1) How do I order ?
2) Will it work on all vehicles? 3) What is a DTC?
4) What hardware is required to operate Pocket OBD ?
5) Why is Pocket OBD Superior to other OBD Scan tools ?
6) Isn't a Pocket PC scan tool less durable than a proprietary scan tool. Why use a Pocket PC ?
7) What special training do I need to operate the tool ?
8) What advantages are there in buying from Applus+ Autologic ?
9) Will it work on my existing Pocket PC ?
10) What about a state emission test ?
11) Does the tool support CAN ?
12) Can I get free technical support ?
13) What specials skills do I need ?
2) Will it work on all vehicles?
Pocket OBD will work on all 1996 and newer OBD II compliant vehicles. Model year 1996 and newer vehicles sold in the United States require the vehicle to be compliant with the current OBD II specification. The vehicles will have one connector and one of several different communications protocols. In the professional edition, all protocols including CAN are supported. See CAN question below for further information on CAN.
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3) What is a DTC?
DTC is short for Diagnostic Trouble Code or Fault Code. When a vehicle experiences a failure of some type, it turns on the Check Engine Light. When the failure occurs, the vehicle also records a code or DTC which indicates what system or sensor on the vehicle has failed. Each DTC is defined in the OBD II specification. Pocket OBD provide these trouble code definitions in a clear easy to read format.
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4) What hardware is required to operate Pocket OBD ?
A Windows Pocket PC running Windows CE along with a serial port and serial cable are needed in addition to the base packages. The base package defined below includes the connection to the vehicle and the software necessary. In addition, there are several complete packages that include everything necessary in the event that a Pocket PC and cable are needed. See the ordering section below for more detail. See the Pocket PC application chart for a larger selection of Pocket PCs.
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5) Why is Pocket OBD superior to other OBD scan tools ?
Many scan tools implement the basic OBD II functions. Pocket OBD provides the basic OBD II functions but adds some affordable essential features that separate the amateurs from the real automotive professionals in repairing vehicles correctly. These functions, typically not found on other OBD II tools, include:
- Standardized EPA approved OBD II test
- State OBD II required test and pass / fail standards
- DLC connector locator diagram.
- Second by second data recording for vehicle tests and driving profiles
- Virtually unlimited data storage
- Touch screen User interface
- Graphing of real time data to establish trends
- Printing to almost any Windows IR printer
- Use of virtually unlimited selection of optional equipment with the hand held Pocket PC
- Full customer, vehicle, and test results database storage for later recall of data
- Built in demo mode for training without a vehicle present.
- Text based on screen help that explain most OBD II terms and concepts.
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6) Isn't a Pocket PC scan tool less durable than a proprietary scan tool. Why use a Pocket PC?
Many scan tool vendors often point this out in their sales approach. This is not true. Applus+ Autologic has been delivering Pocket PC applications for many years with great durability of the equipment in the automotive environment. If this is still a concern, there are plenty of cases available from places such as www.mobileplanet.com that protect the Pocket PC to NEMA standards. These standards far exceed the durability of most Scan tools not based on Pocket PCs. Some even allow dunking the tool in a bucket of water. There are several other advantages to using the pocket PC. Typically service parts are readily available from many outlets. Obsolescence problems frequently encountered with Scan tools not based on Pocket PCs from platform and display changes are much less a problem. Technology on Pocket PCs continues on a steady march forward as millions are made each year. Scan tools not based on Pocket PCS often use obsolete technology as the manufacture makes at most several thousand in a year and does not changes the display. The Pocket PC system is also much more flexible as there are millions of things you can do with a Pocket PC that you cant do with a scan tool.
Top 7) What special training do I need to operate the tool ?
None. The Pocket PC interface makes the software very easy to use. There is no vehicle training necessary. Once the connector is plugged into the vehicle, 1 touch on the touch screen begins communications with the vehicle. The power of Pocket OBD quickly becomes apparent as the color graphic user interface makes complex vehicle concepts easy. For example, Pocket OBD has a standardized EPA test. Each technician can run a complete OBD II test per EPA specifications without detailed knowledge of the exact requirements for a complete OBD II test.
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8) What advantages are there in buying from Applus+ Autologic ?
One of the main advantages is free technical support. Our technical support is done here local in the US and is typically done by engineers and employees who work on the product. In addition to great support, Applus+ Autologic has a unique background that makes our OBD II better. Our OBD II technology is used in thousands of state certified vehicle inspection lanes through out the country. Because of this, we are testing millions of cars annually. One of the major problem areas with most OBD II interfaces is that they do not work on some percentage of the cars. Because of our unique background in these areas, our technology has to work well. In many states, if the OBD II tool does not work, the vehicle does not get inspected. The OBD II tool supplier should have this background.
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9) Will it work on my existing Pocket PC ?
It will work on most Pocket PCs. See the Pocket PC application chart. Basically it requires a Windows CE Pocket PC running Windows CE 2.0 and later with a serial port.
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10) What about a state emission test ?
Most states today that test emissions test 1996 and newer cars using the OBD II readings from the vehicle. Some may still use a tail pipe test where the actual emissions are measured. The local department of motor vehicles can be checked to see what is run in the local area or Pocket OBD's application chart will tell the local requirements. If the local area uses OBD II for 1996 and newer vehicles then Pocket OBD is the right tool. With one click, Pocket OBD conducts an EPA OBD II test and displays the results. Almost all states implementing OBD II use the EPA OBD II test with only very minor deviations. The OBD II test is really looking for 2 things for a failure. The first is the absence or presence of fault codes or DTCs. If fault codes are present then the vehicle will fail the OBD II test. It would seem logical then that if the check engine light is on that the car will fail the test. This is why a scan tool is needed to check a vehicle for OBD II. The scan tool tells the reason the check engine light is lit. In addition to checking for DTCs, the scan tool checks readiness status. A vehicle runs various self tests to make sure it's emissions control systems are adequately working. These tests are called Readiness tests. If these tests have all been conducted and passed, the Readiness status will be clear. If not, the Readiness status will be flagged. This is why when troubleshooting a vehicle's problem, the Readiness status should be checked. These self tests are run by the vehicle after the check engine light is cleared during a driving cycle. Each vehicle's driving cycle may be different and may take several weeks to hit the right conditions required to pass the Readiness tests. If a car enters a states emissions test that uses OBD II and 2 or more readiness status flags show failed or incomplete, then the car will typically be rejected for the state emissions test and required to return later.
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11) Does the tool support CAN ?
The Professional edition supports CAN. CAN (Controller Area Network) came about as another way of communicating to a vehicle as part of the OBD II specification in 2003. The EPA is requiring CAN in 2008. It is optional between 2003 and 2008. A very few car companies use CAN in 2003 and there should be more and more very year. If a vehicle was built prior to 2003 it is almost certainly not CAN. It is also unlikely for a 2003 vehicle as very few were made that way. The easy way to check a vehicle is to go to the list found on the ETI web site at etools.org. If the vehicle is not on the list that it is not likely CAN.
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12) Can I get free technical support ?
Yes. Technical support is free.
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13) What specials skills do I need ?
None as described above. This is only true because of the power of the Pocket PC. Its great graphic capabilities give easy to use on screen instructions far superior to standard automotive diagnostic tools. The faster processor and better graphics make this shine over any system based on Palm.
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