Digimoto is a vehicle diagnostics software application which connects to a vehicle’s OBDII (on-board diagnostic) port to retrieve sensor readings,
error codes and test result data. The software allows do-it-yourself mechanics access to a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) information while buffering
them from unnecessary risks and costs associated with direct ECU access. It is also designed to allow individuals with no automotive experience the ability
to effortlessly reset their check engine light or monitor vehicle performance.
What We Needed in a Charting Solution
We have relied on Dundas’s charting components since our first release. From a creative standpoint, it is not always desirable to utilize third-party
components; however, Dundas eases that pain with tremendous flexibility in design and development. From a business standpoint, using Dundas components is, I
believe, one of the best decisions a company can make. Countless hours of development, support and user feedback have been put into creating the Dundas line
of development tools - and it shows.
The Challenge
When seeking a charting package, we wanted something offering a competitive edge. We knew that building a successful application needed a way to clearly
communicate mission critical information. We wanted tools to enhance our look as well as offer simplicity in design and development. Because our software
requires us to stream information in real time, we needed a solution that could provide live data in an extremely fast, reliable and robust way. Since we
were operating on the .NET framework, we were also looking for something that would fit in nicely with the Microsoft line of development tools. Our company
started with an extremely small budget, but we knew that if we wanted our business to be successful, integrating these tools was a necessary step. If you
compare the cost of the Dundas components and take into consideration their look, flexibility and support, then Dundas - hands down - becomes the most
logical choice, regardless of budget.
How Dundas Chart Solved our Business Problems
The Dundas charting components allowed us to give our customers real-time sensor readings in many flexible ways. With Dundas charts, customers could view
real-time MPH, RPM, oxygen sensor values, various temperature values, etc. We even integrated a dynamometer into our software allowing people to measure
horsepower and torque readings.
About a year after release, Dundas launched its Gauge package and we didn’t hesitate to get our hands on it. I have always felt the entire Dundas company
was built around making my business successful and this was just another way of confirming that belief. With the Gauge package, we can display vehicle data
in other, perhaps even more powerful, ways. The gauges were completely customizable allowing us to
Through development flexibity in Dundas Chart and Gauge for
.NET, Digimoto software can provide more than 90 gaugable/
chartable vehicle
sensors.
provide our users with a true “Digimoto” look and feel.
With our latest 5.0 software release, we have started to expand on the Dundas components by exposing some of the flexibility Dundas offers our customers.
Our software currently provides more than 90 gaugable/chartable vehicle sensors. We have integrated custom forms which easily show properties Dundas provides
on its gauge and charting components - this allows our customers to design the application to their own look and feel. Users have the ability to not only
skin the gauges and charts in an infinite number of ways, but they can also set various properties and tolerances. Users can build custom clusters and map
various sensors against each other on the same chart giving even the most experienced mechanic the tools needed to increase productivity. One of the greatest
features of the Dundas components is its ability to be as flexible in run time as it is at design time.
The Competitive Edge
Currently, Digimoto supports more than 10,000 licensed users globally. Digimoto also offers a freeware application which is used by an additional 30,000
users (estimated). We have witnessed first hand the impact Dundas has had on the automotive community in general. In our business, it is necessary for a
company to remain competitive by enhancing its product line. We view enhancements made in our competitor’s applications as a struggling effort to keep up
with what we have to offer through the use of the Dundas components. In one case, we actually witnessed a competitor adapt and eventually integrate the
Dundas product line as well. Utilizing these components gives software producers an edge in a competitive market, not only benefiting their business, but all
users of similar applications as well.
The Future
As I look forward, I see things only getting better. Although we have not yet integrated Dundas mapping technologies, this is another solution we feel was
built just for us. Not once has our company been disappointed in what Dundas has had to offer. This simple letter is the least we can do to say thank you on
behalf of both Team Digimoto and all of the Digimoto customers for giving us the tools we needed to enhance our automotive needs.
Joel Konecny
Founder of Digimoto
www.digimoto.com