Since I get quite a lot of emails regarding the 'consult'-software we're creating, here's a little update.

 

We're very far with it and have 2 versions at the moment..a DOS-version for lower-end laptops (486's) and a Windows version for the higher end laptops.

The part that enables you to monitor and test the engine-ECU and the Aircon-ECU is as good as finished.

We still need to complete the part that enables you to test/monitor the ECU's of the HICAS and the A/T.

Since neither of us have a Z with an autobox, the A/T-part will be a little bit difficult to test/develop for us.

 

I have put up a small preview (screenshots) of some of the current features of the software:

http://300zx-twinturbo.com/conzult

Let me know if any of you have any suggestions regarding other (important) features.

 

We haven't really decided on prices yet, also because the software isn't finished yet

Sofar we have put a LOT of time in the development of this software, but we're not in it to make big cash out of it.

We just hope it will be a useful tool for Z-owners (and maybe other Nissans as well)

I think we will release 2 versions, a monitor-only version (with logging capability) and a version that has it all (monitoring, logging, active testing and who knows what).

The 'monitor-only' version will probably be somewhere in the range between 100-150GBP. (around 200 USD)

The full version will probably be 2 times the price of the monitor-only version, but WAY cheaper then the original Nissan-consult (if you can find one).

Both software-versions come with an interface that hooks up to the consultport of your car.

Only problem we have now: we haven't managed to find a contra-plug for the consultport yet..

Our sources with Nissan are currently on the hunt for partnumbers of the original Nissan one, but knowing Nissan, the contra-plug will probably be very costly.

So if any of you has an other solution, apart from splicing into the wires of the plug...let me know !

 

-Eric

 

 

[This message has been edited by lymon (edited 10-10-2001).]

if you need any beta testers

Well the plugs must be available somewhere because the Techtom has one .... Maybe that could be an avenue for investigation. The plug may have a manufacturers name on it. I'll try to remember to check tomorrow.

Eric, I must say that software looks *fantastic*... I'll definitely purchase one fully functional version when it's done!

 

Which reminds me to find a bloody digital camera to photograph my clocks Sorry about the delay.. What with the car being .. well dead and all..

 

Note to self: get finger out!

 

Az

 

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Stage: Rather Ill

This is just great Eric!

It sure takes A LOT of time to develop this.

I'll definitely get the full version from you.

 

Good work!

Maciej

Hey Eric,

 

I think you should also sell it back to Nissan... !!!

 

You know the 300 a Subaru chips / interfaces are supposed to be the same... maybe it will also diag a subrau with little effort.

 

Suggestions:

* Set min/max warning limits for an alarm

* Set min/max increase/descrease warnings... ie. temp goes from 60 to 80 in 1 second like mine... it's a faulty sensor!

* Allow the user to select the items to display and choose the font size... Basically thoughts of linking a laptop to a din sized video screen...like the alpine, but with a size you can read!

 

Keep up the good work! Basically, you need the money, I've seen your tyres but they were stuck to the road!

 

Jez.

Eric,

 

I'm up for a full version.

 

I might even buy a PC just to run it!

 

Tim

Jez,

 

Not forgetting other Nissans too - Pulsars, Skylines?, 200SX...

 

Az

Question, Will the connector plug into the serial port or the LTP port (printer port)? Just asking because I would like to know if I can connect it to my computer upstairs, with a very long cable, because you cant do that with a printer cable, as we all know

 

Stuart

 

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Aztec Red

UK 91

Manual TT

Stuart, It's a serial connection so a long cable should not really be problem.

planning on making your car remote controlled ?

 

 

Jez, I think Subaru's are OBDII...and not like the system we have in our Z's.

(unless you have a '96+ Z32)

 

-Eric

 

 

 

[This message has been edited by lymon (edited 10-10-2001).]

Hehehehe,

I was thinking for just to check stuff after runs and when I am servicing my car and when the laptop stops working (every week) and I only realised what I said after I sent it and you replied too quickly cos I was about to amment it.

 

It is a remote control car at the moment, I can only go so far away from petrol stations, due to the risk of running out of fuel

 

Nice programming, what language is it in?

 

Good work.

 

 

 

Checked the Techtom plug but there's no markings on it. Doesn't look like there's anything similar on the Maplin site. RS have gazzillions of pulgs and some may have some potential.

http://www1.rswww.com/cgi-bin/bv/browse/Module.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1115258769.1002709965@@@@&BV_EngineID=cadccejdlfifbemgcfkmcfjldhn.0&3180163417=3180163417&catoid=-76919131

 

Maybe it would be possible to use a couple of smaller plugs that fit into the compartments of the main socket.

I saw a post recently on TTnet stating that a lot of the connectors on the Z were AMP connectors (now Tyco) - see http://www.amp.com

 

Lots of connectors on there, so maybe one of them is the right one.. I'm trying to look now - but Demon's internet access is being tricky today...

 

Az

Eric,

 

I love the program m8. I'll buy it when it's finished......I don't suppose it's Mac compatible is it???Hmmmmmm, I might have to by a cheap PC laptop, d'oh.

 

Laterz,

Van

Van, buy me a nice Powerbook G4 and I'll create a Mac-version for ya !

 

-Eric

What can I say...absolutely fantastic Eric. I'm mega impressed, count me in aswell for the full version when you complete it!

 

I've only had one consult session done on my car, can't remember without having the print-out(Middlehurst never gave it back!) but does it give some kind of summary or suggestion at the end of each test?

 

I'm with everyone else on this Eric;

 

Superb!

 

Up for a full version when completed.

 

 

Matty.

 

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Bounce...Bounce...Bounce...Bounce...Bounce...Bounce...Bounce... (sorry no sound!) LOL

Group buy on laptops! LOL!

 

Something else to look at instead of where you are going!

You've got another sale here, matey!

 

That's exactly what I've been after since I got my Z!

 

...and I've got a nice wee laptop ready and waiting (currently running the software for the Clifford alarm).

Count me in Eric.. does it or will it run on any Palm Top machines.. thinking of integrating a PalmTop into my Dash somehow.

Excellent stuff

 

 

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Glen

:)

Eric,

 

If I could afford a G4 Powerbook I'd be driving a Supra m8....just kidding. Don't get upset folks.

 

Not to worry Eric. I'll buy you a G4 PB and a Ferrari of your choice when I win the lottery.... :P .

Considering that I don't play the lottery this would be a bloody miracle. But then I'm forever the optimist...my Z will never breakdown ( yeah riiiiight).

 

Living in hope,

Van

Excellent idea, can it be ported for a palm top?

 

Tim

We hope to "port" it to the PalmOS in the next phase...

but we want to finish the PC version first.

 

Also the Palm version will most likely be very basic (due to the restrictions of the Palm itself)...it's probably going to be more like an advanced Techtom.

 

-Eric

 

 

 

[This message has been edited by lymon (edited 11-10-2001).]

Sounds excellent, I will at last have a use for the Toshiba Libretto I have had lying around.

 

Herman

 

What about Pocket PC O/S ?

 

Cost of these devices is falling,

screen size might be an issue though.

 

Glenn

Eric,

if you want to distribute this product over on this side of the pond, let me know and we can work something out. I'd take care of all the marketing, sales, and service. You just spit them out and ship them over no interaction with the common folk ;p

 

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Later,

Phuong - EatRiceZone.com