TRNW-2: OBDSTAR 706 Cloning

[Dan Hogan]

Fred,

The OBDStar DC706 is a great tool for module cloning and rework in our specialty.  I've had mine for awhile now and the company continues to provide regular updates and expand the module coverage across the board.  I encountered this tool when I was looking for a solution to clone / dupe 8HP TCMs given the need for a good solution for used trans installs and avoiding buying expensive mechantronics blank from the dealers.

I've found the tool helpful for ZF 8HP, 9HP external TCMs, and 6L/6T work.  HP tuners is still our goto for the GM 6 speed work, but Global A 6T40 / 6T70 TECHM swaps require more than HP Tuners to complete a clone process.  You need specific EEPROM data to get these TECHMs to play nice with the rest of the vehicle's modules.  DC706 works in these situations.

Yearly updates and coverage have been reasonable as well, around $150 if you stay current.  This allows you to get updates and more coverage which have been steadily, so the tool is not being abadoned or obsoleted.

There's a ton of ECM and BCM support for our domestic brands, but I don't get into much of those at our shop.

The Bad

This complaint is not specific to the OBDStar, but its not a turnkey setup altogether.  You will need to fabricate or purchase more bench harnesses and power supplies to do Bench cloning.  It's necessary for all sorts of cloning.  The cheapest and fastest way is to have a good and stocked savage yard available to clip connectors, so you can create pluggable setups to bench work.  You can get by at first with the terminal lead sets, but you'll appreciate plugs for the speed and accuracy.  These module pin pitches are small and delicate and as I get older so goes my eyesight without assistance, so a pluggable solution if you do this stuff on the regular is best.  This also allows you in-car flexibility for things like 6T work, where you can plug in while the trans is installed into a vehicle.

Most clone work requires a bench setting.  Module removed and on the bench.   Not OBD port accessible.

Navigating the tablets GUI for getting files off the unit (which is needed if you want to share with others or backup .BINs is not intuitive at all.  It's kind of a pain the first time around.

Advice

Save your .BINs and get a good, clear naming scheme and be willing to share.  I have a large and growing collection.  Helps for those weird situations, but even better if you have some friends.

Purchase.  I have found Ebay to be the best spot to get this hardware.  I looked back and purchased mine from a vendor on Ebay named icarecar.  They appear to have some US state side, so hopefully you can avoid getting ambushed from US customs given the current environment here now.  The newest version comes with the MP001, which is an accessory allowing for some key functionality and expanded module work (encrypted or bootlocked stuff).

Should be a listing for the icarecar vendor:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/135326431079?itmmeta=01K5PAHM5KHKWB6RQP66JBQ1H9&hash=item1f82157767%3Ag%3AQGMAAOSwRbhnY7VE&var=434744418030

YouTube has a bunch of tutorials if you're into that sort of thing, but if you need some help, feel free to ask around here or directly.


---


Dan Hogan

Buster's Transmission Service

https://busterstransmission.com

704.847.5321

________________________________
From: trnw2-bounces at trnw.net <trnw2-bounces at trnw.net> on behalf of Fred Whitaker via trnw2 <trnw2 at trnw.net>
Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:24 PM
To: trnw2 at trnw.net <trnw2 at trnw.net>
Subject: TRNW-2: OBDSTAR 706 Cloning

  I have been leaning on the shop owner pretty hard to get one of these for cloning. Friday he pulled out his credit card and said "order one". I backed up so I could look at the different options. I figure on getting one with the MP001 programmer. From what I read it's the latest and greatest attachment. I know at least a couple folks on here have one. Just thought I would ask if anyone regrets buying one or any advice.
 TIA...... Fred
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