One could put an argument that this question is about software and not mechanics, however now-days everything is computerized (including cars and their diagnostic tools) so I believe this question belongs here as this is where one intuitively look for such an answer.
I have recently bought this cable (ELM327 OBD2) but was unable to use it with Windows 10. Windows would detect the cable (USB to COM), but driver under system would have triangle with exclamation mark which indicates that there is something wrong with driver. When trying to update driver windows would give message that this is the latest driver.
I have tried using 4 different diagnostic programs and all of them would fail with messages similar to Unable to establish connection to COM port or nothing is plugged in, which in my opinion indicate that cable (or driver) is incompatible with Windows 10. (Cable was connected to the car and car had ignition on)
I just ordered the third because it uses ancient but widespread IP v4 to set up a connection, making it usuable with almost any computer.
(Almost since it might be challenging on iphones and similar unless jail broken).
The alternatives both require special drivers and I am not convinced that those will be updated, neither in time (e.g. not yet available for your current OS) or not at all (e.g. when you want to use it over a decade with then current equipment).
Both of these work, though the second might be a lot of work unless you are familiar with setting up the hypervisor and installing an OS. In addition to that you would need a CoA to run the second (older) copy of windows in a VM. Which makes it only interesting if you want to use one laptop for everything.
I am writing a console application in C++. So far my code can detect if my device (linux) has been connected to another device (usually windows) via TCPIP. Once I open Putty on my Windows to connect to my device that is running the console application, my code recognizes it and automatically sends data from my device(linux), to my computer.
I would like to do the same thing with USB. Right now, my console application can send/receive data from my Windows device, BUT only if I send data first. I want my console application to automatically detect if it has been connected to via putty or other application, and automatically start sending data to my microprocessor. I've read and played with libudev by running code that displays when a USB device has been connected and disconnected. I would like to know if there is a way for my device(linux) to know that it has been connected to my PC via Putty, and not a hotplug event. and if so, is there an example floating around somewhere I can use.
Well, there are some major issues with what you are suggesting. A normal USB cable is master->slave, which means that one machine is the controlling machine, and the other is a slave. Both a Windows machine and an Ubuntu machine, would both expect to be the host, controlling the USB operations as the USB-Master. There is nothing off-the-shelf that would change this relationship (but many embedded designs that switch host-slave relationships).
HOWEVER, you can use a USB-Bridge (or Transfer) Cable to communicate over USB between two machines. I found this one on Amazon "Plugable Windows Transfer Cable". You should be able to use this to write a console application on both sides, but would require some experience with Windows and Linux drivers. Not trivial.
I suppose one other idea, would be to use two USB network dongles, and connect them to each other with an ethernet cross-over cable, and setup a local network. You could still use your networking capabilities to communicate between the two devices, but this would be detectable when the USB port is plugged in.
Purpose of this article is to save you time researching reliable professional OBD software for your PC/laptop/mobile. Because competing automotive scan tools have saturated the market for sake of profit, this trend has shifted focus away from features.
Rule of thumb: All OBD2 software basically performs the SAME. They diagnose and return vehicles faults to the user. Some diagnose more fault codes, some less. Quantity of errors detected is most prominent difference.
Automotive engineering has come a long way since Karl Benz developed the first petrol or gasoline power automobile in 1885. What started off a form of transportation to solely move people from point A to point B has not turn into a luxurious, fast option to transport people from A to B.
Before the technological boom, cars were plain and simple and easy to fix. However, as we have advanced in all aspects, cars now are equipped with the most technological items that one can think of, from air conditioner, to navigation, to even autopilot.
Usually, the product will come with two pieces of equipment, a device, car scanning hardware (cord) and car OBD-2 software (for accessing data via OBD port). The hardware/cord connects the ECU to the computer.
The (PC/laptop/Android/Max/iOS) OBD software then reads the data and analyze the data for the end-users. The main goal of this application is to assist with the maintenance of the vehicle as well as prolonging the life of the vehicle.
Below, we have gathered seven different types of car diagnostic software from seven different companies which we believe are the best software that you can purchase now for your Windows/Mac laptop/PC computer.
When looking for car diagnostic software, it is best to see what would be most suitable for you according to your needs. Some people may want to have more functions (like visual live monitoring of various data parameters in the engine), while others would just want to basics (as in health of engine and is car in decently safe condition to drive).
Thanks for the numbers. I have owed a light and medium duty truck repair company for over 22 years. We use many different scanners in our arsenal for trouble shooting, most are bi-directional. So, I was not overly impressed with TOAD obd software on my laptop, but it will serve the purpose that I purchased it for (accurate obd 2 scans). Mostly ?for laptop ability and large screen display when test driving. So it alone was worth the money.
I look forward to purchasing some more of your products in the future for remapping, tuning, flashing and reprograming. I am always interest in any Mode$06 Information from any obdii software, especially on Fords.
We also work on a vast amount of light duty diesel engines, Ford (Power Strokes) G.M. (Duramax), Dodge (Cummings) and International (466 etc.). If you have more information on these motors, feel free to shoot me an email for what you have to offer. My two Diesel Techs are both very knowledgeable, but I like to be on top of my game at all times. We also work on gas engines, Ford, G.M. & Dodge.
EOBD Facile does exactly what it says in the description. Used in conjuction with Total Car Diagnostics ELM327 wifi. Works fine on my skoda octavia. Detected engine management fault and allow me to clear the MIL successfully. Real time displays and 0-60 functions work perfectly. Very pleased.
Anyway, came to this page, purchase obdii software TOAD, and it certainly payed for itself by helping my car pass inspection with a P0420 code. I erased the code, drove the car until all the monitors were ready and went and got an inspection before the light came back on. Good reliable obd2 software in overal and recommending to friends.
Did a little research, came to this page, bought one of the obd2 software and elm327 wifi device. Install the software, plugged WIFI into vehicles obd port, and connected to Windows. Took right off and magic within 5 sec I had the output showning the problem.
Some of these products are lifesavers. I drive a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser and I recently acquired a new engine motor for it. Mechanic did a mediocre job and I have a list of problems with MIL check engine light reappearing. As a young female unfamiliar with vehicle dynamics, I find mobile based obd apps especially simple to use and lets me to know if there is a considerable problem with my car or just the usually glitch. And the Price is great too. Got ELM327 wifi from totalcardiagnostics.
Agree. For the price of a typical mechanic scan, a good reliable obd2 scanner and decent diagnostic software is the way to go. We have 4 vehicles a Toyota, Honda, Nissian, & Dodge and it works on all of them. My husband Had one previously which he had to buy a manual for the Honda to look up codes. This one comes with the codes.
The instructions are actually very good and comprehensive directions are included to tell you exactly what every function does and how to use it in the software. This scanner software does not allow you to operate sensors or solenoids or actuators you will need a $1500+ unit if you need to do that.
Tried OBD Auto Doctor software and TOAD-Scan. Later is preferred and works perfect. Both have excellent clean and intuitive GUI. I used it on my daughters car it found the problem I bought the part, cleared the code and she passed her inspection. Not only did I save $120 diagnostic fee but also the $50 which dealership incurs to reset the codes. Well worth the money, my dad is ordering one to have in his workshop garage.
I ended up buying a handheld Autel obd2 reader from Amazon, as software is too complicated for my hands-on type. Anyway, always wanted to be able to see for myself when the Check Engine light goes on, what does it really imply and ask of the car driver.
However I see ELM327 mini (or WIFI/Bluetooth) being connected to PC, certainly has advantages. For example the Dyno charts are colorful and easier to read then handheld code readers. Ended up buying one of obd software from this review page. Hooked it up to Bluetooth OBD2 device, and very pleased. Thanks for this review page. Saved us time looking manually.
Thank you for this article. We are in the market for obd2 scanner with more capabilities than the basic code reader. We also have experience utilizing autoenginuity and we would like to see some of the ECU mapping features of TOAD. This has been very beneficial to us making a decision.