The Creator C310+ OBD scanner arrives in a compact package, promising to be a useful tool for basic car diagnostics. Upon unboxing, the first impression is of a well-built and solid device.
The scanner itself feels robust in hand, though it lacks any rubber coating for extra protection against drops. However, considering its intended use inside a vehicle and the inclusion of a carrying pouch, fragility shouldn’t be a major concern under normal circumstances. The provided carrying pouch is a welcome addition, offering sufficient protection during storage and transport.
A notable positive is the inclusion of a MINI USB cable, not the more modern micro USB. This is practical as many users might still have these cables readily available. This port is for software updates, and the connection felt secure during the update process, with no wobbling or disconnection.
The included manual is quite basic, covering only the initial setup. For users wanting more in-depth information, further exploration will be needed. A mini CD is included, containing PDF manuals and update software. However, the software on the CD appears to be from 2013, making it outdated. Fortunately, the website www.szcreator.com provides both the update tool and the latest scanner code (V12.0), rendering the mini CD largely unnecessary.
Downloading the update tool and software from the website is straightforward, and both are compatible with Windows 10. It’s likely they will also function on older Windows versions like 7, 8, and even Windows 11. The scanner’s firmware file comes compressed in RAR format, requiring an extraction tool like the commonly available 7ZIP.
Updating the Creator C310+ is a simple process. Install the “CREATORC100 update program” (likely a universal tool for Creator products), click “UPDATE,” locate the extracted BIN file, and then click “SAVE.” The entire update process took approximately 45 minutes. The update software is small and easy to download, making future updates convenient.
Finally, the scanner itself does not include batteries. It is powered directly from the car’s battery via the OBD2 connection. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It eliminates the need to worry about battery life or replacements, but it also means the scanner is unusable if the vehicle’s battery is completely dead. However, in most diagnostic scenarios, a functional car battery is a prerequisite anyway.
