Info Here for anyone who wants to mess around with this:

 

http://www.users.bigpond.com/webspace/plms/

 

Basically you can bulid a serial interface for the Consult port then mess around with it from code. Trying to tie it in for real time trace on mapping at the minute :D

Oh dear ... here we go ...

 

These DIY Consult interface plans have been rapidly making their way to us from OZ via the US.

 

We (DTA-Motorsport) have been aware of these plans for quite some time now and have been working on formulating a response to the inevitable question "Why should we pay out £265 for a ConZult when you can build one yourself?"

 

It is a fair question and the answer is that there is more than meets the eye when you are looking to build a DIY Consult to monitor your car's sensors and diagnose problems.

 

Firstly, and I can not confirm this so I say this will caution and all due respect to those who "came up" with the DIY schematics, it has been alleged that there appears to be some degree of "reverse engineering" involved from one of our ConZults. Lets leave it at that.

 

Secondly, our ConZult software - as released when you purchase one - will not work with the DIY box! We are working on modifying the current diagnostic software to work with the DIY box so that it can be sold on a licence basis. Further information will be released in due course.

 

Thirdly, as with any DIY project, unless you know exactly what you are doing don't mess with it! There is potentially an infinite number of disasters waiting to happen. DTA-Motorsport (and it's distributors) will not take responsibility for any problems, damage or faults caused by using our software in conjunction with any DIY Consult box.

 

We have spent a lot of time developing the ConZult hardware to ensure it is absolutely safe to use and does not cause damage to the car's engine or engine managment system and in conjunction with the (ongoing) development of the diagnostic software - this is what is reflected in the purchase price. The total package - hardware, software, manuals, updates, user forum, etc - is very good value for money when compared to a Consult session at Nissan or even a Techtom.

 

In conclusion - DTA-Motorsport acknowledges the existence of the above mentioned DIY interface plans. Our currently available software does not work with this DIY interface and we do not support it in any way. Upon further investigation (of alleged "reverse engineering" claim and software development) news of new software will be announced via the distributors in due course - DTA-Motorsport.co.uk in the UK. We strongly urge individuals thinking of building this particular DIY interface to be completely confident in what they are doing before attempting this type of project as incorrect usage may result in irrepairable damage to your vehicle.

 

DTA-Motorsport wishes everybody on this forum a happy Christmas and all the best for 2004.

 

Regards,

That's not a bad link, you know. I don't think they're specifically targetting "build your own ConZult". I was talking to John recently about doing something with the Consult port, just for an autobox related project. John's been working on the realtime mapping stuff for a while now.

 

I can understand your concern Danny, but I don't expect ConZult rip-offs to be coming from people here.

 

Cheers for the link John. If I get a bit of time (when do I ever?) I'd like to have a look into this.

Danny,

I didn't post this as a build your own conZult then rip off DTA's software.

Some people (myself included) just like playing with this stuff. It's always nice to know what's happening.

As for the reverse engineering, I couldn't comment but it's a pretty simple interface and I'm sure hitachi give specs for the 6303 so it wouldn't have been too difficult to work out.

I don't think this will really affect DTA/Conzult too much as there will always be people who don't want to do the work themselves and they will use your product.

I wasn't looking at it for the conZult functionallity anyway, I just want to pull AFR voltage/RPM into software to use with my Romulator real time mapping s/ware to give real time trace.

Cheers

John

Morning John,

 

There's no problem with posting the link and I'm sure it provides a lot of interesting information for people who, like you, like to play with stuff. Where we (DTA) are coming from is more of a commercial perspective. These plans have been circulating for quite a while now and there exists a potential negative impact to our business. And as in any business we want to minimize the impact of any competition (direct or otherwise) by (a) offering a superior product and service, (b) informing our (potential) customers on the implications/compatibility issues, © seeing if there is a way that we can work with the new product in a way that will benefit our customers as well as our business, and (d) pre-empting any queries. That is what my original post was all about.

 

I'm aware that you weren't posting it in direct relation to the ConZult/Consult but I hope you can understand that I had to respond from a business perspective.

 

All the best mate!

 

Regards,

Hi Danny,

Sure, I can appreciate you point, and at least you didn't start making personal attacks like some have in a similar situation!

I think It's good DTA are willing to set up their stuff to work with the new I/F, I'll probably buy that version myself because as you say the amount of development etc. that's gone into it has given a very nice product.

Cheers

John

Give me ConZult anyday. I know that if I start messing around something will go Bang :rofl:

 

Never been any good at DIY,

 

Alastair DK.

 

Ps, Danny I tried to email you but it keeps getting returned to me.

Alistair,

 

Which e-mail address are you sending it to? Try danny@zaat.com, dannyzaat@yahoo.co.uk or info@dta-motorsport.co.uk. As far as I'm aware all of these are in good working order as I'm checking them on a regular basis and receiving loads of SPAM!

 

Looking forward to hearing from you mate.

 

Regards,