car enthusiasts that do DIY repairs and tinkering - I need your opinion

[ScoobMaster]

OK, I have worked on my own cars for years now (grew up around local racing, worked on late model and NASCAR modified pit crews, raced go-karts, etc...) suffice to say that I know my way around under the hood. In the past few years though, as microprocessors and dozens of sensors have invaded the engine compartment, repairs have become less and less mechanical and more like you need an IEEE or CS certification 🙂

This is not a huge problem, I am a PC/LAN technician and tinker with electronics, but getting the info out of the car's diagnostic system has become difficult if not impossible in the last few years (with the OBDII standard). Anyway, I am considering purchasing a diagnostic tool that is REASONABLY priced (not a $1200+ snap-on or more expensive professional unit) that works with a palm OS handheld and laptop or PC.

Here is the link: ODBSCAN for palm and/or PCs

For $176 (including shipping) you get software for both the palm AND PC/Laptop, the hardware interface for ALL 4 TYPES of ODBII connectors, and FREE software upgrades. This seems like the best deal that I have found so far (especially since I could use both my palm m125 and my laptop). This seems much more versatile than the ACTRON code reader I have seen at Autozone for $140 (that ONLY reads stored trouble codes). This setup can display real-time data and record/graph it for performance monitoring.

Opinions? would this be a worthwhile investment? I hate the thought of taking my car to the dealer for the PRIVELEDGE of paying for them to read the error codes out to me. This could also be used to keep them honest if I did have to take it in (otherwise they could claim ANY code/problem........how would I know?). I would appreciate your opinions. Luckily my father-in-law is willing to split it with me, so my cost would only be $88 🙂

 

[ander]

That looks absolutly awesome. I've used the Consult-II devices on Nissan/Infiniti cars and those will let you actually communicate with the engine and such. The ODB Scan looks like something well worth the money and it'd be awesome to have a dynamic readout from your ECU while driving!!!

 

[db]

That sounds pretty good if it really does do everything they say it does. Has there been much feedback from users?

 

[ScoobMaster]

db -

I have only found a few, but they were VERY happy with it (found them in various usenet groups by using google). A few posters stated that the had some user "learning curve" issues and other questions and e-mailed the developer. Both were suprised (pleasantly) that Dan Harrison was very responsive and answered their e-mails very quickly.

I think I am gonna give it a try 😉

 

[ScoobMaster]

*bump*

just to see if any of you "morning crew" have any opinions/experience with this gizmo.

any comments appreciated (especially before I decide to place an order 😉 )

 

[iamwiz82]

there was just a discussion of this over at mp3car.com.

That tool is only to VIEW info on your OBD since the cheap diagnostics are READ ONLY. The expensive($1200+) ones are read/write.

linky