38 replies to this topic

[caleebra]

Ah, yes. If you want to handle any sort of process data then these are the minimum 4 manipulations you have to expect. It can get worse.... If execution time isn't critical you would probably write (or use a library of pre-written) generalised functions which will do all the twiddly bits if just given the minimum parameters for each operation.

Indeed, I am with you up to the description of said 4 manipulations, but the execution of that manipulation is well beyond the compute of a mere Graduate Electronics Engineer This sounds like it's best left in more capable hands, we await your findings Ian

[Mr_M]

Ah, yes. If you want to handle any sort of process data then these are the minimum 4 manipulations you have to expect.  It can get worse....  If execution time isn't critical you would probably write (or use a library of pre-written) generalised functions which will do all the twiddly bits if just given the minimum parameters for each operation.
Ian

..and in English that means what exactly Ian...?

I'm quite interested in getting this up and running with my iPAQ, but not interested enough to fork out for the bluetooth kit! 50 squids for a cabled solution seems much more reasonable - any idea where I'd get one from?

and Thorney...

We're working on one of THESE but with full OBD data output integrated with it. 

Looks fantastic...

but costs how much????

would be hard to drive with only one arm and one leg left.....

[markv]

I've had my OBD2 reader in the VX a couple of times. The ISO version works like a charm, no problems. Recently bought the ELM ISO adapter, which seems to work fine too. Advantage is that it has a lot of free software, even for the pocketpc pda's. As I got a Tomtom kit in my car I've been driving around with "interesting" readings on my PDA for a couple of days (see attached picture for throttle position). Going to test the new version of obdgauge tomorrow, should support the binary protocol, increasing the number of samples per second from the unit. Have been looking at digimoto. They have got a package for the PocketPC which looks interesting. Anybody got any experience with that software? Mark

Attached Files

•  obd2_1.jpg   31.21KB   0 downloads

[cyberman]

Well the Bluetooth unit turned up today. It looks tidy enough. I will plug it in over the weekend and report. Regards - Ian

[cyberman]

Well, I plugged it in and it lit up like Christmas tree with LEDs in all colours blinking away. It seems happy and it is stable (the plug / socket have a latch). However, this is apparently "tax assessment weekend" and I could not prize the laptop away from SWMBO not even for the necessary 20 minutes for a minimum run. Her feeble excuse is that none of her clients gave her their data untill way past deadline and she will be working flat out till Monday evening to get them all reconciled and returned (whatever that may mean). It seems to be serious. I had to cook last night and, if I want to eat this evening, it looks like its raid the fridge or order a takeaway. The joys of domesticity. I'll try again Tuesday.

[AmazingMonkey]

I don't think I can stretch to £200 for bluetooth OBD. Does anyone know the cheapest place I can get the leads from? Cheapest I've seen in the UK is £89 but I'm a cheapskate so want to get the leads even cheaper

[markv]

I don't think I can stretch to £200 for bluetooth OBD.

Does anyone know the cheapest place I can get the leads from?

Cheapest I've seen in the UK is £89 but I'm a cheapskate so want to get the leads even cheaper 

I don't know which obd reader you want, but I pretty pleased with my elm and it's not very expensive. You can find it on www.scantool.net.
Most important is to know which software you want to run. Not all software works with all interfaces.

Mark

[cyberman]

OK, here are some screen shots and a few notes.

Its a neat little package and comes with a CD of applications: if you buy the USB / Bluetooth interface it comes with the TDK software too which is quite comprehensive and tidy.

I ran this on a lap top as I happened to have one. The lap top program and installation procedure is a first sketch. There was a key security setting procedure missing from the manual which inhibited first installation. This was rapidly fixed by email.

After a bit of brou haha de-installing and re-installing (the de-installation leaves a key in the registry which inhibits re-installation and a manual clear out was needed) the lap top and blue tooth device connected OK. I am sure that the first revision of the installation procedure (this was release 1.0.0.0) will fix these small problems.

The application picked up the car straight away and reported as can be seen on the attached screens. The update rate was about twice a second which isn't much good. The access to Diagnostic codes seemed to work: I didn't provoke one just to try it. I haven't yet verified any of the readings displayed although I can confirm the indicated speed is correct....

I thought the lack of logging facilities or graphical representation also poor but acceptable in a first sketch of a program with many features yet unimplemented: the subsequent free upgrades should alter my opinion.

I have suggested to the author that rather than re-implement the interface he should consider using an Excel spreadsheet interface to both drive it and display results. This would immediately give graphing etc, logging and make the addition of applications (e.g. calculation of bhp) etc very simple. Don't know whether he will or not yet.

The manual which is clear and well set-out indicates that PDAs use different software and can display the information graphically.

I'd be interested to know the maximum update rate achieved on other units.

Kind regards - Ian

Edited by cyberman, 03 February 2005 - 02:46 PM.

[cyberman]

Anyone interested in following this up will find this weblink of interest: Obd2Crazy. They have lots of stuff including, if you look around, a very comprehensive list of DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) codes.

Oh, BTW, the VE02 bluetooth unit is Elm 323 compatible and should be able to use any software to that standard.

Regards - Ian

Edited by cyberman, 03 February 2005 - 05:15 PM.

[garyk220]

Excellent Ian, just off to order the OBD bluetooth thingummybob now. Good to see the intake temps are presented... this is the one I'm particularly interested in monitoring. I'll report back on how it works on a PDA.

[AmazingMonkey]

Can anyone tell me if this would be suitable for the VX:

http://www.gendan.co...?product=STNISO

I take it the VX is ISO and not VPW or something else?

My engine light came on today so I really want to get one of these to see whats causing it.

[garyk220]

Ian, a quick question about your OBD Bluetooth transmitter if you don't mind. When you plug it into the diagnostic port, does the blue LED only light up when you switch the ignition on (either engine running or not)? Reason I ask, is mine lights up as soon as I plug it in... even with the ignition off. I'd have thought the ECU would only supply power to the plug when the ignition was on. Wondering if I have a problem with the wiring, or it could just be a 'feature' of the car. Still trying to get Bluetooth on my PDA to link to the transmitter... these things would be boring if they were easy The OBD Gauge software for Pocket PCs looks OK, and should graph the data, when I get it working. But it is still quite an early version (1.1 compared with 1.8 for Palms) so is a bit flaky, and occassionally runs very slow or freezes, needing a reboot. Hopefully updates will be available in time to resolve this.

[Bengie]

Looks like it's at version 1.3 for pocket pc now Edit: Also I would imagine that the socket is powered all the time - the ECU will be, so the socket is probably on the same supply line.

Edited by Bengie, 09 February 2005 - 10:23 AM.

[AmazingMonkey]

I've just ordered a wired solution from gendan.co.uk. Comes with the digimoto software and the scantool software so it'll be interesting to see how they compare. They were very helpful on the phone and confirmed it would work with the VX. Should have it tomorrow

[cheeky_chops]

Looks interesting.

Did you see the bluetooth ODB2 connector HERE

I might email and find out how much it is.

It would be great to have the PDA in car with the sat nav and detailed engine diagnostics.

The OBD Bluetooth transmitter with s/w Cd is quoted at £199. Plus PC interface £249. Which all seems reasonable. the kit requires formal OBD-II compliance. Anyone know if the VXT achieves that cos, if so, these chaps probably have a sale....

Regards - Ian

Is this the one you got Ian?

[cyberman]

Ian, a quick question about your OBD Bluetooth transmitter ...... mine lights up as soon as I plug it in... even with the ignition off.

Yes, that the behaviour mine exhibits.

You can detect the device with ignition off from the PC/bluetooth interface. I can't remember if you can connect - hrrm, I think you can.

But then the application says all readings are null and tends to be a bit tempremental. Yes, that right. The PC app, which is very primitive, got its knickers in a twist and I had to kill it with Task Manager I think, then ignition on and restart.

I am looking forward with great interest to your further reports. I am sure a PDA is going to be the better tool for displaying this stuff: the lap top is distinctly inconvenient.

Ian

[cyberman]

Is this the one you got Ian?

Yes.

[caleebra]

I've just ordered a wired solution from gendan.co.uk.

Comes with the digimoto software and the scantool software so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.

Will be interesting hearing how you get on with it , and comparisons between the two software packages

[stevevx220]

We're working on one of THESE but with full OBD data output integrated with it. 

Should have it in Feb. 

Any news John?