Engine codes for '84 T/A; DIACOM and OBD-II questions

[m_mcdonald at marx.ENET.dec.com]

>> PS a company called DIACOM makes software that can read the serial data and
>> print the engine diagnostic information to a IBM PC/AT via RS232 for $300.00
>> 800-888-4146 

This is an excellent software package.  A demonstration diskette is
available for $5.00 from DIACOM's manufacturer, Rinda Technologies in
Chicago.  It's also available as a download from Compu$erve.  Once
logged in there --  either GO AUTO or GO AUTOS, select For Techs Only,
and look for library files with the keyword DIACOM.

BTW, the DIACOM cable connects to a PC's parallel port instead of to a
serial port.

> Yes, but doesn't the diacom package contain some kind of interface box? I
> know GM PCMs use a weird speed, 8192. 

The DIACOM hardware/software package is complete.  It takes care of
weird speeds such as 8192 baud.

> BTW, if anyone has ANY info on the new OBDII boxes (ie how to communicate
> with them), PLEASE drop me a line. I would love to hook up my PC to it.

I'm pretty sure that DIACOM software will handle the new OBD-II hardware
and software combination.  If you want to make your own package, begin by
purchasing the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) document with
OBD-II standards.  It's a maroon-covered manual with a number of HS-3000
or HS-3500.  The SAE is in Warrendale, Pennsylvania with an area code of
412.  The manual costs either $45.00 (ouch!) or $65.00 (ouch! ouch!), but
it contains the information you need.  For example, I recall reading that
the OBD-II data stream is 10400 baud and 8/N/1.

> Markus Strobl                96 Z28 6M 

Marll McDonald   KB1AGM
1993 Ford Escort 1.9L, 1940 Ford coupe with flathead V-8 engine
m_mcdonald at marx.enet.dec.com