Listed below are some of the devices we've used for CAN bus work in the past. Suppliers and prices change pretty frequently, but if you Google the devices below you should be able to find a suitable supplier for your location.
Interface Tools: KVaser Leaf Light & CanKing | sysWORXX | Microchip APGDT002 | PEAK PCAN-USB
Multiple Interface Software: BusMaster | SocketCAN | SavvyCAN | ECUMaster Light Client
Contactless Interfaces: CANCrocodile
CAN Bus Gateways: CAN Triple | CAN Hacker
Interface Tools
KVaser Leaf Light & CanKing
A relatively expensive option for just starting out, but will give you good flexibility and software compatibility in the long term. You pay for the leaf light interface, the CanKing software is free, but AFAIK will only work with a KVaser interface. Software is pretty intuitive, interface can handle heavy traffic easily and the logging to a file is excellent. There are some not so obvious benefits to getting into the KVaser range, one of which being that you can use their tools to program some motorsport electronics devices, if they support programming over CAN. ECUMaster in particular provides this option, meaning you don't need to purchase one of their CAN programmers. Available from lots of places, I'm loathe to include links as they constantly go dead and need updating, but Element 14 and Digikey both had them last time I checked.
sysWORXX Analyzer and PcanView
Relatively inexpensive. The interface is pretty robust, the software is easy to use, and it can handle heavy traffic. However, the stripped-down version of PCANView they supply to work with the interface does not log to a file. Good for decoding simple message traffic, where you can set a parameter to a known real-world value and enter the data manually into a spreadsheet. Seems pretty bulletproof, but frustratingly limited feature set with the stripped-down version of PCANView... However, it's quick to get up and running. We purchased ours from Motorsport Electronics.
Microchip APGDT002 CAN Analyzer
Relatively inexpensive. Software is quite old, but does work still. There is an update provided by a third party that adds a couple of features, however requires reflashing the original firmware on the interface with a PIC programmer, not something for the inexperienced user to attempt. Will not handle heavy CAN traffic, will miss messages if they come in too fast. Useful for bench decoding work with button inputs, keypads and the like. Digikey and Element 14 had them last time I checked.
PEAK PCAN-USB
A well-regarded mid-range option compatible with PCANView and several third-party tools including SavvyCAN. A popular choice among members in our forum community.
Multiple Interface Software
BusMaster
Opensource which is always nice. Excellent featureset. Log to files, and replay logged CAN traffic. You'll need to research carefully to make sure you purchase an interface that is compatible.
SocketCAN
Another opensource option which is a set of utilities and drivers for Linux... So, you will be required to be familiar with using Linux. Probably not for the beginner user who is only familiar with Windows. Steep learning curve, but the flexibility once you're up there is worth the payoff. Particularly useful when paired with a Raspberry Pi and a CAN interface add-on board of some type to create a mobile CAN interface/logger.
SavvyCAN
A free, open-source reverse engineering tool compatible with most interfaces listed here, including PCAN, Kvaser, SocketCAN, and Tactrix. Excellent data visualisation, message manipulation, bombing, and playback. Worth having regardless of which hardware you choose.
ECUMaster Light Client
Free software compatible with PEAK PCAN, Kvaser, and ECUMaster USB-to-CAN hardware. A good option for quick jobs. Available from ECUMaster.
Contactless Interfaces
CANCrocodile
Copperhill Technologies produces and sells these units. I've not personally used one, but have heard good reviews. They read the CAN High and CAN Low wires inductively, and generate their own CAN signals on their wires, so you still need a standard CAN interface tool and software to communicate with your PC. In particular, the CANCrocoLITE looks like a really good option, well-priced (at the time of writing), nice and slim to install. They do need a 12 or 24 volt supply, though, so connection to an accessory socket in the vehicle is probably the best way to go. It does add a little more wiring, but you'll only have to wire the accessory socket plug up once.
CAN Bus Gateways
CAN Triple
A three-channel CAN bus gateway and router for anyone who needs programmable control over message routing between devices that don't natively speak to each other, whether that's mixing aftermarket electronics from different manufacturers, or integrating a standalone ECU into a platform still relying on OEM CAN-dependent systems. Each bus is independently configurable with its own bitrate (up to 1 Mbit/s) and software-controlled termination. It's not a plug-and-play tool, you'll need to write C code to define the gateway behaviour but for complex integrations where 'off-the-shelf' solutions fall short, it gives you genuine low-level control. Available from Minton Performance.
CAN Hacker (CH-P)
Recommended by multiple members of our forum community as the best value in the lower budget range. The CH-P features two galvanically isolated CAN buses with gateway functionality, allowing you to bridge CAN 1 and CAN 2 with per-ID pass-through control. Also includes message injection and a "bomber" function for brute-force ID discovery. Strong software to match. Available from CAN Hacker.
