Thread: Looking for Non ELM software for OBD II

bump, anyone with new info?

Hi,
What is wrong with the ELM hardware? And what do you mean by "direct" OBD-II?

-David

Originally Posted by Refael Azi

Hi,

I am driving on Fiat Punto HGT 1.8 16v 2002.

It does support OBD-II (ISO), but i can't find software that supports the "direct" obdII commands.
The only software that does it as i know is VAGCOM, but it is limited for VAG cars only.

I tried the ISO-9141 active-x tester and it works ok with the converter i built,
but i'm looking for real software and not a tester.
All other software i know are for ELM.

does anyone have an idea?

This one is non-Elm and there is a special version that supports direct ISO. So I'm assuming that the software that comes with it will work with it.

Originally Posted by ProScan

Hi,
What is wrong with the ELM hardware? And what do you mean by "direct" OBD-II?

-David

Hi,
ELM hardware is over priced, and not so simple to build, while direct-ISO is very simple and i have it ready and built.

direct means that the PC serial port talks directly with the ECU and not trought an interpreter like ELM, which is a sort of modem emulator..

for example, VAG software doesn't work with ELM, but using direct pc to iso.

wi77iam, thanks for the link, i will try that.

try to get the "fiat exmaninier" software..

Originally Posted by Refael Azi

Hi,
ELM hardware is over priced, and not so simple to build, while direct-ISO is very simple and i have it ready and built.

It should be mentioned that the society of automotive engineers has a PassThru standard (SAE J2534) for vehicle network interfaces. You're right to criticize the ELM hardware -- it doesn't comply with the SAE standard. It also has poor control over message headers, init sequences, P timers, and does not work with OEM controller reprogramming software.

My company DrewTech is announcing the Mongoose ISO/CAN tomorrow at Testing Expo 2005. The Mongoose is a low-cost full-speed USB (12mbps) interface. I'll have more details and pictures posted on our website after the official announcement. If you're unfamiliar, I have a J2534 programmer's overview posted on the website. Similar to a printer driver, it defines a standard driver for vehicle network interfaces. Both PCMScan and Digimoto are already adding support; others are starting.

I know this this might not answer your question if you're looking to build your own hardware. But maybe this is something interesting to you? Any questions feel free to email or followup.

I couldn’t find any info about Mongoose, what is the status please.
Thanks

Originally Posted by joeyoravec

It should be mentioned that the society of automotive engineers has a PassThru standard (SAE J2534) for vehicle network interfaces. You're right to criticize the ELM hardware -- it doesn't comply with the SAE standard. It also has poor control over message headers, init sequences, P timers, and does not work with OEM controller reprogramming software.

My company DrewTech is announcing the Mongoose ISO/CAN tomorrow at Testing Expo 2005. The Mongoose is a low-cost full-speed USB (12mbps) interface. I'll have more details and pictures posted on our website after the official announcement. If you're unfamiliar, I have a J2534 programmer's overview posted on the website. Similar to a printer driver, it defines a standard driver for vehicle network interfaces. Both PCMScan and Digimoto are already adding support; others are starting.

I know this this might not answer your question if you're looking to build your own hardware. But maybe this is something interesting to you? Any questions feel free to email or followup.

looking at it strictly from a "consumer" point of view only, could anyone explain this to me in plain english as to what is really the advantage to the consumer for buying something that costs twice than some (and equal to some) other options available.

Hi Lloyd, thanks for the prompt and useful response.

Yes I want to read, log and analyse real-time sensor data. Mode 06 results and enhanced PIDs as well, but I guess enhanced is not an option yet on a Honda/Acura vehicle(?)

Seems like the major difference here is speed. 'Speed' as in the number of times the hardware/software is capable of pulling data from the sensor, right ?
Then how much difference are we talking about ? Lets say I'd like to read and/or log one particular sensor then what is the real-world speed difference between a typical ELM based interface and a J2534 based ? I'd imagine that would also change the number of samples you would see simultaneously ?

Originally Posted by TunerTools

And at the next level... if your car is a 2004 and later, supports the J2534 standard protocols and you have thoughts of ever reprogramming or learning what the on board system is really doing....

I didn't quite catch all from this.
So if the car is pre-2004 it doesn't matter whether you use ELM or J2534 ?
And J2534 allows reprogramming anything in any ecu ?
Will J2534 allow access to enhanced pid's that are still visible only to proprietory systems (honda again) ?

Originally Posted by TunerTools

but the consumer should consider the differences and align the purchase with their needs.

and thats why we turn to you to provide us as much information as possible so as to make the right decision. Thanks!