Thread: miniVCI report
View Single Post
Old 04-22-2013, 08:24 AM   #1 (permalink)
bwilson4web
Engineering first
 
bwilson4web's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 843

17 i3-REx - '14 BMW i3-REx
Last 3: 45.67 mpg (US)

Blue Bob's - '19 Tesla Std Rng Plus
Thanks: 94
Thanked 246 Times in 157 Posts
miniVCI report

Hi,

There has been some buzz about the 'miniVCI' and after having my virtual PC with AutoEnginuity destroyed by a virus, I thought to at least try 'miniVCI'. Lessons learned:
  • Ebay version - came with version 1.4.7 firmware which is no longer updatable from the 'XHorse', original hackers. They took down their online update because of 'the clones.' Honor amoung software pirates.
  • XHorse reseller - came with version 2.0.4 firmware which solves a problem accessing the engine ECU of the ZVW30 Prius. At $35, a little more expensive than the Ebay version, it at least works on both our NHW11 and ZVW30.
I have not found 'miniVCI' to be perfect as one attempt to record data failed. Worse, it only records a limited time window, at most 5 minutes, but could be less.

I don't endorse using 'hacked' software if nothing else because someone who hacks Toyota's Techstream might be just as willing to load 'other' software. But if you are going to use the XHorse software, get it from their 'authorized reseller'.

Personally I thing the best use of this software is to reverse engineer the OBD protocol to our Prius. Then export a ScangaugeII or open source project dump of the vehicle specific protocol. At least then we will have something useful for further engineering studies.

Bob Wilson

__________________
2019 Tesla Model 3 Std. Range Plus - 215 mi EV
2017 BMW i3-REx - 106 mi EV, 88 mi mid-grade
Retired engineer, Huntsville, AL
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to bwilson4web For This Useful Post:
mort (04-22-2013)