Taking a chance

[phatfire6]

So I've decided to put to the test if the OP-COM will work with our cars. I just ordered it tonight. I hate to be the guinea pig, but I really want an answer here.

For those who don't know what the OP-COM actually is, follow this link: http://www.ilexa.co.uk/content/category/2/5/2/

It is essentially a tech2 on a laptop, made by a second hand company outside of GM.

I've got my fingers crossed and will report on how this actually works out.

[FooBag]

Seeing the price on that bad boy, I certainly hope your gamble works out! It looks to have some very useful features; I have something somewhat similar for my Impala.

[Haps]

Looking forward to the results!

[phatfire6]

Alrighty everyone. Apologies if the pictures are big at first, I'm waiting for photobucket to reduce them in size.


So here is the deal - I was hesitant about dropping a ton of cash on something I wasn't even entirely sure would work. I looked up a place that was selling one of the Chinese clone OP-COMs and went ahead and purchased it thinking that if the clone works, then so should the more expensive, supported one. It came in the mail yesterday and I didn't get it until I got out of work late last night.

Prior to hooking it up to my PC, I installed the software that came with it. The instructions were a little weird, but that was expected. Before I connected the OP-COM to my computer, I wanted to see what was under the hood of this thing. What I saw actually surprised me. I have a real OP-COM motherboard. I'll let the pics do the talking.







In the last pic, you'll see the date of manufacture and a big ol OPCOM. 5


I connected the OP-COM to the USB cable and further upgraded the firmware from the stock 1.33 to the 1.44 revision. Keep in mind, I have an older laptop running Windows XP, so I really think this helps with getting everything set up.

Now here is the interesting part. The OP-COM has no idea what kind of car it is attached to, nor can it understand the VIN to automatically decipher what the model is.

I plugged it in all nervous as hell. What do you know, it works. I'm going to have to record a video to show all the things it does. Apparently I have three codes stored in the system, yet it does not show a MIL light.

I couldn't believe it actually would control various parts of the car. I was able to get it to systematically turn on lights, test engine components, see voltage and other sensor parameters, the list goes on and on. What I couldn't do was mess with the items that require the security code for the car because I don't have it handy. I"m going to have to go to the dealer to see about that.

I paid $65 for this little thing, and I highly doubt I'll drop $1000 for the other one.

[outtafocus]

Sounds like a score.

What are your plans to do next?
You are basically using this to do anything a techII would do?

If you continue to have great success, I think I might need one.

[vanilla sky]

Is this the Deal Extreme version?

[outtafocus]

Any further info for us?

Is the unit still working as expected?

Where did you purchase the unit?

[phatfire6]

Im away from my computer for the weekend, but ill post an update when I get back. I bought this from ecutool.com

Here is the direct link:
http://www.ecutool.com/OP-COM-OPCOM-...0GER_1290.html

The cost of shipping is nearly double ($40) the cost of the unit itself ($25).

Oddly enough, ive just popped a mil code, so the timing is convenient to have the unit. I got the dreaded p065e code, which basically calls for an intake manifold replacement because of the stupid valve that is on it. Luckily I still have the warranty available since I only have about 8000 miles on it.

More to follow...

[outtafocus]

I decided to order one of these up also.
For the price its hard not to want to try it out.

Any tips or tricks?

Have you had any chance to really have a good play with what it can do?

[phatfire6]

Originally Posted by outtafocus

I decided to order one of these up also.
For the price its hard not to want to try it out.

Any tips or tricks?

Have you had any chance to really have a good play with what it can do?

I just noticed your post on AON. Looking forward to the update.

The biggest tip I guess is to install the software on a XP laptop if possible. You should give me a call when you get yours in, and I'll walk you through the install and send you the updated firmware.

You will be surprised at how many trouble shooting variables this thing can look up. I've had a scan tool previously, and it doesn't hold a candle to what this thing is capable of. I still haven't gotten around to messing with anything that requires the security code because I haven't had the time to, and I don't have the code handy.

[outtafocus]

I will definitely contact you once the unit arrives.
Thank you for the offer.

I currently have windows xp on my PC, but my laptop is running windows seven. Will this still work? Or will I have to haul my PC into the garage.
I do have a windows xp PC in the garage but it died a few months ago and I havent picked up a new one yet.

Im excited to see what this little unit can do.
I will also have to track down my security code. Is this something the dealership is going to give willingly?

[outtafocus]

My ecutool "op-com" unit arrived today. Very quick shipping.

The unit looks to be quality, I will soon have to try it out.

[Konowl]

Any updates?

[Konowl]

So I got my installed after reading the tewwible engrish. I can look up my security codes, but when I go to say test the turn signals etc and hit activate, nothing happens. Also, are you guys using the Astra-H model?

[phatfire6]

hmm, im not sure what you are doing. I'm gonna hook up my laptop and record a video for you.

[phatfire6]

And yes, use the 2008 astra h model

[phatfire6]

Okay, I need a video editor. Can anyone recommend a good free one?

[Konowl]

Any luck?

[czd3my]

I'm interested too! Thinking about buying one soon...

[Konowl]

Oh I already have one - member was going to make a video of the software for me. It works for me, I can connect etc, but I can't do half the things that the OP can do (unsure of their importance haven't had time to really mess around with it).

The hardest part of the install was getting the damn software to work - the instructions are in broken engrish, and the hex editor step didn't work right for me - the code wasn't where they "said" it would be. Took an hour of looking through the contects of my RAM with the hex editor and a lot of trial and error to find the code.

Other than that, seems to be working.