OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*JCampbell* · 02-11-2013, 03:04 PM

I was looking at buying a dedicated OBD1 scanner when I got to thinking about the possibility of simply using a laptop/smartphone (which I already own) as a scanner instead.

Does anyone here have any experience with this? What cables do you recommend? What apps/software do you use? Any other comments/observations?

I know, I know...LMGTFY, but I didn't feel like sorting through page upon page of useless info to maybe find the answer I'm looking for, especially is someone here already has the experience.

INSIDIOUS '86 · 02-11-2013, 03:23 PM

I'm sure it's possible but you need to have a program with vehicle databases and I custom program for phone or tablet or what not.

Not that it can't be done but I don't think it has yet. Even if so it Prob isn't big in the market yet. But I'm betting something like this may happen

I was actually thinking of an app for phones and flashlights to make a timing light out of your phone. A handy tool that would be
Posted via Mobile Device

mattcrp1 · 02-11-2013, 05:03 PM

I think there is already something out there like this. I belive I saw one for obd2 I cant remember where I saw it though.

gGMC DOG · 02-11-2013, 05:46 PM

Not sure about software for a laptop, but if all you are looking to do is pull codes cheaply, and you have a smartphone, there's an app for that. I use my Andriod smartphone, the free app "Torque", and a cheap $20 bluetooth OBD2 adapter from Amazon. Does the job just fine (again, just a DIYer pulling codes).

There's also a $5 "pro" version of the app that seems to get good reviews.

Greenlee · 02-11-2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gGMC DOG

Not sure about software for a laptop, but if all you are looking to do is pull codes cheaply, and you have a smartphone, there's an app for that. I use my Andriod smartphone, the free app "Torque", and a cheap $20 bluetooth OBD2 adapter from Amazon. Does the job just fine (again, just a DIYer pulling codes).

There's also a $5 "pro" version of the app that seems to get good reviews.

I saw that app. Would it also pull codes for OBD1?
Posted via Mobile Device

*JCampbell* · 02-11-2013, 06:48 PM

Yeah, I need something OBD1 compliant.

gGMC DOG · 02-11-2013, 08:20 PM

http://www.appszoom.com/android_appl...ml?nav=related

http://www.appszoom.com/android

**hatzie** · 02-12-2013, 12:16 AM

WinALDL, Datamaster, and Tunercat come to mind. You'll need an old Windows XP or even Windows 2000 laptop and interface cable to use them.

You'll still need an ALDL cable that mates with your PC. Most of the ALDL Engine ECU's have very limited diagnostics that operate at a very slow baud rate.

rfmaster · 02-12-2013, 01:52 AM

JC

Hardware:
12 pin ALDL to USB cable - most modern laptops do not have RS232 interfaces.
http://www.aldlcable.com/sc/details.asp?item=aldlobd1u

Software
WinALDL
http://winaldl.joby.se/

TunerPRO RT
http://www.tunerpro.net/

//RF

*JCampbell* · 02-12-2013, 11:42 AM

Excellent. Thank you, Gents.

02-11-2013, 03:04 PM	#1
JCampbell Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 1,332	OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop I was looking at buying a dedicated OBD1 scanner when I got to thinking about the possibility of simply using a laptop/smartphone (which I already own) as a scanner instead. Does anyone here have any experience with this? What cables do you recommend? What apps/software do you use? Any other comments/observations? I know, I know...LMGTFY, but I didn't feel like sorting through page upon page of useless info to maybe find the answer I'm looking for, especially is someone here already has the experience.

02-11-2013, 03:23 PM	#2
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop I'm sure it's possible but you need to have a program with vehicle databases and I custom program for phone or tablet or what not. Not that it can't be done but I don't think it has yet. Even if so it Prob isn't big in the market yet. But I'm betting something like this may happen I was actually thinking of an app for phones and flashlights to make a timing light out of your phone. A handy tool that would be Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

02-11-2013, 05:03 PM	#3
mattcrp1 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mountain House, CA Posts: 555	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop I think there is already something out there like this. I belive I saw one for obd2 I cant remember where I saw it though.

02-11-2013, 05:46 PM	#4
gGMC DOG Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Over yonder Posts: 259	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop Not sure about software for a laptop, but if all you are looking to do is pull codes cheaply, and you have a smartphone, there's an app for that. I use my Andriod smartphone, the free app "Torque", and a cheap $20 bluetooth OBD2 adapter from Amazon. Does the job just fine (again, just a DIYer pulling codes). There's also a $5 "pro" version of the app that seems to get good reviews.

02-11-2013, 06:48 PM	#6
JCampbell Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 1,332	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop Yeah, I need something OBD1 compliant.

02-11-2013, 08:20 PM	#7
gGMC DOG Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Over yonder Posts: 259	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop http://www.appszoom.com/android_appl...ml?nav=related http://www.appszoom.com/android

02-12-2013, 12:16 AM	#8
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,968	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop WinALDL, Datamaster, and Tunercat come to mind. You'll need an old Windows XP or even Windows 2000 laptop and interface cable to use them. You'll still need an ALDL cable that mates with your PC. Most of the ALDL Engine ECU's have very limited diagnostics that operate at a very slow baud rate. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

02-12-2013, 01:52 AM	#9
rfmaster Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: OC CA Posts: 1,374	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop JC Hardware: 12 pin ALDL to USB cable - most modern laptops do not have RS232 interfaces. http://www.aldlcable.com/sc/details.asp?item=aldlobd1u Software WinALDL http://winaldl.joby.se/ TunerPRO RT http://www.tunerpro.net/ //RF __________________ "The Beast" 1975 Chevrolet C20 longbed 350/700R4! with 3inch body lift Dual Flowmasters Super 40's! TBI retrofit completed (2007-07-29) New 383CID (+030) 08-304-8 9.5:1CR x36,005 (2012-12-17)

02-12-2013, 11:42 AM	#10
JCampbell Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 1,332	Re: OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop Excellent. Thank you, Gents.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.