Our product for the Commonwealth of Virginia Interim OBD Program, the Handheld OBD2NET^® System, consists of a wireless handheld computer with fully-featured inspection and diagnostic software and an Internet-based Vehicle Inspection Database (VID). The integrated system is fully capable of performing sophisticated, automated tests such as OBD, Gas Cap, Two Speed Idle Tailpipe Emissions (TSI), Safety, and Tamper inspections. This system can offer tremendous advantages over today’s conventional workstation/conventional Intranet based VID systems.

The following conceptual illustration shows the integrated relationship between the wireless test system, the Internet, and the various groups that may access the data:

Conceptual Drawing of the integrated Handheld OBD2NET^® System

Essentially, we have combined automotive testing, the Internet, and wireless handheld computing to produce what could be considered the ultimate solution for high performance, low cost I/M testing. Why did we choose this combination? It's simple. Each of these components offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, convenience, cost, and other value added features that combine for an unmatched, innovative, market-leading solution.

The inflexibility of today’s test systems in the inspection station is of significant concern since it can have a large impact on cost to the station and the motorist. Because even workstations without dynamometers are very difficult to maneuver, test bays are often dedicated just to emissions testing.

We at SysTech have taken a fresh approach to the design of systems supplied in this market. Drawing from our experience in both automotive test systems design and Vehicle Inspection Database (VID) systems design, we have created a system that is not tied to a particular test bay. Instead, it is extremely compact, ergonomic, user friendly, and flexible - all at significantly reduced cost. It also has the capability to share peripherals such as printers and modems among multiple testers. The system is capable of performing every non-loaded mode I/M test, including the subsequent VID communication, with greater accuracy, convenience, and efficiency than current I/M systems.

At the heart of our system is the OBD2NET^® Tester, a handheld, wireless computer located in the inspection stations. The portable OBD2NET^® Tester is based on latest cutting edge PDA technology coupled with proprietary hardware, which allows for a link to the vehicle’s OBDII port. The OBD2NET^® Tester will also communicate to our OBD2NET^® Internet VID by a wireless connection.

The OBD2NET^® Tester initiates, runs and terminates the I/M OBD II inspection sequence in accordance with the desired test procedures described in the EPA guidance and by the customer. In fact, it performs these functions better than a PC-based unit with absolutely no loss of capability. When performing OBD II, tamper/visual, safety, and fuel cap tests, we believe that the OBD2NET^® Tester is far more efficient and gives greater throughput.

The OBD2NET^® Tester not only provides features such as OBDII connector locations as a picture or text. It also provides enhanced security features such as digital signatures and data encryption. In addition, the Palm based tester facilitates unrivaled on-road vehicle diagnostic functions to the garage owner, adding significant value to the system.

The OBD2NET^® Tester is equipped with a standard SAE J1978 OBD connector and communications link to allow RPM signal, OBD voltage, readiness monitor status, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) command status, PID, PCM ID, and OBDII VIN (when available) to be downloaded from the on-board computer for applicable vehicles. We further provide other information available through the DLC communication with the vehicle under test. The equipment design and operation meets all Federal requirements contained in 40 CFR 85.2207-2231, and recommended SAE practices (J1962, J1978, and J1979) for OBDII system inspections.

The SysTech OBD2NET^® Tester communicates with all current OBDII communications protocols, including SAE J1850 Variable Pulse Width (VPW) Modulation, SAE J1850 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), ISO 9141-2, and ISO FDIS 14230-4 (commonly known as “Key Word Protocol 2000” or “KWP 2000”), and the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, ISO 11898.

When delivering the OBD2NET^® System SysTech provides ISP services together with the handheld tester to all inspection stations. The OBD2NET^® Tester will communicate via Internet to the OBD2NET^® VID. The VID provides detailed program administration and management functions and allows for reporting, including data matching.