Does anyone have the ECM Scan Tool from the Fiero Store? Is it worth it?
I like the idea, but was wondering how practical the application is, or if there is a cheaper alternative. $115 seems a bit much for a PC adapter and software that can be downloaded for free online. I'm all for supporting suppliers for our cars, but this particular item seems a bit pricey.
Any opinions about this or any other similiar products?
I have a OBD II scan tool for my other cars, is there any other tool out there that can pull the same info?
------------------ Tim '87 GT Auto Med Red Metallic 78K miles Bay City, MI
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03:47 PM
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Gall757 Member
Posts: 10938 From: Holland, MI Registered: Jun 2010
Does it say "thirty-two" in stead of "blink-blink-blink-----blink-blink"?
Than would be a "code reader", and yes, that is exactly what they do. You can get those at any Autozone for $50, or online for $15
The ECM tool will give you real time info, RPM, coolant temp, etc.....great way to check/calibrate your gauges, help diagnose issues. I'm just looking for opinons on the quality/effectivness of the Fiero Stores ECM Tool, or some suggestions for a less expensive alternative.
------------------ Tim '87 GT Auto Med Red Metallic 78K miles Bay City, MI
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04:17 PM
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
I'm the one making the Fiero Store scantool, so it's also made by a PFF member ;-)
Since the topic comes up every now and then, let me comment on what it is, what it does, etc.
The Code readers you get for $30 at Autozone are nothing more than a paper clip, those will only blink codes. A real Scantool lets you examine the ECM data in real time, so you can read temperatures, voltages, etc.
The Fierostore Scantool is the USB ScanConverter that is described on my web pages. It contains a small micro controller that decodes the protocol, and includes the USB adapter, so it does not require a separate USB to serial converter cable. It comes with the proper Metripack pins that are intended for the Fiero's ALDL Connector, so it does not damage the Fiero connector. It does not require modification to the Fiero. And it comes with the source code so you can play with it in different languages (VB, C#). The data can also be exported to Excel. The fact that it contains electronics makes it more expensive unfortunately. The cheaper cables contain a standard USB to serial converter and only a level shifter circuit, the decoding is done by the PC. Some of the cheaper cables do have the right connector pins, some don't.
As for the ScanConverter pricing, well, the Fierostore has to pay customs and shipping, and of course also needs to make a profit. You probably know TFS marks up their prices quite a bit, but if they don't make enough profit, who will be left to keep our Fieros on the road. Rest assured that most of the profit does not end up in my pocket, but that's ok.
The ScanConverter was intended as a plug and play solution, small so you can carry it along, and compatible with all PC's, regardless of their serial ports. It has been around since before Pennock's BTW, its roots go back to the Fiero mailing list (I still remember Tin Man, Scott Backer, Peter Frise, etc.), Back before there was a man in the middle, before it had a box, it would convert ALDL to proper RS232. Those schematics are still on my website for those who are interested, but nobody has RS232 anymore these days. The USB version would even work with MacOS or Linux, but nobody is interested in that I guess.
Well, I hope you have a better insight now, I'll be happy to explain anything you're interested in...
[This message has been edited by fieroluke (edited 07-01-2012).]
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08:32 AM
montage Member
Posts: 164 From: Pelkie, Mi, 49958 Registered: Nov 2000
Don't forget the time you would save with the Fiero Store tool, no need to spend lots of time getting your computer, programs, and interface all working.
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09:39 AM
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turboguy327 Member
Posts: 1692 From: Webster, NY USA Registered: Feb 2007
I'm the one making the Fiero Store scantool, so it's also made by a PFF member ;-)
Since the topic comes up every now and then, let me comment on what it is, what it does, etc.
The Code readers you get for $30 at Autozone are nothing more than a paper clip, those will only blink codes. A real Scantool lets you examine the ECM data in real time, so you can read temperatures, voltages, etc.
The Fierostore Scantool is the USB ScanConverter that is described on my web pages. It contains a small micro controller that decodes the protocol, and includes the USB adapter, so it does not require a separate USB to serial converter cable. It comes with the proper Metripack pins that are intended for the Fiero's ALDL Connector, so it does not damage the Fiero connector. It does not require modification to the Fiero. And it comes with the source code so you can play with it in different languages (VB, C#). The data can also be exported to Excel. The fact that it contains electronics makes it more expensive unfortunately. The cheaper cables contain a standard USB to serial converter and only a level shifter circuit, the decoding is done by the PC. Some of the cheaper cables do have the right connector pins, some don't.
As for the ScanConverter pricing, well, the Fierostore has to pay customs and shipping, and of course also needs to make a profit. You probably know TFS marks up their prices quite a bit, but if they don't make enough profit, who will be left to keep our Fieros on the road. Rest assured that most of the profit does not end up in my pocket, but that's ok.
The ScanConverter was intended as a plug and play solution, small so you can carry it along, and compatible with all PC's, regardless of their serial ports. It has been around since before Pennock's BTW, its roots go back to the Fiero mailing list (I still remember Tin Man, Scott Backer, Peter Frise, etc.), Back before there was a man in the middle, before it had a box, it would convert ALDL to proper RS232. Those schematics are still on my website for those who are interested, but nobody has RS232 anymore these days. The USB version would even work with MacOS or Linux, but nobody is interested in that I guess.
Well, I hope you have a better insight now, I'll be happy to explain anything you're interested in...
Any way it would work with a apple??
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01:55 PM
SkyeBologna Member
Posts: 139 From: Hartford, CT, USA Registered: Jun 2012
Yes, I've hooked it up to my Mac, it recognizes the hardware and loads the driver, so from a hardware point of view it should work. But an application would need to be written, I haven't had time to really learn Objective C and work with Xcode...
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05:01 PM
Apr 22nd, 2013
davikan Member
Posts: 688 From: Las Vegas, NV USA Registered: Jul 2005
I recently upgraded to a Windows 7 Laptop, and although I have the USB ScanConverter that's available through The Fiero Store, the Version 1.3.0 software that came with it no longer works.
Does anyone have any leads about where to purchase updated software, or any insights on making Version 1.3.0 work with Windows 7 Home Edition?
