Since the hardware hasn't hit production yet, I thought I'd spend a few minutes describing exactly what the hardware is that I'm working on and soliciting any feedback you might have. Here's a feature list:
* USB interface using FTDI USB<->Serial interface chip which supports emulation of a COM port with drivers for Windows CE/98/ME/2000/XP, Mac OS 8/9/X, and Linux. This allows our software to communicate using standard COM port i/o calls, but support a USB connection.
* all the electronics fit inside the J1962 OBDII connector shell, and a captive 2m USB 'A' cable connects to your computer.
* the same circuit board can be populated differently and have a captive DE-9 serial port cable instead (non-USB option).
* optically isolated ISO 9141 interface with extra lines for special Subaru pins on the OBDII J1962 connector
* the unit can be modified to be permanently wired into the car for less obstruction when datalogging.
* ability to operate at obscure baud rates accurately
* software compatible with some other hardware interfaces, e.g. EcuTek DeltaDash - preventing you from having to switch hardware when running different tools.
* reliable, robotically assembled, surface-mount design.
* units will cost less than $100 in single quantities initially (could become cheaper once I can recoup production costs).