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Re: OBD-II scan tools

To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: OBD-II scan tools
From: "Wayne Farrington" <w.farrington@verizon.net>
Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2003 09:51:47 -0800
I use LT1-Edit for programming, and Datamaster for scanning on my obd1 GM
race car. I've found the pc based tools to be infinitely more useful then
the "code" type scanners. Particularly if you are interested in actually
tuning the car, or have modified the car and need to update the pcm/ecm
program. If all you are looking to do is "pull a code" and then take it into
the dealer for repair, or just try the repair yourself, I guess a code
scanner would be ok. I very quickly got frustrated with their limited
information, even for routine troubleshooting and repair of our daily
drivers.

With regards to the palm based units, I've found that they just don't have
the screen size to effectively use a pc based scanner. One of the
cornerstones to the pc based scanners is the use of dynamic graphical (line
graphs etc) displays, where you can overlay several different elements for
review. For example, you may choose to display rpm, o2%, throttle tip-in,
and intake temp on the same graph to trouble shoot a particular issue.
Having to scroll through this type of display on a small palm screen is an
exercise in frustration. However, if you are just looking to get a code
puller, then the palm would probably work ok.

The datamaster software records all the engine (and some transmission) data
while you drive (or idle in the garage). Just about every conceivable engine
parameter is recorded. I then use this data to determine what changes to
make to the program file. Using lt1-edit to change the program gives me
access to all parameters, even the ones that are "locked" from the factory.
You really have to be careful using lt1-edit though, as you can really screw
up an engine if you change the wrong things. This software combo really
shines if you are going to do a dyno tune, as you can make changes during
your pulls, and re-try with the new changes. You would be surprised how much
horsepower can be extracted from these (semi) modern vehicles with just a
good tune job.

Finally, if you like learning about this type of stuff you will enjoy
software like this because of the massive flexibility it gives you. However,
you really need to be aware that there is a fairly significant learning
curve to it. It's one thing to own the tool, it's an entirely different
thing to know how to use it.

Here are some links. I think the datamaster link will allow you to download
the program and use it for "20" recording sessions for free, to see if you
like the software. If you have a lap-top you can try it out and see if you
like it. There are also a number of "support communities" on the web if you
are interested in these two programs.

http://www.carputing.com/

http://www.ttspowersystems.com/

Wayne


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karl Vacek" <KVacek@ameritech.net>
To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2003 5:37 AM
Subject: Re: OBD-II scan tools
>
> I've been puzzled for years why there haven't been many, many programs
> offered to turn a laptop.......





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