18 replies to this topic

[WazzaVX220]

Getting ready for the Supercharger Conversion in the next few weeks (with Neil & Joe)

 

Need to get a suitable Laptop and Cable to Run the OBD Tuner software that will be installed in the ECU.

Any recommendations?

 

I'm all Apple stuff at the moment.....

 

The laptop will ONLY be used for Tuning the Car, so doesn't need to be hugely powerful or big.

13" is plenty i guess (she screamed.....)

 

Also need the Appropriate Cable to interface obvs.

 

I'm not completely computer inept, but will need some info advice to get the right equipment!

 

Many Thanks in Advance!

 

(anyone using the "Pro" version?  Much difference? Gonna be running about 300bhp with M62 and cams)

 

X

 

 

 

 

[Rosssco]

I use a netbook about 4 years old.. Really nothing fancy required.

[Gadget2]

I use Apple too; for Chris at Jon Seal to set up my ecu with dutch software I purchased a HP Elitebook 8440p laptop from a firm that sold refurbished equipment.

Used also to download from my Racelogic Vbox. Its running Windows 7 pro as that seems to suit both setups; the later op systems want to refer everything to 'the cloud' and require internet access (or so I'm told). 

My laptop does not have any connection to the internet so I am not worried re virus infections etc. Only has a 300Gb disc, 4Gb memory and a Intel i5 processor 64bit 2.67 Ghz.

 

Well pleased with the setup. Works for me! Cost me less than £200 too!

Edited by Gadget2, 10 April 2018 - 01:06 PM.

[WazzaVX220]

Sounds perfect Gadget!

 

Where does one get the Correct Cable to interface with the Car?

 

(and what is the cable called?)

 

Works with USB at the Laptop end i assume?

 

X

[martinroger]

Sounds perfect Gadget!

 

Where does one get the Correct Cable to interface with the Car?

 

(and what is the cable called?)

 

Works with USB at the Laptop end i assume?

 

X

 

I think you can get a OBD II to USB cable for cheap on eBay or Amazon. I opted for a bluetooth dongle cause I am lazy, I can give you the amazon link if you fancy.

[FLD]

You need an elm327 cable for the software. I believe some use a tablet with it.

[martinroger]

I do!

[WazzaVX220]

Thanks guys!!!! Yes, links to the correct OBD2 to USB Cable would be great. Bit of a minefield out there!!! X (Does anyone use OBD2 to Serial port? Or does that not work?)

[pete-r]

I use one of these with a notebook Ebay item 391738919056 I am thinking about using a second hand windows phone which I could mount and use with a Bluetooth elm327 device.

[smiley]

I am thinking about using a second hand windows phone which I could mount and use with a Bluetooth elm327 device.

 

Keep in mind that you need the full windows, not the RT edition.

Is there even a Phone that runs an x86 processor?   

[pete-r]

I think there are full windows phones out there but they aren't cheap I've read on dodgy forums that you can run Windows on a quad core android phone too but might be hokum.

Edited by pete-r, 17 April 2018 - 11:03 AM.

[smiley]

Chill, me and at least one other went for the used tecso 7" tablet at some point.

https://www.tesco.co...ck/182-3108.prd

They were 30 pound isch on ebay when used back then (2016)

 

I think anything with the intel atom processor inside can run an x86 application like obdtuner.

https://en.wikipedia...wiki/Intel_Atom

 

Windows RT is build around the ARM processor, and is limited to run what was provided with the device, or the windows store.

Edited by smiley, 17 April 2018 - 12:00 PM.

[pete-r]

A 7" tablet mounted In the binnacle would give you a torque pro and obdtuner combo more powerful than the garw dash. Get a Bluetooth touch pad to use it Velcrod to the sill

Edited by pete-r, 17 April 2018 - 12:03 PM.

[smiley]

I would love a combo device for obdtuner and torque.

To my knowledge torque is android and IOS only.

 

I can't find the tesco connect 7" tablet i referred to earlier on ebay.

The 10" can still be found if you want something cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...em=142759034252

 

[smiley]

One of the dutch members build in an android car radio from joying.
https://www.amazon.c...uct_top?ie=UTF8

 

 

 

 

Some more pictures here: https://www.speedste...php?f=10&t=7474

 

Disclamer: Android cannot run obdtuner. Apps like torque only!!

[pete-r]

I would love a combo device for obdtuner and torque. To my knowledge torque is android and IOS only.    

Yes but you can run it in a bluestacks emulator. Not tried it though so it might not work very well

[WazzaVX220]

Brilliant stuff, thanks! It seems that the most ELM327 Cables come with some sort of software? Is that best avoided, or does one need drivers from it to "run" itself... Obvs just using for the OBD tuner dutch software. Has someone done a "step by step" guide how to get it all working for the first time? I'll be using a Decent Windows Laptop running clean install of Windows 7 X

[smiley]

Yes, most elm cable come with a small cd, but it's usually useless.

When you first plugin your elm cable, the laptop will recognise it as a new "device", and will require a driver. (which is software)

Then it can get a bit fuzzy.
Either your laptop will use a build in driver, or fetch one from the web automatically, or specifically ask you for one.

If the latter, that little cd may come in handy. If not, come back to us and we see if we can help.

 

More fuzzy techie stuff ahead i'm afraid.

Once that is done, the elm connector will emulate a "serial" port.
That serial port (aka "com" port) will show up given a number in your operating system device options. (1,2,3,4 or whatever)

 

That is what you put in in the obdtuner options tab.

Would suggest to start with baud rate 38400

 

Did you get your license key from Peter?

 

Edited by smiley, 17 April 2018 - 03:45 PM.

[WazzaVX220]

Thanks Smiley! Again!!!!!! Won't be doing much this week, but hopefully next week with OBD. Car should be ready by End of May-ish! X