Tool Review: Hunter Engineering Ultimate ADAS

As ADAS calibration becomes routine in collision and mechanical repair, shops are looking for ways to reduce setup time and eliminate the errors that come with manual measurement.

The Hunter Ultimate ADAS system integrates alignment and calibration functions into a single platform designed to improve speed, accuracy, and repeatability in the bay.

Erik Screeden, technical and multimedia content director for EndeavorB2B, provides his thoughts on the equipment.

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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?

A: Fantastic – this tool is the most user-friendly piece of ADAS equipment I have used.

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability? 

A: The Hunter Ultimate ADAS absolutely streamlines the wheel alignment and static ADAS calibration process. For both the technician and the shop owner/manager, the ability to complete vehicle repairs fast and accurately translates directly into realized revenue.    
 
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A: Setup is very easy.  Having the aligner and ADAS calibration unit all in one makes the process extremely streamlined. 

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: The Hunter Ultimate ADAS takes a lot of the manual process out of ADAS static calibrations. The laser-guided target placement gets rid of the normal manual process of metric tape measures, plumb bobs, laser levels, and crawling around on the shop floor. The tower is easily movable and locks securely into position, making for accurate placement. 

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?

A: The target storage and access are well thought out and organized.  Each piece is coded into the system with a unique identifier, making it virtually impossible to use the wrong target or cone.

Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?

A: Hunter does an excellent job of outlining the step-by-step process both on the Ultimate ADAS and ADASLink. The instructions are clear, easy to understand, and, to ensure accuracy, will not allow any process to continue until all steps are done correctly.

Q: What features did you like?

A: I love the fact that Ultimate ADAS takes a lot of the manual and time-consuming steps out of the calibration process. This also ensures the utmost accuracy in the calibrations being performed, which is critical for proper system function and passenger safety. ADASLink, which is the accompanying scan tool used with Ultimate ADAS, not only performs the vehicle interface tasks with both static and dynamic calibrations, and pre- and post-scanning, but is a fully functioning piece of diagnostic equipment in its own right. The scan tool has full system topological scanning capability, full bidirectional control, and J2534 programming capabilities, making this an extremely versatile piece of equipment.

Q: Is there any way you could think of to improve or add to this tool?

A: Some of the module communication in the ADASLink felt a bit slow, but that also could be on the vehicle side as well.

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for? Please provide a few specific examples.
 
A: I used this for a static calibration of both the forward-looking radar sensor and front outside view camera on a 2024 Toyota Camry SE.

Q: Noted functions or capabilities that are beneficial/not beneficial?

A: ADASLink is a fully functional piece of scan diagnostic equipment. The ability to do a pre-scan, program a module, perform the calibration, view data, and perform a post-scan after a repair with the same piece of equipment is extremely beneficial. With the exception of a compatible PC for programming, it’s all there, and that is huge.

Q: Most handy/beneficial function that streamlines the scan tool's use during diagnosis?

A: The full diagnostic scan and topology report that is included in the pre-scan process gives an overarching view of the system's health. 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: A 10 — as I stated earlier, this is the most user-friendly ADAS offering I have used. Traditional static ADAS calibrations can be a very tedious process for some applications and calibrations. Ultimate ADAS makes the process easier and more automated for the technician, which allows the shop and technician to be more efficient and profitable.