Palm M515

I purchased a used Palm m515 on eBay about 2 weeks ago now for ONE single purpose; to perform datalogging on my 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sypder (DSM). Unless you're a mechanic, you probably don't know what this is means or what purpose it serves.

However, for those interested, read on...

Datalogging is typically performed when you take your car in to check why the check engine light is on or to fine tune engine performance. This service runs anywhere from $75-$125 depending on who you know or where you are located. In any case, it can get expensive if you are constantly getting your car's computer checked.

Since my car wasn't running and towing was out of the question, I decided to research on how to make my own datalogger to figure out what was wrong with the car.

For this to work; I need (3) hardware items and (1) software program. Since the car is a 1998, it requires an OBDII interface ($80), hotsync cable ($10) and a Palm Pilot ($0-$75 depending on model). The software I'm using is FREE called "OBD Gauge". -------Note: for 1994 and older cars requires ONLY the OBDI cable($20); no interface. Much cheaper!--------

I purchased all the items on eBay except the interface. I received all the items, installed the software and plugged it into the car's data port. After 5 seconds, my Palm pilot got several readouts including the Diagnostic Trouble Code. The software also provides what the code means so I immediately ordered the part.

This investment cost a total of $150. Getting the car towed to a mechanic and plugging it in would have cost me $75 towing and $75 minimum to connect in addition to the consecutive trips to the mechanic. If you ask me, this setup paid for itself.

The software runs very fast on the Palm Pilot, I can graph, chart, and download the reading onto my computer. If I need more help, I can email these readings to a few friends and they can help diagnose.

If you're willing to make this investment; I can tell you that it worked for me and the device paid for itself. I have (2) people ready to use it. Great way to save yourself and your buddies. Just remember, the software is "USE AT YOUR OWN RISK".

Thanks for stopping by!
NEW:

Hello Jack,

The software I use for my Palm m515 is called OBD Gauge and works specifically for the Mutiplex-Engineering interface. The software can be found here and includes a user-guide: http://www.scantool.net/download/OBDGauge.zip

The items you will need to successfully use this setup are:
1. Palm Pilot (M100/M500) series or any Pocket PC. ($0-75)
2. Multiplex Engineering P/N: T16-003, HEX 25 ($80)
3. Hotsync Serial Data cable ($10) for your model Palm. I bought mine off eBay for m515.

Things you need to know.
1. Order hardware
2. Once you decide on a Palm unit; go to the Palm Pilot website and download the latest drivers. I use a Windows Vista computer and had to install the latest drivers. The disks that came with the Palm Pilot did not work. The updated software did.
3. Once installed, the Palm Pilot software will allow you to install additional software to the Palm Pilot. There are two files that will need to be used. The OBD Gauge software MANUAL will provide the files you need. The software will then inform you that it will install the files the next time you sync.