OBD II Question

Nickwell24 · 03-12-2008, 05:12 PM

So i've searched the forum specified for this type of question and came up short. There are a few questions i have about this technology.

1) Do all OBD II connectors do the same thing, or are there differences between the different types of hardware that are available?

2) Is this the way i get a digital gauge on my TS?

3) Are there separate programs for each car of are the programs available for this universal?

I was really hoping there was a sticky post explaining it better in the forum but sadly there isn't?

Tidder · 03-12-2008, 05:20 PM

Well most obd ii devices do pretty much the same thing, but there are different types of interfaces as far as I understand. You've got to get the one specific to your vehicle manufacturer.

There are universal programs out there.

Scantool.net has a little bit of info that would futher explain it, but as far as mp3car.com, I haven't seen anything good. Perhaps would be a good addition to the wiki.

perk03z06 · 03-12-2008, 05:26 PM

Nick,

It depends on what you want to achieve. There's in a sense, 2 things you can do with the OBD2 plug under your dashboard:

Collect, View and Manage Engine Emissions Data
Access the OEM Databus, which gives you access to all of the computers on the car, including the Engine computer

Depending on what you want to do, and how deep your pockets are, you can do alot of cool stuff with vehicle data ... I pretty much made a career out of it .. if that gives you any idea ...

Post here what you'd like to do, and I can help you ...

Nickwell24 · 03-12-2008, 10:51 PM

I'd like to be able to get information when my check engine light comes on, and i'd also like to have digital gauges which include all the regular stuff.

perk03z06 · 03-13-2008, 07:01 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

I'd like to be able to get information when my check engine light comes on, and i'd also like to have digital gauges which include all the regular stuff.

Check out http://www.vehicletopc.com/incarpc.php

Then click on the image of the software to see more screen captures ...

Nickwell24 · 03-13-2008, 02:17 PM

That looks awesome, but i was hoping to find something not so expensive.

perk03z06 · 03-13-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

That looks awesome, but i was hoping to find something not so expensive.

It'll be hard to find something less than $149 clams, dude ...

Nickwell24 · 03-14-2008, 03:01 AM

That's probably why this will end up being a stage two or three install.

perk03z06 · 03-22-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

So i've searched the forum specified for this type of question and came up short. There are a few questions i have about this technology.

I was really hoping there was a sticky post explaining it better in the forum but sadly there isn't?

Nick,

I just realized I never answered your individual questions ... here goes ...

1) Do all OBD II connectors do the same thing, or are there differences between the different types of hardware that are available?

Shop around. The main goal of an OBD2 interface is, of course to send and receive vehicle data to/from the PC. When raw OBD2 data is received by the PC it has to be transformed (decoding, algorithimic processing, scaling, and display). It would be safe to say that all consumer-level interfaces achieve that. There are some interfaces out there that have unique features. (Some have different PC interfaces: DB-9 Serial, USB, 802.11b/g, and even Bluetooth) There are some OBD2 interfaces out there that allow you access OEM diagnostic information along with emissions information. There are also some OBD2 Interfaces out there that will even allow for ReProgramming of your engine computer, along with OBD2 diagnostic capabilities. So ... you really have many options available to you, depending on what you would like to achieve.

2) Is this the way i get a digital gauge on my TS?

What specifically would you like your touchscreen to display? Digital gauges come in many forms, and the right OBD2 interface and program will probably give you what you are looking for.

3) Are there separate programs for each car of are the programs available for this universal?

This depends on how deep your pockets are, and how much information you want to access from your vehicle. There are programs available that provide you with just EPA emissions data from the engine computer. This is what controls your check engine light, which is why it has become so popular with consumers. These could be considered the "Universal" programs. They talk to different cars using different languages or protocols but provide the same information to the user. Then, there are other programs that give you more information. OEM diagnostic information. This will be specific to the model car/truck and engine size that you own. Some of the programs that are less expensive which give you all the great OEM information will only allow you to buy it for 1 particular vehicle. (So ... if you ever buy a Corvette or a Mustang, you wouldn't be able to make it work on those vehicles) ~OR~ if you want to invest several thousand dollars, you can buy access to pretty much all vehicle manufacturers' model vehicles and all of their OEM computer systems. (Engine, Transmission, ABS, Airbag, Body, Driver Door, Driver Seat, Instrument Panel, Radio, HVAC, NAV, XM/Sirius, Electronic Suspension, Park Assist ... just to name a few)

I hope I answered your questions, and if anyone has any questions along the lines of automotive data, I'll be happy to help, as best as I can.

Nickwell24 · 03-22-2008, 12:51 PM

okay, last question. Is it unreasonable of me to think i could get an obd II set up for under $150

perk03z06 · 03-22-2008, 05:48 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

okay, last question. Is it unreasonable of me to think i could get an obd II set up for under $150

If I were you, I'd save up for it. $150 isn't going to buy you much capability ...

The ElmScan5 (I've noticed ElmScan seems to be quite popular with CarPC guys) sells for $115 ... AND it's open source. (It looks like they give you the spec. so you can build your own API) ... and they also say it comes with a pc-based program.

http://www.scantool.net/products/pro...products_id=21

I believe that this unit already has an API built in for the Centrafuse FrontEnd. So, if you use CentraFuse, all you have to is plug it in and it will work.

I personally have never used Elm's products. I'm not making a recommendation ... just so you know. It just seems that this will fit your budget.

Hope I've helped ...