Cheapest way to obtain PST2

[usaf-lt-g]

So here's the question,

I have the durametric software already, which is fine for checking on codes etc. I'd really to get something better, preferably so I can change settings, add and program a new key to my vehicle, etc. I don't feel or see the need to purchase a completely new laptop or the Porsche touch screen bosch knock-off for $2500.

I'm a pretty computer saavy guy, in fact my job is software engineering. I've got more laptops, servers, and old pcs laying around the house that I can't justify paying more for things I already have.

For an 00' boxster S, I don't quite fully understand what the difference is between the KTS 500 and the PST2, or if an even older model such as the KTS 300 would even work. I don't understand the relationship as to why people are saying they need a PST2 vs. a KTS 500 and what the differences or "lack of functionality" exists between them.

On the otherhand, isn't there some simplistic way to either "build" an interface cable, purchase whatever PCMCIA card you need for a laptop, and obtain and install the software yourself vs. paying for a closed-loop system? What's the value in a PST2 / KTS 500? I assume it's the "key" to unlocking all the things you normally have to take your car to a porsche dealership for, such as programming a new key to your porsche?

Thoughts? :huh:

[rsfeller]

So here's the question,

I have the durametric software already, which is fine for checking on codes etc. I'd really to get something better, preferably so I can change settings, add and program a new key to my vehicle, etc. I don't feel or see the need to purchase a completely new laptop or the Porsche touch screen bosch knock-off for $2500.

I'm a pretty computer saavy guy, in fact my job is software engineering. I've got more laptops, servers, and old pcs laying around the house that I can't justify paying more for things I already have.

For an 00' boxster S, I don't quite fully understand what the difference is between the KTS 500 and the PST2, or if an even older model such as the KTS 300 would even work. I don't understand the relationship as to why people are saying they need a PST2 vs. a KTS 500 and what the differences or "lack of functionality" exists between them.

On the otherhand, isn't there some simplistic way to either "build" an interface cable, purchase whatever PCMCIA card you need for a laptop, and obtain and install the software yourself vs. paying for a closed-loop system? What's the value in a PST2 / KTS 500? I assume it's the "key" to unlocking all the things you normally have to take your car to a porsche dealership for, such as programming a new key to your porsche?

Thoughts? :huh:

My thought is your best answers are going to come from Duram the developer of durametric. He's always quick to answer my questions and he could explain to you better then anyone (as software geek to software geek) the concerns with cables and propritary code. Duram will develop and fix things on demand, he did for me and getting the HVAC values a few years back. If he had the oppertunity to do security based items he would and there is a reason for it is my guess. I believe reading from him years ago that that data is propriatary from Porsche. Now you argument is why cannot the right cable and such solve those needs, which I cannot answer...but I know he can. Drop him a line through his website and you'll get more info then you need...he's as sharp a guy as I would expect.

But then again maybe someone on here knows better...

[JeTexas]

I think you should write an open-source diagnostic program and share it with us.

Or even better, an App for my iPhone with a wireless interface.

[usaf-lt-g]

I think you should write an open-source diagnostic program and share it with us.

Or even better, an App for my iPhone with a wireless interface.

Lol... yea i'll get RIGHT on that ;) :eek:

[seafeye]

I think you should write an open-source diagnostic program and share it with us.

Or even better, an App for my iPhone with a wireless interface.

Lol... yea i'll get RIGHT on that ;) :eek:

I sometimes wonder if Durametric is holding back features because Porsche doesn't want them to be public. Might be worried about being sued.

But for a backyard mechanic you can do pretty much anything to your own car. And if you can hack into the DME i am sure there would be plenty of people that would wax your car for free in order to get a deeper look into their cars. Start writing the code...

This is a great book that gets you thinking about what is possible.

http://www.amazon.com/Modify-Management-Sy.../ref=pd_sim_b_5

[Loren]

So here's the question,

I have the durametric software already, which is fine for checking on codes etc. I'd really to get something better, preferably so I can change settings, add and program a new key to my vehicle, etc. I don't feel or see the need to purchase a completely new laptop or the Porsche touch screen bosch knock-off for $2500.

I'm a pretty computer saavy guy, in fact my job is software engineering. I've got more laptops, servers, and old pcs laying around the house that I can't justify paying more for things I already have.

For an 00' boxster S, I don't quite fully understand what the difference is between the KTS 500 and the PST2, or if an even older model such as the KTS 300 would even work. I don't understand the relationship as to why people are saying they need a PST2 vs. a KTS 500 and what the differences or "lack of functionality" exists between them.

On the otherhand, isn't there some simplistic way to either "build" an interface cable, purchase whatever PCMCIA card you need for a laptop, and obtain and install the software yourself vs. paying for a closed-loop system? What's the value in a PST2 / KTS 500? I assume it's the "key" to unlocking all the things you normally have to take your car to a porsche dealership for, such as programming a new key to your porsche?

Thoughts? :huh:

A KTS 500 is not a PST2. A PST2 has Porsche specific software and an interface cable that different from the generic KTS 500.

You can turn a KTS 500 into a PST2 (clone) with the right cable and software.

There is no difference between the capabilities of a PST2 on the property hardware and a PST2 on a laptop - the Bosch I/F box for voltage inputs has always been an option.

[usaf-lt-g]

So here's the question,

I have the durametric software already, which is fine for checking on codes etc. I'd really to get something better, preferably so I can change settings, add and program a new key to my vehicle, etc. I don't feel or see the need to purchase a completely new laptop or the Porsche touch screen bosch knock-off for $2500.

I'm a pretty computer saavy guy, in fact my job is software engineering. I've got more laptops, servers, and old pcs laying around the house that I can't justify paying more for things I already have.

For an 00' boxster S, I don't quite fully understand what the difference is between the KTS 500 and the PST2, or if an even older model such as the KTS 300 would even work. I don't understand the relationship as to why people are saying they need a PST2 vs. a KTS 500 and what the differences or "lack of functionality" exists between them.

On the otherhand, isn't there some simplistic way to either "build" an interface cable, purchase whatever PCMCIA card you need for a laptop, and obtain and install the software yourself vs. paying for a closed-loop system? What's the value in a PST2 / KTS 500? I assume it's the "key" to unlocking all the things you normally have to take your car to a porsche dealership for, such as programming a new key to your porsche?

Thoughts? :huh:

A KTS 500 is not a PST2. A PST2 has Porsche specific software and an interface cable that different from the generic KTS 500.

You can turn a KTS 500 into a PST2 (clone) with the right cable and software.

There is no difference between the capabilities of a PST2 on the property hardware and a PST2 on a laptop - the Bosch I/F box for voltage inputs has always been an option.

So as a matter of "budget" per say Loren... What's the easier most cost effective way to go about obtaining it, and where would you suggest getting a hold of the necessary parts? I've tried google searches on PST2 hardware, the Bosch PCMIA card etc, and have found very little.

[Loren]

If you can find a Bosch PCMCIA card (Hardware version 1.01 and Software version 1.02) - that is biggest obstacle.

You can make a cable from parts available on the Internet. And then you get a copy of the software.

PM me if you have further questions.

[JeTexas]

I think Porsche restricts a lot of the alarm-related and key-programming functions for the security of the cars. If the cables and software were cheap and readily available, you know there would be people reprogramming stolen cars and rolling back odometers like it was going out of style.

[Loren]

Even a PST2 or PIWIS  can not change an odometer after 52 miles have been recorded.

[mattatk]

Not as good as that kit but just to let you know, I purchased a goLink cable & downloaded the free goLink iPhone app which allows me to pull the OBD2 codes & sensor inputs onto my iPhone. Works pretty well & charges the iPhone at the same time, so technically I suppose you could dock the iPhone each time you drive & look for trends if you so wish. The data is squirted off to FuzzyLuke, which logs most of it on your (free) account.

No, I don't work for any of the above-mentioned (I work for an airline), I just thought I'd throw it into the ring for info.

I too would like to get hold o a cheap solution for the PST2 so I could do more jobs (eg. bleed brakes on my S with PSM).

Cheers,

Matt

www.fuzzyluke.com

http://gopointtech.com/blog/2009/10/13/golink-is-worlds-first-obd-ii-iphone-accessory/

[Beelzy]

Thanks for the link Mattatk! :thumbup:

[SpawnyWhippet]

Did anyone come up with a way to build a PST2?

I already have a Mercedes Star Xentry laptop with Durametric installed on it, but I am frequently finding limitations with Durametric, eg not pulling all the fault codes, not identifying all the modules in the car, inverting parts of the fault codes, detecting a fault in a module but not providing a fault code etc.

 

My ideal solution would be a single workshop laptop that I use for online manuals/forums, Mercedes and Porsche PST2 diagnostics (with the appropriate cables). I don't want to keep a different laptop / scanner in my garage for each car brand I have.

[JFP in PA]

Did anyone come up with a way to build a PST2?

I already have a Mercedes Star Xentry laptop with Durametric installed on it, but I am frequently finding limitations with Durametric, eg not pulling all the fault codes, not identifying all the modules in the car, inverting parts of the fault codes, detecting a fault in a module but not providing a fault code etc.

 

My ideal solution would be a single workshop laptop that I use for online manuals/forums, Mercedes and Porsche PST2 diagnostics (with the appropriate cables). I don't want to keep a different laptop / scanner in my garage for each car brand I have.

 

As Loren noted above, you need to find a correct Bosch PCMCIA card in order to build one, and that will not be easy.

[hi8ha]

I have a PST2 cable available if you are interested.

[Matt_o_70]

Quote

On 1/14/2009 at 0:00 PM, Loren said:

A KTS 500 is not a PST2. A PST2 has Porsche specific software and an interface cable that different from the generic KTS 500.

You can turn a KTS 500 into a PST2 (clone) with the right cable and software.

There is no difference between the capabilities of a PST2 on the property hardware and a PST2 on a laptop - the Bosch I/F box for voltage inputs has always been an option.

HI,

I am interested to know more about your suggestion that a KTS500 can be turned into a PST2 (clone)...      Can a KTS550 be used or is this clone strictly KTS500?

Matt

[Loren]

34 minutes ago, Matt_o_70 said:

HI,

I am interested to know more about your suggestion that a KTS500 can be turned into a PST2 (clone)...      Can a KTS550 be used or is this clone strictly KTS500?

Matt

 

I see no reason a KTS 550 would not work as it is just an enhanced version of the KTS 520 - which does work.

Of course you would need the proper OBD II cable and software.

[Richard Hamilton]

The KTS550 can be used as an interface with the PIWIS1 software, but it isn't compatible with PST2.  The PIWIS1 was based on the Bosch KTS650 (tablet) which had the interface built in.  Clone PIWIS1 software on a laptop needs a KTS520 or KTS550 as an external interface.

[Tom L.]

Is there any software apps that can use the Android phone and a Bluetooth connection connected to PST2 software?

[JFP in PA]

2 hours ago, Tom L. said:

Is there any software apps that can use the Android phone and a Bluetooth connection connected to PST2 software?

 

No.  The PST II is a Windows based system only and cannot be used on any type phone.

[Tom L.]

Not even a windows phone?

 

[Loren]

22 minutes ago, Tom L. said:

Not even a windows phone?

 

 

No, PST2 runs on  a customized version of Windows 3.11. (That would be before Windows 95!)

[Tom L.]

I see. It's too bad they don't update to current times and get an app for android and Apple. I use Torque via a Bluetooth connection. I'm still learning about Porsche since this is my first (1999 996 Carrera) and there was a lot of issues that I'm killing off one by one with it. A PST2 might resolve my remote key issues. Maybe I will be able to catch one of the pancake breakfast meetings and find some local Porsche owners that can teach me more about my car. This site has been very educational for me. :)

[Loren]

Porsche stopped using PST in 2004 and introduced PIWIS. Then PIWIS 2 and now PIWIS 3.

All of which are backward compatible - for a price. $18,000 per year lease for a PIWIS.

[Tom L.]

Thanks for the info Loren! :)