Thread: [Vauxhall Astra '99] ELM327 vs Tech2

The Tech 2 is a GM approved scantool and hence will include the most updated capabilities for your car, but displaying the data and showing stuff on your car pc will be limited as the TECH 2 does not have a fancy dash etc.

The ELM327 based scantools have an advantage as there are a number of software packages that allow you to create a virtual dash on your car PC.

Thanks
Paul
www.obdpros.com

Tnx Paul, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

So "reverse engineering" or protocol drafts for the Tech2 in order to develop custom apps have not been released yet ?

I have not come across the protocol for tech 2 but I am sure it's out there somewhere

I have heard though that the tech2 does support J2534 but do not have access to one to play around with and figure it out

Paul
www.obdpros.com

Originally Posted by nikione

Hi all,

I am trying to setup a carpc on my Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.6 Club (1999) which will include the display of diagnostics and the logging of some of the data obtainable from the OBDII interface. I see that there is a huge price differenze between the packaging of RS232/USB cables with the ELM327 chip and the Tech2. So ... in order to get the max data out of my car, can I just use the Tech2 or would I get more with the ELM327 ?

Also ... anyone knows where I can find the details of the protocols supported by the ODB of my car model.
And ... any good linux or opensource software for OBD ?

Tnx in advance !

nikione

nikione,

I'm afraid that you will find your Astra is not OBD2 compliant. You can "bolt" a tool into your CarPC, but it will have to be Vauxhall specific, have a look at our Vauxhall product for some guidance.

Gareth
UKOBD