From: Michel_Denber.WBST147@XEROX.COM
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: GM diagnostic harness
Date: 1 Oct 92 20:04:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: alpha.92Oct1.130454pdt.11613


	"I am extermely interested in pursuing the analysis of this data."

Right - aren't we all.

	"I see no reason why a portable PC with the proper connector and
software could not analyse the data stream through the RS-232 port, for
example."

Well, one reason is that the ECM uses a non-standard baud rate.

	"Is there something already out there?"

Yes.  The following appeared here over the summer.

--------------------

From dave.williams@chaos.lrk.ar.us (Dave Williams)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: GM serial data link: The Quest
Date: 2 Jul 92 17:38:00 GMT


-> Before I go nuts on this, is there any access to this information
-> anywhere? Or is GM being tight lipped, and no one else has tried?

 I have a piece of software called DIACOM, which supposedly allows you
to read various data ports with an IBM PC... lemme open a window and
peek at it...

----------------quote------------------


             .....................................................
             .....................................................
             ...                                               ...
             ...                    DIACOM                     ...
             ...                                               ...
             ...               Demo Version 1.1                ...
             ...                                               ...
             ...       General / Supplemental Information      ...
             ...                                               ...
             ...  Copyright (C) 1987-90 Rinda Technologies Inc....
             ...                                               ...
             .....................................................
             .....................................................

              "The Diagnostic Interface for Automotive Computers"

  Thank you for your interest in the Diacom automotive diagnostic
system.
With Diacom you will be able to use your personal computer to analyze
nearly
any General Motors (R) on-board ECM system.  Before you begin exploring
Diacom
please read the information presented in the following pages of this
file.

To view the remainder of this file use the keys shown in the command
line below.


                           *** A Brief Summary ***

Diacom is a unique software package designed for monitoring the
performance of
and troubleshooting on-board automotive computer systems.  Winner of
Popular
Mechanic's 1990 Design & Engineering Award for automotive innovation,
Diacom
has been reviewed by PC Magazine, InfoWorld, Hot Rod, Entrepreneur
magazine, as
well as several trade publications.  The Diacom package is supplied with
all
necessary hardware to link your IBM compatible PC or laptop directly
into a
vehcle's diagnostic connector.  Only a standard parallel printer port is

required in your PC, no add-in hardware is necessary.  Please review the
remainder of this file for additional details.

Note: Many additional features have been added to Diacom since the
creation of
this BBS demo.  Air bag deployment computer support, Dbase file export,
expanded "flight recorder" capabilities, etc. are now included. Please
call
or write for a full information package.
                                                  Thank you once again.

[stuff deleted]

The saleable version of Diacom currently supports 1981 - 1990 General
Motors
passenger vehicles as well as several GM trucks.

For additional product information, sales, and assistance please
contact:

                           Rinda Technologies, Inc.
                           5112 N. Elston Ave.
                           Chicago, IL 60630

                             (312)-736-6633



-------------------------end quote-------------------

I called them and got the blurb and a demo disk.  I don't know what the "demo
version" referred to above is on about - the "demo" I got is merely a series of
screen dumps.  Nonetheless, it looks pretty cool.  The standard version will
set you back 300 big ones (a "big one" is a dollar, to me).  Hey, it's cheaper
than a Scan tool (assuming you already have a PC, but then, who doesn't).

	"Does any one have info or know where to find it to develop the
software?"

Yes.  GM knows, and as you've already discovered, they're not talking.  Maybe
the above information should be part of the FAQ, along with You-know-what-50,
since it seems to come up on a regular basis.

			- Michel

denber.wbst147@xerox.com
"So, what's yer name, kid?"
"Otto."
"Auto *parts*?  Ha ha ha ha!"    -- Repo Man
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech