Suggestion for small OBDII Scantool

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mab992@post.com - 12 Dec 2005 15:08 GMT

I've already got Autotap for the laptop and it's a winner for
sure. Problem is it's not that good for on the road diags
esp when you have an intermittent problem. The only
way to catch these is to drive around with a scan tool
hooked up to the system....not practical at all with
with a laptop which can be stolen or could crash against
the dash if you have to brake etc. It also takes considerable
time to boot and load the app etc. Just not practical at
all for catching intermittent problem.

What I want is not an idiot "code reader" but a small/inexpensive
scan tool with capture mode. I thought that Autoxray made one
but it appears that what they have now is more expensive than
what I remember.

Does anyone know of any bargain basement scan tool for
GM (OBDII) that will do this?

Thanks

MB

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Lawrence Glickman - 12 Dec 2005 15:13 GMT

>I've already got Autotap for the laptop and it's a winner for
>sure. Problem is it's not that good for on the road diags
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
>MB

It depends on the sample rate you want, and how many parameters you
need to monitor at one time.

I'm using a Davis Car Chip XL model at a sampling rate of once every 5
seconds. This is as fast as it can read/store data from the on-board
car computer. If you need a continuous data stream to be written you
your hard drive,
1= it is going to fill up quickly
2= you have the problems you mentioned above

I take the Car Chip into the computer about 1/month and download all
the data. I look at it. If everything is inside allowable limits, I
clear the chip memory and plug it back into the car.

Lg

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mab992@post.com - 12 Dec 2005 22:02 GMT

Might work. I was thinking that some scan tools may
have a repeat capture that will caputer for 10 minutes and
repeat if not stopped. This would allow you to catch
what ever sporadic/intermittent event you want.

I'll look into the davis chip, but what params does
it capture?

thanks

MB

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Lawrence Glickman - 12 Dec 2005 22:09 GMT

>Might work. I was thinking that some scan tools may
>have a repeat capture that will caputer for 10 minutes and
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>I'll look into the davis chip, but what params does
>it capture?

Something like 5 of any 20 parameters listed on the box at any given
time. You get to select what it monitors and records while at your
computer. It has its' place as a flight recorder. You can pull it
and plug it into your computer and see what happened or didn't happen
with your engine up to a point.

I suggest you go to the Davis Car Chip URL and look at what the XL
model can and can't do. For myself, I already have a 9145 and another
Actron Scanner for real-time stuff. The Car Chip is there to catch
any trends that are headed out of boundries.

I think you will be pleased with what you see at the Davis Car Chip
URL. I really think it is worth the money. Get the model with the
most features. They sell these at Sears in the Tool Department,
automotive section. Be sure to check the box to be certain you are
getting the Enhanced Super Duper version of chip instead of the less
useful *regular* chip.

>thanks
>
>MB

I think you'll like it.

Lg

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