hibsjo(SCO) Posted September 8, 2010 Report Share Posted September 8, 2010 any of you guys had problems with this machine? fords? Toyotas? Lexus? Skoda? weve encountered on numerous ocassions not getting a code from the machine for the first three on my list which brings me to the conclusion there is a hardware problem?(all use the same jaw) the skoda one is software as the same search in Audi or vw gives a result! so............ dont want any smart arse remarks about Vipers ginge! carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOCKED-IN Posted September 8, 2010 Report Share Posted September 8, 2010 try a new tracer and a full reset tracer ,jaw and cutter then read a known key this will tell you can then updat it on the net free so one or the other should resolve your issue i had mine cutting good fords and bad vw's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgeback Posted September 9, 2010 Report Share Posted September 9, 2010 I had a problem a couple of months ago only with Skoda HU66. Either decoding or entering code would crash the machine (Bianchi 994). Reported back to NW Keys who passed on to Bianchi. 3 days later they came back with a bug fix, downloaded new version and problem resolved. I had visions of this taking weeks/months to fix, but well impressed with the response from Bianchi. I cut a new Hu66 blank every 50 cuts and then immediately read it to comfirm it's still cutting and reading OK. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted September 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 tried the reset new tracer 1st time it read the ford and decoded but wouldnt cut to exact code? 2nd time of resetting it crashed! 3rd time it was back to decoding but wont cut to code? Curtiss techy aint back till monday on holiday so will wait and see. would be nice for our "new" sponsor to give some opinion on this machine as it is their machine after all??????????????? girls at nwkeys are really good for chasing up answers to problems carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOCKED-IN Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 hi mate ring john support trchie trained at the factory - 07753811529 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgeback Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Very strange fault tonight. Cut a Corsa Hu100 to code Z0014 Tried to read it after cutting on decode, came up unknown. Tried the usual setup jaws again. Re-read it, still no joy. Read it bitting after reading and it was 24231331 Checked it against Z code and its 24231341. Cut another HU100, decoded it and it came up exactly the same 24231331. Manually cut a 3rd blade to correct bitting, re-read comes up perfect Z0014 Although the bitting code is correct on the display, it would appear that the machine is cutting a 3 instead of a 4 on the 7th cut. I'd appreciate someone trying this themselves to see if theirs does the same. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted September 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2010 cut to code then decoded worse than you read 34342442 ffs carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted September 11, 2010 Report Share Posted September 11, 2010 I'm so glad I purchased Silca Viper over the Bianchi 994 laser, It was a tough decision at the time... the difference seems obvious, a six grand box that just works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgeback Posted September 11, 2010 Report Share Posted September 11, 2010 Terry, If it wasn't for the weight difference I'd have gone for the Viper, as the majority of my hardware is Silca. The 994 seemed the most practical option as a 2 piece unit. To be honest, apart from the Skoda problem which was quickly resolved by Keyline, it's been pretty reliable. I had my doubts about buying one as the BD Lazer was getting a seriously slagging off on the AD forum group. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcap Posted September 11, 2010 Report Share Posted September 11, 2010 From what I can gather from following all relevant threads across several forums over the last couple of years; the majority (although, I fully accept, by no means all) of reported problems either come down to set-up or damaged tracer problems, or can otherwise easily be resolved if people seek the right assistance. Personally, I have not experienced any problems at all (YET) that were not caused by my own stupidity! Many Viper users also appear to have experienced various problems.... although, perhaps, not as many. Perhaps, this is down to the fact that most of the Viper's out there are still in their infancy compared with some of the 'aging' 944's. ....and please note my use of the model name '944':- Like I said earlier; seeking the right assistance can make all the difference when you are trying to resolve issues quickly. That's why it's important to buy from a company who can offer good support instead of the one offering the cheapest deal..... especially when you are spending £0,000's on a machine of such paramount importance to most business users. That's why my '944' does not have 'BD' on it.... and why I use seperate machines for each type of key instead of putting all my eggs in one basket with one of the new 'all singing, all dancing' machines that 'does everything'..... that is completely untested in the market place and, so far, are only openingly offered by companies with extremely poor customer/product support reputations (despite their claims). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted September 12, 2010 Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 I bought the Triax-e-code and it has just cut its 3000th key,only ever had a problem with the chicago ch9t calibration,other than that it has never ever let me down. Best money i have ever spent on a key machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decker Posted September 12, 2010 Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 Had no problems with my BD (touch wood) apart from my own doing of breaking a tracer reading a plastic key with a metal sensing tracer and leaving a jaw unclamped to allow it to move whilst cutting Although even with the latest update it is still not cutting toy aygo to code even if trying through Cit C1 or Pug 107. i would be interested to know if any other member has had any joy cutting silca VA2 to code for the above with the BD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgeback Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 Still no joy after recent update. I'm glad I didn't get rid of my Silca Matrix now. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satiusreesadimus Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 deleted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcap Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 Taking all relevant factors into account, like weight/space, etc; most mobile autolocksmiths seems to get by with either a 944 or a Viper. I opted for the 944 because it's smaller and lighter than the viper, and I'm perfectly happy with it, but at least one respected member here uses a viper which he moves back and forth between his shop and van, as the need arises, without issue. Others use Viper + 399 and other large/heavy combinations If some proper thought is given to layout and benching/sheving, I really don't think it's an issue (unless working out of a very small van - but then weight and space for stock, eeprom work, etc, etc, would be a problem anyway). I use a Renault Trafic with a 944, Blitz, Silca FO, a cylinder copy machine and Keycrypt, etc. (I also have a Matrix, Blitz tibbe attachment, RW4, etc, in the workshop as a back-ups, but none have been out of their boxes for over eighteen months now).... and I hope they never are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted September 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 spoke to john at curtis today and he wants it back to test on the bench. carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 at least one respected member here uses a viper which he moves back and forth between his shop and van, as the need arises, without issue. That'll be me then, there's only so many Vipers I can afford, but I wouldn't hesitate to have one full-time on the van. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keymaker Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 The new Miracle A5, along with the Chaka Bay machine from Hickleys appear to be worthy contenders. Anyone have any views on these machines? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satiusreesadimus Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 deleted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcap Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 I havn't seen the Hickleys machine and have only heard rumours of it's sale. It's certainly not on their website and it was not available at the last show that both they and I attended. My comments regarding support were aimed elsewhere. My experience is that certain suppliers make various claims about support. These claims can be very convincing... but the reality can be very, very, different. Either way.... you are talking about investing around £4k in a machine with no known consumer testing and completely unknown long term back-up. Don't let me put anyone off. I have listed the machines I use. I am happy with them (and I have also, I believe, answered the question about weight). But I have also mentioned that I still keep spare machines; just in case. Two or three weeks lost work without any one of my machines means a considerable loss of income and no spring and/or autumn far east holidays. If I only owned a sinlge machine to do all my work..... well....Sh*t creek and paddle are three words that spring to mind. If these machines (and support) prove reliable in the long term; I will probably invest (eventually).... but personaly, I do not have money to waste gambling on their success. And please bear in mind:- these are NOT the first machines of this type to hit the market... And if you do not know the names of the previous one(s).... stop and think why! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satiusreesadimus Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 deleted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keymaker Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 My experience is that certain suppliers make various claims about support. These claims can be very convincing... but the reality can be very, very, different. Either way.... you are talking about investing around £4k in a machine with no known consumer testing and completely unknown long term back-up. Don't let me put anyone off. My experience with Hickleys support is very positive. I don't have any issues with technical back-up, just sometimes stock levels could be improved. The Chaka Bay machine that they promote should be available soon, so I'm told, and at £2900 is quite a saving on say a Viper at £5k plus. Admittedly it is no match for the Viper's speed and reliability, but can be used as a valuable tool for the busy auto locksmith. I believe Hickleys would provide adequate support should any problems occur, it would be counter productive not to. Two grand would be better spent on stock methinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
golfmad Posted September 18, 2010 Report Share Posted September 18, 2010 Have it on good authority that the Mirical A5 from Lockdecoders is exeptional vaulue for money, at just over 4k this is supposed to do all vehicle laser and bit keys, anyone else know of it ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted October 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2010 had this machine back a week from Curtiss and it is doing what it says on the tin seems there was a problem with the firmware when we last updated! but touch woo its been great so far carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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