Z Consult/OBDI Software

oninous said:

I haven't used it but on a similar note, I'm really experienced with my Arduino and I'm thinking about putting together an advanced sensor monitoring setup so the Arduino can monitor all the sensors, engine, and components. I'll have to devise a Consult port interface for it and then I can export all the data from the micro-controller via USB. It will also allow me to use fail over devices and sensors. IE: Knock sensor goes out, emulate a good signal or fail over to a secondary, same with TPS, MAF, etc etc. If it's developed and programmed right, it could function like a complete inline, engine management system. All for $20, some programming time, and a few electronic bits....

Click to expand...

Very noble idea, but futile.

I'm very experienced with arduino, pic, and a handful of oddball chips- but there's no point in making something new, if something great already exists.

The Ecutalk dongle is small. Smaller than an arduino chip itself.. not even including whatever shield you decide to use.

I bought mine on ebay for 20 bucks used. Its USB, tiny, and at any given point i've had 30+ real time guages running, each one showing real time data, and logging all the data into a text file. Even with all the monitoring and feedback aside, it allows the same level of error code reading as a consult tool (how many starts ago the error occurred, etc..), and allows clearing the codes.

Drop the 20 and buy one, its the best thing i've ever purchased for a car.


And while i'm on the topic..
Man up and just use the bare atmega.