Bosch Kts 301 Software Applications
:: Author Message jonttt Reims Joined: 20 Aug 2012 Posts: 4334 Location: Liverpool Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 4:13 pm Post subject: A bit more playing around with the Bosch 'Hammer' today so I understand exactly what I have got in terms of hardware before I get to playing with the software. The Bosch KTS 300 series of diagnostic testers (also known as a 9288 in Porsche documentation) were usually fitted with generic software modules that can be used to test basic functions of many makes of car including Porsches. However Porsche dealerships were supplied with special versions KTS 301 which had Porsche specific software modules fitted.
These were much more expensive (c£4000 18 years ago ) but could carry out many more diagnostic tests than the generic modules. The last of the KTS Porsche software modules was version 8.1 dated 1995. This covered models including the 928, 944, 968, 964 and 993. Up to and including the early 993's the connection for the car was a round socket (19 pin) connector. Later 993's had the upgraded rectangular connectors.
There are therefore 2 types of connection leads with either a round or rectangular (for later 993's). They are both interchageable. My unit has the Porsche specific software module version 8.0 dated 10/1995 and has the later Porsche 993 rectangular connection lead. I could source the older round connection lead to allow the unit to be used on 928, 944, 968, 964 and older 993 models. The only other consideration is that the units have a built in rechargeable battery.
Bosch Kts 540
I'm not sure if the units came with a separate charger but it appears they can be recharged when plugged into the car which takes about 8 hours. When I plugged mine in it initially stated that the battery required recharging but after 1 minute worked fine including the display light (which can be turned on / off). This leads me to believe that the unit simply requires the batteries to be fitted and capable of holding some charge rather than being fully charged to work.
I can only think the benefit of battery power is the ability to review error codes when disconnected from the car The unit is very simple to take apart to access both the rechargeable battery and software module. There is simply a rubber cover which pulls away to reveal access points for the battery cover and the software module in the side of the unit.
The Porsche specific software module (nb the 928 refers to the model series 9288 and not a Porsche 928). Which simply pushes in / out of the side of the unit. The original Bosch battery was in great condition physically ie no sign of any leaks.
It is simply a pack of x6 Ni-Cd AA 7.2v rechargeable batteries which have 2.88mm spade connectors. OCD would dictate that this should be replaced especially as battery technology has come a long way in 18 years. Fortunately these packs are standard in the model car industry albeit with different connector blocks which can easily be replaced with 2.88mm spade connectors I have ordered one of these for £3 delivered with spade connectors fitted it should look like this. Not only do I get a new battery for little money / effort but it will last several times longer than the original battery would have when new due to the more advanced NI-MH technology. Its obvious the unit is in very good condition and has virtually the last version of the Porsche specific software installed. It is worth noting that these units are very robustly built obviously with heavy workshop use / abuse in mind.
The connections cable to the car is c3m in length and well protected. It is presumably designed to allow you to walk around the car with it plugged in whilst testing eg I quickly tested the high and low oil cooler fan speed whilst stood next to the fan in the drivers front wing so you can hear it easily shift speed at the touch of a button. All in all I'm very chuffed with it. Vw ssp454 pdf. They are not cheap but the way I look at things like this you can always resell for what you pay for them so they don't really cost you anything they just tie up capital in them. I love playing with gadgets so I'm glad I've picked one of these up to help me learn about my 993 over winter ps of course you should do your research before buying but sometimes you have to take a flyer when time does not allow research! Looks like I got away with it this time and got the perfect unit for my car, phew EDIT: I have now got my hands on the manual for the device.
Bosch Kts 301 Software Applications Online
Its actually contained in the 993 workshop manual - under section D for diagnosis of all places It appears one of the buttons is used to 'store' screenshots at any time which can later be recalled even when not connected to the car. So the rechargeable battery is presumably required to facilitate this assuming RAM is used which requires a constant power supply The manual can be downloaded by clicking. 'Imagination is more important than knowledge' Einstein 1997 Porsche 911 993 C4S 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS 2017 BMW 740e Msport 2017 RR Evoque Autobiography Last edited by jonttt on Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:37 pm; edited 3 times in total mohitos Barcelona Joined: 10 Jul 2012 Posts: 1386 Location: London Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 4:22 pm Post subject: Nice bit of kit! And at only £1.10 more than your handbrake, is arguably good value What are your thoughts on the Tore OBD kit by comparison - it sounds like this way more comprehensive in it's abilities. Jonttt Reims Joined: 20 Aug 2012 Posts: 4334 Location: Liverpool Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 5:43 pm Post subject: The tore b kit using the free version of scan tool is really good value.
For example you can run a full cyclical test of all the climate system servos and flaps. I've not had chance to use either in enough detail to know the differences other than the obvious hassle of having a laptop in your car v bespoke hand held tester v cost. I believe the scan tool software will now do idle resets as per the hammer which was one of the differences that may have been removed but I think in principle the hammer still has more functionality. Whether those differences are material to me I don't know yet eg I'm not sure if scan tool can test / reset the airbag?
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