code reader for 97 F250

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Jun 29, 2006 | 11:22 PM

BodegaErik

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code reader for 97 F250

What is a good code reader to get and where can I get one?

Jun 29, 2006 | 11:50 PM

smuzz

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Cleveland TN

I have Auto Enginiuty It is a labtop based scanner I like it alot can ever perform various system test. I will pm you where I think has the cheapest because not a site sponsor. Any more specific questions I would be glad to answer.

Jun 30, 2006 | 05:40 AM

Cuda_jim

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From: MICHIGAN

Smuzz, I am really interested in buying Auto Enginuity. Did you get the "whole 9 yards" or ford specific. I would like to take this software for a test spin b4 I lay down the $$.

PM me.
JIM

Jun 30, 2006 | 09:27 AM

closetredneck

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Yeah, I'm looking at building a car computer for my truck for GPS, MP3, DVD, and OBD-II software like auto enginuity. I need to decide how much better it is than some of the competitors or even some of the open-source software that's available. I want to write a custom interface for the whole suite that will use a touchscreen monitor for the control. I even thought about tying the software to my flip-chip so I could select different burns from the touch screen. But, the OBD-II software would be the main feature, so I want to get a good one. How do you like auto enginuity?

Jun 30, 2006 | 09:47 AM

DaBigTow

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Pasco, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by closetredneck

Yeah, I'm looking at building a car computer for my truck for GPS, MP3, DVD, and OBD-II software like auto enginuity...

Take it from someone who's busted 2 computers doing this; don't expect a laptop to survive unless it's one of those hardened units like the state cops use. I wasted a very expensive IBM A31 and a mini-tower PC in my truck. The only thing I found that lived was a Shuttle XPC that is small enough to mount in a foam-padded shock frame. Not sure you can get the Shuttle pre-built; I put my own together (lots of experience with this). It will run all the stuff on your wishlist, although I never hooked it up to the OBD-II.

Jun 30, 2006 | 10:00 AM

closetredneck

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBigTow

Not sure you can get the Shuttle pre-built; I put my own together (lots of experience with this). It will run all the stuff on your wishlist, although I never hooked it up to the OBD-II.

I have experience with shuttle, and I also build all my own PC's. I also have experience putting computer and control systems into harsh environments (for my job). Let's just say that they have to pass MIL-STD grade A shock. You can ask 1997-F350 about the types of enviroments I'm talking about, I'm sure he's been in a few of those spaces. Anyway, I was going to use a miniITX form factor board shock mounted to a custom built enclosure that will be mounted on the floor over the tranny. It will be hard wired using a DC-DC power supply made specifically for vehichle use. If I get this project started, I'll be documenting it on my truck's website. Thanks for the info though, I was wondering how long a laptop would last bouncing around on the dash!

BodegaErik- sorry for hi-jacking your thread.