Code Readers/Scanners?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Washington District of Columbia
Code Readers/Scanners?
What Code Readers/Scanners are you guys using on your vehicles?
I'm looking for a "good" one for under $200 for my "94 6 spd LT1.
Thank you all.
I'm looking for a "good" one for under $200 for my "94 6 spd LT1.
Thank you all.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
Under $200, good luck finding a "good" one. All depends on what you want to do. My OTC Nemisys can read codes, live data, record data, etc... in ALL the accessible modules in my 93. ECM, CCM, ABS/ASR, Air Bag.
Reading codes is kinda of a waste you can do that with a jumper wire. Spend the money to get live data and such, HUGE help if you know what you are looking at.
This is what I have:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nemisys-scan-tool-with-adapters-/200929474389?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item2ec8547755&vxp=mtr
Paid $400 about 2 years ago on Ebay.
Reading codes is kinda of a waste you can do that with a jumper wire. Spend the money to get live data and such, HUGE help if you know what you are looking at.
This is what I have:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nemisys-scan-tool-with-adapters-/200929474389?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item2ec8547755&vxp=mtr
Paid $400 about 2 years ago on Ebay.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Washington District of Columbia
[QUOTE=93Rubie;1584056980]Under $200, good luck finding a "good" one. All depends on what you want to do. My OTC Nemisys can read codes, live data, record data, etc... in ALL the accessible modules in my 93. ECM, CCM, ABS/ASR, Air Bag.
Reading codes is kinda of a waste you can do that with a jumper wire. Spend the money to get live data and such, HUGE help if you know what you are looking at.
Thanks. I do want more than just the codes. I would like the "live data"
and records you mentioned. I just need to analyze the basics of my LT1s engine ie. fuel system, electrical system, etc. My understanding is there are a few for under $200.
Reading codes is kinda of a waste you can do that with a jumper wire. Spend the money to get live data and such, HUGE help if you know what you are looking at.
Thanks. I do want more than just the codes. I would like the "live data"
and records you mentioned. I just need to analyze the basics of my LT1s engine ie. fuel system, electrical system, etc. My understanding is there are a few for under $200.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Washington District of Columbia
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: NH
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 438
Likes: 14
From: Tucson/Santa Paula AZ/CA
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
I have used Diacom+ since it came out. The only drawback is that it requires a parallel port but that can be emulated with a USB>Parallel adapter. The company is no longer selling the old Diacom program so finding a copy/cables will be hit-or-miss.
Mick
Mick
Last edited by QZRBLU; Jun 7, 2013 at 01:28 PM.
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Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
I have used a USB cable and an old PC with WINALDL (shareware) on it for years. My out of pocket cost was $70 for the USB cable which goes from the ALDL port under the steering wheel to my old notebook. See the attached write-up for additional details.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Diacom uses a low level parallel port driver to access the port directly. It won't even run in a DOS window under Windows. The user's manual says Windows installs its own parallel port driver and Diacom can't use it.
I have an antique Compaq Presario laptop that I boot directly into DOS (NO Windows) to run Diacom+.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 438
Likes: 14
From: Tucson/Santa Paula AZ/CA
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Have you run Diacom with a USB parallel cable? I'm curious because I don't think it's possible.
Diacom uses a low level parallel port driver to access the port directly. It won't even run in a DOS window under Windows. The user's manual says Windows installs its own parallel port driver and Diacom can't use it.
I have an antique Compaq Presario laptop that I boot directly into DOS (NO Windows) to run Diacom+.
Diacom uses a low level parallel port driver to access the port directly. It won't even run in a DOS window under Windows. The user's manual says Windows installs its own parallel port driver and Diacom can't use it.
I have an antique Compaq Presario laptop that I boot directly into DOS (NO Windows) to run Diacom+.
You are correct, I use that USB/FTDI adapter to run my OBDII diagnostic software. I still have an ancient IBM L40SX running DOS 5.0 and a slightly less ancient IBM ThinkPad that I startup in DOS mode under Windows 98 for my Diacom+. Too bad Ed Rinda didn't stick with automotive diagnostics and expanded into Marine and Industrial engine software.
Mick
Last edited by QZRBLU; Jun 7, 2013 at 01:45 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 289
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From: new york
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
I talked to Ed when I bought Diacom. He told me he didn't write Diacom -- he just sold it for the programmer (he didn't tell me who that was). He told me he was having a feud with the programmer and the programmer had stopped talking with him. That's why it was never updated since the 2000 version 2.85 that I have.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Titusville Florida
I use a Vetronix Master Tech. It is a version of the Tech II that GM dealers use. It has software for other manufacturers. Bought it complete with GM, Ford, Chrysler and Asian cartridges for $100.00. Works well and has multimeter features.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 438
Likes: 14
From: Tucson/Santa Paula AZ/CA
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
I think the market for the early OBD diagnostics dried up. Besides that, Diacom is way overpriced compared to other software available now. According to my receipt I paid $585.75 for it on 5-12-00.
I talked to Ed when I bought Diacom. He told me he didn't write Diacom -- he just sold it for the programmer (he didn't tell me who that was). He told me he was having a feud with the programmer and the programmer had stopped talking with him. That's why it was never updated since the 2000 version 2.85 that I have.
I talked to Ed when I bought Diacom. He told me he didn't write Diacom -- he just sold it for the programmer (he didn't tell me who that was). He told me he was having a feud with the programmer and the programmer had stopped talking with him. That's why it was never updated since the 2000 version 2.85 that I have.
Mick
Last edited by QZRBLU; Jun 8, 2013 at 12:57 PM.