Tom454

Hi ya'll... I need some advice on where to start with diagnostic equipment for a 1987. I have a new Dell laptop running Windows 10 (Christmas gift). What is the most sensible software and real time data logging equipment I should get? Where's a good place to get it? I don't need the Cadillac version... just the backyard mechanic sensible stuff to get the job done.

aklim

I don't like the laptop since you have to buy the cable and use the software which has a learning curve. I'd get the handheld one so it is easier to take along. Snap On MT2500 or maybe a used Tech1?

billschroeder5842

look up WIN ALDL as it is OBD1 compatible. They may have a version for your year

I had this set up for my 82 and I liked it very much. Yes, it has a cable and CD and I could see charts and graphs.

However, as Aklim mentioned a Tech 1 is a great way to go

aklim

If I had needed it then before I bought my scanners, I'd have gone with the Tech 1 because it can cycle the ABS among other things.

BlowerWorks

A dedicated scan tool, particularly the Tech I, is quick and easy. However for $85 (the ALDC cable) and a free program called TunerPro (tunerpro.net) you not only can log but you can start to learn how to edit your tune aka BIN.
Perhaps the beauty of the laptop is it can run a log for virtually forever whereas the typical scan tool may log for 30 seconds at best.
Anyhow TunerPro is actually 2 programs in one: log and/or tune. Yes there is a learning curve but this is also true of most things in life worth anything !!! lol greg

JackDidley

Tunrpro and an ALDL cable . Less than $100 and it works .

http://www.moates.net/tunerpro-rt-v5-p-68.html?cPath=31


http://www.reddevilriver.com/aldl.html

LT1_383

If you have an Android phone, you can go with the ALDLDroid app and an ALDL Bluetooth adapter from 1320 Electronics. The datalogs from ALDLDroid are compatible with TunerPro too.

Tom454

That seems cost effective.

Also...I don't have a smart phone.

aklim

It might be but you have to place the laptop in the car. So yes, it is cheaper and cannot do the cycling of the ABS. That means I have to be more careful when bleeding the brakes. It also means I have to take the laptop out to the car when I want to do work. Driving with the laptop isn't an option. Handheld would allow portability even if it cannot cycle ABS like my scantools. I can bring them along in the trunk or glove box since I don't have an OBD1 car besides the C4. Costs less up front? Yes. Cost effective? It depends.

You are the 2nd person I know of who doesn't.

barbedwiredave

AFAIK a tech 1 will not do anything with the OP ABS system on his 1987, only 1990-96 so that reasoning for a tech 1 purchase could be ruled out.

aklim

I was not aware of this. Thanks

barbedwiredave

NP! The older ABS units need a special Kent Moore box that plugs into the ABS harness. The tool is damn hard to find and usually overly expensive, been looking for one under $350 since 2002

ghlkal

I have a Tech1, but in addition to buying a used Tech1 you need the cartridges also. I don't have the mass storage cartridge, and even though I have all the others, I'm limited without the mass storage cartridge.

Given that you have the laptop, tunerpro is a good option.

aklim

Why is that? Just not available or ridiculously expensive?

Tom454

Price is a high priority in my case. I only want to spend enough to get the job done. I tried a code reader and that was useless. I can do $100. For my purpose, anything more is not cost effective. Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have a mission now instead of a question.

Joe C

IMO, you made the right choice. seems to be the best bang for the buck.

JackDidley

Ive been datalogging with a laptop on the passenger seat for 15 years. I have a wireless plug in ($9.50 ) and a $12.50 program for my OBD11 cars.

aklim

My thoughts are that you would have to have a dedicated laptop to do this if you want to scan it when you want. That or take it in and out of the house when you leave and come home. I can leave the scanner there all day long. I have my OBD1 scanner in the car as a permanent resident

JackDidley

I have a Windows partition on my laptop with my scan and tuning programs. I have a linux partition that I use for everything else so I just carry it in and out as needed. I dont scan or tune that often these days. In fact I no longer have the C4 so I should probably sell the hardware that I have for it.