Build your own STAR/DAS/Xentry
10-31-2014, 05:33 AM
#1
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Build your own STAR/DAS/Xentry
Is it possible to build a Xentry/DAS/STAR or whatever it's called with the laptop and the cables yourself?
Also what's the best you can get with the most functionality?
I don't know much about it but it seems like a really good tool to have.
Also what's the best you can get with the most functionality?
I don't know much about it but it seems like a really good tool to have.
11-01-2014, 12:49 AM
#5
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If this were possible it would have been figured out by the Chinese a long time ago. Looks like things are getting more and more difficult which makes it harder for the DIY modders like us 
11-01-2014, 02:59 AM
#6
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The main problem is that the Mux that the cables attach to aren't that cheap. You could find the software out there, probably on some torrent site. I think you only end up saving around $100-$200. If you read some of the older threads part of the problem is getting the software to work on your laptop, sometimes it's just easier to pay for a full package and to be able to contact the company and have them fix it so that it works. Otherwise I believe if you get your own HD and laptop, getting the cables and mux will still cost you at least $200-$300. I just looked on aliexpress, full packages are still out there in the $500 range.
11-01-2014, 04:47 PM
#7
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I thought there were guys around that had the whole package available for like $400??????
Last edited by Worth the wait; 11-02-2014 at 11:42 AM.
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11-01-2014, 08:30 PM
#8
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I don't know what he charges as it never seems to get posted but in a few old threads, it was mentioned that one alternative was to get it from him for a few hundred more as some of those $400 guys could be unreliable.
11-01-2014, 10:32 PM
#9
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I've seen some torrents for the software but I'm not sure which one is the best or latest. A couple of hundred dollars is nothing to be honest, it's totally worth it for something like this. Does it require a specific laptop though or would any do?
11-01-2014, 10:41 PM
#10
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Just talk to Shardul. He has given great support in the past. I bought from elsewhere and had some issues, Shardul helped me out. I would just save myself the additional hassle and go straight to him.
11-03-2014, 04:13 AM
#11
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Most seem to prefer the Dell but I've seen a few IBM ones too. The real issue is that you need a laptop that has a real RS-232 port or com port. Most newer laptops only have USB ports which won't be reliable. You'd hate to be doing an update and then have an issue with the com port and end up bricking a system on your MB. The good news with that is that most laptops are older models and they can be had for $100 or so. It's probably only worth building yourself if you like to tinker with computers and can figure things out yourself otherwise you're probably better off getting a package from someone who can provide a little bit of support.
