How about something that allows the data to be presented on the Nav Screen? I know its wishful thinking but i think it would be neat.


Paul

 

What you can try is to talk to the guys over at www.nav-tv.com and see what they can do.

 

I picked up the first issue of New Mini at the local newstand a couple of weeks ago. One of the things that interested me was a data monitor that was mounted directly in the center section of one of the modified cars. I could not see who the manufacturer was, mainly due to it being a side shot of the monitor. I'm not sure what the value of it would be, since it looks like OBDII solutions are available. Has anyone else seen this magazine and viewed the article about the car by Cool New Ltd.?

Also, for those that are using a data logger/monitoring system, what are you using and what do you like about it, and what do you not like about it?
I would like to purchase something for my S, with logging capability that interfaces with my Pocket PC.

Thanks!
:smile:

 

Some more ODBII/Palm options:
http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/canscan.htm
http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/protoconv.htm
http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/CANScan_Order
For only $195.00 this system looks like one of the best deals I've seen so far.

 

The Auterra software seems pretty nice - I installed it on my Treo just to test it out. What exactly can't I do with this freeware version you can download from their site? Because I already have a Serial to OBDII converter, if all I need is a serial cable for the Treo, and I can use this freeware version, man, I'm set. It's a shame no one has done for the MINI what Ross-Tech did for the VW/Audi community. They've got a great piece of software that is very VAG-specific, used to use it on my A4 a bunch.

-mike

 

You think if enough MINI people bother them they could make a MINI Specific peice of software? Would be nice!

 

For the most part all we'd really need is a BMW-specific piece of software, and this may already exist, but I wouldn't know, I was always an Audi guy before my MINI.

-mike

 

I use it on my Treo 600 running Palm OS 5. It can monitor various parameters, but it can also help calculate quarter mile times, 0-60 acceleration, hp, etc, etc. I have not had time to delve into everything it can do. I'd like to have a MINI drag day near DC and use the software to see how different mods affect the way MINIs run. One thing I used the software for already... reset the check engine light in a friend's Honda Accord! It cleared the fault (caused by a malfunctioning spark plug, we replaced all six...) and saved my friend $80! (His car has over 100,000 miles on it, really needed new plugs!)

I have not tried the Pocket PC versions of OBDII scanners. I will say that the tools use alot of battery power, so you really need to be able to power your pda from the car. A nice bracket to hold the PDA steady is a good idea, and please, please don't do quarter mile acceleration runs on busy public roads by yourself! In fact, using Auterra or any scan tool, one should always have a passenger who is operating the system... it is not for the driver! (Unless you are just reseting faults...)

Hope this helps!
Mike

 

Bump,

Felt like bringing this thread back to life and see if anybody has anything new to add.

 

Do share anything you might want everybody to know

 

Well, I purchased the Autogenuity solution about 8 months ago, and I've been very happy with it. The standard tool set in the Autogenuity software is comprehensive. I've used in on my MINI a couple of times, but it's gotten much more use on my Explorer lately due to an O2 sensor problem. I brought to the local garage to read the error codes, view the various enginer monitors to isolate the problem and then fix the right sensor.

Just do to life's time constraints, I haven't been able to put the SpeedTracer function to a full blown test, but what I've seen so far is pretty cool.

I'd highly recommend it.

BB

 

well i'm waiting for BiM-COM this will be the ultimate diagnostic/programming tool, has anybody used the Autotap the GUI is excellent, you can download a free copy from their website????

 

BIM-Com is taking longer than VAG-Com due to the way BMW does things (every model is a different ECU vs. VAG where its all the same). At least thats what I've read from the Ross-Tech guys.

 

Any links to the company that is working on this BIM-Com?

 

www.ross-tech.com

any further info on this subject????

 

They also have a Yàhoo group, but anything with the word Yåhoo is blocked at work. (hence the å)

 

Is the yahoo group where you can get the beta?? Also is this only windows software? Is this ECU upgrade software? Will it have performance benefits?

Also will this software work on a PDA device for monitoring?

 

Do you really need it to read out on a Palm?

I just borrowed a Car Chip E/X from a coworker to read the CEL codes on my Jetta.

I'm pretty impressed with it. You just plug it in, and it will log up to 300 hours. When you're done, just plug it into your PC, and it quickly downloads the data. It does all kinds of cool graphs and reports. You can set threshold levels that will be flagged in the reports and graphs.

http://www.ambientweather.com/carchip.html

The Ross-Tech for VW/Audi is great. It reads the typical OBD stuff, but also lets you do the "dealer only" stuff like programming the door locks, and other preferences. The one for BMW/Mini should do the same. I need to find somebody with it to see if I can get my airbag light to clear.

Dave.

 

Yes i do need it to read out on a palm or pocket PC, because i actually want to use it as extra gauges to see what the car is doing in realtime not just to pour over the data later on a computer or laptop.

Its great that they are working on all the programable stuff! I would love to have control over my car without having to pay them if i want something changed. Would be nice to be able to activate my OEM Alarm without the dealer charging me 30min labor. Maybe someone can convince Ross-Tech also work on a palm or pocket PC interface? If you really look into how all the peices of software in the first post of this thread work you'll see how its really worth it.

 

If you want a Carchip, I have one for sale in the marketplace for $100...

So far BiM-COM DOES clear airbag faults, but in my case, the problem is always there, so it just comes back on. No dealer option control yet or promised. But it's still beta, and while getting closer to release, there is no stated release date.

Our Mini's have the OBD-II bus (pretty slow) and a CAN bus (this is high speed serial, it's how the ABS, DSC and Engine all talk, and is fast as get go!). Some of the loggers have a CAN option. Anyone using it?

Matt

 

I'm not very versed in this but i though the MINI used the new CAN BUS system???

 

You are correct! My typo.....

Matt

 

I'll go ahead and revive this thread again, as opposed to starting a new one with my questions....

For those who got any of these types of units, please share your extended experiences, namely as a performance analyzer. Anyone with the Treo 700 using something like these? My company is giving me a choice of communications devices, and one is this Palm, but the 700w, I don't think the "p"... I'd be curious to hear. Thanks!

 

As long a the software and cables you choose work with it, I don't think it matters. I would recommend something that is back lit. I use the nology sofware and It has served me well. Sometime I'll update to the laptop software. It should make crunching numbers much easier. An easier to post the results.

 

Hi there. Who can tell me a good scaner reader for reset the error codes on a mini cooper r56 2007? I really considered to buy one to avoid taking to the dealer

Can somebody recommend me something please?