Custom diagnostic software for our R129s

[LeaUK]

Hi all

Here's something that struck me whilst pulling codes from my own 129, what we need is a inexpensive code reader. OK, a switch and lamp does the trick for pre '95s which are normally referred to as analogue systems (for some reason) but it's difficult to pull OBD engine codes as of '93 (LH engine management) data as it's streamed in RS232 format and get those pulse codes in from one small box.


So, how about a Windows app that can run on either PCs or PDAs which can stream the OBD info & read those codes in one app ?

I thinking of writing such an application and building the diagnostic connector interface, but before, I need to gather as much data about the systems currently on the market; there's no point in creating something that we can buy for 50GBP for example!

Here's the tools I'm aware of and some with rough costs, if you're interested please add to the list:

Care of Jim's site: http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_S500.html
http://www.asttool.com/
cost ?
http://www.technictool.com/
cost $600

http://www.sun-diagnostics.com/catal...7&item_id=3111
Doesn't read fault codes only power train
cost $3000

http://www.carsoftinternational.com/carsoftmb.htm
cost mega bucks
pros - does ALL benz


From: http://www.aa1car.com/library/ic10318.htm

PDA software
AES/Injectoclean - 559-292-7851

Auterra - 760-739-8506 (Honda & Acura)
http://www.auterraweb.com/
$220 ODB II only - ie >= '96

AutoTap - 815-433-5100
http://www.autotap.com/
$250
ODB II only ie >= '96

Baum Tools - 800-848-6657 (European makes)
http://www.baumtools.com/


EASE Diagnostics - 888-366-3273
http://www.obd2.com/
$500
ODB II only ie >= '96

Ross-Tech - 215-361-8942
No MB support

I haven't carried out a in depth product comparison as yet as I'm still thinking tentatively at this stage - just wanted your thoughts...


I would also be grateful for a complete list of engine codes in easy to read format - I do have these but the searching and collation time is significant in itself.

If you're interested then make a post. I have to say it's only an idea and home circumstances may not allow but hey, it sounds like a great plan to me...

BTW - does anyone know the manufacturer of the 38pin diag connector?


Thanks for your input.
Lea

[LeaUK]

Uhm, I'm surprised that no-one has commented, however I'll continue updating this thread with info as I find it...

Seems like Elm Electronics has written some software to convert from ODB protocol to RS232 ASCII making interfacing rather straightforward; therefore there seems to be a reasonable selection of freebie software already available for ODBII systems.. see below...

However, I still don't see anything (bar Carsoft) that fulfils the pulse code output of pre '96 cars & ODB (something) coming from the LH ECU. I guess it's a VERY limited market so no one bothers!


Elm Electronics ODB protocol to RS232 ASCII uC
http://www.elmelectronics.com/

Hardware + freebie ODBII software
http://www.scantool.net/software/scantool.net/index.shtml#translations


Regards
Lea

[stats007]

Hi Lea,

I have an assortment of OBD software including CarSoft. There is an interface you can buy with software for £100 - but I think this is for OBD II and UK cars didn't get this until 2001. The 38-pin connector is almost impossible to buy - I certainly never succeeded, though I remember it being part of a scantool package on eBay for about £250 (in Lithuania or somewhere).

I can send you a CD with the stuff on if you want to have a look.

[LeaUK]

Hi

Thanks for the reply. I've spent the last week or so researching ODBII and diagnostic stuff and it's proved very interesting!

I too have Carsoft (the offer is much appreciated) and the schematics to make the hardware, but unfortunately I haven't the code for uC on the hardware! :-(

There appears to be stacks of freebie software too which I'm slowly working through but I'll keep this thread alive until I reach a conclusion - is it worth designing my own or using something current available?

Next to find and purchase the 38pin diag!!!!!

Cheers
Lea

[stats007]

It should be fairly easy to write an interface to RS232 and then process the packet data - I'd do it if I had time., though the 38-pin diagnostic interface is very basic - I'm not sure it's worthwhile going down this route (the US got OBD2 in 1996 on the R129).

Keep checking eBay - I bought an OBDII to USB interface for £40 I think, it works fine on my brothers BMW with CarSoft.

[LeaUK]

If my car was ODBII I would definitely agree, there's far too much software (mostly free) satisfying this market, but my '93 is pulse code & possibly ODB (or some protocol) from the engine management as I can read live data on the MT2500 scanner.

So, the only option appears to be Carsoft which doesn't look that impressive to me. The software is VERY clonky and really needs a .NET port or at least a GUI revamp.

If you know where I can purchase the Carsoft hardware interface I'd be grateful for the tip. I know they're available on some Russian web sites but I'm not convinced it will all hang together.

Cheers
Lea

[stats007]

Any good?

38 pin adaptor

[LeaUK]

Interesting, but for me I need connections to most the pins and not just the ODBII. But it does mean they're available somewhere...

Here's another http://www.atek.com/auto.htm shame their distributors don't list any!

Off to Google a little..

Cheers
Lea

[LeaUK]

Here's what I'm looking for http://www.obd2cables.com/products/product_info.php?products_id=51

a 38 pin open ended cable - great!

I wonder about cost...time to email :-)