IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Looking to buy a good Techstream cable

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Old Mar 26, 2023 | 05:34 PM
  #16  
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Just to update and add confirmation. The Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 cable I posted earlier works perfectly fine with the Techstream software. All sensor read properly and all of the options are accessible and are able to be edited and saved. One of the first things I did was change the sunroof operation with the key fob. Instead of sliding open with the unlock button, it now tilts open.... I stopped using the key fob window roll down feature because I didn't want to risk a bird dropping a present through the open sunroof. Now I don't have to worry about this anymore lol.
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Old Mar 28, 2023 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by BBQapple
You gotta pay to play. You can go with a counterfeit, or go with the real deal. Your Lexus deserves the best.
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Old Mar 28, 2023 | 04:23 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by flipside909
You gotta pay to play. You can go with a counterfeit, or go with the real deal. Your Lexus deserves the best.
I don't really understand your point in aggressively marketing "Techstream Lite". In case you are not aware, the OP specifically asked for a "Techstream cable". What you keep promoting is NOT a "Techstream Cable", it's a package deal, bundled with both the Techstream software and an included 1yr subscription for TIS Pro. The physical cable included in that bundle is the Mongoose-Plus. If you actually want to contribute then you should be posting the link to purchase said cable. To advertise it as being "the best" is also very misleading and contradicting. The cable is just a glorified OBD-II reader utilizing J2534 pass thru communication just like its competitors. There is no factual evidence supporting it as being "the best". A sturdy/more rugged design does not make it the best cable available. It just gives it a longer service life and makes it more forgiving of abuse likely to be encountered from being in an automotive shop environment.

Something to also consider is that the OP is looking for a cable that is known to work with other platforms. I do not use the Mongoose-Plus, however the manufacturer markets specific versions for different applications. For instance, The Mongoose-Plus Toyota3 cable is listed as being a "Toyota specific diagnostic tool" for use with Techstream. The Mongoose-Plus Honda2 cable is listed for use with Honda's i-HDS software. This could very well mean each cable is application specific and not interchangeable depending on the programming. The Tactrix Cable which I posted has been considered an universal tool and works with a variety of vehicles (Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Lexus, etc). It's a proven quality tool that has an established history as being a reliable tuning solution. It is far from being a counterfeit product. Although it is not the cheapest solution by any means, it is far more cost efficient than the the $500+ price tag the Mongoose-Plus carries. For the average user, it would be the better choice for someone like the OP. I'm sure not everyone wants to throw away $500+ at a cable designed for "limited application".... even more so when it will be rarely used.
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Old Mar 28, 2023 | 06:09 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by TJ7490
I don't really understand your point in aggressively marketing "Techstream Lite". In case you are not aware, the OP specifically asked for a "Techstream cable". What you keep promoting is NOT a "Techstream Cable", it's a package deal, bundled with both the Techstream software and an included 1yr subscription for TIS Pro. The physical cable included in that bundle is the Mongoose-Plus. If you actually want to contribute then you should be posting the link to purchase said cable. To advertise it as being "the best" is also very misleading and contradicting. The cable is just a glorified OBD-II reader utilizing J2534 pass thru communication just like its competitors. There is no factual evidence supporting it as being "the best". A sturdy/more rugged design does not make it the best cable available. It just gives it a longer service life and makes it more forgiving of abuse likely to be encountered from being in an automotive shop environment.
Tanks for this, much appreciated. I did get my supposedly v2.0.4 cable but am still trying to set it up in an emulated environment on my M1 MacBook. This has not been a fun endeavor, but I will report back once I'm at the finish line.
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Old Mar 28, 2023 | 06:10 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by right360
Tanks for this, much appreciated. I did get my supposedly v2.0.4 cable but am still trying to set it up in an emulated environment on my M1 MacBook. This has not been a fun endeavor, but I will report back once I'm at the finish line.
download the parallels app. So easy. Don’t mess around with boot camp.
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Old Mar 28, 2023 | 06:29 PM
  #21  
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M1 - Apple Silicon. UTM in emulation mode is the only option to run Intel Windows for the time being.
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Old Mar 29, 2023 | 02:07 AM
  #22  
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I can also vouch for the Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 - the genuine version Rev H with real serial number, not clone. It's very good and at the same time proven solution for ECU tuning. I have successfully used TechStream on my car with no issues.

However, don't try to write to the ECU using virtual machine environment, I have done it and temporarily bricked my ECU. I used Virtualbox with Windows guest from Linux laptop, and things did not go well.
Just get/install a simple machine (laptop) with native Windows on it if planning to write to the ECU. (Damn, I hate that I have to give this advice, as I have been using Linux for more than 15 years... But for this kind of application, it's the right thing.)

Last edited by BobbyGee; Mar 29, 2023 at 02:10 AM.
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Old Mar 29, 2023 | 10:21 AM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by TJ7490
I don't really understand your point in aggressively marketing "Techstream Lite". In case you are not aware, the OP specifically asked for a "Techstream cable". What you keep promoting is NOT a "Techstream Cable", it's a package deal, bundled with both the Techstream software and an included 1yr subscription for TIS Pro. The physical cable included in that bundle is the Mongoose-Plus. If you actually want to contribute then you should be posting the link to purchase said cable. To advertise it as being "the best" is also very misleading and contradicting. The cable is just a glorified OBD-II reader utilizing J2534 pass thru communication just like its competitors. There is no factual evidence supporting it as being "the best". A sturdy/more rugged design does not make it the best cable available. It just gives it a longer service life and makes it more forgiving of abuse likely to be encountered from being in an automotive shop environment.
If it's not endorsed by the manufacturer, and they have done their benchmark testing to qualify this.

It's up to you if you want to take my advice or not, i've been here for quite sometime. People who know my contributions to this forum over the years know my affiliations. Good luck to you.
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 05:04 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by ex00
You can check out my notion page which details the cable vs other scan tools.

Basically v1.4.1 is slower and can't program and v2.0.4 is faster and gives you more things to do in Techstream. Page also has links to sites that are confirmed to have that version of cable you are looking for. v2 cables are at least double or triple the price than the v1. I bought the v1 just to reset the HVAC system due to the servo's being wonky when it rains...
Hello, I cannot open your link to your notions page. Can you copy paste share here? Thanks
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