Autel tablets lead the aftermarket in vehicle diagnostic coverage in make, model, and year coverage and OE-equivalent functionality. They are also noted for their first-to-market support. Still, there are times when only OE tools and software can perform a vehicle service repair or calibration task. Autel developed its Remote Expert to give our users a ready platform for those times.
Previously exclusively available on the Autel MaxiSYS Ultra tablets, Remote Expert is now available on the MaxiFlash X-Link standalone touchscreen 3-in-1 programming and communication device.
The Remote Expert application and network platform connect technicians with remote module programmers, automotive diagnosticians, and system experts to complete tasks requiring OE data, software, or tools through a peer-to-peer network. Remote Expert capitalizes on the tremendous advancements in multi-server networks and transmission speeds. These advancements enable Experts to transmit software to the control module of a technician's vehicle with sustained low latency if the car is down the block or thousands of miles away.
"Remote Expert is like a virtual lifeline from the technician to an Expert. Whatever the challenge, from a tricky diagnosis to module programming, a technician can use the platform to reach out to an Expert," Autel's Director of Technical Operations, Maurice Miller, said of the platform at its launch just over two years ago.
Just as your customers trust you with their vehicles, Autel wanted to ensure that the technicians on the Remote Expert platform are worthy of the same level of trust. To this end, Autel Remote Experts are vetted for experience, tool, and software proficiency, and they are insured.
The most posted "jobs" are for module programming, including for replaced powertrain, body control, transmission, anti-lock braking systems control modules, and TSB-prompted flashing to improve vehicle performance, fix bugs, or address specific software issues that have arisen since the vehicle left the dealer. OE Pre- and Post-Scans are also often requested tasks, followed by requests for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) cameras and radar calibration assistance. ADAS calibration requests are especially popular among Autel ADAS system users who need the OE-calibration software of newly released vehicles that is not yet available on the Autel systems. The Autel frame systems, including targets and patterns, are used during the calibration.
The X-Link is a Remote Expert-ready device, a J2534 pass-thru programmer, and an enhanced VCI offering the latest vehicle communication protocols, including CAN-FD and DoIP. With the X-Link and Remote Expert, "Techs can connect with Experts remotely from as close as down the street to thousands of miles away," Miller said. In addition, technicians can pair it with any Autel MaxiSYS Tablet to perform advanced diagnostics or connect it with a Windows-based PC and the applicable OE software to execute module programming or software updates.
Here's how it works with the X-Link device: Via the MaxiFix app, which is compatible with Apple and Android devices, technicians post an order with vehicle identification and the vehicle issue and submit it to the Remote Expert community. The Expert sends a quote on the job. Once the price is set, the Expert connects his hardware, X-link device, or remote Expert box to one of the Autel multiple pass-through servers. The servers are strategically located throughout the United States to ensure that communication between the Expert's systems and the technician's equipment and vehicle is sent efficiently with the least latency or delay. The technician attaches the X-Link to the car, and the Expert completes the task. Payment is processed electronically.
With Remote Expert, shops don't need to sublet work, wait for a mobile programmer, or spend thousands on OE data and software subscriptions. With the XLink and Remote Expert, help is just a tap away.
