John Speake

Hi Earl,
Thanks for the feedback. The level of the diagnostic capability lies on the software in the ECU rather than that in the diagnostic tool.
The ECUs in the 928 are a bit "dumb", but it may be with a bit of thought that something along the lines you describe could be worked out.

This will have to wait for one of the future "upgrades" I think ! Lots of things to sort out at present, including meeting the price target !

Tom DM

For 300 US$ count me in.

I tried to get my hands on a Hammer (the Bosch version, the iron version I have) recently and an unofficial Porsche dealer swore that such a device never existed. As he was so sure, I didn't doubt either: this man was not to lay his hands on my car!

Went finally to the official Porsche Center just down the road where I was friendly met, received great service and afterwards an big bill matching the service

If to choose for similar money or a bit more expensif I would take a PC linked tester.

Keep it coming John !

Tom

John Speake

Thanks Tom, duly noted ................. I am considering two versions, self contained and PC linked.

Regards,

John Speake

"All right already.....cut to the chase....how much?.....800...900....1k?"

Come again ? I will finally balance the price against an estimated number to be sold. The final price I decide may seem high, when one compares it with domestic consumer electronics, which is made by the million, using low cost labour areas of the world.

But I do want it to be within the reach of 928 owners, and at a cost that is compatable with the market value fo the car.

One thing is for sure - it won't be as high a $1000 !

John Speake

Well, I'm an idealist !

springer3

Hi:

I just jumped in from the 964 board. I have a 92 C2 that has the 19-pin round connector, and it sounds like the engine controls are the same generation as the 928. The last Hammer I saw sold on eBay for something like $1300. I have been looking for a year with a $1300 budget, and have still not found a Hammer with the 964 software. Count me in at up to $1300 IF the thing will work on the 964 (911 C2).

Great project. I think you will sell many at 1K if you can cover the 964s.

Regards

John Speake

Hi Springer,
Yes, you are quite correct, the same device will also cover 964s. It just needs a bit of extra code as some of the fault codes are slightly different

It will also cover the later 944s (after 1988). the first priority is to get it sorted for the 928, then the other models will come quickly after that.

I will let you know how it progresses. I'm hard at work at present !

John Speake

BerNard94 - yes, it was always my intention to sell into the 964 and 944
markets. It's just that to start with, it is easier for me to do the development with the 928, before making a few minor additions for the 944, 964, 968 and 944 boys.

Thanks for the thought ! How many 964s were sold into the US market ?

springer3

John:

Thanks for the reply. I am still in the market. When do you think you will have the 964 version ready? The only need I have at present is a reset on the ABS light, but in about a year I will need to perform the 60,000 mile service. I will have a diagnostic tool by then.

Regarding your question, I don't recall the exact number of 964s sold in the US, but 5,000 to 10,000 per year is in the ballpark. I recall over half of the 964 production went to the US. The late 1980 and early 1990s were great economic times here, and the 964 sold well despite being priced starting at close to $70,000.

Regards

Ruairidh

Add me to the list of 964 owners who'd be interested in buying.....

Wachuko

I have a 964... and the main use I would give this tool is for the bleeding... how much more effort is needed to get that done?

Count me in.

Also, it would be great to see something that could be installed on a PC/Notebook instead of a dedicated unit... it would make it hardware independent...and with the ability to transfer the software to another unit if the main one failed... I am one of those nuts that have a dedicated PC in the Garage with all the stuff I can find for my cars.

John Speake

Jamie, springer3
I will get to the PSD part when I get the time. The 964 version should be a reality by mid next year, and will include the function. The first version will be a stand alone unit, I am looking into the PC version as well.

Also, the software will be upgradable via an RS232 port.

Ruairidh - thanks for the fedback. nearer the launch time of the 964 version, I will put a thread on the 964 forum.

Kahdmus

Add another 964 owner that would be interested. At $2-300 I would buy one today! Also PC-linked would seem advantageous to me!

GREAT project!

Regards,

--Howard

pncarrerars

I would be very interested in a 964 version at $300, PC version preferred. Software protection should be no problem, take a look at VAG-COM.

Pete '92 964 RS

John Speake

Thanks guys. a PC version is definitely on the menu !