In the world of vehicles, there are tons of adapters and cables you need to use to ensure the correct functioning of your asset. As each year passes, we have access to new technologies that allow us to ensure that our cars are working as efficiently as possible, being the 9-pin cable GPS one of the latest additions to the family of cables.
This adapter works in a similar fashion to the classic 16-pin cable, both having a similar way of functioning as both allow you access to the vehicle’s diagnostic system, the main difference being that the PT30 9-pin cable is more appropriate for modern vehicles as it works as a “bridge” to the diagnostic system, allowing you to perform troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.
This is one of the many adapter cables for the PT30. If you are not familiar with how it works, we’ll go over the different functions of it and why it is indispensable in your life as a technician.
What is the 9-Pin Cable GPS used for?
What is the 9-Pin Cable GPS used for?This cable was first introduced in 2016. In the past this same connector was available in color green, but it is now available in green and is completely different from the previous version. Thus, if you already own a black cable, you may not be able to use it as both are different technologies, even if both are meant for the same purpose.
Sometimes, you may find this cable under different names, such as:
- Type II Connector
- CAN500 Connector
- Green Connector
Regardless of the name you may find while shopping for it, the function is exactly the same. In the modern day, most of the cables under this category that you’ll find have the color green, as most modern vehicles have been adapted to be able to withstand such technology.
How It Works
The main reason why manufacturers decided to integrate this new cable into the technology is that it’s impossible for certain truck adapters and scanner tools to read 500 kbs. This situation could lead to mechanics or technicians utilizing tools that may not be appropriate for the vehicle, which may lead to damage to the tool or even the truck itself.
“Kbs” refers to the speed at which the information is transmitted from the troubleshooting tool to the vehicle. It can be either 250 kbs or 500 kbs. If the devices, either the truck or the adapter, have different speed rates, then it will cause errors within the data. This new adapter prevents such situations and allows people to use it on their vehicles regardless of the speed rate, ensuring compatibility and preventing data errors for seamless communication between the diagnostic tool and the vehicle.
That said, while you can’t utilize the black adapter on a green one, you can actually use the green adapter on a black one since it has backward compatibility.
Differences between the Green and the Black Adapter
If you already own a 9-pin cable GPS, you will notice that it has several pins, which will be the “bridges” that the process utilizes to transmit information from the troubleshooting tool to the truck and vice versa. If you take a look at both cables, you will notice that they are similar but have slight differences.
The position of the pins has been changed in the green adapter having a different diameter to fit the port in the new vehicles while also being able to fit in older models. The black one is only capable of fitting in previous models due to this difference in diameter, which means that the green adapter offers more versatility by accommodating both new and older vehicle models.
What does this mean for users?
Now that you have two options for this adapter depending on the vehicle model you own, it can be a tad complicated for you to know what’s the best next step for you.
For starters, if you have an older truck or diagnostic scan tools (meaning ones that utilize the black cable), those will be incapable of connecting to the newer trucks. Therefore, it all comes down to the type of tool you’re using – you don’t necessarily have to give up one option over the other.
Some manufacturers have released adapter cables for PT30 with major functions, such as being capable of connecting from black to green. This type of cross-connector can be particularly useful for those who are working with network speeds of 500 KBS.
We recommend you take a look at the tools you own to have a better idea of what could work better for you, as the needs of technicians and users are quite different. Some manufacturers have not provided a solution for this inconvenience, while others are actively working to make our lives easier.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a 9-pin cable GPS, we recommend you first take a look at your vehicle and confirm the port it has to prevent purchasing the wrong connector due to the reasons explained above.
Choosing the correct adapter ensures optimal performance compatibility and reliable communication between your vehicle’s diagnostic system and the GPS tracking tool, avoiding potential errors or complications.
