Frequently Asked Questions - Delta Dash PC kit and In car Kit

• Isn't this just an OBD II reader ?
  It is significantly more than that. It will display and log data many times faster than the OBD-II standard permits. It will also log data from cars that aren't OBD-II compatible, like the 99/00 Impreza Turbo/WRX/GT.(NOTE: "In Car Kit" does not have some features of PC kit).

• But I can buy OBD II reader software from a number of sources why is DELTA DASH unique?
  Although we (and others ) can communicate with the ECU using the ODB-II protocol, this is far too slow and cumbersome for what we needed to develop. Before you buy OBD-II software, check whether it's going to work with your car.

• If it's so good why has no one else done it?
  We are enthusiasts who represent a unique niche in the auto industry. We wanted data to enable us to carry out detailed development work on cars we love. This is a fairly unusual requirement. The large manufacturers of diagnostic equipment would not readily understand the needs of enthusiasts like us (and you). Also to be blunt, it's been a bloody lot of hard work ! To get the product to where it is today has taken a year of research & development - not economically viable for a large company.

• Can I use DeltaDash on a car with a UniChip or other 'piggy back' style ECUs ?
  Yes you can. However, you must bear in mind what a 'piggy back' module does. A 'piggy back' ECU works by altering the signals that go in and out of the ECU - it may change sensor voltages, such as lambda, or boost sensors, in order to get the standard ECU to behave differently. The module may also Alter outputs from the ECU, such as adding or removing ignition timing advance or fuel. Because of this, some of the values read from DeltaDash may not represent the current state of your engine - they are the values that the ECU is using, but may not all apply 'as-is' to the real world.

• Can I use DeltaDash on a car without a Subaru ECU fitted?
  No you can't as there will be no signal from the OBD11 port.

• I want to leave DeltaDash plugged into my car most of the time. Is there any way I can move the diagnostic cable, since it plugs in near my knee ?
  The diagnostic socket on many car models can be unclipped and placed behind the dash. You can cable-tie the interface onto the socket behind the dash. It is then invisible, and does not protrude from the foot well at all. Make sure you get your passenger to use the laptop if you are driving !

• I am impressed with the web site but I am not sure if it something I will find any use for.
  Is your car modified? Do you want to modify it? Does it have a different exhaust? Is the performance different on some days than others? Have you ever taken it to a workshop with a problem? Answer "yes" to any of these questions and DeltaDash can help.

• But I own a workshop and don't want all my customers having this, I'll be out of business.
  Buy the DELTA DASH and you can give 100% accurate help to your customers with the certainty that this data can give.
  Plus it can assist you in determining if the modified car is coping with its enhancements, it will also assist in determining if the OE ECU is capable of running properly, or if you need to change to a whole new ecu. If this provides the solution to one intermittent fault or hesitation for one customer, than it has paid for itself in one use.

• I already own the Subaru diagnostic equipment, it does all the DeltaDash does.
  Does it? We think not as easily, quickly or with anything like the functionality of the DeltaDash. Give your diagnostic technician the DeltaDash for a day and see how many times he asks to use the factory tool afterwards. How much does it cost you to get updates for your factory tool every time a new car variant is produced ? Does your Subaru unit include ALL models?

• I have the New Age 2002 WRX model, why do I have to buy the whole program.
  You don't. Only buy support for the car you need. Alternatively, if you are a dealer, or working with several car types, get the 'all car' version at a substantial discount.

• What about non UK cars. You guys are in England - what about European, Japanese or US specification vehicles ?
  The range of cars tested with DeltaDash is constantly growing. Check the Supported Vehicles list to make sure yours is on there.

• Do you intended to support older Subaru vehicles ?
  Prior to 99 model years of car, Subaru used a different, slower diagnostic protocol. Whilst it would be possible to support these cars, it would require a different diagnostic interface and this would of course raise the price of the package. We intend to support other, newer vehicles first, such as future Subaru vehicles and the Mitsubishi performance car range, before working on these older cars.

• Is it complicated to install or wire up in the car ?
  Just connect the cable between the diagnostic port under the dash and your laptop. Install the software. No external power, no batteries, no other wires. Unless you want to power your laptop from the lighter socket of course.

• In what format are the log files saved ? Can I load them into other programs ?
  Each time you save a log from a car, it is saved as two files. One file (the .txt) has any comments in it that you entered while logging. The other file (the .csv file) contains all the data. The data is in comma seperated variable format (hence the name csv) and can be imported into many other programs such as Microsoft Excel and Access for further analysis.

• I have received my installation CD and have installed DeltaDash on my PC. However, the program will not run when I click on the icon.
  You must reboot after installing DeltaDash. The install program gives you this option, but you can of course cancel the reboot and do it later. If you do cancel, forget to reboot, and then try to run DeltaDash, this is the result. Just reboot now and it should then run fine.

• I have my inteface plugged in, but the software does not see the car

1. Check you are not running in demo mode

2. Check the ignition switch of the car is turned on fully.

3. Check that the car is one of the vehicles supported by DeltaDash.

4. Check that the interface is plugged into the serial port named 'COM1' - your first serial port

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