Rootus

Does the ElmScan 5 hardware have a SDK or documentation available so that I can write my own piece of software to query it?

Dave

joeyoravec

There is -- check the datasheet. Unfortunately the ELM327 commands are proprietary and you'd have to write the driver yourself. Instead, consider using J2534 API. It's a standard driver for vehicle interfaces created and published by the society of automotive engineers.

autosvs

Doese the "J2354 API" free version ? Have you ever tried it with the ELM327 ? THANK YOU

joeyoravec

In theory somebody could write a PassThru (SAE J2534) driver that hides the communication details. In reality there is no driver or SDK for the ELM, so each developer must hack something together that handles bits and bytes on the serial port.

If instead you use a tool like Mongoose you can use the J2534 driver functions to connect, send and receive messages, setup periodic messages, and apply message filters. The device driver should be responsible for the implementation details; you just want to "get on the network".

The driver should be provided (free) by the vehicle interface manufacturer for their hardware -- you're not charged for printer drivers either. Interface manufacturers can purchase the J2534 specification from SAE for about $50. There are no royalties or other fees. It's an open international standard that isn't supported by lowest-end devices like ELM.

paradoxblue

ok so no one answered the question.. cheapest obd-2 device i can use on my 04 civic. to interface with my car pc.

please let me know. thank you

Tostitos

wtf just happened here? there's some site he can't reference?

I'm interested in a serial / USB device that will read the most useful codes out of a Lexus V8 engine, and let me have graphical speedometer etc inside my other car apps if possible. I've seen a few on the various sites but I'm not sure which people are happiest with.

jbeck59

If you are the type of person who is patient and has time to tinker, then consider a laptop based OBD II scanner, this will hopefully allow you to examine many areas of your car's computer like the transmission, not just the engine.

If you only need to quickly diagnose a check engine light problem, consider the Actron line of hand-held scanners. Amazon has models that range from like $40 to $90 and it seems like most of the customers are highly satisfied with all models--read the reviews to get a better idea of each scanner's capabilities.

In my own case, I used the cheapest model earlier this week to turn off my check engine light:

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9125-...2668597&sr=8-2


Hope this helps.

MrTrunks

I guess better late than never :P responding to a question asked over year and half ago.