Topic: Tech 2 (Read 6554 times)

sluggi · « **on:** 21 July 2007, 23:52:39 »

Hi.

I have a Tech 2 that plugs into my laptop via a serial port that was given to me by a friend.The problem is i have no software to use it with. Does anyone know where i can get the software from please.

sluggi

TheBoy · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 July 2007, 11:19:19 »

If its the cheapo one, I'm sure a few people here who have one can email you it. Its awful software though, so don't expect miracles...

sluggi · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 July 2007, 11:28:16 »

Not sure if its cheapo or not.All it says on device is opel tech 2?

Jimbob · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 July 2007, 11:46:43 »

try http://www.maxsonic.co.uk/download/opeltech2.zip

TheBoy · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 July 2007, 12:15:37 »

Quote

Not sure if its cheapo or not.All it says on device is opel tech 2?

If its a small unit, just a large plug, then its cheapo.

If its a larger handheld unit, with LCD and keypad, its the real thing, and valuable

sluggi · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 July 2007, 12:29:55 »

Cheapo then.

Thank's to Jimbob

TheBoy · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 July 2007, 12:57:06 »

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Cheapo then.

Thank's to Jimbob

Better brush up on your Hungarian then

sluggi · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 July 2007, 14:25:26 »

found this link

http://www.vezerdiagnosztika.hu/index_demo.html

TheBoy · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 July 2007, 16:12:41 »

Quote

found this link

http://www.vezerdiagnosztika.hu/index_demo.html

Does it work?

Golfbuddy · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 July 2007, 17:14:25 »

Almost certainly a dumb question but, having read the various posts in this and other threads, I have noticed that one of the main requirements for some of the 'cheapo' readers to work properly is a serial port. I also notice that most modern laptops/notebooks don't come with these as standard.

This made me start looking for notebook serial port accessories and I came across this.

Can anyone tell me if this type of thing would work? If so it may be of use to those who have one of these readers but are struggling with USB connectivity.

TheBoy · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 July 2007, 19:15:41 »

not sure, due to way pcmcia is implemented....

Kevin Wood · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 July 2007, 21:57:49 »

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not sure, due to way pcmcia is implemented....

I'm tempted to give a PCMCIA serial port a try. If it's a pukka 16550 UART or whatever connected to the bus via PCMCIA it stands a lot more chance of working than a USB adaptor with creative drivers. I've had several problems with USB serial adaptors, and on applications that use it as a standard serial port too, rather then bit-bashing the handshake lines as the cheapo Tech2 does.

This is cheaper:

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Adapter_Cables/mj045.htm

Kevin

TheBoy · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 July 2007, 22:18:39 »

Quote

Quote
not sure, due to way pcmcia is implemented....

I'm tempted to give a PCMCIA serial port a try. If it's a pukka 16550 UART or whatever connected to the bus via PCMCIA it stands a lot more chance of working than a USB adaptor with creative drivers. I've had several problems with USB serial adaptors, and on applications that use it as a standard serial port too, rather then bit-bashing the handshake lines as the cheapo Tech2 does.

This is cheaper:

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Adapter_Cables/mj045.htm

Kevin

May well have a 16550 compat chip, but due to PCMCIA implementation, may not exist on standard i/o ports (likely wont), hence reliant on software layered drivers in same way was usb to serial adpaters.

sluggi · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 July 2007, 23:21:02 »

I think i should be ok as i have an old laptop with a serial port.Will give it a try and report back.

Many thanks for all your help and comments.

Mike Collins · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 July 2007, 17:18:16 »

I am trying to get a PMCIA serial port to work at the moment with Hungarian software, presumably the same version.

This is on a 98 elite, so not OBD2.

So far I cannot get a data stream, have started to look at the lines on the 16 pin connector with a 'scope. None of the pins that are able to be connected has an output.

The last thing I tried was a 10K resistor from ground to pin 6, some information says this wakes up the ECU for communication.

The resistor certainly gives the correct voltage level on pin 6, +5V, but no pulses visible.

Wil keep trying on and off, but does anyone have any ideas?

Kevin Wood · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 July 2007, 19:02:30 »

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Wil keep trying on and off, but does anyone have any ideas?

The problem with non-standard serial ports is that, rather than using the serial port as intended, the cheapo tech2 uses a couple of the handshake lines and "bit bashes" them in software, using timing loops and other evil to generate the required waveforms with the required timing.

If the machine is directly connected, through a simple driver, to a real UART the calls the code makes to change the state of the handshake lines translate into immediate (or pretty much) transitions of the pins at the serial port. If the driver is actually piping the commands over a USB port, for example, the timing gets totally messed up and it's unlikely to work.

PCMCIA is an unknown quantity in that, in theory, it's a bus so you could implement a serial port by hanging a proper UART off the bus. Who knows what they're actually doing, though? The problem is the timing of the handshake lines are not normally that critical in a real serial port due to large buffers either end, so a bodged port is likely to be lacking in this respect.

Has the interface you have worked with a "real" serial port? That would be my starting point, get it working with a machine with a genuine serial port and then compare the timing of the waveforms you get.

Kevin

Mike Collins · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 July 2007, 22:33:03 »

So far I have been unable to find a pulse train on any of the connected pins in the diag connector, looking with a 'scope, so not got as far thinking about the interface.
Am I missing something obvious?

Jimbob · « **Reply #17 on:** 24 July 2007, 08:08:01 »

Are you trying this while connected, or away from the car?

I Believe the tech2 gets its power from the diag socket, so you would need to emulate that as well

Sorry if i'm teaching egg sucking!

Mike Collins · « **Reply #18 on:** 24 July 2007, 08:22:34 »

Looking directly at the diag port on the car with an oscilloscope, I have not found a pulse train on any pin, the Hungarian software appears to tell you which ALDL pin it expects to see data.

I'm sure I'm missing something obvious.

Jimbob · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 July 2007, 08:42:59 »

So, have you actually 'asked' the port to send data?
As far as I know it works like this

Tech2 plugged in, gets power from socket
Tech2 Asks For data
Car supplies Data
Tech2 displays response

It reads like you are trying just to read the port without asking for anything?
Apologies if I have misunderstood your problem

Kevin Wood · « **Reply #20 on:** 24 July 2007, 09:37:38 »

I agree. Without a Tech 2 or similar to initiate communications I wouldn't expect to see any activity on the diag port.

Kevin

Mike Collins · « **Reply #21 on:** 24 July 2007, 14:32:13 »

That sounds exactly like what is happening, anyone know what form the tech2 request takes?

The nearest information I have found is that 10K to ground on pin 6 pulls that line to +5V and enables ECU communication mode.

It passes the quiet moment.

Kevin Wood · « **Reply #22 on:** 24 July 2007, 15:02:12 »

There's a whole bidirectional serial protocol that's implemented by one end or other pulling the line down to 0v or letting it float and then waiting for the other end to acknowledge / respond.

The documentation is probably around on the internet somewhere if you really want to get into it, although I think most of it is based on an ISO standard and you have to pay for them

. Getting any life out if it at all would be a non-trivial exercise, however.

There are projects like this: http://freediag.sourceforge.net/ if you really want to get your hands dirty!

Kevin

Mike Collins · « **Reply #23 on:** 24 July 2007, 16:59:58 »

Thanks Kevin, that seems to fit what I am finding. I have just tried an ALDL serial interface cable, powered on the bench, but not connected to the car. When the "Hungarian" software searches, the data line pulls down to ground briefly.

I suppose the next step is to try connecting that data line to pin 6 on the car and see if it provokes a response.

Probably a good thing car is not here at the moment, my head hurts.

TheBoy · « **Reply #24 on:** 24 July 2007, 20:26:58 »

Quote

Thanks Kevin, that seems to fit what I am finding. I have just tried an ALDL serial interface cable, powered on the bench, but not connected to the car. When the "Hungarian" software searches, the data line pulls down to ground briefly.

I suppose the next step is to try connecting that data line to pin 6 on the car and see if it provokes a response.

Probably a good thing car is not here at the moment, my head hurts.

Remember that the Hungarian software controls a multiplexer between the max and the car, which should select right line.

VX1 · « **Reply #25 on:** 24 July 2007, 22:20:50 »

So what code reader would I need for a 1995 Omega?

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Code_Readers/Code_Readers.htm

TheBoy · « **Reply #26 on:** 24 July 2007, 22:24:27 »

Quote

So what code reader would I need for a 1995 Omega?

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Code_Readers/Code_Readers.htm

None, a paperclip will do engine.

If you want to do other stuff, a Tech1 (around £500 - £700 secondhand), or a Tech2(really from 97 on, around £2k)

VX1 · « **Reply #27 on:** 24 July 2007, 22:28:29 »

Thankyou.

iggy21uk · « **Reply #28 on:** 25 July 2007, 14:46:28 »

Quote

Quote
So what code reader would I need for a 1995 Omega?

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Code_Readers/Code_Readers.htm
None, a paperclip will do engine.

If you want to do other stuff, a Tech1 (around £500 - £700 secondhand), or a Tech2(really from 97 on, around £2k)

Or Opel Autoscanner about £250 ish

TheBoy · « **Reply #29 on:** 25 July 2007, 15:00:19 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
So what code reader would I need for a 1995 Omega?

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Code_Readers/Code_Readers.htm
None, a paperclip will do engine.

If you want to do other stuff, a Tech1 (around £500 - £700 secondhand), or a Tech2(really from 97 on, around £2k)

Or Opel Autoscanner about £250 ish

They got that properly working on pre 97 cars?

iggy21uk · « **Reply #30 on:** 25 July 2007, 15:32:56 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Quote
So what code reader would I need for a 1995 Omega?

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Code_Readers/Code_Readers.htm
None, a paperclip will do engine.

If you want to do other stuff, a Tech1 (around £500 - £700 secondhand), or a Tech2(really from 97 on, around £2k)

Or Opel Autoscanner about £250 ish
They got that properly working on pre 97 cars?

Menu starts at 1987 Omega A [and others + Senator] only Engine Management - 1990 more modules. 94 Omega B on menu with more options to choose from.

Have not tried it don't have a car to try it on.

TheBoy · « **Reply #31 on:** 25 July 2007, 15:59:00 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
So what code reader would I need for a 1995 Omega?

http://www.talktomycar.co.uk/Shop/Code_Readers/Code_Readers.htm
None, a paperclip will do engine.

If you want to do other stuff, a Tech1 (around £500 - £700 secondhand), or a Tech2(really from 97 on, around £2k)

Or Opel Autoscanner about £250 ish
They got that properly working on pre 97 cars?

Menu starts at 1987 Omega A [and others + Senator] only Engine Management - 1990 more modules. 94 Omega B on menu with more options to choose from.

Have not tried it don't have a car to try it on.

I thought the pre 97 stuff was non existent or flakey on it... ...if ever you do try it, I would be interested to know how you get on.

TheBoy · « **Reply #32 on:** 25 July 2007, 15:59:48 »

Saying that, I know a man near me with a Tech1

luv_my_mv6 · « **Reply #33 on:** 25 July 2007, 16:07:19 »

This looks like a good item to keep an eye on if you want a good tech2 system :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-TECH2-CANDi-Module-GM-Authentic-Scan-Tool_W0QQitemZ230155142474QQihZ013QQcategoryZ30921QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Mike Collins · « **Reply #34 on:** 25 July 2007, 17:11:29 »

Had a brief try with aldl adaptor on pin 6, pulls line down but no response seen on PC.

Interesting part was it did turn off the EML, engine was not running, just residual lights after power on self test. Repeatable as well, each time request sent, EML turned off.

TheBoy · « **Reply #35 on:** 25 July 2007, 19:09:35 »

Quote

This looks like a good item to keep an eye on if you want a good tech2 system :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-TECH2-CANDi-Module-GM-Authentic-Scan-Tool_W0QQitemZ230155142474QQihZ013QQcategoryZ30921QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Taken off ebay, guess he was offered a reasonable amount, and took it. Hope it was above £2k, as it has a CANdi

luv_my_mv6 · « **Reply #36 on:** 25 July 2007, 23:20:58 »

Quote

Quote
This looks like a good item to keep an eye on if you want a good tech2 system :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-TECH2-CANDi-Module-GM-Authentic-Scan-Tool_W0QQitemZ230155142474QQihZ013QQcategoryZ30921QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Taken off ebay, guess he was offered a reasonable amount, and took it. Hope it was above £2k, as it has a CANdi

If I ever win the lottery I'll get myself one

bet someone has bagged a bargain with that one... I just ordered a crappy one with some "My Naff Code Reader" software, the seller swears it will re-set my airbag light or I can have my money back minus postage so I'll let you all know if its a hit or miss jollopy

Kevin Wood · « **Reply #37 on:** 26 July 2007, 20:13:39 »

Quote

Had a brief try with aldl adaptor on pin 6, pulls line down but no response seen on PC.

Interesting part was it did turn off the EML, engine was not running, just residual lights after power on self test. Repeatable as well, each time request sent, EML turned off.

Looks like the ECU saw something. Whether it understood it or not is another matter. It's a real shame the source code for the Hungarian (or any) software is not around because it really needs for the real time communication to be moved off to a bit of hardware. Shame they designed an interface with multiplexers, etc. and didn't stick a microcontroller on it to handle that side of things. A PC is not really up to it at the best of times before you start adding USB adaptors and the like.

Oh, and it needs translation to English too.

Kevin

TheBoy · « **Reply #38 on:** 27 July 2007, 12:25:12 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
This looks like a good item to keep an eye on if you want a good tech2 system :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-TECH2-CANDi-Module-GM-Authentic-Scan-Tool_W0QQitemZ230155142474QQihZ013QQcategoryZ30921QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Taken off ebay, guess he was offered a reasonable amount, and took it. Hope it was above £2k, as it has a CANdi

If I ever win the lottery I'll get myself one bet someone has bagged a bargain with that one... I just ordered a crappy one with some "My Naff Code Reader" software, the seller swears it will re-set my airbag light or I can have my money back minus postage so I'll let you all know if its a hit or miss jollopy

cheapo, when i tested one, couldn't detect the fault I put on my airbag system, but was able to reset light when I fixed the fault.

cheapo needs a laptop with proper serial port - usb adapters probably won't work

Ken T · « **Reply #39 on:** 27 July 2007, 21:30:24 »

Another Tech 2 has turned up http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/tech-2-diagnostic-tester-vauxhall_W0QQitemZ260143749760QQihZ016QQcategoryZ30906QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem, anyone like to lend me a grand ? :-?

sluggi · « **Reply #40 on:** 27 July 2007, 23:39:06 »

Has been taken off e-bay?

Entwood · « **Reply #41 on:** 28 July 2007, 00:01:34 »

Seems to be on this link ...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/tech-2-diagnostic-tester-vauxhall_W0QQitemZ260143749760QQihZ016QQcategoryZ30906QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Ken T · « **Reply #42 on:** 28 July 2007, 00:10:54 »

thanks for that, it looks as if I added a comma onto the end which upset it. Ebay addresses are a bit fussy at times !.

TheBoy · « **Reply #43 on:** 28 July 2007, 09:02:55 »

That is currently a stunning price, seeing as it has CANdi, though ask the seller that it has a 32Mb flash card, not the 10Mb one...

News:

Author Topic: Tech 2 (Read 6554 times)