OBDII Automotive Scan Tool and Virtual Dashboard

Car Code OBD-II On Board Diagnostics Phase 2 Vehicle Media Communications

• Why is your Check Engine Light on? Simply plug-in to OBD2 connector
  • Analyze trouble codes, performance, maintenance and real time data logging.
  • Design your own virtual dashboard instruments.
  • Direct private, secure, fast digital connection link from car network to your personal computer.
  • Supports repair, race or health moralities with conservative, corporate and global values.
• Free Vehicle Explorer 1 software browser, data files and upgrades
  • Supports EPA ARB SAE ISO open source and code standards for automotive networks. Meets global tests and international values.
  • Can be used off line when not connected to your cars OBDII local area network.
  • Does not require phone, modems or internet. No monthly connection or service fees.
  • Does not violate warranty, emission regulations or modify performance. No decryption needed.
  • Free technical support and setup.
• As seen on TV Fox 25 Boston May 10, 17 and 24, 2000; 2nd IATN scan tool shoot-out June 2000 Ontario CA; Circuit Cellar May and June 2000; SEMA Show issue 2001, 2002; Elector Oct 2002; Mopar Now! Fall 2002; Chevy High Performance Feb 2003; Top 5 Tools TechShop Jume 2003

Local Area Sales and Support

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Browser Features

• View up to 254 servers in your car, send and receive messages, down load data, scan network, with indexed search and firewall options.
• Analyze over 1200 possible [data] variables from your car in real time or [freeze frames] inlcudes torque, knock retard and boost enhanced powertrain specfic items for Ford , GM , and Toyota.
• 0 to 100% throttle time, 150-0 brake time, maximum air flow change with hard and soft rates, HP, fuel economy and any obd-2 data equation
• Check and reset over 10,000 [trouble codes] including various brakes and radio, analyze [test result] limits for catalyst and sensor life, view [Oxygen sensor] evaluations.
• Network message monitor with descriptions for Daimler-Chry. Ford, GM. Check for virus and network security.
• Core, generic, fundamental values, with manufacture defined test, network and trouble code definitions.
• Enhanced vehicle specfic code, data, test, identification, EPA bi-directional and manufacturer device control functions.
• 255 Extended data entry search tool at byte level.(not supported by current EPA administration)
• Euro Stage-3+ Global UN (recognized by USA) data includes wide range A/F and cataylst temperature.
• Instant message always on trouble code alarms and [monitoring] request timers.
• Auto load and run multiple defined favorite settings.
• [x] or [y]strip chart, [3-D]and bar graph with 10 power auto or manual zoom over 50 plots.
• Report generator, real time [comments], test data base, printouts and web or spreadsheet export, 1ms date-time stamp and optional GPS postion.
• 6 gauge designer[Dashboard] supports over 200 instruments with adjustable 17 inch digital numerical displays, colors, audio and iPod output.
• Up to 13 years of continuous data storage and play back flight recorder digital media system
• Used in EPA CARB OBD2 development since 1995. Vehicle certification available.

Package Features

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New Items

• New Hardware
  • TriCAN supports all protocols and new Control Area Network (CAN)
  • Side exit, low profile car connector with nylon grip safety cushion, preferred by track inspectors.
  • iMax a high performance direct ISO model, small car connector integral encapsulated interface.
  • Speedometer and Calibration System -
• New Browser Features
  • Mazda and updated Ford Mode 6
  • Pontiac 2003 L32 3.8L V6 enhanced real time data with boost device control.
  • CAN real time data packet selector.
  • GM enhanced engine failure records.
  • Mode 6 defined test results for CTS, Catera, Prizm, Saturn V6, Vue and Vibe.
  • CAN Service 6 Monitor and Test ID definitions for Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, GM and Standarized
  • New GM Lansing L4 real time data and GM transmission data, includes torque and negative shift error times.
  • Updated GM diesel enhanced real time data includes 6.6 Liter and automatic transmissions
  • Honda and Acura Mode 6 defined test results
  • Core Diagnostic Trouble Codes updated for model years 2005+
  • Ford body and chassis enhanced trouble code request and clear, most models require ISO protocol.
  • GM and Hyundai Mode 6 defined test results
  • Volvo trouble code server requests, includes combustion heater
  • Enhanced Ford real time data updated to 1,067 possible items, includes 2005 Ford GT and Escape Hybrid
  • Driver traces includes OBD, emission, state inspection and hi-way fuel economy.
  • User defined real time equation editor, included HP, G force, and MPG.
  • Improved direct ISO connection for WinXP Home.
  • Global Position Sensor(GPS) data, stand alone or with dual serial port.
  • Toyota defined test results and enhanced real time data, includes hybrid.
  • 96-97 Ford Probe GT enhanced real time data.
  • Land Rover, Nissan, Subaru Mode 6 defined test results.
  • Ford output controls enhanced test function.
  • GM L65 Diesel enhanced real time data.
  • GM enhanced updated trouble code requests, includes engine, brakes, body, chassis with 7 status modes.
  • GM, Mercedes, Subaru non-uniform diagnostic trouble code definitions.
  • Ford and GM network net4 data includes body, lights, dash and security server reports.
  • Daimler-Chrysler network data for VPW protocol models, includes injector time and battery temperature.
  • Daimler-Chrysler non-uniform manufactured controlled diagnostic trouble code and test result definitions
  • Enhanced Ford vehicle information
  • Euro Stage III real time data items, includes A/F sensors and trouble code miles.
  • Core Diagnostic Trouble Codes updated for model years 2000+
  • Enhanced Ford Key On Tests.
  • High speed support for all years of INDO-3 and TRICOM 30 Hz possible.
  • Improved time out procedures for enhanced data.
  • Start, Stop data saving option with space bar.
  • Digital dash instruments, any size and location.
  • Enhanced data dashboard instrument selections.
  • Enhanced 97 Volvo reset maintenance interval lights.
  • Ford Mode 6 defined test results and optional negative notation selection.
  • Persistent graph settings.
  • Enhanced data grid playback and file export.
  • Optional VPW system network degrade levels.
  • Enhanced GM real time data items. For LT1 engine and other.
  • VIN, calibration and verification vehicle identification numbers, year 2000+
  • Enable evaporative system for leak testing, year 98+
  • Book mark data items as favorites. Create home page for start settings and auto-connect.
  • Adjustable thickness of plot lines.
  • Audio representation of data (no sound card needed).
  • View menu item for network analysis and trouble shooting of sent, received and bus messages.
  • Search page to define, label, book mark, send and receive your own or extended messages.
  • ISO/DIS 14230-4 keyword protocol 2000-4 with fast and slow initialization used on many European and Asian model year 2000 and beyond.
  • 24 channel stop watch with 10 point lap, split times and dual rise fall triggers.
  • Real time statistics: average, range, time stamped max and min.
  • Glitch capture and scope functions: slope, max and min rise, frequency, period and peak to peak
  • Time stamps selectable as data point, seconds, minutes, hours or current time h:m:s
  • Advanced and undocumented OBD2 connection and protocol settings. Speeds of 35 Hz for GM VPW and 30 Hz Ford PWM possible using hyper mode.
  • Message filtering for multiple responses and restricted viewing.

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Downloads

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More information about your cars On Board Diagnostic Network

Providing research, development, test, certification and software to automotive manufacturers since 1978.
Manufacturer and developer of obd2 automotive network equipment, software and web services since 1995.
Over 8000 sold and same prices since 1996.

Copyright © 1995-2005 Alex C. Peper. All Rights Reserved.
References:
Reprinted with permission from SAE J1930, J1962, J1978, J1979, J2012, J2190, J1850, J2178 © 1997-2004 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. content license 2000-2005
California Air Resource Board
Equipment and Tool Institute information license 2000-2005
International Standards Organization
United States Code of Federal Regulations
General Motors data stream license 2001-2005

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Overview

Mode 09 Request Vehicle Information provides for Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) Calibration Identification Number(CIN) and Calibration Verification Number(CVN) The calibration numbers and verification or used for inspection, security and virus check of vehicle system files and programs. Some cars year 2000+ will support the mode 09 request, and all cars in 2002 will support CVN and CIN numbers. Verification can take several seconds depending on vehicle server encryption used and if engine is running. For GM and Ford vehicles selecting enhanced mode in menu can be used to read various other server "About" information such as Copyright, file names, part and serial numbers. [Back]

vehicle status screen shot
Mode 01 Parameter Identification 01 message request reports if your Malfunction Indicator (check engine) Light (MIL) is turned on, the number of Diagnostic Trouble Codes and the completion of vehicle component testing. The listed parts and systems can be either continuously or non-continuously (only during specific vehicle operation) monitored to finalize a test grade. The monitoring of a test can take from 1 ms to several days depending on the test and your driving. To pass state inspection your MIL must be off and for most cars all monitoring of tests completed and ready to determine MIL status and trouble codes. Any changes in status are recorded and time stamped in the history list. If the instant message result alarm is on, this page will be automatically opened. You can also select an automatic download request based on an update period. With a ISO-9141-2 connection this browser uses Mode 01 PID 01 as a default request to prevent disconnection by the vehicle server if you are idle over 5 seconds. When a message is received you will be notified of the assigned domain name and SAE address. You will also get separate notification and data listings if multiple sites respond to your broadcasted request.

Mode 04 will allow you to connect to your vehicle's main server and erase all diagnostic files. No password is required but you will be prompted to make sure you want to do this. If on, the check engine MIL light will be extinguished, trouble codes will disappear, all testing can be aborted and declared incomplete, with monitoring restarted. Note it can take several days to monitor and complete a final exam depending on the way you drive. Do not press this button if you have an appointment with an enhanced inspection station within 48 hrs.

For model year 95 - 97 Volvo you can reset and turn off maintenance interval lights. After performing recommended service, press enhanced in main menu, when offline, to establish Volvo network login.
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Real time data selection grid screen shot
This is Mode 01 for continuous real time data. You can make a request to send all data sequentially or any combination of individual content, by selecting(highlighting) a item and pressing send. A listing of supported vehicle data to view can be found by requesting PID 00. You can also view all 255 mode 01 allocated data names, that could have vehicle support. A full description is shown for the current selected item, below the data grid. All data is time-stamped and stored. The frequency meter indicates the data acquisition speed in Hz (data points per second). For SAE J1979 data the O2 sensor and corresponding short term fuel trim is sent in packets, thus arriving at the same time. The maximum legal SAE acquisition speed is 10 Hz. per request. Speed is adjustable in menu-options-gateway-protocol in units of milliseconds delay for a response between requests. Some networks will respond within 25 ms allowing acquisition rates to 40 Hz depending on speed of the browser computer. Note: acquisition time is also dependent on other vehicle computers using the network, if your vehicle has a large number of computers on line, acquisition times will be reduced(under 10 Hz) and sporadic. Note: ISO protocol is slower(under 10 Hz).
Units can be changed in real time for all data SI metric or English with time stamp as data pt, seconds minutes, hours or hh:mm:ss in menu-units. If enhanced real-time data is available for your car, pressing menu-enhanced will open a similar data grid display. Selecting audio will produce a low to high frequency sound representation of the data value, using the PC speaker. [Back]

The statistical analysis (stat) panel provides average, minimum, maximum and absolute range difference between the maximum and minimum of the selected data item with time stamp. The rate will give current increase or decrease of data per second. Rate maximum will show fastest rise, rate minimum fastest drop. Frequency, and period (T) in seconds or calculated on repetitive cycling time varying signals. Peak to Peak(P-P) is the absolute difference between maximum and minimum of the repetitive signal. The elapsed time (ET) stop watch panel has dual triggers for positive (increasing) and negative (decreasing) set points. The selected data timer will start when the start data value is obtained, stop when stop value is obtained then list lap time between the points and a split time stamp reading.
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X-axis scrolling graphs screen shot
Y-axis 32 pin strip chart screen shot
3-D scrolling graph screen shot
These graph pages provide different viewpoints for real time data analysis. The X-axis graph page contains 3 individual multi pen graphs that scroll based on time from right to left. The Y-axis graph is a conventional 32 pen strip chart. The 3-D graph plots two variables as a function of time.
Common to all graphs is a control panel and 3 digital panel meters.
The control panel provides a scaled mouse position display, an auto or manual 10 power zoom scaling control, and selection of the time base time units, and time reset.
The panel meters allow selection of current axis labels and data to plot. Pen, meter, axis and background colors and pen width can be changed in real time using menu-options-color
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Freeze Frame data screen shot
When an emission related diagnostic trouble code is set, real time data is recorded marking the event, thus you can see the actual running parameters of your vehicle when the malfunction occurred. There are 256 frame numbers available 0-255. Frame 0 is assigned for regulated mandated data. Frames 1-255 can be used for other purposes. Some vehicles use these frames for additional time based fail records before the finalized test period is complete.
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Diagnostic Trouble Codes screen shot
Trouble codes are assigned an alphanumeric identifier, a short acronym and a full descriptive name. The alpha descriptor references the server domain: P=Powertrain, C=Chassis, B=Body, U=Network. The 1st digit identifies the site author, 0=SAE, 1, 2, 3 is by the manufacturer or reserved. The 2nd digit references the code group title, for a powertrain server: 1, 2=Fuel and Air Metering, 3=Ignition System or Misfire, 4=Auxiliary Emission Controls, 5=Vehicle Speed, Idle control, and Auxiliary Inputs, 6=Computer and Auxiliary Outputs, 7, 8=Transmission 9,0=reserved or determined by SAE. The last two digits 00-99 define the actual body of the message. The site author has the option to use a specific source code or a generic source descriptor in the message. This browser will identify a generic message and provide a list of additional code tips. Note: sites authored by manufacturers are strongly encouraged to use the same titles as SAE. If a manufacturer code is not listed in the browser library, it will cross reference the source code to SAE.

Mode 07 will provide a mid term test grade for continuously monitored systems. If a device fails the first test, the code will be listed, and the device will be given another chance to pass by taking the test over. If it again fails the makeup test, it will be reported in the Mode 03 list of trouble codes and the MIL light will be commanded on.

This page also provides for automatic requests for trouble codes, and an alarm if any codes have been cleared or added by the vehicle controller. The history list provides a listing of past transactions. The number of codes and if any were added or deleted for the current request is indicated above each list.
[Back]

Oxygen sensor data screen shot
This page provides your oxygen sensor output characteristics and test results, with limits listed in a time stamped grid and a voltage output vs time scaleable graph. You can select your available sensors for location and viewing. There is a warning message if any test is not complete. Note, not all vehicles will support O2 sensor test results as is optional per regulations. If no support, the results must be included in Test results described next.
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Test results screen shot
This page provides test information on various components that are not tested continuously, but only during certain operational times and conditions. Results will report a minimum and or maximum range of values and a pass or fail grade. One test can be given to a class of components (such as all O2 sensors). Each component will have an ID number. There is a warning message if any test is not complete, and possible incorrect data. Note the supported test type request is optional for this mode. To find out all available tests select the all possible listing. Note this data is manufactured defined and most manufactures to not provide definitions. Possible that data over 32767 is represented in some type of negative notation, and the result would then pass. In menu units you can select various negative number formats. For Ford and Daimler-Chrysler vehicles you can download a defined test results file which will provide definitions, units and scaled results.

Dash board screen shot
There are two 4 inch and four 2 inch diameter gauges. All gauges conform to OBD2 range specification. For example the tachometer is 16 bit providing a range to 16,000 rpm with a resolution of 0.25 revolutions. You have a choice of selecting 22 different gauges. To set minimum, maximum and red lines, click on the gauge. For example the tach. can have a range of 0-1600 or 6000-8000, or both high and low range gauges. Selectable colors are available for needle, numbers and face plate. [Back]

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Appliance Developers, Fleets, Race, Hobbyist, Specialized Data Acquisition

• smart client appliance chip 1 byte request. ISO, VPW or PWM. Used by OEM's since 1995. $12 1000+. Development system $92. Call or email to order.
• Name-Value Pairs DAQ API manual Drivers for win32, CE, .net
• SAE J2534 Pass-Thru Vehicle Driver win32 year 2000 draft for Tricom and Indo-3, supports diagnostics only, includes sample program.
• IND0-3 - same as TRICOM with opto-isolation for industrial and racing environments $202 Requires 80mA plus and minus current supply, such as a PC compliant serial port or a WinCE device.
• All products except Tricom, TriCAN and iMax or available as kit that require solder, assemble and the ability to read schematic deduct $12 Check or money order.