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://tools.baumtools.com/index.jsp?menu=mb


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

 

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/sca...l#translations


Regards
Lea

 

Hi Lea, I looked at getting a diagnostic 'kit' when I first got the merc, thinking it can't be that difficult to work out faults yourself. I went to Carsoft first and they hadn't worked out a 'home diy' version at the time but were working on something. The thing is I think they were looking at £2.5k for it and I thought 'I'm out' as it's obviously aimed at professional mechanics.

I think you have a great idea if it can be made affordable. I don't know enough about what you are asking to be of any help unfortunately. I'm happy to research it with you if you tell me what to do....

 

Thanks Chris, much appreciated.

I'm learning stacks as I go down this investigative route and so I'll let you know how I progress.

So far in summary, if your car is a USA model of year '96 or newer there are several very inexpensive 100USD ODBII scanner packages, or free software and inexpensive hardware interfaces 50USD - or no problem there :-)

Cheers
Lea

 

Hi Lea and others,
Along with my work on the window dropper, had in mind that a simple code extraction tool as a product would be coming up on the list, could use the same micro and a bit different PC board.
My original thought was to make it self contained, so have its own display. but not looked at it in detail. However, the micro could certainly pump it out to RS232, makes it easy to print etc I guess.
Certainly interested in the idea, will keep watching...
Greg

 

Hi Greg

I sent you a PM awhile back so just wondered if you got it?

Anyway, I was extremely tempted to write my own (.NET) Win/Pocket PC app but seems like there are already several inexpensive versions already on the the market and several even totally free so for ODBII I see no point in investing the significant time.

However, there's a gapping hole for MBs of my age that have both the older pulse codes & some type of streaming data for the engine management. The only software/hardware package available (and I've evaluated several of the expensive ones too - at my local garage) that can read both, is Carsoft - so although the 'market' isn't there for a saleable product it would be rather handy for personal use.

I need to find out what protocol the engine management system uses, it could be ODB, ODBI or ODBII or some proprietary standard, but as Carsoft has managed it I suspect it's ODB based.

If anyone has some information I would be most grateful.

Cheers
Lea

 

i'm doing a group buy on the carsoft scanners if you are interested.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...posts=1&fid=45

carsoft uses the 38pin and 16pin connector, it will work with a lot of vehicles.

 

Hi

Thanks for your reply, please see PM.

For the interest of others these are also available from three alternative suppliers.

I have also discovered that the 38pin cable is available with and without lead.
http://ucables.com/ref/CO-BENZ

Lea