$1 OBD2 software on eBay

[larryj54]

eBay Motors: Car Diagnostic Software OBD2 for ELM327 (item 220355524119 end time Feb-06-09 00:13:04 PST)

I KNOW you regs MUST have seen this stuff from Lithuania on eBay. It LOOKs great, but $1??? It BEGS ones credulity!!! But what if?

So.. please respond with pros & cons..

I would love a Scan Guage functionality by using my laptop "once in a while" with an inexpensive code reader/cable and Windoze software.

My gut instinct says this $1 Lithuanian software is a bait to get you to order it and somehow some scummy eastern european post Warsaw Pact thugs will run some identity theft scam on me.

LJ

[cfg83]

LJ -

I have the ELM 322 chip (see here).

It looks like she/he makes money on the shipping and handling. Can't figure out who makes it, probably bootleg software. 66 transactions isn't much to go on in terms of seller-reliability. In terms of identity theft, Paypal is a good sign, because Paypal and eBay are linked at the waist.

But, this is only half the battle. You still need an interface box that uses the ELM 327 chip, not "just a cable".

If I had the ELM 327 chip, and assuming I could verify that these guys weren't crooks, I would go for it and do the following :

1 - Get an old cheapy hard disk, maybe 4 GB, that can slot into my Dell, no problemo (already did this).

2 - Install Windows XP on 30 day trial, any and all networking DISABLED (already done this).

3 - Run the program exclusively on that hard drive.

The PC would have no personal info and no connection to the net. I would use a USB flash drive to transfer logged data (I can see that option in the picture), and I would virus scan the USB the first few times just to be safe.

In this manner, the software would be quarantined from the rest of your stuff.

It's definitely very tempting ... Lithuania ... Isn't that near Transylvania, ?

CarloSW2

[larryj54]

Any opinion on the $34.95 ELM Scan PWM? Cables and CD included.
ElmScan PWM - Scan Tools - ScanTool.net

WHat I am looking for is a much cheaper alternative to the Scan Gauge II @ about $160. Some of these ELM SCAN devices are well over $100 making them less attractive to the Scan Guage for a little more, in a nifty compact package that gives you all the data and MIL codes plus instant MPG, MPG over time, etc etc.

At $35, this ELM SCan PWM, if it provides the basic data interface and basic software would be the ideal alternative.. sacrificing the sophistication of the SCAN GA. II but at a huge cost savings.

[cfg83]

larryj54 -

That's the last of the same "group" of boxes I have. It's a closeout, the last of those style gizmos. Scantool has "upscaled" in order to charge more ca$h for their boxes, .

It has an "ELM320" chip in it, and is targeting Ford PCMs :

ElmScan PWM OBD-II to RS-232 supports the J1850 PWM protocol used mostly in Ford Corporation vehicles. Be sure to determine the communication protocol used in your vehicle before purchasing this scan tool.

Processor: ELM320, crystal-controlled for accuracy
OBD-II Protocols: J1850 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

Do you have a Ford?

The Scangauge is self-contained. Plug it in and go. The ELM Scan requires a PC at all times, and it could put your hard disk at risk of early demise. Sooooo, it depends on your needs. I have one but I almost never use it for day-to-day. I do have it for the purpose of data-logging, but my home-brew software doesn't have a good MPG algorithm (yet!!!!!!!!!!!!).

It's part of my master plan to conquer the universe, but I keep getting distracted ... ooooh look, is that a mouse?!?!?!?



CarloSW2

[larryj54]

I have a 98 Ford Escort ZX2, and I do not care about constant use.. just occassional monitoring of certain mod results. The Scan Gauge II is terriffic.. but if I can accomplish essentially the same tasks for $35 vs $160, so be it. If a BIG cost savings cannot be found, then the Scan Gauge is clearly the best way to go. It does the essentials I'd want.. all manner of MPG 1st and foremost, then general geek peek at stuff, and lastly the ability to read MIL codes and turn off the Check engine light.

Given the costs charged by dealers to even LOOK at the codes, 2 problems would pay for the Scan Gauge.. but.. I AM an eco-freak, eco = economy! My $ is precious

[cfg83]

larryj54 -

Ok, good to know. The ElmScan may be what the doctor ordered.

CarloSW2