{"id":7811,"date":"2017-06-20T08:58:19","date_gmt":"2017-06-20T06:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gemac-fieldbus.com\/?p=7811\/"},"modified":"2025-10-27T13:01:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:01:33","slug":"cantouch-vs-can-bus-tester-2-the-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/cantouch-vs-can-bus-tester-2-the-decision\/","title":{"rendered":"CANtouch vs. CAN-Bus Tester 2, the decision"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-av_section-d18d8c2c81d10022ebd21ffa95322c35 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-shadow  avia-builder-el-0  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><main  role=\"main\" itemprop=\"mainContentOfPage\"  class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-7811'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_three_fourth-9497bbf8bff73ea4c6992cc17fa9ec36\">\n.flex_column.av-av_three_fourth-9497bbf8bff73ea4c6992cc17fa9ec36{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_three_fourth-9497bbf8bff73ea4c6992cc17fa9ec36 av_three_fourth  avia-builder-el-1  el_before_av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-5e0d0dcbde39776cbe5b0b88cca5e15d\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-5e0d0dcbde39776cbe5b0b88cca5e15d{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-5e0d0dcbde39776cbe5b0b88cca5e15d .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-5e0d0dcbde39776cbe5b0b88cca5e15d .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-5e0d0dcbde39776cbe5b0b88cca5e15d av-special-heading-h3 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-2  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >CANtouch vs. CAN-Bus Tester 2, the decision<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jj9qmpf8-d640e702749fba2da31340f976852a94 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Again and again, we get the same question: which of the two devices is the better choice. Because this is in fact not easy to answer, you should really think twice. There is already this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/physical-layer-can-measurement-devices-a-try-to-compare\/\" rel=\"noopener\">tabular compare of the devices<\/a>, but I will go on a little more detailed.<\/p>\n<p>The CAN-Bus Tester 2 (CBT2) is a further development of the CAN-Bus Tester (CBT) and still a popular measurement device. But time went on and so the CANtouch was developed, based on the CAN-Bus Tester 2. Maybe the main innovation is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/common-mode\/\" rel=\"noopener\">absolute-value-measurement of CANtouch<\/a>, while the CBT2 can measure only differential voltages. Only by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/common-mode-measurement\/\" rel=\"noopener\">using a DSO<\/a> in addition to the CBT2 it is possible to show differences of potentials between nodes. The opportunity of this measurement is still\u00a0widely unconscious to operators and maintenance engineers and the CBT2 simply don&#8217;t tell about it. The CANtouch, on the other hand, is showing the measured values as well as norm boundaries in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/cantouch\/#tab-id-17\" rel=\"noopener\">simple chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To do measurements with a CBT2, a laptop is necessary. Of course, this is something that every serviceman already has. But to connect all the cables can be complex and it takes time before you can start to measure. If it is a spatially extended plant, the same work has to be done again at least one time at the other end of the bus. Because of this, it is common to measure only at one end and therefore do the work imperfectly.<br \/>\nIf a central support should have remote access, the CBT2 has its advantages, because it is easy to use Teamviewer or another remote control software to do so. Also in a final test of new components with CAN bus, a CBT2 makes more sense, because the data can be saved easily and straight to a network.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to measure quick and mobile, the CANtouch is on the inside track. You only have to connect to the CAN bus and the measurement can start. No external power source, no laptop, no USB cables are necessary. Also, the DSO can stay at home because of the absolute-value-measurement of the CANtouch.<br \/>\nThe software of CANtouch was designed to be used together with the CBT2-software. Measurements and data traces of CANtouch can be imported easily. Then you also can print a measurement protocol, analyze the data traffic and compare measurements afterward. Direct remote control is not possible with CANtouch; only remote access to a CBT2 software with imported measurements from CANtouch is possible.<\/p>\n<p>If you occasionally need an online monitoring of the physical layer, then the pendulum strikes more to the CBT2. The device has to be connected with a computer and has to be kept in operation as long as the measurement runs. If Windows crashes for some reason (yes, it sometimes does), the data is lost.<br \/>\nThe CANtouch get this function in August 2017 with the new firmware 2.1.<br \/>\nMaybe it makes more sense to use for this scenario a CANobserver (maybe only temporarily). It is easy to implement, only 24V DC and CAN have to be connected. The connection to the web interface can be easily established by using an Ethernet cable. The laptop can be disconnected after the adjustments are done, the CANobserver is working independently.<\/p>\n<p>In summary, we consider different application scenarios:<\/p>\n<h5>Development of CAN networks: CBT2<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>checking correct bus layout<\/li>\n<li>comparing signal quality between different cables and cable runs<\/li>\n<li>extensive protocol monitor to analyze data with symbolic decoding, CANopen- and J1939-decoding (also standalone with CANvision)<\/li>\n<li>potential differences are measured with a DSO &#8211; where relevant<\/li>\n<li>permanent monitoring with Online Trigger<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>The final test of new CAN components: CBT2<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>the device can stay permanently installed<\/li>\n<li>direct saving of measurement data<\/li>\n<li>potential differences are measured with a DSO &#8211; where relevant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Final acceptance of CAN network after setting up at customers site: CANtouch<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>mobile mission without a laptop<\/li>\n<li>control of correct bus setup<\/li>\n<li>direct control of potential differences<\/li>\n<li>saving of measurements and import to CBT2 software<\/li>\n<li>control of transferred data with a symbolic decoding<\/li>\n<li>data can be recorded with trace functionality of protocol monitor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Troubleshooting in workshops (scenario 1): CBT2<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>the device can stay permanently installed, for instance on a test trolley<\/li>\n<li>potential differences are not expected because of short cable lengths<\/li>\n<li>protocol monitor to check and record data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Troubleshooting in workshops (scenario 2): CANtouch<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>the device can be used not only in the workshop but also on the roadside<\/li>\n<li>a quicker check of physical parameters of a bus<\/li>\n<li>symbolic decoding makes an individual display of data possible<\/li>\n<li>possibility to save measurements in archives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Mobile troubleshooting: CANtouch<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Quickly ready for use at different locations<\/li>\n<li>potential differences are expected, mainly in networks with higher cable lengths<\/li>\n<li>decoding and recording of data in protocol monitor<\/li>\n<li>possibility to save measurements in archives and do a later evaluation at a pc<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>permanent monitoring: CANobserver or CBT2<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>CANtouch support this measurement also, but with little limitations<\/li>\n<li>possible with CBT2 but with the hassle, only for temporary use<\/li>\n<li>CANobserver with the same functionality (permanent monitoring), temporary or permanent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_one_fourth-9c1d454dc06f7247226bc4e8f931daae\">\n.flex_column.av-av_one_fourth-9c1d454dc06f7247226bc4e8f931daae{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_one_fourth-9c1d454dc06f7247226bc4e8f931daae av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_three_fourth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><p><div  class='avia-builder-widget-area clearfix  avia-builder-el-5  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first '><div id=\"rpwe_widget-3\" class=\"widget clearfix rpwe_widget recent-posts-extended\"><style>.rpwe-block ul{\r\nlist-style: none !important;\r\nmargin-left: 0 !important;\r\npadding-left: 0 !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-block li{\r\nborder-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\r\nmargin-bottom: 10px;\r\npadding-bottom: 10px;\r\nlist-style-type: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-block a{\r\ndisplay: inline !important;\r\ntext-decoration: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-block h3{\r\nbackground: none !important;\r\nclear: none;\r\nmargin-bottom: 0 !important;\r\nmargin-top: 0 !important;\r\nfont-weight: 400;\r\nfont-size: 16px !important;\r\nline-height: 1.5em;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-thumb{\r\nborder: 1px solid #eee !important;\r\nbox-shadow: none !important;\r\nmargin: 2px 10px 2px 0;\r\npadding: 3px !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-summary{\r\nfont-size: 12px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-time{\r\ncolor: #bbb;\r\nfont-size: 11px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-comment{\r\ncolor: #bbb;\r\nfont-size: 11px;\r\npadding-left: 5px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-alignleft{\r\ndisplay: inline;\r\nfloat: left;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-alignright{\r\ndisplay: inline;\r\nfloat: right;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-aligncenter{\r\ndisplay: block;\r\nmargin-left: auto;\r\nmargin-right: auto;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-clearfix:before,\r\n.rpwe-clearfix:after{\r\ncontent: &quot;&quot;;\r\ndisplay: table !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-clearfix:after{\r\nclear: both;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rpwe-clearfix{\r\nzoom: 1;\r\n}\r\n<\/style><h3 class=\"widgettitle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/faq\/\" title=\"Back to FAQ overview\">Back to FAQ overview<\/a><\/h3><div  class=\"rpwe-block\"><hr>\r\n<h3>More in General<\/h3><ul class=\"rpwe-ul\"><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/can-bus-wiring-test\/\" target=\"_self\">CAN bus wiring test<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/can-symboleditor-manual\/\" target=\"_self\">CAN Symboleditor Manual<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/canbusview-xl-iii-can-quick-tester-c-qt15-and-devicenet-analyzer\/\" target=\"_self\">CANBUSview XL III, CAN Quick Tester C-QT15 and DeviceNet Analyzer<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/cantouch-vs-can-bus-tester-2-the-decision\/\" target=\"_self\">CANtouch vs. CAN-Bus Tester 2, the decision<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/detection-of-short-circuits-in-the-can-bus-error-patterns\/\" target=\"_self\">Detection of short circuits in the CAN bus &#8211; Error patterns<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/exchange_service\/\" target=\"_self\">Exchange service for fieldbus diagnostic devices<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/repair-complaint-customs\/\" target=\"_self\">Repair, complaint, customs<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/retaking-of-old-devices\/\" target=\"_self\">Retaking of old devices<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/suggested-bit-timing-and-bus-length\/\" target=\"_self\">Suggested bit timing and bus length<\/a><\/h3><\/li><li class=\"rpwe-li rpwe-clearfix\"><h3 class=\"rpwe-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/trunk-and-drop-line-lengths\/\" target=\"_self\">Trunk and drop line lengths<\/a><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><\/div><!-- Generated by http:\/\/wordpress.org\/plugins\/recent-posts-widget-extended\/ --><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_image-0ac7e451a08cc92f630b858d4ae032e4\">\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-0ac7e451a08cc92f630b858d4ae032e4 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-0ac7e451a08cc92f630b858d4ae032e4 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-av_image-0ac7e451a08cc92f630b858d4ae032e4 av-styling- avia-align-center'   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div 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clearfix'>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[89,92,94],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7811","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-faq-cbt2-en","category-faq-cantouch-en","category-faq-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7811","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7811"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7811\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7811"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7811"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alt.gemac-fieldbus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7811"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}