Title says it guys. I'm looking to upgrade to a Windows version of scanning software. Diacom isn't going to cut it anymore once my pocket programmer 2 shows up in the mail. I don't want to have to multiboot back and forth from Windows & DOS to burn chips (i'll be using the Win software for the programmer).

Anyways....

Datamaster has a beta version of their software for 86-89 Corvette & Camaro MAF cars. Or there is EASE which looks like a very well done product by the presentation a forum member showed me on it.

What other options do I have? Has to be Windows 2000 Compatible. :)

 

I am very happy with EASE. The chartiung abilities are really cool.

 

Ditto on EASE

 

FYI: Diacom does run under WinME, but it doesn't run right. That is a bad way of saying, don't do it. It looks like it is running, but it won't link. WinME uses a different I/O mech than does 98. WinNT doesn't like apps that want full control of the PORT. i.e. Diacom. I have not bothered, but I'll presume the same applies for Win2K.

 

I've got the OBD1 version of EASE. You can capture data until you fill your hard drive. I forget how frequently it updates, but you can control that as well. It captures data on so may different parameters it's scary. You can convert them to text files or graph them "8 ways to Sunday". Having used both Diacom and EASE, there's NO comparison.

 

I'd like to see a little bit of discussion here too. I'm shopping for scanning stuff. I was looking really hard at Datamaster but it looks like right now Ease has the recommendation. Anyone else have any other experiences? Also my laptop only has a USB port. Anyone have experiences with that regarding the USB/serial converters.

 

Scorp,

Craig Moates software works both in DOS and Windows. Best of all, its free. Has everything I need and then some... :cheers:

 

I recently ordered a new laptop and it came without a serial port. Hopeing to use the laptop I ordered a Targus mobile port replicator. I never could get my computer to make the translation fron serial to USB. Ended up sending the laptop back and buying one with a serial port. Some have had success with serial/USB connection, I didn't. Good luck with yours.

 

The lack of a serial port was a major factor in which laptop that I chose as well. I have a Sony Vaio and I love it. Most of the Sonys have the serial port on them.

 

Scorp, you do realize that PP must run in DOS mode, not a DOS window. At least that is the case with mine and the readme file confirms that info as well.

 

It doesn't. There is a windows version of the software now. I have burned a ton of chips already straight outta Win2k with my pocket programmer 2.

 

Ease offers a USB to serial cable for those newer laptops that are I/O impaired. Its's a bit pricey at $50 for the USB/serial cable alone. You might try searching the web or Fry's Electronics for a cheaper cable alternative.

Ease OBD1 scan tools work on Win95, 98, WinME, NT4.0, Win2000, and XP. I use Ease OBD1 & OBD2 tools on NT 4.0 myself. Personally, I'd avoid using Ease (or any other scan tool) on WinMEaningless if at all possible.

For you LT-4 and 96 LT-1 owners Ease has an OBD2 version for all of the above as well as Palm and WinCE. The Palm and WinCe versions only record generic OBD2 parameters at this time however.

 

Hi Scorp - Been there, done that. I've run Diacom+ on WIN98SE, WIN98, WIN95B on about 12 notebooks-no problem. What I'm trying to say is maybe you don't have to dump Diacom just yet. But when I switched OS's to WINXP, forget it. Diacom+ refused to work. I switched to DataMaster, but got hosed when I switched notebooks again to one w/o a serial port. Well, we got 12" of snow here, so looks like I can wait until Feb when DataMaster supposedly will support USB. My PP2 works fine in any version of Windows. I do really like DataMaster, though... My experience with TTS support has been aweful. Took 4 calls just to talk to someone.

Good luck, man!


[Modified by ELEVENS, 8:41 AM 12/2/2002]

 

I run a Compaq laptop with XP Pro and !serial port.

I use Datamaster, Belkin F5U103 USB -> Serial adapter, and an AKM cable. I've only taken a few scans with Datamaster (I'm still on the trial version) and I don't yet have the equipment to burn chips. It has allways connected for me, but sometimes it takes a few tries. Your only limit on data colletion is the size of your hard drive.

 

Ease support is awesome. Get a call right back.

 

Scorp I had a forum member allow me to use his Ease with the respective software. It is by far the nicest program I have used thus far. I was able to log 2 20 minute drives without a glitch. It plays back, graphs, etc etc without any problems or snags. No more playing with com settings, disabling devices etc.

I am sending for my copy real soon. Setup was as easy as just pluggin in the cables. At the time I made my post above, I had not used Ease. Craigs is still a great alternative and it free. It served me well, but my cable dilemas have forced me to make a purchase.

If you need anything let me know.

jesse :cheers:

 

I have Diac om but am considering the move to EASE. Does anybody know the COST? ...and, where I can PURCHASE? :flag

 

GRX,

Your profile says that you have a 1985 L98. Your Vette would be OBD1. The Ease GM OBD1 Personal Scan tool is $315 + shipping. It includes everything you need including cables. It requires a Pentium 160 MHz or better laptop. By default is uses the com port to connect, but you can also use a USB port with a USB/Com adapter if your laptop doesn't have a com port. Ease is compatible with Windows 95,98,2000, NT4.0, XP, ME.

Send me a direct email and I'll send you an HTML formatted review of the use of the OBD1 scan tool in use on my 88 Vette. It has screen captures from my own actual use on my Vette.

You can order directly from Ease via their web site at http://www.obd2.com or you can order through me. Ease does not offer rebates orders placed via their web site. If you order through me I'll get you a 10% rebate on anything you buy from Ease. (Unless of course you and a buddy order 2 tools at the same time, then I'll get you each a 12% rebate.)

Mike_88Z51@yahoo.com



[Modified by Mike_88Z51, 12:18 PM 4/10/2003]

 

Thanks Mike. If I ever upgrade to a "165" ECM, will I have to purchase a complete new Ease system???

 

GRX,

No. As long as it is a GM recognized OBD1 ECM the Ease OBD1 tool will work with it. The Ease GM OBD1 scan tool will scan any 1982-1995 GM OBD1 vehicle. That includes GMC/Chevy trucks, Saturns, Caddys, you name it.

If you were to put in an enirely new OBD2 system, then you would need a separate OBD2 scan tool. OBD1 and OBD2 are not compatible systems.