OBD-II scanners for PDAs...

[LinkMan]

Hey all,

I've been thinking about getting an OBD-II scanner, and found a couple that were made for Palm OS handhelds. They can pull codes, reset CELs, and log sensor data. In general, there doesn't seem to be much of a price difference between the PDA versions and the PC versions.

I've already got a Palm, and a Palm would be easier to mount in the car, and have available all the time than a laptop. So I find that solution appealing. Plus it'd be easier to lug around to my family's cars (my parents have a Duratech Sable, and a Duratech Escape, and my sister has a Duratech Contour).

Does anyone have experience w/ any OBD-II scanner product for a PDA?
Any recommendations, things to look for, whatever?

Thanks for any input.

[RhythmsDJs]

Sorry to bring up an old post, but where did you find this, and how much? I've been looking for something like this.

Thanks

[FastCougar]

AutoTap (http://www.autotap.com) now has an option for Palm.

"AutoTap Hardware and AutoTap for Palm software (Requires a special AutoTap/Palm cable - Click here to see accessories)" = $354.95
The cable ranges from $15.95 or $19.95 depending on your Palm PDA model.

Ease Diagnostics (http://www.obd2.com/) has one that works with all 3 major PDA OS', Windows CE, Pocket PC and Palm. Prices for harware/software is slightly less than the AutoTap, and they even offer bundles with PDA's as well.

[LinkMan]

RhythmsDJs,

At least I know someone read the post!

I found 3 or 4 web sites that sold different scanner software and the serial cable hookup for PalmOS handhelds. And since I asked the question, autotap has added a version of their software for the Palm

click here for AutoTap Palm page (http://www.autotap.com/autotap_for_palm.html)

The other links are on my other work computer, so after I get over there this evening I'll post them too.

If you find anything else, or decide one is better than another for whatever reason, post ;-)

<edit> Darn it Trevor, you beat me to it... </edit>

[LinkMan]

Lucky me, I replicate my Favorites folder...

Here are 3 links, one's just a quicker link to Ease Diagnostics, the other two are different...

Ease Diagnostics
http://www.obd2.com/palm/data/palm.htm

Auterra
http://www.auterraweb.com/

Automotive Electronics Services
http://www.aeswave.com/Palm/CJ2/

[RhythmsDJs]

OK, that's stuff's way cool. Next question, will that obd ii adapter work on my laptop with a seriel cable, too? If the adapter works on both my visor and laptop. I think I'm sold. On the last two you posted, they don't specifically say that they are for the ford vehicles 1996-2001, because used a different obd plug other than normal. I tried a standard obd scanner this weekend, and the adapter wouldn't fit. Also, are the adapter's available for the laptops cheaper than the pda one's? Sorry for so many questions, but really want one of these, and am exploring all my options. Thanks...

[gamiller]

Originally posted by: RhythmsDJs
Next question, will that obd ii adapter work on my laptop with a seriel cable, too? If the adapter works on both my visor and laptop. I think I'm sold.

well, i thought the handspring had a USB port instead of a serial one, in which case it won't work. you need to trade your visor for a real palm. :)


On the last two you posted, they don't specifically say that they are for the ford vehicles 1996-2001, because used a different obd plug other than normal. I tried a standard obd scanner this weekend, and the adapter wouldn't fit.

when you say a "standard" scanner, was it OBD-II with a Ford adapter?


Also, are the adapter's available for the laptops cheaper than the pda one's?

should be the same. no adapter cost difference, but the PDA software may cost extra. i'm no expert, but i've done some investigating.