23 replies to this topic

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

guys, I bought the cheapo USB OPCOM years ago and it all worked happily until a few months ago when I updated the software to the current version. Not worked since, can't sort it.... So, thought I'd start a thread so that people can share their experiences with OPCOM and advise on which is the best software to be using etc and how and what tasks can be performed with it Does anybody have a link to the 'old' version that usually comes on a disk with the cheap bits....? Or can anyone host it so I can download...? What about these new OPCOM type interfaces, Bluetooth etc...? Do these work ok?

[techieboy]

Linked to from the VX220 Wiki pages here. That version definitely works fine, as have newer versions on my laptops.

 

Only ever seen a USB OPCom interface. The Bluetooth ones are generic OBD interfaces.

[Kieran McC]

Loads great with Windows XP, It can be temperamental with Windows 7 ended up getting a PC nerd to do it LOL

[mark moyz]

I got a bluetooth one off ebay the other week that connects to my Android phone seemed to work ok. It came with a reduced size disc loaded with softwares for phone and laptop. They seem to be priced at under 10 quid.

[techieboy]

That wont be an OpCom compatible interface though, that'll just be a straightforward Bluetooth OBD interface. Normal OBD interfaces can't talk to the ABS or Airbag ECU's, nor program key transponders to the immobiliser.

[mark moyz]

Ah I see, I was unaware if I could do more as the phone app I have is the free version and claims more features to unlock through perchase. For reading codes and resetting it was fine.

[techieboy]

Yeah. OBD2 is the basic interface that all recent cars use. Torque and TorquePro are great and can speak to the main engine ecu through that OBD interface on our cars. But, it can't talk to the other systems via a generic OBD interface (though it wouldn't surprise me if it could through a correctly wired OBD interface).  OpCom is specific to GM (and later Saabs) cars and allows you access to other systems within the car and also some limited programming options - it's basically a limited version of the uber expensive TECH2 diagnostic system that dealerships use - and is useless on other manufacturers cars. Just like VAG-COM or VCDS is the tool to have for V.A.G. cars.

[mark moyz]

I will probably get an opcom as well then as I have an airbag light that needs investigating and the mot is due soon.

[techieboy]

Yup, that's what you'll need to talk airbags.

[siztenboots]

if only someone had reverse engineered the ABS protocol

[Mike-F]

Does anyone have a link to a cheap unit? all the ones on fleabay seem to be quite expensive compared to OBD readers

[Nev]

I am really struggling to switch my airbag light off ATM, if anyone has a laptop that can deffo do this I would be most appreciative if they could help me

Edited by Nev, 24 June 2013 - 11:59 AM.

[techieboy]

Have you tried OpCom, Nev? You need to pretend to be talking to an Astra in order to reset it (certainly when talking to the NA anyway). Obviously, it's only possible to clear the light if there isn't a real ongoing issue.

[Zuber]

Have you tried OpCom, Nev? You need to pretend to be talking to an Astra in order to reset it (certainly when talking to the NA anyway). Obviously, it's only possible to clear the light if there isn't a real ongoing issue.

 

Interesting...

 

I was able to talk to the VX from my laptop (using cheap ebay job) by selecting the VX220 option from the OPCOM menus. But was unable to reset the engine management light (even though my local garage was).

 

Are you saying it works better (like being able to reset) if I choose an Astra option, or were you not getting any response by choosing the VX220 option ?

[LY_Scott]

Techie is talking about the airbag light resetting. I think you're talking about engine fault codes, which should be fine using the VX220 options.

[techieboy]

Correct.

 

Engine stuff should be fine using the correct model selection as it's mostly generic and just about everything on the market can reset engine related codes. Airbag ECU likes you to pretend you're an Astra G (I think, it's been a while). Accessing the ABS is fine through the correct VX model options but needs a correctly wired OBD2 connector to even know there's an ABS ecu to talk to.

[siztenboots]

Airbag wiring diagram , you could just adapt you OBD plug to change pin 7 to hardwire to the ABS controller

 

http://www.speedster...gram/Airbag.pdf

 

ABS wiring diagram , again , DIAG is the wire you want

 

http://www.speedster...rake System.pdf

 

and the OBD plug itself , pins 7 and 12 are important on the X13 plug

http://www.speedster...nostic Link.pdf

 

my understanding is that K line OBD plug pin 7 is shared with the immobiliser [1433] and the ECU plug 1 , pin 2

[hairy]

Anyone got it to work with windows vista?

[Kieran McC]

I am really struggling to switch my airbag light off ATM, if anyone has a laptop that can deffo do this I would be most appreciative if they could help me

Nev Try this

 

Car Year, Astra G, Body, Air bag. Reset codes turn of , turn on should then be ok

[Goosenka]

I am really struggling to switch my airbag light off ATM, if anyone has a laptop that can deffo do this I would be most appreciative if they could help me

Nev Try this   Car Year, Astra G, Body, Air bag. Reset codes turn of , turn on should then be ok

......unless its wiring related. I have done this 5 or so times now and it comes on after a few miles. Defo worth a shot though.