GTC505 Engine Ignition Analyzer - Spark Diagnostics and Tachometer Readings for Marine, Motorcycle, and Automotive Mechanics by GTC, General Technologies Corp

I had this tool now for a while I'm impressed with it it works very well. It's great for a quick run and gun misfire chase down it's well worth the money. A great product from Canada! I'm sure this is a US seller support the US in Canada! The build quality is great the functionality is awesome! I think the price could be a little better but it's worth the money!

This is a SPECTACULAR tool. I have a oscilloscope I have used for ignition analysis for years and this little box does EVERYTHING I need and more. It beats out a very high end storage scope and gives clear, easy to understand info. I have been using my for over a year and could not be happier. This review is coming from an ASE Certified mechanic, motorcycle repair shop owner, retired 40 year career Electrical Engineer. PS - My first one, an early version, had a software problem. They took it back, found it, fixed it, and sent me a new fixed unit at no charge. How a company solves a problem is the true test of their customer service and technical expertise. These guys are GREAT.

Pros: This tool is very well designed with a robust case and solid plastic buttons that have a quality feel when pressed. The software is innovative and provides useful modes and views as described in GTC materials. It is great to have a tool that features probes for BOTH spark plug wires and coil on plug (COP) systems. When using "tachometer" mode, the RPMs are fairly stable both in chart and digital view. This is a really big plus. Cons: In chart view, the highly variable secondary spark voltage jumps around and you have to visually ascertain an average value. You can estimate an average kV by comparing real-time kV readings to the y-axis label values. It would be best if in digital view, the average kV was shown in addition to min and max. Not a serious problem though. Spark plug kV will jump around a lot because of real-time changes in resistance at the plug, timing changes, etc. On the tool I received, the BNC female connector for the gooseneck probe on top of the unit fits somewhat loosely and its weight can make it rock back and forth a bit. In my opinion this can eventually loosen the inner conductor sleeve of the female BNC and maybe lead to intermittent connections. BNC connectors can have this problem, for example when matching 75 ohm connectors to 50 ohm connectors. Fortunately conventional coax cables with BNC male connectors are lighter in weight than the gooseneck probe and they do seem to fit more snuggly. You can get a 3 to 6 ft flexible coax cable with male and female BNC connectors and fix the probe to the end of the cable to use as a test wand. Alternatively, GTC makes a 2 meter flexible coax cable that accepts all the probe tips, and gets around the problem of a loose fitting gooseneck probe. It also has a locking spark plug wire probe. The part number is GTC505-CSC and you can order it directly from GTC for a reasonable price. If your gooseneck probe fits loosely to the BNC connector on top, I would definitely get a coax extension cable or the GTC505-CSC. Amazon should stock this accessory. Otherwise it appears to be a very fine tool and worth the cost.

Hit or Miss on quality signal but it helps identifying ignition coil functionality

I've been troubleshooting a problem with my wife's 2010 Navigator, which has had me poking at COPs for a while, now. When there's a misfire due to a failing COP, you don't need this tool to figure out which one -- the code that's thrown will tell you which cylinder. However, if the engine idles rough and there is no code for misfire (not yet?), or maybe you *think* you've fixed the problem and just want to be sure, having a tool like this within easy reach is extremely handy! Just point the probe over the top of the coil, and like magic, you're seeing spark voltage, waveform, and burn time instantly. Or... maybe you didn't fix anything and the engine is just magically running smoothly now? Use this tool to check the suspect coil's operational characteristics, then compare it to the other known-good coils to determine if what you're seeing is normal. Maybe the suspect coil is firing every time now, but the voltage is way low, or the waveform shows a wide, trashy waveform... now you know the problem didn't actually go away, it's just hiding (and you're not crazy). I've used this tool only a handful of times (same vehicle, same problem), but enough to confidently say that it works every time -- I just hold the probe over the top of the coil, and I get a clear, consistent reading. I don't have to fight with it, don't even have to worry about whether I'm holding my tongue right (haha), it just works. The unit itself feels solid and substantial, and there's nothing "cheap" about it. It's dead-simple to use, the display is clear and very easy to read, and I get the impression that the information is accurate and reliable. Even after it sat in its case for several months (since I last used it), when I went to use it again the other day, the battery was still fully charged and ready to go. The only downside is its price -- while every "shade tree" mechanic would benefit from having this in their toolbox, it is a bit cost-prohibitive. Given what it is and how it works, I can see why this isn't cheap. But if you're stuck on an ignition problem that you just can't figure out, or one that keeps recurring after you've fixed it, this might be worth the price to save yourself a ton of time (and your sanity).

Awesome tool!!! my RECOMMENDATION FOR SELLER AND PRODUCT. Working well, fast diagnostic, easy for handling, display big enough, buttons well, also completely is quality build, intuitive software...and so on. Only one objection, extension cable to be included in kit, and maybe bigger box.

Excellent easy to check plug and coil firing

I have one that is six months old. I have used it several times and love it. It stopped working at six months. Will not power on. I ordered a replacement and got it next day. Brand new out of the box and it does the same thing. I sent it back for a return. I contacted the manufacturer about the first one, I'm sending it in for repair. The manufacturer is well aware of these issues. I will see what happens.