Alright, I'm trying to find EVERYTHING available to us. Here is what I know of so far:

TTS Datamaster. That's what I've been using. I like it, but there are a few drawbacks. Doesn't show ALL the PCM information (such as barametric pressure). The duty cycle percentages are questionable. Cost of the software is outlandish....you only get 20 free uses.

Carputing's PCMcomm. I've used the free version that doesn't do the logging, and I think it is terriable. HORRIABLE, IMO. I hate using it.

I just downloaded Andy Whittaker's Freescan, but haven't played with it yet. I'm not getting my hopes up.

What else is available to us? Free or not; I really want to know. I'd be willing to pay for software that is GOOD and for a reasonable price (Datamaster is by FAR not a reasonable price).

 

I've used FreeScan once (briefly) and it did exactly what I wanted, plus it logs to a format easily readable by any spreadsheet app. The 'Dash Board' tab is especially cool (and useful, of course).

 

I like Freescan too, better than the other free ones I've tested out.

The only problem, and this may be my computer being underpowered, is that the program slows down to a crawl when I'm logging data to a file. It takes about a minute to switch to another tab. Of course its nice and smooth when I'm just watching the readings.

Joe, definitely try out FreeScan soon. Much better than PCMcomm. You can also check out EFI Live, another scan program. I haven't really figured it out though, maybe I'm choosing the wrong car... program is designed for Holdens it looks like. I gave up on this one after using FreeScan.

Anyways, Freescan is just fine for me... free, and more helpful in alot of areas than my Scanmaster, so I'm happy with it.

 

I already have a draft of what you are looking to put together. You can also find a list that Andrew has put together on the AKM Electronics site. You overlooked Diacom.

D-R-A-F-T *** I-N-C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E *** P-R-E-L-I-M-I-N-A-R-Y

For the mother load of all links related to the computer:
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/links.htm#PCM

For information on using the data from a scanner:
http://members.aol.com/InjuneerZZ/ScanMast.htm

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OBD-I: HARDWARE

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AutoXray
http://www.autoxray.com/index.htm
http://www.autoxray.com/scanners.htm

GM OBD-I Scanner ($200 list/$175 at auto chain stores) - Reads trouble codes and sensors. Records 29 seconds of data. Will work on many GM vehicles, from mid-1980's. This is a good portable unit, small enough to hand-hold while driving, but the LCD display makes it sort of hard to read in anything but bright light.

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ScanMaster LT1 - $250 from Ramchargers or T. Byrne Motorsports.

Performance oriented unit. This one is small enough to mount on the steering column, or in the A/C vent on a Z28. Bright LED display makes it easy to read. Default display is O2 mV's and knock retard. When you go WOT, it will record the minimum O2 level and the maximum knock retard, and the MPH at which each happened. As soon as you go WOT again, the new data overwrites the old.

While driving, can be sequenced through about 20 sensor and PCM value displays. It will only display one sensor reading at a time, and does not record anything other than the O2 and retard for a single WOT pass. One of the displays in the sequence it for trouble codes, and it will display all active and stored codes in a sequence. Always nice to have it read "--" for this one…..).

Will NOT work on 1993 F-Body. Will work on 96/97, but will not display OBD-II trouble codes.

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Actron ($35):
http://www.sunpro.com/cgi-bin/web_st...=2781372_28269

The "GM Code Scanner" is nothing more than a switch in a box, that shorts the ALDL pins together. This will ONLY work on 1993 F-Bodys, and you do not need a "scanner" to do it. All you need is a paper clip. Do NOT buy this for your 1994 or 1995. It will NOT work.

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Snap-On:
See "OBD-II" for Snap-On products.

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OTC Tech-series
These are the GM service tools. See "OBD-II" for these products.

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OBD-I: SOFTWARE
(Obviously, works best with a laptop. Requires an interface cable…. See AKM Electronics link, below)

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Diacom
http://www.rinda.com/auto/auto.htm

Old-fashioned DOS software… advantage is it works with many GM cars from about 1985. Not much else to recommend this one. Just remember, it won "Popular Mechanics" Design & Engineering award in 1991 (!!!) and hasn't been updated much since. They even spell the name of the product wrong ("DIATOM") on their website - duhhhhh)

Diacom ($279) - Codes and sensors, real time display.

Diacom Plus ($579) - As above, but adds data recording, graphing.

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TTS Datamaster (free download - 20 run limit, cable $125; software license + cable $219)
http://www.ttspowersystems.com/

This is the Cadillac of the scan software, for OBD-I. Version available for 1993 F-Body.

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pcmcomm - bundled with LT1_Edit for OBD-I.
http://www.carputing.com/
Add $50 for data logging capability.

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FreeScan (free download)
http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/ecu_software.htm
I have seen posts that indicate that although there is a "93" version listed for FreeScan, it will not work with 93's. I have not been able to verify this, so proceed with caution if you have a 93.

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OBD-II: HARDWARE

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The cheapest way to read trouble codes ONLY is a $50 OBD-II scanner from Harbor Freight. I think Brent Franker tried one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46030

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If you have an HPP+/III you can get a scan cartridge for it.
http://www.hypertech-inc.com/

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Auto Xray now makes an OBD-II scanner. Look in The Eastwood Company online catalog:
http://www.eastwoodcompany.com
http://www.autoxray.com/scanners.htm

There are three different Auto Xray products to consider:

EZ-Link Pro-Pack ($450 list) - Scanner plus software. Reads OBD-II codes, engine sensors and other parameters on GM, Chrysler, Ford, Asian and Euro imports. Also read OBD-I.

EZ-Link OBD-II Scanner ($300 list) - As above, but scanner only.

EZ-Link OBD-II Code Reader ($160 list) - Reads trouble codes only, not sensors.

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ScanMaster LT1:

Will not read trouble codes on 1996/97 F-Body. Will read sensors

ScanMaster LS1:

Works only with LS1 vehicles (98 and up), will not work with LT1’s.
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Actron:

OBD II Diagnostic Tester - CP9035 ($200)
http://www.sunpro.com/cgi-bin/web_st...=2781372_28269

Global OBD II AutoScanner - CP9135
http://www.sunpro.com/cgi-bin/web_st...=2781372_28269


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OTC Tech-series:

Tech 2 Flash GM Dealership Scan Tool OTC ($3,000)
http://www.ntxtools.com/Merchant/mer..._Code=OTC+3625

This is the bi-directional scanner that GM mechanics use. I don't expect anyone to run out and buy one, but at least you can see what it can do.

Tech 1 is the earlier version of this scanner. I suspect it may be limited to pre-OBD-II, but I do not know that. I believe you can find them used for about $1,000.

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Snap-On
Deluxe Scanner ($1,795)
http://buy.snapon.com/products/diagn...e=snapon-store

Super Deluxe Color Graphing Scanner ($2,695)
http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/search...no=MTG25002900

These units will access ABS, airbag, body control modules, etc., in addition to the engine control module.

====================================
OBD-II: SOFTWARE
(Obviously, works best with a laptop. Requires an interface cable…. See AKM Electronics link, below)

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AutoTap scan software.
http://www.obdii.com/obdii.html

AutoTap has expanded their product line. They now sell several scan packages:

AutoTap for Windows - KAT1WG ($200 list) - GM only, "generic" parameters:
http://www.autotap.com/generic_parameters.asp

AutoTap for Windows - KAT1WEPT ($290 list) - GM only, "enhanced" parameters:
http://www.autotap.com/enhanced_parameters_gm.asp

EFILive V5 Standard - KAT1EFISTD ($305 list) - Special features for LS1 engines
http://www.autotap.com/EFILiveV5.html

EFILive V5 Bi-Directional - KAT1EFIPRO - As above, but adds "bi-directional" communication, allowing you to temporarily alter parameters like idle speed, fuel maps, timing maps, etc….

AutoTap for PALM - KAT1PG ($200) - Appears to be the generic parameter version.
http://www.autotap.com/autotap_for_palm.html

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Virtual Dashboard
http://www.obd-2.com/

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Auterra scan software for Palm:
http://www.auterraweb.com/

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CABLES:
http://www.akmcables.com/


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http://www.diy-efi.org/gmecm/ecm_inf...ion/spk747.txt
http://www.baylor.edu/~Christopher_Bennight/LT1Edit.htm
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/LT1Edit/LT1files.htm
http://www.lt1.net/editor/Lt1page3.htm
http://members.aol.com/InjuneerZZ/ScanMast.htm
http://www.topica.com/lists/editor/r...t=d&start=9245
http://w3.one.net/~roz/cars/z28/tuning.html
http://www.joegeorger.com/

 

I'm working on some software myself. My plans are to make everything FREE. I just need to gain acess to as many OBD I codes so I know how to communicate with the PCM. And of course a laptop. Otherwise I've made a lot of progress.

I would like to know of ANY thing anybody else is working on or has as well as I need to know as much as humanly possible. Could you please keep me informed as well.

Thanks!