited to GM. The key to the Pegisys scan tool is that it has the capability to access many different makes and many systems. This makes the OTC Pegisys a good choice for repair shops that need to service many different makes and models. With access to the Internet, technicians can also easily find more information from Identifix an optional data base that has fixes that auto techs in the real shop environment have uploaded. Indentifix can of course be accessed without the Pegisys, but with the wireless Internet it just makes it very convenient.
Automotive Tools :
Date: September 28, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
What about the Snap On Verus and the Launch 431Tool? How do they compare to the Pegisys?
dennisb Auto Tool Guy :
Date: September 28, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
We have a Tech article that discusses the Snap On Verus, the OTC Pegisys and the Launch X431Tool. It is located at Automotive Scan Tool Comparison.
Martin Automotive :
Date: October 6, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
I’d like to see a side by side features list between the Verus and Pegisys. I read the Verus runs on Windows XP with a full internet access but the Pegisys is Linux w/ limited browsing access and they still are not able to graph more than 3 PIDs at a time (the VERUS can graph 16 PIDS at once)
John Doe :
Date: October 12, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
I saw a Snap On Verus and an OTC Pegisys. The Pegisys is just a Genisis scanner with a touch screen. Looks like Snapon has the better scan tool
dennisb Auto Tool Guy :
Date: October 12, 2008 @ 6:24 pm
All very good questions that Martin Automotive brings up. I will be finding out more about the Verus and Pegisys scan tools and adding the information to our scan tool comparison article.
dennisb Auto Tool Guy :
Date: October 12, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
As far as Snap On having the better tool, well it should be since it costs nearly twice as much. The Snap On Verus is $8999.00 and the OTC Pegisys is $4999.00. The question is “Is the Snap On worth the extra money?”
And it’s easy for the Snap On tool man to say the Pegisys is just a Genisys with a touch screen, but that is simply not true. Just to name a few differences, the Pegisys has Internet browsing capability, has wireless communication to the car and has the option of flashing Powertrain Control Modules (PCMS).
The Rover Shop Inc. :
Date: October 21, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
I would like to see a real chart of what it will and will not do for each Make and Model. We do Land Rovers and I would like to know what systems it will work on. Also will it work for BMW and Mini?
dennisb Auto Tool Guy :
Date: October 21, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
The Snap On Verus was still in the Beta version until just recently and we have just shipped our first OTC Pegisys (one of the first in the country). No Land Rover or Mini mentioned in the description for the Euro software for the Pegisys. Here is a comparison chart, sorry no chart available at this time for specific vehicles and specific capabilities. We welcome comments from our readers that have hands on experience with either of these scan tools, sometimes that provides more information than what is provided from big tool manufacturers. OTC’s phone number is 800-533-6127, Snap On’s number is 877-762-7664.
ken beer wild west auto :
Date: October 31, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
Does the Pegisys cover abs and airbag, and what year range does it cover?
dennisb :
Date: November 1, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Ken, The Pegisys comes with 2008 Powertrain Domestic and Asian loaded and 2005 ABS and Airbag. Also, the Pegisys scan tool comes with a one year subscription, which provides new vehicle system coverage throughout the year as OTC engineers and releases new software updates. Updates are loaded from the internet directly to the Pegisys scan tool.
Kelly's Auto Repair :
Date: November 3, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
Have not seen the Verus yet, but purchased a Pegisys and was not impressed. It is a Genisys with a touch screen. The only Internet access is to Identifix and that isn’t even available yet. The wireless connection has to go from the car to your router and back to the scan tool, very slow. The refresh rate is at a snails pace and I could not get any of the Bi-Diirectional controls to work, I gave it back. To get full coverage including European it is around $5,700. The scope is only 2 channel and the Verus is 4 channel. I’m going to look at the Verus, I believe it will be much more versatile and faster, Snap On just makes a better product.
dennisb :
Date: November 4, 2008 @ 8:01 am
Kelly, The Pegisys is more than a Genisys with a touch screen (Snap On Guy’s favorite line). The Genisys offers a lot for the price, although it’s not wireless and doesn’t have the capability to flash PCMs like the Pegisys does. Bi-directional controls are sometimes limited by the vehicle’s computer system as well as the refresh rate. Remember the Snap On Verus doesn’t come with European software, Euro cables or “S” personality keys for the base price or the ability to flash (Pass Thru module required to flash). If purchasing the Verus (base price $8,895.00), below are additional accessories you may want to purchase:
EESP323E European vehicle software activation
EAK0267B01E European vehicle adapter set
EETA113B Pass Thru Pro II J2534 reprogramming device
EAK0288B04B Domestic/Asian vehicle OBDI adapter set
EAA0354L12A Extra battery
EAK0294B02A Charging station w/USB hub
Ben Beyer :
Date: November 18, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Bi-directional controls are sometimes limited by the vehicle’s computer system as well as the refresh rate.
That may be correct, but I have proven with the Genisys that it is the scan tool, because when I hook up the Vetronix or Modis it works. Plus the Genisys is slower with data update that is NOT the PCM. We had a Pegisys brought in and it was slower than the Genisys!
dennisb :
Date: November 20, 2008 @ 7:55 am
The 2.0 Genisys Scan tool did have a slower refresh rate for data display. Also the Red Button Genisys has a faster processor. Remember the Pegisys is brand new and I’m sure like everything that is a brand new design that improvements are on the way. And free updates in software are included for up one year after purchase. The Pegisys (for a fraction of the cost) unlike the Snap On models doesn’t require personality keys. Sure for someone that doesn’t mind owing their sole to Snap On for enternity, maybe a few more features may be rented. Each scan tool brand seems to have some advantages and disadvantages, all has to be weighed.
The Truth :
Date: December 11, 2008 @ 12:27 am
Obviously there is a huge bias towards the OTC tools on this site, so it is pointless to try and make a direct comparison. The VERUS is an actual COMPUTER, running windows XP, capable of running numerous applications and going to unlimited websites. The Pegisys is simply a custom interface with a touchscreen. The ONLY websites you can access are for software downloads and identifix. All of the information in the “comparison info” on the OTC site is misconstrued and mostly lies. Having used both, the verus has the better screen, better interface, better true shop capabilities, etc, etc, etc… the list goes on and on. What are the major complaints here? personality keys? really? We have been using them for a very long time, it’s not that big of a deal. The wireless link to the pegisys failed multiple times during the demonstration by the napa rep, I wouldn’t try and use that day to day.
Also, the verus stores customer information and vehicle information until deleted, not for just two weeks like pegisys. And the ability to graph and record ALL PIDS at once, instead of just the three on screen is critical! The verus is always recording pid data from when you enter the datastream, when I used the pegisys I noticed that the unit would start graphing other pids when you switched to them, but would lose the history of the ones previously shown.
To the host here, how can you deny that pegisys is NOT a genisys with a touchscreen. Same information (less actually) no true online capabilities, no true computer capabilities. Why not tell a little truth now and then.
dennisb on scan tool comparison :
Date: December 11, 2008 @ 8:01 am
Wow, “The Truth” really hurts… if that’s your real name.
Usually when we have an anonymous comment on a post, there’s something someones trying to hide (ie a competitor like Snap On). I have nothing against Snap On tools, it’s just that not everyone can afford their prices. And I would be quite surprised if the Verus with a $8995.00 price tag, didn’t have some advantages over the OTC Pegisys at $4999. I to have used personality keys in the past, its not a big deal if you have the one you need and it’s not worn out from repeated use. It used to really peeve me, although I had a whole key-chain full of personality keys, there would always be new one needed at the most inopportune moment. I really like the fact that the Genisys with a Smart module never required the purchase of additional keys to access different cars and systems.
The advantages of the Pegisys over the Genisys that sticks out to me, is the Internet capability for updates and Identifix, wireless capability, the DVD-quality MPEG4 monitor and the ability to flash vehicles computers.
And if you want to flash vehicles computers with the Snap On Verus, be sure to purchase the Pass Thru Module – $1,595.00, That puts the Snap On Verus with the capability of flashing at $10,590, the OTC Pegisys is capable of flashing at a cost of $4999, less than 1/2 the cost of the Verus – and that’s the truth.
Rick :
Date: January 28, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
I am looking to purchase a scan tool for domestic vehicles and was considering the Pegisys or Snap On Modis. Can someone shed some recent light on there experience with either? Any recommendations?
Robert Long :
Date: February 23, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
I recently purchased a Pegysis and after two bad units , I gave it back. It was very slow for data and the wireless system failed frequently. Besides; do you really trust reprogramming through a wireless vci? Verus is a pc! buy a laptop, pegysis and spend twice as much time w/diagnosis on flat rate and then compare the prices. Snap On Verus is the only way to go.
john p :
Date: April 8, 2009 @ 11:57 pm
Exactly it is a PC.
So why are we still paying for these overpriced scanners? Everyone knows electronic prices now, a good laptop can be had for $400. They need to drop this insane hardware and sell the software + adapters for easily half that price. At the very least this needs to be a cell phone sales model. Offset the hardware cost with a contract based income, but no.. they of course already rape you with updates that are “important”. I never manage to see $500 difference.
RWH :
Date: July 1, 2009 @ 6:29 pm
Well the battle rages on, OTC or SNAP ON lets look at one more factor. How many scanners did otc build during the life of a mt2500 better known as the brick.mon.2000,4000,4000e and at least 2 more I can think of. All I did was updated my brick for 24 years while otc guys bought new scanners. I did try the modis and genisys side by side in my shop and the the modis was a far better unit, never a mins. trouble all 8 techs picked the modis hands down. Now we are going to upgrade again to the verus. The list price is 8995.00 however if you have a good snapon dealer he will find you one for around 7500.00 and might even have a promo with free euro. Plus who do you see every week if you have a problem, its sure not the otc guy.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: July 1, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
RWH, Like you I had a MT2500 scan tool. Then I realized updates cost about as much as a new OTC scan tool with updated software. Also before you decide on the Verus, see Greg’s comment on this tool blog.
Kris :
Date: August 11, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
It seems like the best solution is just to buy Bosch and be done with it. where do you get all the right data when most of it was created and manufactured by Bosch. Makes sense!
I would like to see a third party comparison by someone who is legitimate.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: August 11, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
Kris, Bosch may be alright for some German vehicles. The fact remains that Snap On and OTC are two of the best sellers in the USA for scan tools for a reason. I would also like to see a comparison between more scan tools, but each may have advantages and disadvantages depending on which make, model and system being scanned or diagnosed. In my two decades plus as a Master Tech, I used OTC and Snap On. I maintain that the best all around scan tool for the money (for Domestic & Asian) is the Genisys.
GMmechanicMike :
Date: September 9, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
I purchased the MAC Navigator(OTC Pegysis) in Febuary. I think they rushed them out before they were ready. The first few month, there were alot of bugs. Now, after a few updates, it works as it should. I feel the monthy internet updates are a great idea. I work at a GM dealership but, use it on all makes and models. It has been atleast a month since I had to use a tech-2 for anything. As for wireless programing, it wokes great. I added the j2534 programing and have not had a problem. I don’t see how anyone can justify the extra $4000-$5000 for the verus. When is the last time you needed a 4 channel scope? If you want internet acces, a stand alone laptop is much better and won’t cost you over $4000.
Mark Sumrell :
Date: September 23, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
Gentlemen, I still all of my OTC scanners, (2000,4000E,and 3 diff models of genisys. have never had a days worth of problem with any. Yes there have been some coverage holes. I also own a MODIS that I use that I ony bought because snapon bought and did away with EDGE diagnostics. I owned a PACPRO UNIT that blew the other labscopes away at the time but SNAPON killed it when they took over. I think the MODIS is a good tool but way over priced for purchase and updates. I use my VETRONIX / BOSCH MASTERTECH mostly and it blows SNAPPY away and they cost about the same. I’m not slamming any of them, but I have found that TECH’S who owned a SNAPPY unit of any kind think any other brand SUCKS. I have recommended many an OTC to other Techs and most love them. Some quit updating ther SNAPON units. Most decisions depend on available funds and experience.