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Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

I promiced not to bring up this topic again but (as usual) I'm stuck. I've read thru a lot of materal Re: OBD II scanners and Alex Peper's software seems the way to go. Dick wrote a nice, detailed response to my last post. Our home computer is a MAC so I figured I was outa luck until I remembered my wifes nice Dell laptop she uses for work ( sometimes) which means other times it's available to this backyard mechanic. Two more questions (1) can a computer idiot ( me) figure this program out and (2) which "package" do I need to order to cover the the engine DTC, ABS and airbag? Any guidance apreciated! Car is a 96 850 non turbo wagon.

Many thanks!

bruce (aka the village idiot).








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    Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

    Why not just by the OBD II reader from Harbor Freight? It's $39.00. If you add something to it and make the total $50, there's free shipping.








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      Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

      Does it work OK? Most everything I ever bought from HF turned out to be chinese junk

      joe








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    Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

    Bruce--just picked up your post. I sent Alex Peper an email Friday afternoon but haven't heard back from him yet. Somebody on the Brickboard wrote in response to a reply I posted earlier about a recommendation I made for Peper's software, contradicting me and saying it only retrieved codes for the engine train, and not the ABS modules, powered passenger seats, airbags, heating control unit, etc. I wrote Peper asking him if this were true, or would his software would retrieve ALL codes on an 850 or V-70 like his competitor in England, but have yet to hear back from him.

    The people in England, VOL-FCR, sell a software package that claims to be able to retrieve any and all codes Volvo programmed into the car, including turning out the service light. Sounds wonderful except for price. Alex's software package, including the network cable which connects to the OBD-2 in your car and your PC, is $132 if you have a laptop and don't need to string a 50' extension cord to your desktop in the house. The Brits though want about 99 quid (circa $150) for their software alone, and, if you want the car-PC network connector, 200 quid or around $350. This is getting too darned pricey for me. I don't care if Blair supported us in the war. What's interesting (2nd hand info) is that Peper's connector will work with VOL-FCR's software. But whether Peper would sell his connector without the software so you could buy the Brits' is a moot point. Will wait until Monday (if he responds) and then get back to you. Dick








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      Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

      Dick,

      I guess I could have emailed Peper myself but am too stupid to know exactly what to ask him.

      Many thanks!

      bruce








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        Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

        Hi,

        I bought the Peper software and cable plus VOL-FCR for my 98 V70.

        a. OBD is good for detailed engine analysis. Graphs, lots of data etc. I used it to diagnose and fix a lean running situation. It does not handle ABS and other codes.

        b. VOL-FCR does indeed seem to communicate with all the ECUs in the car and read the codes. It also successfully turns off the maintenance light. I used VOL-FCR to successfully diagnose and fix an ABS fault.

        It would be nice to have one package to do everything, but I have found I need both packages, but only the one cable [Peper's]. So far I have more than saved the cost of the two packages plus a lot of time. My local Volvo dealer is good on mechanicals but the diagnosis of electronic faults seems to have left them behind, so now I do it all myself on both cars; this would not be possible without OBD-II and VOL-FCR.

        My other car is an 850 and does not have OBD.

        Regards,
        Dave
        Australia








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          Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

          Dave,

          Thanks for your imput! I know the feeling about dealers. Mine isn't good at anything except taking money. Even the independent garages are getting $50-75 US just to read and reset a code. The software would pay for itself in about two episodes. Wish I could make 50 bucks for two minutes work.

          bruce

          I understand it's summer "down under". 10 deg F, snowing and blowing here in VA tonight! Soak up some rays for us!








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          Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

          David--can't thank you enough for your post on the merits of Peper's OBD-2 software and the Brits' VOL-FCR. But tell me, if the Brits' software does everything it claims to, i.e. retrieve codes from all the modules and not just the engine train module as apparently OBD-2's (Peper's) claims to, why do you need to buy both software programs? The code retrieval and diagnostics and graphing, etc., of each program from what I've researched appears to cover roughly the same. Isn't buying the Brits and then Peper's guilding the lily? What does Peper's software have that VOL-FCR doesn't have, or vice-versa? This really answers the question that has been kicking around in my head for the last week or so. All I can think of is that Peper's gives you the network connector and the software package for US $132, and that if you buy the Brits' whole package (99 for the software and roughly 99 for the connector) you're looking at 200+ quid (US $350+if they try to hit you with VAT). Is there any reason other than economics for having both? Dick

          P.S. VOL-FCR has all kinds of restrictions and codes on their software to keep you from loading or transferring from one computer to another. Peper's does not. He does not seem to be so concerned with pirating than the VOL-FCR people do. A plus in my book, as I have an 850 in Norway and a soon-to-be V-70 here in the US. An unnecessary hassle in my book.








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            OBD-II versus VOL-FCR 850 1996

            Hi Dick,

            a. Yes, VOL-FCR does all the codes and resets the warning light plus other things, BUT it does not display data from the various sensors.

            b. OBD-II displays and graphs sensor data. For instance, you can see spark advance/retard under different engine running conditions, outputs from O2 sensors etc etc.

            So, it depends what you want. I find it very useful to have the data from both products. The only overlap between them is codes from the engine ECU.

            c. Someone said you do not pay the UK tax if outside the UK. I can confirm this is correct and I did not have to pay the UK VAT for VOL-FCR as I am in Australia.

            d. Yes, The VOL-FCR people seem very careful about their product and where it runs. For anyone who has a genuine requirement for two cars, it would be interesting to see if they are prepared to be flexible.

            I found both companies responsive and good to deal with.

            All the best,

            Dave








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            Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

            You should not be paying UK tax (VAT) if you are outside the UK.

            Query this with the supplier if you are asked to pay this tax.








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            Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

            Dick,

            You dont have to buy the Alex Peper's hardware to use the Brits' VOL-FCR software, the only thing you need is a standard ISO to RS-232 serial interface. There's an interface schematic posted at http://www.planetfall.com/~jeff/obdii/schematic_b1.pdf
            for a DIY'er. I'll built the it (I'm an electronic technician)
            and let you know.








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              Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

              Here's another option to confuse the issue, you could use this interface with Vol-FCR.

              http://www.obdtool.com/

              I doubt you could buy the parts to make one much cheaper.








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              Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

              I just ordered an OBD-2 adapter from Alex Peper. He told me that he was close to having "enough information to read and clear trouble code numbers from
              all computer systems" and we should see that update in the near future.
              The product currently supports Engine and Transmission codes. He was very helpful.
              Larry P.








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                Alex Peper OBD II software (Dick if available) 850 1996

                Thanks for the info Larry. SOunds good!

                bruce







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