Support

You will find answers to most common questions in our reference material: *Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get it free here. Here are tips for common car-related problems: For general questions not answered in the material above, please write: .

System Requirements

Version 6

Version 6 system requirements differ from version 5...
  • Microsoft® Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Win7 (all varieties, 32- or 64-bit architectures)
  • 1.8 GHz Pentium-class, dual-core processor or faster
  • 1 GB Memory (RAM)
  • 1 GB available disk space
  • Available USB 2.0 port
  • Internet Explorer 6.0 or later (required for installation and updates)
  • Available Internet connection (required for installation and updates)
  • Screen resolution of 800x600 or greater
  • Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 or later (free download)
  • Adobe® Acrobat Reader (for viewing and printing documentation)
  • Durametric 2nd-generation cable (view details)

Version 5

The Durametric diagnostic tool for Porsche is a hardware / software based tool. The kit includes the cables necessary to connect your computer to your car and the software to make it all work. The computer that runs the Durametric program should meet the following minimum requirements:
  • Microsoft® Windows XP, Vista, or Win7 (all varieties, and 32- or 64-bit architectures)
  • 1.2 GHz Pentium-class processor or faster (2.0 GHz or faster strongly recommended for late-model cars)
  • 512 MB Memory (RAM)
  • 500 MB available disc space
  • Available USB 2.0 port
  • Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or later (free download from Microsoft)
  • Adobe® Acrobat Reader (for viewing and printing documentation)

Version 6 Installation Help

Durametric version 6 uses Microsoft's ClickOnce technology. This installation process differs from the standard executable or Microsoft installer most users are familiar with. If you experience difficulty with the installation of Durametric version 6, check the following:
  • Install the Durametric cable drivers before installing the program.
  • Be sure to use the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser version 6 or higher to install the software. (Other browsers are not supported.)
  • Do not attempt to install the program from within a company network. (Corporate firewall restrictions typically prevent successful installation.)
  • Do not attempt to install the program when using a mobile wireless service. (Data compression settings disrupt proper installation.)
  • Within Internet Explorer under Tools | Internet Options | Security, select Internet, and click Custom Level. Under the Miscellaneous section, confirm the “Open programs based on content, not file extension” is enabled.
  • Check any anti-virus or malware settings to ensure these do not prevent installation.

Differences

Professional Kit

This kit was designed for professionals that need to work on every type of Porsche and includes everything you need to work on every car we support. Unlike our Enthusiast kit, there is no limit to the number of cars this kit supports.
  • Durametric Diagnostic cable that plugs into your computer's USB port at one end
  • standard Adapter Cable for the following cars 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster(986) 2005-2006 Porsche Boxster(987) 1999-2004 Porsche 911 (996) 2005-2006 Porsche 911 (997) 2003-2006 Porsche Cayenne(955) 2006 Porsche Cayman (987)
  • 993 Adapter Cable for use on 1996-1998 Porsche 993
  • 964 Adapter Cable for use on 1990-1994 Porsche 964 1994-1995 Porsche 993
  • Software CD
  • Installation instructions
  • Molded plastic storage case
  • Future software updates
There is no limit to the number of cars on which the Professional kit can be used. Customers who purchased Durametric before October 23, 2006, have been upgraded to the Professional kit.

Enthusiast Package

This package is designed for the Porsche enthusiast that works on there own car. It offers all* of the great features as our professional kit but will only work on up to 3 cars.
  • Durametric Diagnostic cable that plugs into your computer's USB port at one end
  • Adapter Cable Includes only the cable for a single vehicle type, though additional cables may be purchased separately.
  • Software CD
  • Installation instructions
  • Future software updates
The Enthusiast cable stores the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car it is attached to into the hardware. This limits the tool's use to three (3) cars only. Enthusiast cables cannot be upgraded to Professional cables. To upgrade your Enthusiast kit to a Professional kit, contact Durametric.

* Beginning with Durametric version 6, differences between the Enthusiast and Professional kits include:
  • Number of supported cars (Enthusiast kit limited to 3 cars based on VIN, no limit on Pro kit)
  • Control unit Coding feature (not included in Enthusiast kit)
  • Control unit Command Console feature (not included in Enthusiast kit)

2nd-generation Durametric cables

There are two "generations" of Durametric cable. Cables sold before February 2008 are 1st-generation cables. Cables sold after February 2008 are 2nd-generation cables.

Do I Have a 2nd-Generation Cable?

Durametric version 6 is only compatible with our 2nd generation cables. If you purchased your kit after February 2008, then you have a 2nd-generation cable. If you aren't sure, check this list:
  • Cables with a white, label-wrapped box in the middle of the wire are 1st-generation cables.
  • Cables with the LED light on the OBDII connector can be either 1st- or 2nd-generation.
    • If the cable has the light on the side that reads "Durametric," then it is a 2nd-generation interface cable and it is compatible.
    • If the cable has the light on the side that reads "Enthusiast" or "Professional," then it is a 1st-generation interface cable and not compatible.
  • Customers with 1st-generation cables can upgrade to the 2nd-generation for $150 USD, plus shipping.

How Do I Upgrade My 1st-Generation Cable?

  1. Contact Durametric to get your unique RMA number.
  2. Send your old cable and your RMA number to:
      Durametric Software Inc. Attn: Upgrades 61451 Parrell Road Bend, Oregon 97702 USA
    3. The RMA number must appear on the outside of your shipping box or written on a piece of paper and included inside the box.
  3. Upon receipt of your old cable, we will contact you immediately to arrange for the purchase and shipping of your new cable.

Upgrade FAQ

Which generation cable do I have?

  • First generation cables were sold through February 2008. Cables sold after February 2008, with very few exceptions, are second-generation cables.
  • The cables with a box in the middle of the wire are first generation cables and are not compatible with version 6.
  • Cables with the electronics inside the 16-pin OBDII connector can be either first or second generation cables:
    • If the cable has the LED light on the side that reads "for use on: PORSCHE," then it is a second generation interface cable and it is compatible with version 6.
    • If the cable has the LED light on the side that reads "Enthusiast Version" or "Professional Version," then it is a first generation cable and it is not compatible with version 6.
  • Customers with first generation cables can upgrade to second generation cables for $150 USD (shipping and updated accessories additional).

How much to upgrade my cable?

The price is US$150 plus shipping and includes a new interface adapter and small storage case. Accessories are available at an additional cost.

Does this mean I will never have to buy a new cable?

No, with technology, things are always changing. We are always looking for ways to do more and sometimes the means upgrading the hardware. We currently do not have any plans to change the current interface adapter. But this does not mean that we will never change it. As new faster micro controllers become available, we may decide to change interfaces cables again in the future. We plan to support any interface for at least 18 months from the time it was sold.

Can I upgrade from Enthusiast to Professional kit?

Yes! If you purchased your kit direct from Durametric, you can upgrade to a professional version at any time. We apply your original purchase price towards purchase of a professional kit. We now offer a professional version with just the interface cable so that you will not have to purchase the round adapter and extension cord if you do not need it. If you purchased your enthusiast kit from a reseller you can still upgrade to professional version the kit must be a genuine Durametric interface. In these cases we will apply $247 towards the purchase of a professional kit.

I have a first generation Enthusiast kit. Can I still upgrade to a second generation Professional version?

Yes, the same upgrade program applies no matter how old your kit is.

I have an original Durametric cable with a white label before there was a professional version. What will I get when I upgrade to a second generation interface?

When we first started making cables there was not a different version for Enthusiast or Professional. When we started selling two versions all cables sold before this time were made into Professional versions. You can see this by looking at the version in Durametric 5. Note that not all white labeled cables are Professional versions but most of them are. If your cable shows up in Durametric 5 as a professional version it will be upgraded to second generation professional version interface cable.

When upgrading to a second generation interface will I get one of the new storage cases?

Yes! You will receive the new single cable storage case along with your new cable.

Will I get a new round adapter and extension cable as part of the upgrade?

The round adapter and extension cable is not included in the upgrade price. If you would like to get these items at the same time they are $60 each. If you order the additional accessories you will also get the appropriate case that goes with them.

Why doesn't version 6.0 support the old cables?

We choose not support the original interface cables for the following reasons:
  • Some new modules require simultaneous communications on both CAN and K-line. Our first gen interfaces are not capable of doing this.
  • Speed, some of the new features like short test, and automatic vehicle recognition were possible because of the much faster speed of the 2nd gen interface. If we were supporting both interfaces these features would be painfully slow for both cable types and would slow down the overall performance of the software. When we support two interface types the software constantly has to check what type of interface is in use. This adds a lot of overhead to a program that is communications intensive.
  • Baud rate limitations, in some cases we are able to connect to the cars control modules at fast baud rates to get faster results. For example with the second gen interface we can process actual values at 166,000 baud, while the original interface is only capable of supporting 10400 baud.
  • Updatable firmware. The first gen interfaces firmware is not updateable. This does not allow us to upgrade the software in the cable over time as new module types come out. With the 2nd gen interfaces we can create updated firmware files to update the software in the cable as needed.
  • Communications test, when problems arise, it is often useful to test the status of the communications networks in the car. The 2nd gen cable can do this through a k-line test and the first gen cannot.
  • By focusing our development effort on one interface it gives us more time to develop better features instead of spending time trying to get an outdated interface to do things it was not designed to do.

How to Uninstall

For Windows XP:
  1. From the Start menu, select "Control Panel."
  2. Select "Add or Remove Programs."
  3. Select "Durametric Diagnostic Tool" for ver.5 or "Durametric Diagnostic Tool (Porsche)" for ver.6.
  4. Click "Remove" and follow the prompts.
For Windows Vista:
  1. From the Start menu, select "Control Panel."
  2. Select the "Program and Features" icon.
  3. Click "Durametric Diagnostic Tool" for ver.5 or "Durametric Diagnostic Tool (Porsche)" for ver.6.
  4. Click "Uninstall/Change" and follow the prompts.
For Windows 7:
  1. From the Start menu, select "Control Panel."
  2. Under "Programs," select Uninstall a program.
  3. Click "Durametric Diagnostic Tool" for ver.5 or "Durametric Diagnostic Tool (Porsche)" for ver.6.
  4. Click "Uninstall" and follow the prompts.

Add or Remove Programs in Windows XP and 2000

For technical issues, open a support ticket.

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You can also reach us by phone

In North America toll free: 1-800-448-0270 International calls +1-541-306-3522 Our office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time (GMT-0800) (Monday through Friday)