Problems with Harrison R&D CanScan USB software.
 

I received my CanScan USB today. Installed OK, but I'm experiencing some problems with the software:
1. It does not pull out the VIN#;
2. When I close it, it still runs in the Windows XP Task Manager with close to 100% CPU usage in background and I have to force Windows to close it;
3. If I request the trouble codes, it goes to 100% CPU in use and doing nothing for a looooong time. After I restart the software, making sure it is not running in background, it cannot connect to the ECU anymore, displaying "Connecting, Wait" in red box and again taking 100% CPU. It needs to be reinstalled to make a connection.
Both v. 3.8 and v 4.2 are doing all that.
How is it running for you?
Any input would be useful.
BTW I emailed Harrison and waiting for a reply.

Make sure your .NET framework is up to date.

I have v. 2.0, which is the latest one. Just in case I reinstalled it again and gonna try CanScan tomorrow.
thanks for the reply. :)
BTW will CanZoomer s/w work with Harrison CanScan?
I know they are the same hardware, but...

I've gone back to version 3.5 which was the last non-bug-ridden version I've tried.
I'm going to try something else soon because I want a fully confiureable dashboard since it is permanently installed in my in-car PC.

Nothing better than being able to check/erase codes while you are driving at the touch of a button.

yes ths scanalizer rocks...

beer :beer:

I was thinking AutoTap, actually. I'm not a big fan of the Hymeelizer.

dont know that one...

beers :beer:

Good to know I'm not the only one with problems.
I'll see what Harrison gonna say about it.
Anyone using the paid Enhanced Data Viewer? Does it has the same bugs?

That software sucks. I could never get either version to log consistently. It crashes constantly.

I emailed for a refund.
After windows update it does not connects at all. It sucks.

It does truly suck, I've got both the regular and the enhanced and I can only get the enhanced to connect, and then it crashes when asking for freeze frame data, and then it's toast until reboot. I even reinstalled the o/s from scratch and tried w/no windows updates, no go. I've gota call him next week.

I just got my palm version of the canscan, but my new pda hasn't arrived yet. so I connected it via serial to a desktop and was able to use it to reset the CEL. The trouble codes it read were incorrect. I emailed dan and he just wrote back that he saw the problem and is releasing a fixed version in the next 24-48 hours.

He's very responsive, give him a chance to make it right before returning it. I've not had problems with the software when I last used it (over a year ago) so I can't speak about the current usb version that you're using..

I gave him a chance. He responded with something I expected like get the last v.4.2, use the exit instead of the X, etc. I emailed him back about s/w not working at all after Windows update and told him if he has no more suggestions, please return my money.
I really don't want to do that, but...
Waiting for his reply.

Just got the reply:

Dan:"I ran the software, version 4.20R3, on a Sony Laptop, XP, and did see a bug when running on our RX8. I should have that fixed today or tomorrow. On the new problem you saw with XP, it's possible that a copy of the drivers remained running in RAM after the program terminated and from that point on the program would not be able to make a connection. We have a solution for that also, but you can run Task Manager and kill the OBDScan process if it continues to run.
We have a 30 day money back policy if you need to return the tool. Best Regards Dan Harrison Harrison R&D"

I will try the fixes and if they are not any good it goes back.

in all honesty, his product was loads better with the pre .net versions.

I originally had the CZ version RS-232 version and it always worked flawlessly - it may have looked crude but I loved it. Unfortunetly I had it updated a while back to use the enhanced data software and ever since then it does not always log the data I ask for and kills my laptop is <10 minutes as it attacks the processor.... -sigh-

to his credit though, Dan is a standup guy that continues to work hard and improve it

Just received fixed CanScan s/w for RX-8 from Dan. I can't check it out b/c my scanner is fried I think. Please, try it and let me know how it works.

Dan:"Finally got this, our power was out multiple times today but the storms have diminished long enough for me to get this done. The trouble code read should be fixed but the problem with the drivers remaining running when the program is abnormally shut down is still in work. That symptom was never exhibited while I was using the new program so I hope it will be the same for you. The rev still shows as 3, it will be 4 when this gets 100% finished. The program is working on our Sony laptop, XP, 1G RAM, 1.7G Intel processor and our 2004 RX8. A few word of explanation, the VIN/CAL function on the menu bar must be used prior to selecting the USB button or the VIN read will be disabled. I don't know what happened with your computer when you updated the OS, all of our computers update automatically with Windows Update and so far we have not had a problem. If you still have the problem try to send me a detailed explanation of what happens when the program runs and I'll do what ever I can. While I was thinking of possible problems it occurred to me to check the firmware version in your unit, it should be 'CS2.1', if not then we will need to fix that. The firmware version will show up near the location where the VIN and CAL numbers are. Please check it when you run the program. I assume the USB ports on your laptop are USB 2.0 and not USB 1.1, if the laptop is less than 2 years old they should be 2.0, but it does not hurt to check.

Here is the procedure I always use to scan a car:
1. connect tool to RX8
2. Switch Key all the way ON or start engine. If the battery is weak wait until engine is started before connecting tool. A weak battery will have a large voltage droop on start and might cause the scan tool to malfunction but won't damage it. 3. Connect tool to computer 4. Launch program 5. Select VIN/CAL to ON. 6. Click USB and wait for screen to change to MAIN 7. Click 'Request Diagnostic Trouble Codes' - any codes should be displayed on the screen

If you have ANY problems please let me know.
Best Regards
Dan Harrison
Harrison R&D"

OBDScan_Fixed.zip

cool, let us know!

OBDScan 4.30?
 

I got my Harrison R&D OBDScan 4.30 a week or 2 ago and I just got around to installing it. Well I got the new S flash today so I decided to do a run and log the new data.

My problem is that version 4.30 is putting text in the columns along with the data that gets logged. Does anyone know how to stop the software from adding this text?

I cant figure out how to attach the excel sheet so if someone wants to see it I can email it to you.

Just e-mail them you problem and they will fix it asap!

dharrison14@houston.rr.com

I actually got it to work last night after I posted the question. However, I still may email Dan to see if there is anything I can do to fix the root problem.

What I did was highlight each column, select "Data" -> "Text to Columns". This brings up the "Convert Text to Columns Wizard". On Step 1 of 3, I selected the "Delimited" radio button. On Step 2 of 3, I selected the "Other" radio button and in the textbox I typed the first character of the text I didn't want. This seperated the data into 2 columns on the next screen of the "Convert Text to Columns Wizard". Finally, on Step 3 of 3, I highlighted the column with the text that I didn't need and selected the "do not import" radio button.

This seperated the numbers that I needed from the text that I didn't and allowed me to delete the text. It kinda sucks to have to do this for every run which is why I am going to email Dan to see if there is a setting I san set so that only the numeric data gets saved to the log file created by the OBDScan...

Cool, Dan is very helpful and prompt.

except nothing is resolved, bought a new PC with a clean install, still all the same old problems, it doesn't even read the VIn/Calibrations. All it's good for is seeing and clearing codes. Otherwise it goes into an error mode and you get a MS forced closure window. F--- it, it's a ripoff as far as I'm concerned. :mad:

What did Dan say???

it works fine on his Sony PC, or at least that's all I ever get from him ... at a minimum it doesn't work on Dell PC's ... I'm just sick of this, it's been like this from the beginning, ecept that it's even worse now. I used to at least be able to read my VIN back on the original version ...

I have it kind of working on a Dell laptop. He sent me a version a few months ago that worked ok (it logs most of the time), and I updated to the latest one (June '06) today and it still seems to do okay.

It's not very stable though and sometimes takes multiple tries to get it working. Not a product I would reccomend. I can get my calibration ID, but I've never once seen my VIN show up.

i got mine to work for the first time ever since switching to the newer software (his old stuff was rock solid...)

I believe I had to go the the vin/cal menu and click on ON before letting the unit connect and then it suddenly appears... logging ability is still a 50/50 chance

already been there, done that, nothing happens when I click "on"

Mine works pretty well as long as I don't turn the Vin/Cal on. Whenever I turn the Vin/Cal on it locks up and won't even make the connection. I know what that info is for my car so I just don't try to use it but it still sucks that it doesn't work properly.

To all having software problems, please work with me and I will do everything in our power to get the problems resolved. We will have a new Dell high end laptop this week and we will beging testing the software on that platform ASAP. It seems like we have more problems with Dell than any other laptop brand. But also keep in mind there are 1000's of people using the scan tool with no problems. That being said, any customer who is having a problem with our tool is one too many and I can pledge to you that we will do everything possible to get your problems fixed.
It's true that we switched to Microsoft .NET 2003 software development suite and it caused a few problems last year, we now have moved up to the Microsoft Studio 2005 .NET and the compiled products are much better. We found that in the 2003 version the USB input buffer could overflow and cause unexpected program termination with NO ERROR MESSAGE GENERATED!, That was driving us crazy untill the change to Studio 2005.
My email is dharrison14@houston.rr.com, so please don't hesitate to contact me if you have problems.

Best Regards
Dan Harrison

Dan, can you provide links in this thread to the most recent versions of the main software and the RX-8 enhanced. I too have problems and I have sent you error dumps a few months ago. But I only use the tool to read error codes and have not followed up on the bugs.

I'll 2nd that, when you have working updates, please post them here.

I gave up using your product months ago because it errors and fails just trying to connect. I have both your normal and enhanced software. It would be great if you could get it functional again. BTW I use an Averatec notebook, an inexpensive brand from Circuit City. Before I gave up on the sw I went so far as do a complete from scratch rebuild of the o/s and all drivers, software to try and get your stuff to work.... no go sadly.

Link to RX8 Software for OBDScan/CANScan
 

Here is an update and link to the newest application we have been working on. Since the software seems to be running on our Sony and Compaq laptops we decided to try another brand. We now have a new Dell Latitude D820 with no applications other than the Dell load installed. My first test on the Dell was probably similar to some of your experiences, the software/tool would not connect at first, I unplugged the OBD cable, reconnected and tried again. This time the software made connection but none of the buttons would work. This is the same software that was used over the weekend on another laptop (sony) to do some data logging of our RX8 AFR to see what the new dealer flash did. We have done more testing and software tweeks and now have a version that runs great on the Dell. The link is:
http://www.obdscan.net/OBDScan420R6.zip

Please let me know is you still have problems and include the aprox. date of purchase so I can estimate the firmware load in your box and as much detail on your computer and the description of the error/bugs you found. We will continue to work with the RX8 community until this is solved.
Thanks
Dan H.

:) Thanks Dan, I'll give it a go next few days and post results.

dan,
i dont have your product, but do follow all canscan threads... thanks for the following up for you software..

beers :beer:

More Software News for RX8 Club
 

Well, we have been working hard over the last few months and we have a a new version of the RX8 Enhanced Software which now was real time Misfire Monitor support and it can read/clear the Air Bag and ABS codes on RX8's. We have also updated our scan tool hardware and reduced the price. The software interface to the new hardware has been changed to make the Windows application software more robust and error free. We do listen to our customers and we make every effort to insure you get a quality product for a fair price. If your interested you can see the new products at www.obdscan.net and
http://www.obdscan.net/obdscan_rx8_e...data_viewe.htm

Best Regards
Dan

mine still doesn't work properly

have you been able to pull tps temps and pressures???

someone claimed they could... just wondering.

beers :beer:

I can't keep it from crashing/locking up, pull one cycle of data or reset and then it craps out :mad:

teamrx8: are you using a laptop? I've experienced problems on certain laptops where the USB port isn't powering the adapter enough...then ive turned around and used it on another laptop and it worked great.

The .NET version actually BSODs every computer I've tried it on running XPpro!
The original version isn't as buggy and loads faster, but it crashes, too.
Sometimes it gets stuck on initialization.

Considering the software doesn't even have half the features of the competitors, I don't think I'm going to pay to upgrade something that doesn't work right in the first place.

that was probably me...

Dan, what sp level of XP pro or home have you tested this newest flash/sw on? Have you used a system that is current and up-to-date with ALL critical AND recommended updates?

MM and Team... are you using his latest updated flash and sw or are you referring to the older versions causing the problems? Just trying to get a baseline on are we talking this new stuff or old.

Mine would crash or lock up almost immediately as you guys describe or just not run at all. Haven't tried in a long time now it was so depressing. I have a serial version, wonder if the USB version is better / worse / same? Wish there was a trade in for USB version, it's a pain having a USB <-> serial converter inline and always wondering if it caused problems or not. Sigh..

I've had the issue from day 1 with several laptops. I kept my mouth shut through the first year figuring they were working through it. Dan supposedly looked at it with the same model as my latest laptop; Dell Latitude D820 only several months old with all the latest software, and couldn't see any problem. He gave me an update, it was the same or worse. I can get the first scan usually and clear it if needed, trying anything after that causes it to bug out.

If CANScan requires a special laptop etc. to work it should say so when you go to purchase it. I bought the USB system and then the extended data when it came out. Many parts of the system have never worked properly for me; VIN number, TPMS, etc. I'll try the latest download and see what happens.

While I'm dissatisified with the system itself, Dan has always gone out of his way to try and help me. If the product ever matches the customer service it would be golden.

Ill agree with Dans help. By any chance, have you tried the following?:

t sounds like the USB connection is intermittent. This is most likely caused by the front panel cut out not being centered on the USB connector, If the panel presses the connector down it can cause the problem you see. Try removing the four screws that hold the case together, remove the top and then remove the USB panel from the box and then put the top back on. Connect to the vehicle and computer and see if the problem is still there. If the problem is fixed then about 1/16in needs to be trimmed from the top of the square cutout to prevent the panel from contacting the USB connector.

my laptop has at least four USB ports so I'll get the latest updates and give it a try soon

I'm running a serial interface directly. SP2 WinXP-pro on a Xenarc mini-PC, a Dell Inspiron 8100 and a 7500.
Tried all of the downloadable versions.

Help OBDscan/Canscan users
 

Let me try to frankly answer the questions and concerns raised. The software for our CANScan-USB and OBDScan+CAN uses native USB, that means we do not use a virtual COM port but interface to the USB drivers. One of the early problems we found with this was the code accessing the driver could continue to function even though the main application had shut down if it was waiting on a USB transaction to complete. This is what caused the "crashing" of the computer. In reality, the computer was operating but 100% of the CPU was devoted to the USB driver communication. That problem was fixed but we also found after switching over to Studio .NET 2003 that on occasion the software could shutdown with no notification or error message. About one year ago we switched to Studio 2005 which has eliminated the sudden shutdown problem with some PC's. There was still a very occasional problem with the USB driver interface on some PC's, not all. That bothered me so we have redesigned the USB interface entirely for the new APEX series scan tool. The occasional hangup due to incomplete USB transaction is now gone completely. We are using a new FTDI part which maintains native USB bandwidth in the virtual COM port mode. By switching to virtual COM port communication we have found the software to be reliable across different PC's and versions of Windows and it never crashed the computer.
For Spin9K, have you upgraded the box firmware and tried our version 4.20R8? I don't think you will have the problems you experienced earlier. It's important to upgrade the box firmware, we offer that free to our customers and it will work much better with the latest software.
The question about tire pressure and temps, Yes, our RX8 Enhanced software can read tire pressure and temps real time. It also can read much more engine data than any generic OBD-II scan tool. The new APEX version also has a real time misfire monitor and it can read/clear AirBag and ABS codes, I don't think there is another scan tool which can match our price and features period. The APEX redesign has allowed us to lower the price of the universal scan tool to 139.99, and that's for all OBD-II interfaces, not just CAN.
We are more than willing to work with members of the RX8 Club, if your having any problems then let's get them worked out, there are a large number of RX8 owners who are using their tool all the time and I'd like that to be 100%.
Best Regards
Dan H

I generally found the latest updates to be better, however I'm not sure if they match the stability of the program that originally came with the CZ edition units ... the updates right after the switch to .Net were downright scary for along time.

I agree with a previous poster that I wish there was some kind of trade-in value for those of us who rushed and bought the RS-232 boxes in the beginning (I also then got the extended data software which has limited functionaly with the RS-232)... especially now that I just got a new laptop and no longer have a RS-232 port -smacks head-

yep,

damn do i have a memory.. did you ever see them?

beers :beer:

I have the USB version and have had a bear of a time trying different ways to connect the scan tool because it rarely worked. Seems to me it takes some patience. Meaning not to just open the program and click connect right away.

I connect up to the car

Connect to the PC

Turn the ignition to the run position once then off

Start the program

Turn the ignition to the run position again

Select USB for connection in the menu

and if I am lucky it fires up and shows the VIN number of the car. :D:

Is it possible for the firmware to be upgraded with a flash program?


I would like extra functionality but without reliability it becomes more time consuming and tests the patience. :dunno:

The amount of support Harrison gives is noted and is the reason I consider upgrading the unit and software to the new APEX version.

The Hymee Scanlyzer doesn't have the air bag reset functionality yet, but the software has a nice interface for live gauge view of the items selected to watch.

:)

:icon_tup: