Here is the situation. I need to start some data logging and need to do
so in an efficient manner. I have a Mac Powerbook G4 and can install
Virtual PC for Windows XP and then buy one of the PC products that is
out there. The question is what is the most reasonable approach. The
Virtual PC software will cost about $200. I would then need one of the
scanning packages (autotap, digimoto, autoenginuity, etc.) that run from
$120 to $300 depending on generic or enhanced parameters.

Is is necessary to have the enhanced parameter support? Other than knock
retard, what other enhanced parameters are needed for basic troubleshooting?

Any suggestions on hardware and software options?

 

I presume you have OBDII. Here's a list of what enhanced OBDII will do, courtesy of Autoxray: /www.jiffylube.autoxray.com/downloads/eobd2.htm

 

There's also this:
www.obd2.com
Also contains enhanced parameters for LT-1.

 

Generic OBD-II only supports the parameters EPA requires. Enhanced opens the door up to 100's of GM parameters and not aobut 40 for generic

You want a scanner that functions well with GM's way of moving data over the ADLC connector, is fast, allows you to do indepth analyzing via replay, exporting the data to Excel for even more analyzing, does EPA tests like O2s and does the EPA I/M tests.

It should also allow you to use on other GM cars and light trucks.

I suggest the models from Ease, they are a tier 2 supplier to GM so their scanners comply with GM specs, the OBD-II version works on ALL GM cars and light trucks from 1996 to present.
They also make OBD-I version, a combined OBD-I and 2 version
If you want generic version they have pocket PC or PDA versions.

With homegrown or backward engineered brands it may only be able to request 10 parameters or less per second from the PCM, Ease does 40 frame a second since it uses GM's higher speed method rather then the slower EPA methods.

Contact me for more info, I use the Ease 7 days a week for last 4 years on 1,000's of GM cars.

 

Thanks for the info. I have PMed Team ZR1 for some more info on Ease.
Seems to be about $50 more than Autotap though. I also need to be
sure it will run on a Powerbook with Virtual PC Win XP.

 

I'm going to try Digimoto For my 97 Camaro Z28.
It's $119 bucks I beleve it does all that the autotap or ease.
I'm going to send them an E-mail today and see wat they say.
If you want to check it out here's a link to them.
http://www.digimoto.com/

Chris.

 

does anyone here know anything about this Digimoto? If it offers the basic scanning features that I would need to view to figure out what is out of tune on my car, I would buy it.

 

Does Digimoto have enhanced OBDII? I didn't see it mentioned. If it doesn't, pass on it.

 

I should be finding out today.
I sent them An E-mail yesterday.
I'll let you know what they say.

Chris.

 

Ok today I got an E-mail form Digimoto.
They told me I can read all sensors.
It does Real Time Sensor Charts,Diagnostic Trouble Codes,Sensor Grid,Quarter Mile Stats,Dyno Statistics,On Board Test Information,Data Logging.

So with that said It does do enhanced OBDII.
Right?

Chris.

 

That just means it supports the common EPA sensors, not the 400 PIDs GM has.
I would ask them again if they support ALL of GM's and for what years since this list
http://www.digimoto.com/confirmedobd.htm#chevrolet

covers a few of the older years and uses the older VPW protocol.
PIDs you want to make sure they support, just a few like delivered torque,
injectors pulse width, knock, and trannie functions.

 

Ok sent another e-mail to them and asked them this.
Does Digimoto do enhanced OBDII?
Does it cover the 400 PIDs GM has.
Does it support PIDs like delivered torque,injectors pulse width, knock, and
trannie functions.

Don't care if it works with any other years Just want it for my 1997 Z28.
Thanks for your input.
I will post agine when they contact me

Thanks,

Chris.

 

what is delivered torque?

 

The PCM is a dyno in that it calculates the output torque and the delivered torque to the trannie.
Torque management is used to control the engines output to prevent overlaoding the drivetrain or is used for safety functions by reducing timing.

One of the GM PIDs for OBD-II is Delivered Torque which a compliant scanner would be able then to report the torque output.

 

I'm also interested in Ease.