Date:         Wed, 23 Sep 1998 11:14:11 -0500
Reply-To:     Darrell Boehler <midwesty@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Darrell Boehler <midwesty@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET>
Subject:      digitool
Comments: To: vanagon list to post <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

-----------------------
Hi Volks,
    I do make a digitool and it has gone through various changes as time
goes on. The tool started out as a break outbox (all digifant pins available
to meter or probe). I then added some LEDs for instant information gathering
of the digital signals. With much prodding  I then added a LCD panel meter
with a rotary switch so the analog signals are easily checked. Several
digijet people wanted tools so with the help of Jim Maginal and his van we
adapted and tested the digijet version.
    The led, lcd version takes too long to assemble. Once I changed the
design so  the lcd meter and leds were on top of a plastic box about 4 hours
are required for assembly.  So the present digitool has now evolved to a
breakout box, LCD panel meter,  rotary switch on a 3x4x1.7 inch black
plastic box,  no leds.   With the  12 position  rotary switch all digital
and analog signals are displayable on the built in meter.
    The digitool requires the installation of a 25 wire flat ribbon cable
onto the ecu (pc serial cable).  The cable is soldered onto the ecu circuit
board where the 25 pin fi cable connector is soldered.  I feel this is the
best place to gather the signals that need to be displayed.  There are a
couple of alternatives. Namely making  a T type connector made from an old
ecu connector, a fi  cable connector and  the 25 pin ribbon tied in.  I have
had no success finding fi cable connectors to make a T type connector.
Another is to splice into the ecu or fi (fuel injection) cable. There are 11
points that should be monitored.   I plan to post the diagram and plans for
the lcd meter  version on the web.  This will require time,  maybe a month.
I have plans posted for the original version with leds and breakout feature
posted  at   http://taos.midwest.net/vw  these include attaching the ribbon
cable to the ecu.  If you have no experience with soldering circuit boards
maybe you have a friend who does.
     I will make as many of these as I have time for at or near the  cost. I
have made several for $50 which includes attaching the cable to your ecu.
You pay shipping.

Darrell




-----Original Message-----
From: Karl Bloss <blosskf@APCI.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 1998 9:45 AM
Subject: Digifant tool


OK, I've gotten so many queries about this, I'll post the contact
info:

E-mail Darrell Boehler <midwesty@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET>.  He'll tell you
all about it.  He builds 'em.  If you want to know more, search the
archives in the last few months for Darrell's e-mail address and
Digifant or Digijet.

Sorry if you get swamped with requests now, Darrell.  :-)

-Karl

Karl F. Bloss - blosskf@apci.com or bloss@enter.net
'87 Vanagon GL Weekender "Beverley"; Trexlertown, PA
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/
Busses by the Trail: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/bbtt/