OT: OBDII software and Ready State Monitor

[Jeff Thies]

I posted a while back about OBDII to USB adaptors and have acquired one.

I like it but the software does display which ready state monitors are not set. What kind of software does it take to display that? I would have thought that was readily and widely available but I can't tell without installing the programs. So far, frustration. And junk software.

Something in the low dollar range is preferable. Fancy dials not needed.

Jeff

[JIMMIE]

Look around for different software. Those devices are mostly just converters that match the voltage level at the OBDII connector to the PC.lots of free software out there.

Jimmie

[JIMMIE]

Try some of the automotive groups preferably one that matches your car. Let them know what you are trying to do. Lots of help on tweaking a computer available.

Jimmie

[Jeff Thies]

Oh, I'm tired of that!

It looks like I can telnet in on the serial port of the adaptor and query the ready state. That is good enough for me.

Jeff

[me]

curious why you bought that instead of a scangauage?

[notbob]

Perhaps he already has a computer. Does a scangauge have the ability to see/delete black box info, like in ABS systems? Jes curious.

nb

[Jeff Thies]

Several reasons.

1) $169 versus $49

2) The OBD Pro can work with data logging software. It can also read the lamda/HEGO/O2 sensors so you can see actual data and the scangauge apparently doesn't. Seeing that data is how I knew I had a wiring problem.

3) You can telnet directly into the engine computer with a laptop and run/receive any data it is capable of.

4) I forgot all about scangauge...

Jeff

[trader4]

But on the other hand, my handheld code reader shows all the monitors required to pass inspection and whether they are set. It's quite amazing a PC based solution doesn't show that basic info.

[Jeff Thies]

I was surprised too, but it's free software. I can telnet in and get them though. I still like looking at the live engine data and being able to log.

Jeff