OBD2 Diagnostic Socket, any suitable software??

[longdog5]

The Merc type OBD2 socket (ISO) should be easy to connect to a laptop, there seems to be only one data line so a simple level converter should take it straight into the serial port. Does anyone know of suitable software?, there seems to be lots of freeware around for OBD2 but I'm not sure if any of it would incorporate Merc specific diagnostics.
LD5

 

[longdog5]

I guess I'm on my own with this. I've downloaded various software, this coming weekend I should be able to put together a 'max232' type level converter (as an interface) and I'll post the result.
LD5

 

[steveperry]

Hi,

Would you be after something like CARSOFT?

S.

 

[longdog5]

Hi Steve, Yes the MB version of 'Carsoft' would be ideal, I'm obviously looking for shareware or freeware as a first choice but it may be that only the emission related diagnostics would be possible with the free stuff. My interest is purely on a 'personal use and curiosity' basis so I am reluctant to fork out lots of money for anything commercial . The interface should be no more than a few components so its certainly worth taking a shot at it.
Cheers & Beers
LD5

 

[wagamama]

Hi Longdog,

if you could post circuit diagrams, am sure some of us would like to try this too - i wouldn't mind, and am sure there is some sorta freeware version for it

 

[longdog5]

Yes no problem, as I said earlier in the thread I'm going to try a 'max232' chip which should be the simplest interface, I think optocouplers are favorite in some commercial versions, either way its very simple bit of circuitry. I wont post anything though until I know it works. I've got most of the 'freeware' and 'shareware', some look more promising than others, just have to give them a try.
LD5

 

[MotardMan]

EFi Interface

I used to ride a TL1000S motorcycle, and as it was Fi, and tuned, I ran a Dynojet Power Commander 2 and software which allowed you to remap the DJPC. This was a "box" that sat downstream of the ECU and modified the output to allow for map and ignition customisation. The software ran via a laptop and RS232 connector.

I assume that you are talking dioagnostics and not tuning, buit I would be most interested in a set up that allows you to diagnose or health check the cars systems.

Best of luck, and thanks in advance.

Jim

 

[longdog5]

Only diagnostics,re-sets and general housekeeping is likely to be possible with simple software, has to be better than nothing especially if its free.
LD5

 

[sunil sood]

The Merc type OBD2 socket (ISO) should be easy to connect to a laptop, there seems to be only one data line so a simple level converter should take it straight into the serial port. Does anyone know of suitable software?, there seems to be lots of freeware around for OBD2 but I'm not sure if any of it would incorporate Merc specific diagnostics.
LD5

have you tried doing a search or posted on our american counterpart website -www.mercedesshop.com?-could have have valuable clues on the software you are after-after all, they in america may be ahead in software diagnostics than in the uk.

it would be interesting, as i have a 190e-1993 car uk spec.

the only software i know of in the uk is of the commercial type, available from eurocarparts.com, but it is likely to be expensive, as it appears to be geared toward the car trade sector

 

[grober]

obd2 and Elektor Magazine

Elektor magazine had 2 articles on the construction of an OBD-2 inteface. Nov 02 and Dec 02 as I recall. You might also like to take a look at the web site http://www.elmelectronics.com who supplied the chip and software for same. PROBABLY ONLY USEFUL IF YOUR A DIGITAL ELECTRONICS WIZARD!! I seem to remember that there are "several versions" of OBD-2 standards which are still being developed. The europeans have an ISO version and it would appear that some manufacturers have a "modified" version of OBD-2, while still suppying the basic fault codes to fullfill compliance with the standard the rest of the detailed fault codes are still NOT readily accessible . This tends to defeat the purpose of a universal set of fault codes for all vehicles which was the purpose of the standard in the first place!!!!Sounds a bit of a minefield if you ask me. GOOD LUCK!

 

[longdog5]

Fortunately for our Mercs we only need ISO , I'm looking at keeping it very simple, just a level interface into a laptop then let the software do the work. The Elm chips allow 'talking' in simple ASCII, this is fine but not needed if the software can do the work. As I see it the big problem is finding software that is merc specific and will do more than than the simple stuff.
Many thanks for the input guys,
LD5

 

[longdog5]

Forgot to add this link http://www.obd-2.com Hit 'download' then 'everything' seems to be the most promising software (has some merc specifics), entire site is also very interesting.
LD5

 

[longdog5]

OK. Interfacing with the laptop is easy, I lashed together three versions, (1) using a max232 (2) using opto's (3) simplest of all using 2 transistors . All work fine, problem is the software, the available freeware/shareware is very limited, not easy to use and far too basic. Unless I find any more suitable software I'm going to shelve the project for the moment.
Alex C. Pepers explorer software (link in post above) looks promising, this is of course not freeware but at not much over $100 for the whole kit must be the cheapest alternative to DIY. If I buy one I will post a new thread with my findings.
LD5

 

[guydewdney]

I've got a W140 CL 420, and last time i took it to the dealer, he plugged in his diagnostic doofer - so i took the oppertunity to dig through his paperwork with it.

there is a single line data port in the lug, presumably as a standard. Is there any way I can even get a blink code (flash?) out of this?

if not - good luck, and I'll chuck some money your way if you get somthing sensible for us home mechanics to play with

 

[grober]

Guy you might like to have a look at K6JRF,s pages. He has a w140 cl500 and a lot of good info on the electronics . see http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_S500.html for more detail. For all those curious about MB electronics, this is a good site with construction details of a simple LED fault code tester.

 

[guydewdney]

yes, i looked at his site - but post 95/6 cars are digital - and the blink system doesn't work.

so it looks like loadsamoney solution or kep trying to find a laptop compatible freeware solution to connecting to the X11/4 connector

Guy