PCAN Explorer 6 License Options Explained: How to Choose the Right One for Your Setup

If you're evaluating PCAN Explorer 6 for your CAN bus monitoring and analysis needs, you're probably wondering which licensing option is right for you - especially if you're planning a multi-machine deployment or using add-ins.

This guide breaks down the two available license types, the tradeoffs between them, and what to consider before making your selection.

Two Licensing Options: Single Computer vs. Portable (USB Dongle)

The first choice you need to make when purchasing PCAN Explorer 6 is which type of license best suits your workflow: a Single Computer License or a Portable License with a USB dongle. Both offer the same core functionality and analysis capabilities, but how you install, activate, and use the software varies significantly.

Let’s break down how each license works, and when to choose one over the other.

Single Computer License

• Usage: Activate and run on one PC at a time. It is possible to move the license to a different machine later, but you'll need a new license file. (Contact us when that time comes.)

• Includes: Installation files + license file (no dongle required).

• Best for: Users who will exclusively run PCAN Explorer 6 on a dedicated workstation.

Portable License (USB Dongle)

• Usage: Install the software on as many PCs as you like. A copy protection dongle must be plugged in to activate and run the software.

• Includes: Installation files + license file + USB copy protection dongle.

• Best for: Users who need to use PCAN Explorer 6 across multiple machines or on the go.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of each option:

Portable License Variants: Shared vs. Unique License IDs

If you’ve decided on the Portable License, you’ll also need to choose how your USB dongles are configured, especially if you're ordering more than one license. The choices include:

• Shared License ID across all dongles: With this option, the same License ID is on every dongle. This means that each dongle is similar to a master key and can be used on every install of PCAN Explorer 6 you have without keeping track of which dongle goes to which license. However, if you are using Add-ins, you will have to purchase add-in licenses for every dongle, even if not all users need access to them. 

• Unique License ID for each dongle: With this option, each dongle has a unique license ID, making them similar to an individual key. With this approach, add-ins can be purchased only for the users who need them. However, it will become necessary to keep track of which dongle is tied to which PCAN Explorer 6 license.

Note: If portability isn’t critical, a Single Computer License may be simpler than opting for unique license dongles.

This choice doesn’t affect how the core PCAN Explorer 6 software runs. But, it does impact how add-ins and usage across different machines and team members is managed. Understanding the tradeoffs of each option now can save you from unnecessary rework or overspending later, especially if you plan to use add-in modules.

Here’s a breakdown of both options and when each makes sense:

Add-on Modules to Extend PCAN Explorer 6

While PCAN Explorer 6 is a powerful CAN analysis tool on its own, its functionality can be expanded even further with software add-ins. These optional modules allow you to tailor the software to your specific application, whether you're working with J1939 protocols, visualizing real-time data, or importing DBC files for signal decoding.

Add-in options include:

• CAN PC Plotter Add-in - This add-in enables real-time graphical plotting of CAN data. Ideal for engineers who need to visualize signal behavior over time, it supports multiple Y-axes, different curve types, zooming, panning, and configurable update rates.

• CANdb Import Add-in - Allows you to import DBC (CAN database) files into PCAN Explorer 6. Once imported, raw CAN IDs and data bytes are automatically translated into human-readable signal names and values.

• J1939 Add-in - Designed for applications using the SAE J1939 protocol. This add-in simplifies message parsing and transmission according to J1939 standards and offers convenient tools for working with PGNs, SPNs, and address claiming.

• User Instrument Panel Add-in - Lets you build custom virtual dashboards to monitor and control CAN data in real time. Choose from gauges, sliders, buttons, LEDs, and digital readouts — all tied to specific CAN signals.

Reminder: Add-ins are licensed per instance - either tied to the PC (Single Computer License) or the dongle (Portable License). Which means, if you're using shared License IDs across multiple dongles, you'll need to purchase add-ins for every dongle.

Try Before You Buy: Free 30-Day Evaluation

Not ready to commit? Explore the full functionality of PCAN Explorer 6 with a free 30-day evaluation trial. The trial includes access to all available add-ins, allowing you to test features like the J1939 protocol analyzer, virtual dashboards, and DBC import along with the base software in your real-world setup.

Important: A PEAK USB-to-CAN interface is required to activate and use the evaluation version, so be sure you have one on hand before requesting access.

Still Not Sure Which License to Choose?

We’ve helped hundreds of teams set up PCAN Explorer 6 in the most efficient way for their workflows. If you're unsure what license structure fits best, please reach out to us. We’re happy to walk through your setup.