Okay, I have a laptop, what next ???

[Bigsaint]

I have a Dell laptop that's collecting dust. It's a P2 300 with 128 meg. of ram ( no pun intended). What do I need and where should I go to get the proper software/hardware needed to monitor my engine ? I'd also like the ability to clear codes, if that's possible without a scanner ???



The laptop has a serial port and usb ports, if that's pertinent ?



TIA !



Scott W.

 

[krs]

There's a lot of options. Use the search feature with a query like "which software" or "OBD2" to find previous threads on topic.



Depending how much you're willing to spend you can use your laptop as a pretty complete diagnostic tool and you'll be able to clear codes if you need to do that.

 

[Amianthus]

I use this one.



www.ghg.net/dharrison



I've had good luck with it with other vehicles for scanning and diagnostics only. Pretty comprehensive. Especially Fords. Not a whole lotta luck with the truck though. It will get the codes and reset them, but some of the numbers I get are goofy (like 1300% engine load). The bitstream between the ECM and the DC PCM is pretty narrow, so that's what I'm guessing is the causes of the errors in the truck I've seen.

 

[dgieson]

Try this

www.powerstore.cummins.com/cgi-bin/...I_Datalink_Adapter_and_Cables&template=inline

 

[DEZLPWR]

Amianthus,

Originally posted by Amianthus

I use this one.



www.ghg.net/dharrison



I've had good luck with it with other vehicles for scanning and diagnostics only. Pretty comprehensive. Especially Fords. Not a whole lotta luck with the truck though. It will get the codes and reset them, but some of the numbers I get are goofy (like 1300% engine load). The bitstream between the ECM and the DC PCM is pretty narrow, so that's what I'm guessing is the causes of the errors in the truck I've seen.

Can this CLEAR trouble codes? Just curious... .

 

[99guy]

Oh my goodness has this aroused my curiosity!!! Oo. I’m looking at those links now, and wondering, just how much can we do with the old laptop mated to the Ram??? Shoot, I may have to just leave a laptop in there all the time! Hope some more TDR guys with knowledge of this chime in.

 

[rjones]

I wonder if you can do anything with this Harrison software to check the pcm on 96 12v's??

 

[Amianthus]

If it's a '96 and newer, it has OBDII and the Harrison software WILL work with it. Yes, it can clear (reset) codes. It also does a ton more than that. It can retieve memory data, graph, log, monitor, and on.

 

[DEZLPWR]

Originally posted by Amianthus

If it's a '96 and newer, it has OBDII and the Harrison software WILL work with it. Yes, it can clear (reset) codes. It also does a ton more than that. It can retieve memory data, graph, log, monitor, and on.

I have a Palm III, and it sounds like they make a program that I can install on my Palm III and clear codes with it... . Is this true? If so, I am all over this! Oo. Oo.

 

[JR2]

I have the Alex Pepper software from www.obd-2.com It will clear codes and has many features. The only problem I have is that it reads the MAP sensor incorrectly (at least so far I have not been able to trouble shoot the problem much). The software is free, the cable is what you pay for. He also updates the software about once a month. Recently he came out with the Chrysler Diesel Codes so now it reads the diesel specific codes correctly. I am happy with the software and it was VERY easy to set up and use.



Check out the cool Dashboard scree shot:





#ad






JR2

 

[Kingram]

Laptops and such

Hey guys,



Like this?? I hope the picture attached. I have the laptop mounted on the Jotto Desk (http://www.jottodesk.com). I use it with the http://www.obd-2.com software from Alex Peper. I also use the Delorme mapping software and GPS http://www.delorme.com. Add in the Cellular Internet service from Nextel and my 802. 11b wireless Net Stumbler software, heck, I have very little reason to watch the road ahead!!!



Chris

 

[JR2]

Kingram,

What is the net stumbler... . is that one of those wireless sniffer programs that finds open networks and lets you get a "free" connection.



JR2

 

[Kingram]

Net Stumbler

Yes sir,



It searches out the SSID's on wireless networks. It won't decrypt the signal if it is encrypted, but it will find any "un-protected" networks. You'd be suprised (maybe not ) driving through a subdivision at how many un-protected networks there are. It has a GPS component that allows you to map the networks as you find them. Kinda geeky, huh I don't fool with it much now that the novelty has worn off.



I NEVER use this as a "hacking" tool. I never try to access anyone's systems. Just find the network in case you need to let the person know their network is unprotected.



Mine is unprotected as well. Heck, I have a big 'ol 13dbi omni antenna in my attic. So, if you need on the net coming through my hometown, just leave a quarter on the porch and jump on!



You can download it here http://www.netstumbler.com/download.php?op=viewdownload&cid=1&orderby=hitsD



Chris

 

[Bigsaint]

John, thanks !!! That's what I was looking for. Am I correct when thinking that I need the ISO set up ?



Scott W.

 

[JR2]

Yup ISO is the one you need. If you have other vech in your family it might be worth buying the double so you could have a look at the wifes car or your cousin eds duramax





Kingram - I went and checked out that software, it does not support my Lynksys card. . bummer. There has to be other software out there, now I have some geeky searching to do. There is a guy in our AK TDR group that has an external antenna on his truck and snoops for the cable modem company he works for... . they don't like people sharing there network for free.....

 

[TowPro]

I have to buy software called VAG-Com to fix my Diesel VW, it runs $200. 00 with the cable, the VW and Dodge use the same cable. I was told to call Alex Pepper, tell him ross tech (VAG-com) sent me and the software would run around $60. 00. I guess its not really free, and I can understand, it takes his time to develop the software.



But will the Alex Petter software run with all its features with my cable to try it to see if I like it?



This is something a Cummins owners who programs (Marco?) should get into.

I know the VAG-com is written just for the VW TDI diesels, it does everything the VW computer will do. It will check/clear codes as far as changing options, etc. If we had a version for our Dodges that let us change options like Tire size, high idle, etc, I feel it would sell well.

Originally posted by JR2

I have the Alex Pepper software from www.obd-2.com It will clear codes and has many features. The software is free, the cable is what you pay for.

JR2

 

[99guy]

I’m a little vague on the Cummins link, looks like you need their “Powerspec” software. Anyone know what the cost is?



Kingram, Cool, we’re on the same page. I’ve got about the same thing in my Itasca. GPS too, just not the snooper …. Hmmm…

 

[JR2]

When you order from Alex Pepper you get a cable in the mail, and a note that tells you to go to the website and download the latest version of his software. Heck I had his software downloaded before I had the cable so I could play with it and see if it looked good.



I think maybe the guy was trying to tell you that Alex would give you a deal on the cable for your VW.





JR2

 

[Bigsaint]

Thanks again John ! Looks like I'll have to wait until Feb. to order as there's a message on the site that they are closed due to a death in the family.



I downloaded the demo software last night, looks great.



Scott W.

 

[MBurke]

laptop mount

Hey guys, with all this talk of laptops and Rams, don't forget that I make a heavy laptop stand at a fraction of the cost of the others. Could work out great for this setup.

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