By Jim C. on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 07:38 am: Edit

Has anyone tried to make the OBD2 cable connection to a laptop. I want to download the program from OBD-2.com, but I'm not sure what type of connection it needs. Can I simply go to Radio Shack and get the parts I need for the cable, or can I buy the cable for really cheap somewhere?

By Leslie on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 08:11 am: Edit

I'm not sure, but I think there's a catch....

One end should be easy, just a standard pin-out for the back of a laptop; and the other end, where it plugs into the vehicle's computer output, I don't 'think' would be difficult to locate either.

The problem, though, is that there is a converter box inline between the two ends of the cables.

Might be possible to build, but may end up being more than just buying it from the fellow.... can't say for sure, have got other fish to fry first, but it is on my to-find-out-about list... if you come up w/ a more definitive answer, I'd love to hear....

-Leslie

By Alex on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 11:22 am: Edit

I have one of these, and it's more complicated than just the cables. The box has a bunch of circutry & stuff (technical terms ) You would have to reverse engineer an existing one.

Alex

By Steven Henry on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 12:05 pm: Edit

The problem is that you need a converter chip. The chip takes the ISO9141 (OBD2) and turns it into readable data to an RS232 (PC) connection. Now, you need software to interpret the RS232 data. Although this seems simple, there would be quite a bit of work involved in getting the system up and running.

I gave the thought of building one and writing software a brief thought, but found that the time invovled was worth far more than the $122 a cable and software are sold for.


Steven

By Alex on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 12:12 pm: Edit

No doubt about it.

By Cal on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 07:05 pm: Edit

Has anyone used this software and cable for $122.00?

By Alex Schubow (Alex) on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 01:03 am: Edit

Yeah, I have it, although I have not had a chance to use it very much. Just to reset the check engine light so far.

Alex

By Cal on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 03:29 pm: Edit

Were you able to read what code it left?

By Alex Schubow (Alex) on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 05:24 pm: Edit

Yes.

By Stephen Mohan (Stephen) on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 05:52 pm: Edit

Alex,
I'd like to order that for my 96'. What year truck do you have, and which cables/equipment package did you buy from that site?

By Alex Schubow (Alex) on Thursday, July 12, 2001 - 01:00 am: Edit

I have a 98. You need to buy the ISO package for $122, I believe, but you might want to email the guy to make sure. He is very knowledgeable.

I bought the triple combo for $180 which works on all vehicles.

Alex