- 2,020
- 29
- Nov 10, 2002
-
Raleigh,
North Carolina
Palm Scan EP
For a few years now most of the DSM Community has been taking advantage of palm-based code
retrieval and datalogging. This has prodominantly been used in the form of PocketLogger. Around
the same time or shortly after PocketLogger made it's name in the tuning community DSMLink
became really big. DSMLink brought lap-top programming to the DSM world.
As good as DSMLink was and DSMLink v2 and pocketlogger are, they still cater to the Turbo world and ONLY to DSM's. Now there is an alternative and one that can be used on nearly every car that is OBDII compliant. This comes in the form of a palm based scanner and logging software for the PC/Laptop. The software is put out by a company called SPX/OTC. This company provides software and hardware for ALL of the chrysler dealer scantools as well as scan tools produced by tool companies such as Snap-on, Mac and Matco. The specific software I will be referring to will be the "Enhanced EP" software because it will include datalogging options that can be played back on the palm or on a pc, as well as better communications with the subject vehicle.
The set-up is rather simple actually. You take the average palm with a springboard slot
and plug in the cartridge in to the slot. The particular palm I use is the palm visor. Display is not in color but it does the trick. On the other end of the cartridge is the OBDII cable. It plugs right in to the OBDII DLC (data link connector) and away you go. Plugging in the cartridge will load all the software needed for the application. When finished, simply remove the cartridge and you're back to normal. This means that you can plug it in to any palm without having to reload any software from a PC in order for it to work. After the software loads you have a number of vehicle types you can chose from: Ford, GM, Chrysler, Asian or European. Asian vehicles include Kia, Mazda, Mitsu, Nissan, Subaru, Infiniti, Honda, Accura, Lexus, Isuzu, Hyundai, and two types of Toyota. In addition to that you can also chose specific vehicle communications such as SAE J1859 PWM or VPW, ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230 F.I. The European cars include Mercedez-benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Saab, and then SAEJ1850 PWM, VPW, ISO 9141-2, ISO14230 Fast and five Baud.
Once you chose your vehicle type or communications type you will be able to chose from another
menu that includes: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (Retrieval), Freeze Frame Data, Clear
Memory/Fault Codes, OBDII Monitor status, Oxygen sensors status, and live data.
Code Retrieval
From the Code retrieval screen you are able to read permanent fault codes, pending fault codes or 1trips failures, and clear memory. Fault code will be displayed as either No Permanent fault or each code individually in their full "P" code style which pinpoints the exact manor in which the related component has failed. The pending status screen will display codes that have been set but have not occured enough to turn on the check engine light. Frequently codes will only be set after a component has failed a test twice in a row. The average scanner will not display "1 trip failures", only hard faults that cause the check engine light to come on. Clearing the memory is an option from many areas while in the "codes retrieval" area.
Freeze Frame
When a fault code is set the engine controller is able to store several readings in order to help reproduce the fault code during the diagnosistic stages of repairs. Freeze Frame data will consist of engine RPM, Engine Coolant Temperature, Fuel system status (open or closed loop), throttle position, vehicle speed, and ambient temperature. This information is valuable when the repair technician wants to determine if the code was set when the engine is cold, hot, under a full load, or just cruising at highway speeds.
OBDII Monitor status
When OBDII was introduced there were a number of new tests that the computer ran in order to make sure that the exhaust output was within tolerances and to make sure that the engine was running efficiently. These tests include evaporative emissions, heated o2 sensor, catalyst monitor, EGR system, and a few others. Using the OBDII monitor screen will allow the technician the opportunity to see if the computer has been reset recently (this would be indicated by most tests still being incomplete)
Live Data
Live Data will bring up quite a bit more information. This screen shows: Engine RPM, TPS,
Engine Load In percent, vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, Bank 1 and 2 fuel state
(open or closed loop), Battery Voltage, MIL on command state, Number of DTC's set (0 if none).
On some vehicles In the upper half of this screen the user is able to monitor 5 readings in a digital
display mode. The sensor/parameter is displayed on the left while the reading is on the right. Of the five displays, the one that is high-lighted is displayed on a line graph below and is mapped in a near real time manor. From this screen you can start the datalogging side of things by checking items you wish to monitor. You do this by high-lighting the little check box to the left of the component needing to be logged. For the purpose of recording read-outs you can chose up to ten perameters. After chosing the ten you want to monitor, click on the check box on the lower left side next to the camera. This will bring up screen similar to screen 5 which will diplay two readings at one time such as TPS and o2 reading. Go Wide Open Throttle and you will see the o2 sensor switch from the up and down reading to holding steady at a voltage normally above 0.85 volts or more. You can then press the "hold" button and move a cursor throughout the graph and see where your readings peaked and see what the other component was doing at the same point in time. In addition to showing this on a graph, you can change this screen to a digital numerical display for instant readings. Click on the round button on the left underside of the chosen reading and it will turn in to display. This is useful when tuning based off of o2 sensor readings when you don't have any gauges on the a-pillar pod and want an actual numerical display instead of guessing at how rich or lean the car is running based on blinky lights.
If you wish to record these displays for play-back after you have shut the car off then in the upper right hand corner between "Graph compare" and the camera there will be an option called "Record" (not shown in picture). This will record the ten options you chose and allows for dumping the information on to a lap top at a later time. This logging I have yet to max out logging for at least a twenty minute ride home from work. Once you start recording, at any point in the process you can press the hold button and monitor sensor readings half-way through by touching the screen on the area you wish to know the reading for. Press the hold button again and you can start recording again. At the end of your logging, press Exit and it will ask you to name the log you just recorded. After exiting the car you can hot-sync with you computer and dump all the logs and screenshots on to your computer and begin analyzing them.
Once you've saved and exited the datalogging screen for the car you dump your PDA files on to your pc. This can be done via serial cable, USB cradle or IR if compatible. The files are replayed through a program called "WinReplay". The display is pretty easy to read. On the left the program displays the parameter you were monitoring, under it is the reading at cursor one and under that is the reading for a second cursor or point in time. You can have up to four parameters and moving the cursor for in one graph will move it in the other. In otherwords, at the peak of your WOT pull you can see exactly where you o2 levels were a split second before you let off the throttle while seeing the engine RPM at the same time.
Lab Scope
Something unique about the OTC/SPX Palm Scan EP system is that you can buy an optional package that is used as a lab scope. Basically, a lab scope is like a multimeter that can graph/datalog a signal as well as display it in an instant reading like a meter. The labscope can be used to log 1 or 2 signals at the same time. It can graph on a range of -1 volts to 50 volts. The sample rate can be anywhere from 0.5 milliseconds all the way up to 5000 ms. You can breifly record the sample and press hold just like when datalogging. Then you can move a cursor around the screen and see where you highest and lowest voltage readings were at.
A Lab Scope comes in very handy when you are tracy down shorted wires, irratic sensor signals, and need to verify proper ECU voltages. If you've got a wire that is supposed to have 5 volts on it constantly but have a wire that is chaffed and shorting out intermittantly, hook up your lab scope and start wiggling wires around. When your voltage drops off, you know you're in the right area. The scope can also be used for checking sensor signals such as camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, Throttle Position Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature sensor and Injector Pulsewidth. Tap in to your wire and ground the scope and watch the pattern. A coolant temperature sensor that shows a constant 5 volts could be unplugged or the sensor is internally shorted. A Cam and Crank sensor pattern looks like the top of a castle wall. The peaks are a straight line normally at 5 or 8 volts. They drop straight to zero and hold. Each increase and decrease in voltage is displayed in a 90 degree turn (square wave) and should not have slopes or curves.
The Scope package has preset settings that will make it easier to check signal patterns. You can tell the palm that you are looking at an Injector signal, Cam sensor, 12 volt square wave sensor, o2 sensor, or any other sensor on the car and the palm will change the range and sample rate to accurately display a signal pattern that is easy to read and understand. This thing is basically a multi-meter on steriods that displays exactly the same as a $200 meter but also logs the signal for playback after leaving the car.
Pricing
Now pricing for this little jewel is going to be a bit more than the DSMLink or PocketLogger. BUT what you've really got to remember is that this particular palm system is good for more than just the DSM's. Use it on your mom's minivan, your Dad's Audi, and your siblings Honda (Don't worry, we won't tell anyone).
Palm EP Scan From OTC:
Palm $30-$200
EP Scan software, Cartridge with cable, software for PC $350
EP Lab Scope Cartridge: $300 (Optional)
Total Cost $400-$650 (Add $300 for optional Lab Scope)
Good: Works on ANY OBDII car, Palm software follows the EP Scan Cartidge, not the Palm, Lab Scope capabilities from the same PDA
Bad: Costs more than PocketLogger, no true "Tuning" capabilities
Pocket Logger costs:
Palm $30-$200
Software and Cable $125
Total Cost: $155-325
Good: Works great on your Turbo DSM
Bad: Software follows palm, Minimal to no "Tuning capabilities
DSMLink:
Laptop $300+
Full Package and software: $615.00+ with a few options for socket service and v1 upgrade
Total Cost: $900+
Good: Works great for your Turbo DSM, Good/high level of tunability
Bad: Need a laptop minimum, Only works on your turbo DSM, Costs more than either PDA based software.
For a few years now most of the DSM Community has been taking advantage of palm-based code
retrieval and datalogging. This has prodominantly been used in the form of PocketLogger. Around
the same time or shortly after PocketLogger made it's name in the tuning community DSMLink
became really big. DSMLink brought lap-top programming to the DSM world.
As good as DSMLink was and DSMLink v2 and pocketlogger are, they still cater to the Turbo world and ONLY to DSM's. Now there is an alternative and one that can be used on nearly every car that is OBDII compliant. This comes in the form of a palm based scanner and logging software for the PC/Laptop. The software is put out by a company called SPX/OTC. This company provides software and hardware for ALL of the chrysler dealer scantools as well as scan tools produced by tool companies such as Snap-on, Mac and Matco. The specific software I will be referring to will be the "Enhanced EP" software because it will include datalogging options that can be played back on the palm or on a pc, as well as better communications with the subject vehicle.
The set-up is rather simple actually. You take the average palm with a springboard slot
and plug in the cartridge in to the slot. The particular palm I use is the palm visor. Display is not in color but it does the trick. On the other end of the cartridge is the OBDII cable. It plugs right in to the OBDII DLC (data link connector) and away you go. Plugging in the cartridge will load all the software needed for the application. When finished, simply remove the cartridge and you're back to normal. This means that you can plug it in to any palm without having to reload any software from a PC in order for it to work. After the software loads you have a number of vehicle types you can chose from: Ford, GM, Chrysler, Asian or European. Asian vehicles include Kia, Mazda, Mitsu, Nissan, Subaru, Infiniti, Honda, Accura, Lexus, Isuzu, Hyundai, and two types of Toyota. In addition to that you can also chose specific vehicle communications such as SAE J1859 PWM or VPW, ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230 F.I. The European cars include Mercedez-benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Saab, and then SAEJ1850 PWM, VPW, ISO 9141-2, ISO14230 Fast and five Baud.
Once you chose your vehicle type or communications type you will be able to chose from another
menu that includes: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (Retrieval), Freeze Frame Data, Clear
Memory/Fault Codes, OBDII Monitor status, Oxygen sensors status, and live data.
Code Retrieval
From the Code retrieval screen you are able to read permanent fault codes, pending fault codes or 1trips failures, and clear memory. Fault code will be displayed as either No Permanent fault or each code individually in their full "P" code style which pinpoints the exact manor in which the related component has failed. The pending status screen will display codes that have been set but have not occured enough to turn on the check engine light. Frequently codes will only be set after a component has failed a test twice in a row. The average scanner will not display "1 trip failures", only hard faults that cause the check engine light to come on. Clearing the memory is an option from many areas while in the "codes retrieval" area.
Freeze Frame
When a fault code is set the engine controller is able to store several readings in order to help reproduce the fault code during the diagnosistic stages of repairs. Freeze Frame data will consist of engine RPM, Engine Coolant Temperature, Fuel system status (open or closed loop), throttle position, vehicle speed, and ambient temperature. This information is valuable when the repair technician wants to determine if the code was set when the engine is cold, hot, under a full load, or just cruising at highway speeds.
OBDII Monitor status
When OBDII was introduced there were a number of new tests that the computer ran in order to make sure that the exhaust output was within tolerances and to make sure that the engine was running efficiently. These tests include evaporative emissions, heated o2 sensor, catalyst monitor, EGR system, and a few others. Using the OBDII monitor screen will allow the technician the opportunity to see if the computer has been reset recently (this would be indicated by most tests still being incomplete)
Live Data
Live Data will bring up quite a bit more information. This screen shows: Engine RPM, TPS,
Engine Load In percent, vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, Bank 1 and 2 fuel state
(open or closed loop), Battery Voltage, MIL on command state, Number of DTC's set (0 if none).
On some vehicles In the upper half of this screen the user is able to monitor 5 readings in a digital
display mode. The sensor/parameter is displayed on the left while the reading is on the right. Of the five displays, the one that is high-lighted is displayed on a line graph below and is mapped in a near real time manor. From this screen you can start the datalogging side of things by checking items you wish to monitor. You do this by high-lighting the little check box to the left of the component needing to be logged. For the purpose of recording read-outs you can chose up to ten perameters. After chosing the ten you want to monitor, click on the check box on the lower left side next to the camera. This will bring up screen similar to screen 5 which will diplay two readings at one time such as TPS and o2 reading. Go Wide Open Throttle and you will see the o2 sensor switch from the up and down reading to holding steady at a voltage normally above 0.85 volts or more. You can then press the "hold" button and move a cursor throughout the graph and see where your readings peaked and see what the other component was doing at the same point in time. In addition to showing this on a graph, you can change this screen to a digital numerical display for instant readings. Click on the round button on the left underside of the chosen reading and it will turn in to display. This is useful when tuning based off of o2 sensor readings when you don't have any gauges on the a-pillar pod and want an actual numerical display instead of guessing at how rich or lean the car is running based on blinky lights.
If you wish to record these displays for play-back after you have shut the car off then in the upper right hand corner between "Graph compare" and the camera there will be an option called "Record" (not shown in picture). This will record the ten options you chose and allows for dumping the information on to a lap top at a later time. This logging I have yet to max out logging for at least a twenty minute ride home from work. Once you start recording, at any point in the process you can press the hold button and monitor sensor readings half-way through by touching the screen on the area you wish to know the reading for. Press the hold button again and you can start recording again. At the end of your logging, press Exit and it will ask you to name the log you just recorded. After exiting the car you can hot-sync with you computer and dump all the logs and screenshots on to your computer and begin analyzing them.
Once you've saved and exited the datalogging screen for the car you dump your PDA files on to your pc. This can be done via serial cable, USB cradle or IR if compatible. The files are replayed through a program called "WinReplay". The display is pretty easy to read. On the left the program displays the parameter you were monitoring, under it is the reading at cursor one and under that is the reading for a second cursor or point in time. You can have up to four parameters and moving the cursor for in one graph will move it in the other. In otherwords, at the peak of your WOT pull you can see exactly where you o2 levels were a split second before you let off the throttle while seeing the engine RPM at the same time.
Lab Scope
Something unique about the OTC/SPX Palm Scan EP system is that you can buy an optional package that is used as a lab scope. Basically, a lab scope is like a multimeter that can graph/datalog a signal as well as display it in an instant reading like a meter. The labscope can be used to log 1 or 2 signals at the same time. It can graph on a range of -1 volts to 50 volts. The sample rate can be anywhere from 0.5 milliseconds all the way up to 5000 ms. You can breifly record the sample and press hold just like when datalogging. Then you can move a cursor around the screen and see where you highest and lowest voltage readings were at.
A Lab Scope comes in very handy when you are tracy down shorted wires, irratic sensor signals, and need to verify proper ECU voltages. If you've got a wire that is supposed to have 5 volts on it constantly but have a wire that is chaffed and shorting out intermittantly, hook up your lab scope and start wiggling wires around. When your voltage drops off, you know you're in the right area. The scope can also be used for checking sensor signals such as camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, Throttle Position Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature sensor and Injector Pulsewidth. Tap in to your wire and ground the scope and watch the pattern. A coolant temperature sensor that shows a constant 5 volts could be unplugged or the sensor is internally shorted. A Cam and Crank sensor pattern looks like the top of a castle wall. The peaks are a straight line normally at 5 or 8 volts. They drop straight to zero and hold. Each increase and decrease in voltage is displayed in a 90 degree turn (square wave) and should not have slopes or curves.
The Scope package has preset settings that will make it easier to check signal patterns. You can tell the palm that you are looking at an Injector signal, Cam sensor, 12 volt square wave sensor, o2 sensor, or any other sensor on the car and the palm will change the range and sample rate to accurately display a signal pattern that is easy to read and understand. This thing is basically a multi-meter on steriods that displays exactly the same as a $200 meter but also logs the signal for playback after leaving the car.
Pricing
Now pricing for this little jewel is going to be a bit more than the DSMLink or PocketLogger. BUT what you've really got to remember is that this particular palm system is good for more than just the DSM's. Use it on your mom's minivan, your Dad's Audi, and your siblings Honda (Don't worry, we won't tell anyone).
Palm EP Scan From OTC:
Palm $30-$200
EP Scan software, Cartridge with cable, software for PC $350
EP Lab Scope Cartridge: $300 (Optional)
Total Cost $400-$650 (Add $300 for optional Lab Scope)
Good: Works on ANY OBDII car, Palm software follows the EP Scan Cartidge, not the Palm, Lab Scope capabilities from the same PDA
Bad: Costs more than PocketLogger, no true "Tuning" capabilities
Pocket Logger costs:
Palm $30-$200
Software and Cable $125
Total Cost: $155-325
Good: Works great on your Turbo DSM
Bad: Software follows palm, Minimal to no "Tuning capabilities
DSMLink:
Laptop $300+
Full Package and software: $615.00+ with a few options for socket service and v1 upgrade
Total Cost: $900+
Good: Works great for your Turbo DSM, Good/high level of tunability
Bad: Need a laptop minimum, Only works on your turbo DSM, Costs more than either PDA based software.
where can i get mine 
$700.00 at one place and almost $500.00 at the other 
but i wanted one so bad 
