scan software and cables

[Trans Am]

I just got a laptop specifically for using it for scanning the engine , which software and cables would you reccomend?
its for a 95 and an 93 obd1 and obd2

[Rob B (shoebox)]

Some choices:
www.akmcables.com
www.aldlcable.com
www.pcmforless.com
www.moates.net
www.wotelectronics.com


http://www.ttspowersystems.com/diagnostic.htm -free download with a number of free uses before you have to buy.

http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/ecu_software.htm totally free.


Both the 93 and 95 should be OBD-I. (a 95 f-body will have a OBD-II shaped DLC, but the computer is OBD-I. You must get a special cable for it.)

[redws6]

where do you get these cables?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

.....(a 95 f-body will have a OBD-II shaped DLC, but the computer is OBD-I. You must get a special cable for it.)

That is if it is a V8 car. I believe the V6 cars have the OBDII computer. He doesn't say what the 95 is.

where do you get these cables?

I got mine from http://www.akmcables.com/

[Trans Am]

95 formula(v8), 93 t/a

Thanks,
is there any way I can make the cables myself? do the connect with the pc via usb?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

95 formula(v8), 93 t/a

Thanks,
is there any way I can make the cables myself? do the connect with the pc via usb?

No. When you get the cable it comes with a electronics box that has an IC in it (electronics). I don't know what it does.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

where do you get these cables?

LOL, I listed 5 places to get cables in the first of my post.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

95 formula(v8), 93 t/a

Thanks,
is there any way I can make the cables myself? do the connect with the pc via usb?

The akm site has schematics and also a kit, if you want to make your own cable.

[AJ52486]

I made a cable for my 94 chevy pickup, which should work on any GM OBD1 computer. I got the two-transistor circuit schematic from www.aldlcable.com The parts only cost about $10 at Radio Shack, but I already had the serial connector. It took me about an hour to make, with my Dad holding the wires so I could solder them. If you do decide to make your own, be careful not to burn up the components, especially the transistors. To protect them, have an assistant hold some needle-nose pliers on both sides of the solder joint, to absorb the heat so it doesn't get to the components.
To answer your question about USB, the cable that I made uses the serial port (it is a D-shaped port with 9 pins). Most newer laptops don't have serial ports, so if yours doesn't, you will have to buy a USB to serial converter, which I think are around $20 - $35. If you do plan on getting a converter, check the manual for the scanning software to see which ones are compatable. Your other option is to buy a USB ALDL cable that is already made from moates.net.

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

www.OBD-2.com


Been using his set-up for years and years. He even has custom software for the F-bods.