[ale] OT: cool gadget

[Steve Tynor]

Given the nature of this mailing list, I have to point out 
http://www.scantool.net, which has a hardware OBD-II serial interface 
for half the price of the actron gadget being debated here.  It uses 
your laptop as its UI, has very nice _open_source_  software. (I've only 
used the Windows port, but it claims to support Linux too).

A must have for the car enthusiast, Linux geek.

Steve

On 5/27/2006 8:49 PM, Michael B. Trausch wrote:
> On Sat, May 27 2006 18:37, Jim Philips wrote:
>> On Saturday 27 May 2006 11:31, Byron A Jeff wrote:
>>> The bottom line is that the average driver needs an ODB II scanner just
>>> about as much as they need a tie rod puller. Both can be loaned from
>>> the local auto parts store for free, so why bother buying one?
>> Well, opinions are cheap and you're entitled to yours. I'm sure Actron is
>> making good business out of selling its tool to the "average driver"
>> despite what you think. The fact is, the "check engine" light can be
>> anything from a trivial warning to a warning of serious problems. The
>> light in itself gives you no way to tell the difference. I would rather
>> know before I take the car to a mechanic. The AutoZone thing is nice. I
>> didn't know about that. But it's a whole lot easier to plug in at home
>> and look up what's going on. And I will always check things out before I
>> go to get my car inspected now.
>>
> 
> Well... that depends on the type of car you own.  My car (a 1996 Saturn SL 
> 1) has three states for the light:  Off, On steady, and On blinking.  When 
> it's blinking, you _know_ you have a problem.  :-P
> 
> 	- Mike
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing list
> Ale at ale.org
> http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale