Retrieving ECM data with PC

[Craig Pugsley]

> 
> I am trying to find software (PC) to read out, decommutate, and 
> display data stored in a General Motors engine control computer.  
> Does anyone have, or know of the existence of any such software?
> 
> Any other information about the format and organization of the 
> telemetry available at the ALDL connector; e.g word sizes, baud 
> rates, data order, etc. would be appreciated as well.
> 
> I would expect the ALDL data rate to be low enough to allow the data 
> to be received by the PC serial data port.  I would also expect that 
> the only hardware needed would be a line receiver for the ALDL data 
> and a suitable driver to sink the ALDL test pin to ground.  Are these 
> assumptions valid?
> 
> I am sure this has all been done by someone already, does anyone 
> out there have any experience they could share with me?

There's a guy on the GN mailing list who makes a product called
'Turbolink'. This consists of a special cable (with ALDL connector,
interface electronics and PC serial port plug) and software that
interrogates the ALDL data stream (_Note_ it is specifically tailored to
the ECUs as fitted to buick grand nationals, so may not work with all
ALDL data streams). It converts the ALDL into bargraphs on the screen
and saves the data to memory/disk, and was designed as a tuning tool
(Beleive me, the guys on the GN list are speed nuts :-). Cost was under
$US100.

There is/was an FTPable demo version that allows you to view some of the
saved data files, but not capture your own (ie no ALDL).
I'll try to find out where this is located today.

Craig
pugsley at trl.oz.au