FE software for ELM323

[cfg83]

lyd -

Originally Posted by lyd

I did download the 7 day trial of OBD2007 and play around with it today. It is pretty nifty, alright, but just beyond my budget.

I agree. I would pay up to $50, but not what they want. Also, it appears to be tied to only one PC. In an automobile situation, your hard disk is at much higher risk, unless you have an über-expensive hard drive that is flash-based.

The ScanXL software is almost cheap enough at $70, but I want to see if I can make my own work first.

CarloSW2

[lyd]

ScanXL is $100 according to their web page, did you find a cheaper source?

[cfg83]

lyd -

Originally Posted by lyd

ScanXL is $100 according to their web page, did you find a cheaper source?

They're have a $70 sale (pre S&H, shipping from Arizona) :

ScanTool.net - Products

ScanXL - P/N: 740102
Was: $79.95 Now: $69.95
ScanXL is an advanced diagnostic software package for use exclusively with the ElmScan 5 series of OBD-II compliant scan tools. This feature-packed software will meet the needs of the professional mechanic and automotive enthusiast alike. ...

CarloSW2

[tangomar]

I found this:
Main Page - JDash

I think that we can try to exchange formulas and see if we can expand it from Subaru only to every car. It seems really cool.

[dcb]

That's cool, source is here (even saw a waba directory)
SourceForge.net Repository - [jdash] Index of /

I like that it is open, and java (and waba for the pda/cellphone crowd)

[lyd]

Originally Posted by cfg83

lyd -



They're have a $70 sale (pre S&H, shipping from Arizona) :

ScanTool.net - Products


CarloSW2

Ahhh, OK. That's one of the versions locked down to require the ELMScan brand interface specifically, and apparently only the newest ones in that case. I was looking at these versions: PPE Online Store

They will work with other ELM-compatible interfaces, but are more expensive.

[lyd]

If you have a genuine ELM chip-based interface, have you looked at the free versions of scanmaster or easyobdII?

I couldn't get either of them to work with my "clone", but they look like good apps and you should have better luck with a natively ELM 323/327 interface. I think one or the other took it a step further and, like the ScanXL you linked, required a specific ELM-based interface, but I don't recall which one it was. Anyway, they're free.

[lyd]

Originally Posted by lyd

Ahhh, OK. That's one of the versions locked down to require the ELMScan brand interface specifically, and apparently only the newest ones in that case. I was looking at these versions: PPE Online Store

They will work with other ELM-compatible interfaces, but are more expensive.

Well, maybe I spoke too soon with this. I got a chance to test my interface with a copy of PCMScan 2.1.1, and it recognizes it as ELM but then fails to communicate any further with it. Just throws an "interface communication error" and gives up.

[NiHaoMike]

Originally Posted by cfg83

lyd -



I agree. I would pay up to $50, but not what they want. Also, it appears to be tied to only one PC. In an automobile situation, your hard disk is at much higher risk, unless you have an über-expensive hard drive that is flash-based.

The ScanXL software is almost cheap enough at $70, but I want to see if I can make my own work first.

CarloSW2

SSDs are way cheaper than they used to be. Just now, a 16GB USB SSD is $35 new from Fry's. 1GB of any common form factor is well under $10.

I'm actually using a 128MB SSD (CompactFlash form factor) in a pfSense machine (Cisco-like router without the Cisco price) I'm building. SSDs use very little power, which actually turned out to be a problem as it dropped the current to the point where the power supply (200w) would not operate correctly. I'm working with a friend of mine to design a new power supply.

I think all the software should be open source if possible. As for hardware, I'd suggest something like an old (Pentium 2/3 or M) laptop with a PSOne LCD running from the TV out. It should be easy to find a used one for cheap, especially one with something like a bad screen that decreases its value but is still usable for our purpose. And it can make a good MP3 player as well. If you want, you can even add in some extras like GPS. Just don't use a Pentium 4 as they use lots of power and will hurt your gas mileage.

[KitCarlsonEMS]

Check this website: OBD Gauge
It has the source in C for a palm using the open source Palm Development C.
It does not do MPG, however it should be easy to calculate and display.
It has data log capability on Palm, with PC application for graphic presentation.