RP Lab Diagnostics for F40?

I am looking for a tool to occasionally scan F40 ECU diagnostic codes and retrieve sensor readings. There are many generic tools available on the market, but I found rare available for F40. Ones that do are mostly workshop class tools, making them not cost effective for my non professional use.

I was wondering if anyone has used RP Lab software diagnostic tool for F40... I have seen their software for Lancia Delta Integrale (a friend of mine got it last year), it was basically doing what they say without much hassle (or fancy graphics, for that matter ). But I have no idea how good they got the F40 covered, and how it compares to other tools available on the market in the similar price segment. This is the list of functions it has:

* a) Parameters (scan and record)
o RPM (crank sensor),
o intake manifold pressure (MAP),
o throttle position (TPS),
o CO trim pot position,
o coolant temperature (CTS),
o air temperature (ATS),
o battery voltage (ECU pin 20),
o injector pulsewidth,
o injection timing,
o ignition advance,
o error code numbers.

* b) Error and status codes (scan and record)
o Crank trigger resistance,
o crank - distributor trigger signal panel,
o camshaft trigger resistance,
o camshaft trigger signal,
o manifold pressure sensor (MAP),
o throttle position sensor (TPS),
o air temperature sensor (ATS),
o coolant temperature sensor (CTS),
o knock sensor (where available),
o lambda sensor (where available),
o engine load state,
o signal panel sequence detection state,
o diagnostic mode.

* c) Actuator tests (active tests, while engine is not running)
o Fuel pump,
o injectors (1-4 in bank) individually,
o ignition circuit 1,
o ignition circuit 2,
o boost valve,
o aux device on pin 12.

Here's the link: http://rp-lab.com/iaw_monitor.shtml

Looking forward to any opinions / comments about this or any other F40 compatible tool.

Regards,
Phil

 

Thanks for all the useful replies!

@TimF40: I personally have no concerns wiring money to RP Lab (well, at least I know one person who got the stuff from them, and saw the software running), but I got your point. No idea about the trial version, though.

@PAUL. S: Great links and info, thanks. Do you know whether F40 could be diagnosed with Ford Cosworth or Fiat/Lancia workshop tester? That would be an attractive alternative. Seems like MSD is offering only Cosworth line of RP Lab IAW Monitor products. On a side note - it looks exactly the same as IAW Monitor for Integrale, which however does not imply that there are no differences in the communication protocol.

@335s: I am sure you are right about scopes and flukes, but tapping into wiring loom, doing ohm or voltage to temperature conversions etc is not really what I am good at. I might do more harm than good that way. Since diagnostic ports are already on board, I would prefer to get some info in the lazy-man manner.

Mid of December I will spend a week in Greece and Macedonia, so I might actually have a chance to visit RP Lab. I've just sent them an email, so I'll keep you posted.

Regards,
Phil

 

I've send an email to MSD this morning. Looking forward to their reply.

RP Labs has answered in the meantime. They confirmed their "IAW Monitor" is compatible with both EURO and US spec F40, and attached some screenshots. Apart from software, 2 communication leads are included (USB or now quite rare RS232). No trial version is available, they say it wouldn't work without the leads anyway. They gladly accepted to make a live demo for me, should I manage to visit them. They, cannot, however, organize an F40, but they offered the following:
1) a demo on an engine emulator, using two F40 ECUs.
2) a demo on a delta integrale, running with F40 remapped chip.
3) I bring a car for a live demo.

Well, I guess 1) or 2) will be sufficient to persuade me . If it works, I'll use the opportunity to purchase it there.

There are two identical diagnostic plugs, each has 3 contacts. I'll take a photo and post it.

Phil