OSB II Software/ tools

[IDahl]

I am looking at purchasing some OBD II software and was wondering what any of you are using? I am looking for ease of use, be able to reset codes. Windows platform prefered.

Thanks Lance Dahl

 

[rbattelle]

I use this one: www.obd-2.com



So do many others. It is, by no means, the only choice.

 

[XcumminsX]

ok i tryed that site. what extension are these files i downloaded? when i double click the download it doesnt know what program to open it with

 

[rbattelle]

They're zip files. Any common unzip program (such as Winzip) handles them. Windows XP does them automatically. Or, download the "everything", which is self-extracting.

 

[lil red cummins]

rbattelle, i noticed you have continuous odb-II monitoring on your ctd. what advantages do you get with continuous monitoring? are you able to make changes to the performance in real time? you have tweaked my interest in this subject.



TIA

 

[crabjoe]

I use Auterra Dyno Scan. .



http://www.auterraweb.com/auterra/

 

[rbattelle]

lil red,



Here's a link to a post I made that shows in a little more detail what I've got:



In-Cab PC thread



I cannot make any changes to anything in real time. But that's not to say it's impossible... I just have no desire to do so. Vehicle Explorer (from Alex Peper) won't let you do any reprogramming, so you'd have to use other software anyways. Also check out my photo album for more installation pics.

 

[Duck]

Not sure how I missed the In-Cab PC thread, but WOW! MP3 would definitely be next on the list.



With a wireless KB and mouse, you could even get Wireless Internet from your cell provider (T-Mobile has it for $30/month, unlimited) then you could yuse MapQuest, yellow pages, etc on the road. E-Mail, instant messaging. Wouldn't want to use it while driving... .



What OS does the monitoring s/w require? I wonder if you could use Windows CE? That way, you could just get an old Libretto or HP Jordana. Would take up less room.



Very interesting. Where do you get that software? I think I'd like to experiment with some old hardware.

 

[rbattelle]

Alex Pepers OBD-II software runs on Windows platforms, apparently as early as Windows 3. 1. Not sure about Win CE, though. His site is www.obd-2.com. The nice thing about it is it's system requirements are super-minimum. It'll run on old 286 machines no problem, and it's less than 1 meg so the entire thing fits on a floppy.



I have learned a couple things now that I've lived with the system for a couple weeks:



1. Don't start up the PC before the reheat cycle has completed on cold mornings! The voltage drop caused by the reheaters plays havoc with the PC.



2. Monitor resolution is key. As I mentioned in the earlier thread, the monitor I got is really for watching DVDs, and it's resolution stinks. If you want to have GPS and internet, you need a "true" PC monitor. There are 2 companies that are making them: Xenarc and Lilliput. Both are nice, but the Lilliput is significantly cheaper. Both are available all over the internet, but I recommend Ebay for best prices. Eventually I will get around to buying one, but for now other projects await!

 

[Carlton Bale]

I've been looking for an OBDII software package for use at home with my various vehicles. I'm trying to decide between http://obddiagnostics.com/ and http://www.obd-2.com . Both appear to be very capable but http://obddiagnostics.com/ costs $88 shipped for the hardware and the software is free. This is much cheaper than the $160 price for the multi-manufacturer adapter from obd-2.com.



Anyone have any ideas as to how the two compare?

 

[rbattelle]

Carlton,



Not sure what the performance differences between the 2 are, but the obddiagnostics version seems pretty nice. If you get that one let us know what you think. That version might also work with obd-2.com's Tricom connector!

 

[Digger]

Just out of curiosity, whats the point? I can see erasing DTC's, but removing the batteries works just too. Is it having gadgets in the cab?

 

[rbattelle]

The point

The point for me is real-time monitoring. I am obsessed with just knowing what exactly is ticking inside that beautiful ISB. For example, I display water temperature normally, even though I have a working water temp gauge. Why? At least the OBDII signal gives me a numerical indication of exactly what the temp is.



Of particular use to me are the load and throttle percent gauges. Load is fascinating, as is it's relationship to throttle position, RPM, gear, and boost pressure.



Plus there's instant diagnostics. I've got mine set up to scan the system for trouble codes every 10 minutes. If I ever get one, I can have a complete record of everything the engine was doing when the fault occured. I can print that out, or replay it in real time for the dealer if necessary.



Last but not least, I, like many other red-blooded males, am obsessed with gadgets.