On-Line diagnostics - what a good idea

[Michael2]

<span style="color:darkblue">For all those people out there with newer ECU equipped vehicles that need factory computers for diagnostics here's an idea.

One of the Tech boffins on the forum sets up a diagnostic computer linked to the aulro site.

Members buy an ECU to USB cable that allows their Land Rover to be plugged into their computer, then the diagnostics are run on line. I can see someone in the Simpson Desert running a Land Rover diagnostic through a lap top and satellite phone 8O .

Let's say the ECU to USB cables cost $10 ea to make.
Members buy these at $80 ea from the Emporium, that way the costs are covered. As more members aquire later model Land Rovers, then more money will come to the Tech Boffins On Line Help account with which to buy software upgrades for later models. </span>

[DaveS3]

What ECU? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Sounds good, what software would you use and from where?
If you have to buy a copy for legal purposes, I would imagine it would be some fairly serious $$$ involved.

Otherwise it would clearly help a lot of people who continue to self maintain their vehicles and want to keep their hard earned from the stealers / servicers.

Dave.

[Michael2]

Dave, I've got no idea about how to do this style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif I just think that if it can be done it would be a good idea. Let's hear from the technophiles.

[DaveS3]

Neither do I style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Sit back and enjoy the show....

Dave.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

now all we need is a diagnostic computer.....



the theory is great....not too sure about reality though.....
sounds to good to be true...

though if it happens im in....

[Michael2]

<span style="color:blue">I reckon if there were 30 people prepared to subscribe to the scheme by buying a cable, that would probably generate enough funds to set this up. I'm sure there must be someone there who works at a dealership who can advise on which software to purchase. Anyway, we'll see what our market research (poll) indicates about the viability of this scheme. It's just crazy enough it might work :wink: </span>

[drover81]

Without knowing any specifics about the Testbook system and LR ECU's, off the top of my head, here's probably what could be done...

Problem 1 - Communicating with the LR ECU
I don't know what computer protocol the LR ECU uses, so extracting information and "talking" to it may be a large problem. Some uber nerd would have to write a specific program just to "talk" to the ECU. This maybe hard as the protocol maybe internal to LR and LR aren't that willing to provide the details. This generally takes a LOT of time (6 months of trials and testing etc) Even worse is IF the ECU won't talk to a computer without a special card in the computer. In that case, forget about the whole project and shell out the $$$$ for a Testbook system. :cry:

Problem 2 - Sending the information to the Testbook over the net.
Generally speaking live "talk" between computers is difficult, as special programs would probably need to be written for computers at both end in order to communicate effectively over the net (there maybe 100s of reasons as to why this can't be done too!). This is hard and more development time is needed. :cry:

Problem 3 - What's the point if you can't fix the problem
Diagnosing is all well and good, but most computer controlled engines and associated hardware can't be disassembled easily by the average home mechanic. So, you'll probably end up having to take it to a dedicated mechanic anyways! :?

HOWEVER,
IF LR use simple protocols, problem 1 maybe eradicated, however, problem 2 may be a larger than usual difficulty as no doubt, the Testbook system would probably be configured for close communications (5m of copper cable between Testbook and ECU), thereby making the lag associated with comms between the two unacceptable.

A more simple solution would be to have a program written that emulates the Testbook system. This would be far easier to distribute, but maybe hard because of Testbook intricacies (as in problem 1) :roll: .

That's my rather erratic thoughts for you! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Conclusion: Would require uber nerd with LR ECU (maybe a couple) and lots of spare time to do. :wink:

[Michael2]

I've heard that some people run the diagnostics to a LCD screen in the car (flip stereo style screen) and can see any problems with the Land Rover as they arise.

If that can be done, why not communicate the same info over the www?

If you knew what was faulty, that would give you [1] peace of mind, [2] and ability to budget a fix [3] reduced running around times.

Maybe I'm just ahead of my time. :roll:

[adm333]

The cheapest LR diagnostic package I have seen is called ROVACOM LITE, if you do a search on the web you can read all about it.

You buy the software and adapters as modular units to suit the models of Land rovers you need to diagnose. It runs on any PC or laptop. I think it now comes with wireless adapters so you don't need to lug the laptop all around the workshop.

I think to buy the necessary bits and pieces for my RR would cost about $1500 - $2000. Hard to justify for personal use, when I can hook up to a test book for $30 (my local LR dealer charges $30 for a hook up and diagnosis reading / fault clearing )

I think to get an idea like this off the ground you would be better investing in something like ROVACOM LITE where all the hard yards have already been done by the experts.

Creating a web or dial up link to it would probably be the easier part.

Just my opinion

[matbor]

Here is the cheapest one :
http://www.obd-2.com/

Matt.

[Michael2]

well, you guys seem to know all about it. I'm figuring $2K for the program, then a way to link from the car to the PC/ Laptop, then over the www to aulro HQ :wink:

Most things should be available off the shelf, we just need a guru to co-ordinate this and enough people to be able to fund it.

[drover81]

Don't know much about obd-2 one. Bit hard to decipher in 5 mins of looking.

I do agree that it would be "nice to have", but.....

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I think to buy the necessary bits and pieces for my RR would cost about $1500 - $2000. Hard to justify for personal use, when I can hook up to a test book for $30 (my local LR dealer charges $30 for a hook up and diagnosis reading / fault clearing ) [/b][/quote]

Exactly my point in Problem 3.

As for the LCD in the car solution, that's again a "nice" feature (and expensive according to the Rovacom Lite solution). According to Rovacom, the software talks via an RS232 port (the old 9-pin socket). This protocol, by it's nature requires short runs of cable (I'm not sure of the maximum, but it's nowhere near 100m). If a computer is connected directly (ie not through the internet), it works. Through the www requires more robust comms protocols (RS232 doesn't cut it). And again, it's model specific... buggered if you don't have the right equipment.

However, as you suggested a dial-up (of types) solution would probably be the easiest to set-up (I use the word "easiest" in comparison terms) IF you could get a totally integrated system that accomodates all LR ECU's. It's work that over the www, you control the remote PC with the Rovacom software on it, and get it to dial your home where your car is connected to the telephone line. Would be technically feasible, however, who out there is willing to dedicate a telephone line and PC 24/7 for other people to exploit and use the Rovacom software (not to mention Telstra's lovely line rental of $28/month)?

[matbor]

would be very hard to develop a system like this for a Land Rover, what Land Rover model do you base it on ? What year ? because they have different ECU's for every model and sometimes change them around every couple of years!! What functions do you support ? If you want a good system, go for the Rovacom one, not cheap but will work with all of Land Rovers systems, where as the other one I mentioned earlier http://www.obd-2.com/ only shows engine management varialbles...

Another idea would be to put in a motec or wolf 3d system, then you can plug it into your laptop a bit easier !!!

Usually though if your car dies in the middle of the simpson, it's going to need some new part, not just the computer reseting !!!

Good idea though, might be cheaper though to go and buy some manuals and do a LR mechanics course style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Matt.

[adm333]

Being more of an IT techo than a mechanic I came to the conclusion that after all the effort of getting the correct diagnosis on my computer screen, I am still buggered because I wouldn't be able to actually fix the problem that is reported. :oops: :oops: :oops:

I will save the $2000 and give it to the guy who can diagnose and fix my car at the same time.