All information about Alientech Kess3
The most frequently asked questions about the tool and our service.
What are OBD protocols?
OBD protocols are what will allow you to read the engine and gearbox units through the vehicle’s diagnostic port. The kess3 hardware includes an OBD cable that will allow you to connect to most light vehicles and several heavy vehicles without the need for any additional adapter.
Approximately 85% of vehicles allow reading/writing by this protocol.
Some tractors, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and boats will need adapters to be able to communicate with ECUs and TCUs. You can see the models and costs of the adapters in the “Alientech Accessories” section of our online store.
What are Bench & Boot protocols?
It is the activation necessary to communicate with the ECUs and TCUs without the need to have the vehicle, working on the unit itself by removing it from the vehicle. Bench is a communication about the pinning of the electronic unit, without the need to open it. Boot is a mixed connection between the outer connection of the drive as well as the inside connections on the drive. The main advantage is that these protocols perform a complete reading of the drive, allowing us to write a used drive and make an exact copy of the data, very useful for transferring the data in case of failure of the original drive and also for maintaining an accurate backup of the drive. Approximately 96% of vehicles have this form of read/write active.
How much do modifications by ReproRACE cost?
Depending on the type of vehicle and the electronic unit, the system will calculate the cost for your unit. There are thousands of different costs based on the complexity of the service. Likewise, we can use as a reference that the cost of the service in a light vehicle will be between €35 and €120 in the most modern and complex units. We have the most competitive costs in the market, adapted to the world economy as our services are offered in a multitude of countries with different purchasing powers, which always have the same cost.
What does the Annual update cost?
Annually you will be subject to a NON-MANDATORY update of 590€ in the case of a Slave machine or 1100€ in the case of a Master machine. This amount will keep your equipment always up to date by receiving the latest communication protocols, allowing you to access the latest news. In the event that you decide not to upgrade, your computer will continue to be active with the protocols you had active.
I currently have a SLAVE tool that is managed by another company, can I access ReproRACE?
We will be happy to offer you service. We distribute Alientech KESS3 because we consider it to be the most complete tool at the moment, but additionally you can link your FLEX tool or Autotuner to our company. Visit our special section:
What is the difference between Master and Slave tools?
The team is physically exactly the same. The difference is that the Master machine will read the information from the ECUs unencrypted and the data will be available for the user to modify.
The Slave team will instead read the data in encrypted form, which will only be available for management by ReproRACE.
So what equipment do I need? because if we want to make our own modifications in our clients’ files a master machine will be necessary, on the other hand if we decide that ReproRACE makes the modifications it is enough with a Slave machine.
If I purchase KESS3 with one protocol, can I add more protocols in the future?
Yes, without any inconvenience. It will simply pay the cost of the additional protocol and it will be active. It is very common for a workshop to start with light vehicle protocols and later expand to industrial ones, etc.
If I purchase a SLAVE tool, can I then change it to a MASTER?
Yes, without any inconvenience. Simply send us an email with the serial number of your tool and your intention to change to MASTER and our team will make the change for you by paying the difference in cost.
What tool do I need to offer reprogramming to customers in my mechanical workshop?
The first essential step is to have a tool capable of accessing the data of electronic units such as Alientech Kess3.
In addition to this, if the equipment will include Bench/Boot protocols, it is recommended that it also has a soldering iron between 10w and 15w, quality tin of around 0.8mm, electronic soldering acid and a circuit cleaner.
In addition to this, it is advisable to have a positioning table to be able to manipulate the data while minimizing the risk.
How can I access ReproRACE modifications?
All our customers, who purchase a computer in our company, either in MASTER or SLAVE version, receive access credentials to our file portal from which they can request modifications.
I currently have a MASTER tool, can I access the ReproRACE file server?
As long as it is an original tool, with a license, we can offer you file modification service. Contact us at:
