P38 EAS Portable Unlock tool?

[Shirley]

Hi Guys,
From what I have read it appears that most people are using the Unlock Suite Software and a laptop for emergencies in the bush.
But, What about the other gadetry on offer that looks a lot more portable?
Can anyone comment on any alternative devices for a single vehicle that may require an EAS reset in the bush?
The EK106 - EAS Kicker maybe? Or the EAS Buddy V3 USB? or even the EAS Kicker Lite?
Would any of these unit be suitable to have in the glove box for the odd occasion that the suspension may fall in a hole and dump me on the bump stops?
Might be a whole lot easier that carting the laptop around with me, hey?

Cheers,
Shirl..

[Hoges]

I use an "old" iPAQ 410 and loaded the PDA version of the free EAS software. Found a serial cable for the iPAQ on eBay and attached an OBDII plug from Jaycar... works very well and resides in the glove box. Mind you, a $350 HPmini with a usb/serial cable in a small cheap backpack takes virtually no room and runs "everything" inc Faultlmate...

[Shirley]

Probably an excellent idea but have little experience with PDA's.
Can use the Laptop but once again, room is an issue. Let alone breakability, hey?

[p38arover]

I use an XDA IIi PDA/phone to run the software. It's also my phone and I have a car kit for it.

[Shirley]

EEk! Technology - Now it's gettin scary.
I have a RAZR Motorola that rings and and I just answer it... That works but it won't handle suspension or other diagnostic issues.
I will check it all out as it is a compact idea... Will any PDA do the job?

[Shirley]

Hi Ron,
There is a unit on eBay, just looked.. Would this do the job?
Maybe I would need Windows 98 or something or maybe it's already installed...??
Check it out for me hon...
Item number: 250703886988

[andrew e]

Kicker lite and eas buddy are the same thing, apart from the fact that you can read the faults on the buddy aswell as re-setting the hard fault. The Kicker IMHO is not as good as storys unlock suite (and the cable +suite is slightly cheaper:D).

What i reccomend is to keep an eas buddy in the glovebox, and have the unlock suite set up on a laptop at home or in the car. The buddy/kickers only take secconds to reset a hard fault whereas the laptop may take upto minutes.

An eas bypass system is also a good investment, as a hard fault cannot always be reset.

Andy

[p38arover]

Hi Ron,
There is a unit on eBay, just looked.. Would this do the job?
Maybe I would need Windows 98 or something or maybe it's already installed...??
Check it out for me hon...
Item number: 250703886988


That's the same as mine. It runs Windows Mobile as standard and the PPC version of the free software runs on it.

You need a cable made up to interface the phone to the car.

[Shirley]

Hi Andy,
Now you're talkin.. This I do understand.
What you are saying is what I was thinking over the last hour and it really makes sense.
Have just downloaded the software and will order the rest tomorrow.
I have to drop the rear air bags out later this week so I'm expecting the system will register a fault when I refit the new ones so at least I will be able to sort it out...
Thanks heaps darls.. Now I'm on a mission.
Many thanks,
Shirley....

[Hoges]

while the Buddy will clear faults, the PDA version allows you to read faults, clear them, change height settings and recalibrate... all good stuff! well worth the effort to set it up.
cheers

[Shirley]

Hi Ron,
That was my next question and you have answered it in one..
I was wondering what the connections would be on the PDA and figured it might be similar to the download cable for the camera.
Andy's idea kind of suits me fine and cost is quite acceptable and a fast backup system is always in order.
The PDA idea keeps the laptop well out of the picture and will provide a greater dignotics capability.
All around, it's good info and I do really appreciate the help.
Have had Rangies for the last 15 years and this is the first P38. A step in a new direction? Yes! and hopefully one in a good direction..... She's nice to drive and the power train is excellent, so I will look forward to breaking new ground this year but I still will keep my old 91 model for a while just to be sure.... Struth, I just put a NEW (Not Reco) engine in it 6 months ago.
Thanks heaps,
Shirley...

[Shirley]

Hi Hoges,
All ideas are good to me.
I definitely like the PDA and I can always have a backup on the laptop.
Just need to sort out the cables.
Also need to find a PDA version of the EASunlock suite..
Ta Buddy,
Shirley...

[p38arover]

XDA IIi come up regularly on eVilBay.

Let me find my cables and I'll let you know what you need if you go that way. I've lost them somewhere. I was looking for them last weekend.

Re the software: Range Rover - EAS - Reset | Download Range Rover - EAS - Reset software for free at SourceForge.net (http://sourceforge.net/projects/easunlock/)

[adm333]

The EAS unlock tools are great but I would also be making sure you have a physical bypass type solution in place as well.

Remember that an EAS fault can't always just be cleared and off you go. Often the root cause is a component failure of some sort.

Ask me how I know that .....

Dave

[Shirley]

Got it Ron..... Thanks Luv...

[Shirley]

Hey Dave.....
Had a taste of riding on the bump stops.... NOT fun at all.
Have ordered a set of valves from the USA today for just that reason..
The bum is soft but not that soft, hey?
Cheers matey,
Shirley....
1996 Range Rover HSE 4.6 & 1991 Classic 3.9

[p38arover]

Had a taste of riding on the bump stops.... NOT fun at all.

A couple of years ago, I had to do that from Coffs Harbour to Sydney in the middle of the night. I didn't have a manual inflation system or EAS Reset.

[Scouse]

I have to drop the rear air bags out later this week so I'm expecting the system will register a fault when I refit the new ones so at least I will be able to sort it out...
Just replacing the air springs won't log a fault.
If the compressor is very weak though, it may take a while to build up pressure but you should know if that's a problem anyway by now.

[Junosi]

I'm using a Viliv S5 that I picked up second hand - it's a ultra mobile PC, basically a PDA sized touch screen device that runs Windows xp or 7 - so it runs any normal pc/laptop software that you want to throw on it. Comes with built in 3g, wireless, GPS and a usb port for addons (like a EAS/OBD cable or a roll up keyboard if you hate touchscreens...).

Only mentioning it cause it ends up doing far more than just EAS unlock duties. I stick it to my windscreen and use it as my GPS - but it doubles as wireless internet access, Google maps, Google earth, EAS unlocker, OBD diagnostic software and also has a copy of RAVE on it. Over all its very handy and still fits in my pocket :)

[Shirley]

Probably more than what I need at the moment but thanks for the info anyway, it always good to get more intel on this sort of stuff.
Cheers,
Shirley...

[PaulP38a]

Hi Shirley
i notice that you've just ordered one of our EAS Unlock cables. I'm going to throw in a free USB-Serial adapter and some software that may be useful to you on a laptop/netbook and also for the PDA if you go that path.
Drop me an email or give me a call if you want to know more about the EAS Buddy or EAS Kicker Lite, I use both of them plus a couple of others.

With the EAS Unlock cable and your laptop/netbook you will be able to depressurise the springs before you remove them... a very useful safety feture.

Cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Hi Shirley
I'm using an EAS Kicker & very happy with it. Haven't tried any of the other option mentioned. Also have manual vales as back up.
Gary

[PaulP38a]

I'd sorta forgotten about the Windows CE/Mobile version of EAS Unlock and EAS Diag.

I have a 2.5yo HTC mobile/PDA that I swapped for a Blackberry about 18 months ago, and is just gathering dust somewhere in a closet. It has a mini USB port that should be useful for something, maybe a mini-USB to standard USB plug that the PL2303 USB-to-Serial adapter will plug in to?

So Ron and Hoges, please share your cable setup. This has got me intrigued now.

Cheers, Paul.

[Shirley]

Hi Paul,
Not much need for de pressurisation.
The thinks won't hold air at all anyway.... Just had a great friend from English Auto at Tuggerah rekit the valve block but the R/H bag is leaking really bad.
Just waiting for some new bags to arrive from the USA and we are back on the raod.
Will check out the plugs and sockets down at Jaycar on Saturday and check out the PDA online but I think for now I'll have to wait for the bank to build up for another bight of the apple.
Rotten Rego next month for the P38 and have just paid for the Classic's rego last month.
Struth it's getting expensive. Might have to commit to one vehicle sooner than later..
Oh well, thems the breaks.
Cheers,
Shirley...

[Shirley]

Hi Gary,
It's probably about the best backup idea..
I'll get one as soon as finances pick up and just use the laptop in the meantime.
Thanks Luv,
Shirley...

[Shirley]

Jeez Paul,
I think I have started something good.... The info is amazing and it makes you feel real warm and gooey inside when you are part of the Landrover Fraternity..
L/R or R/R - Don't forget to wave guys...
It's made in England and still the best..

Shirl..

[Hoges]

Jeez Paul,
I think I have started something good.... The info is amazing and it makes you feel real warm and gooey inside when you are part of the Landrover Fraternity..
L/R or R/R - Don't forget to wave guys...
It's made in England and still the best..
Shirl..

so were a lot of our ancestors... they were also exported :eek::confused::wasntme::angel:

[Hoges]

I'd sorta forgotten about the Windows CE/Mobile version of EAS Unlock and EAS Diag.

I have a 2.5yo HTC mobile/PDA that I swapped for a Blackberry about 18 months ago, and is just gathering dust somewhere in a closet. It has a mini USB port that should be useful for something, maybe a mini-USB to standard USB plug that the PL2303 USB-to-Serial adapter will plug in to?

So Ron and Hoges, please share your cable setup. This has got me intrigued now.

Cheers, Paul.

will do...I spliced two cables with male and female DB9 serial connectors respectively to an OBDII plug. Cable now works with both PDA and serial ported laptop (P3 dedicated)...;)

[Shirley]

Yep... Ancestors, hey?
Seems that they are just as fickle when it comes to faults too..

Cheers,
Shirl...

[Hoges]

:D:D:D

[p38arover]

I can't find my cables! :(

Maybe it doesn't matter anymore.

When the bathroom renovations was being done last week, the tiler was nailing new sheets up onto the wall frames in the bathroom.

Guess who has a wall phone on the other side of the wall.

Guess who had his XDA IIi PDA phone sitting on the desk below the phone.

Guess what fell off the wall onto the screen of the PDA phone, cracking the screen.

:(