ECM Scanner Recommendations

[BlackZR1]

I've searched the forum for alternatives to the Tech 1 but can't find anything. What do you guys use to measure engine parameters and read codes? When I had my '94 Camaro I had some freeware on my laptop and an ALDL/serial port interface that allowed me to view and log sensor data.
What are my options for my '90 ZR-1?

Thanks,
Roger

[-=Jeff=-]

Bluetooth OBD1 device:
http://www.1320electronics.com/12pinALDL.html

Android App:
ALDLDroid

Then your Android phone or tablet

[BlackZR1]

Bluetooth OBD1 device:
http://www.1320electronics.com/12pinALDL.html

Android App:
ALDLDroid

Then your Android phone or tablet

Thanks Jeff. the first thing I want to do is document my baseline readings so that when/if I have problems I have a basis for comparison.

Roger

[XfireZ51]

Thanks Jeff. the first thing I want to do is document my baseline readings so that when/if I have problems I have a basis for comparison.

Roger

Roger,

I would encourage you to get an scantool and familiarize yourself w it, but there really isn't any need to document your readings. They're either normal or you'll end up w a MALF code.

[Billy Mild]

Bluetooth OBD1 device:
http://www.1320electronics.com/12pinALDL.html

Android App:
ALDLDroid

Then your Android phone or tablet

Would this replace a MT2500 or Tech 1?

[-=Jeff=-]

Would this replace a MT2500 or Tech 1?

What options do those have? What can they do?

[Billy Mild]

What options do those have? What can they do?

Tech 1 is the factory scanner from GM. It does everything

MT2500 does most functions except for TPMS and Suspension troubleshooting.

[-=Jeff=-]

I doubt it will replace.. It only handles ECM..

[XfireZ51]

Don't think either one data logs.

[-=Jeff=-]

Don't think either one data logs.

right, while the Tech 1 has more troubleshooting capability, i think for most engine related issues, the stuff i suggested will be fine..

[XfireZ51]

right, while the Tech 1 has more troubleshooting capability, i think for most engine related issues, the stuff i suggested will be fine..

Yeah the Tech 1 acts as a shunt to the ECM.

[mike100]

The Tech1 datalogs via the snapshot function. a few seconds before and after you press the button. The data stream is a little limited, but it still stores full records.

[XfireZ51]

Mike,

How many frames w how many params will it record and can you export?

[mike100]

Mike,

How many frames w how many params will it record and can you export?

I think it does about 20-30 records before and after the trigger point. One thing I'm not too sure of is how many records per second- that seems dependent on the baud rate which would be the same for all scanners and is set by the ecm type. The later LT1 cars seem to have a lot more information on the datastream than the prom type ecm's for instance.

There is also a way to output serial data to a vt100 terminal (or terminal emulator) that I'm interested in trying because the little gray screen is only 64 characters and it is hard to scroll back and forth. The Tech1's do have a printer output feature, but it would be more useful to have .csv files. Maybe the terminal emulation data could work like that. Of course there's Moates gizmos...

[-=Jeff=-]

Mike,

Moates stuff is just ECM only, which I think for the OP would be better than hunting down a Tech 1 to buy.

I have a Bluetooth and USB interface for the ALDLDroid, then I buy ALDLDroid once and it is on my Tablet, Phone and Android Headunit..

Tablets are getting cheaper, in fact i have a Nexus 7 (2012) I am selling that I know works with ALDLDroid

[BlackZR1]

I bought the ALDL scanner from 1320 Electronics that Jeff recommended. Here is a pic of my readings. Anything look out of kilter? Hopefully the picture will enlarge when you click on it.

Thanks,
Roger

[-=Jeff=-]

BLMs are 115.. Should around 128 problem is this is a snap shot.. Not a log