#diagnostic codes

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The US Copyright Office frees the McFlurry

I'll be in TUCSON, AZ from November 8-10: I'm the GUEST OF HONOR at the TUSCON SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION.

I have spent a quarter century obsessed with the weirdest corner of the weirdest section of the worst internet law on the US statute books: Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the 1998 law that makes it a felony to help someone change how their own computer works so it serves them, rather than a distant corporation.

Under DMCA 1201, giving someone a tool to "bypass an access control for a copyrighted work" is a felony punishable by a 5-year prison sentence and a $500k fine – for a first offense. This law can refer to access controls for traditional copyrighted works, like movies. Under DMCA 1201, if you help someone with photosensitive epilepsy add a plug-in to the Netflix player in their browser that blocks strobing pictures that can trigger seizures, you're a felon:

https://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/public-html-media/2017Jul/0005.html

But software is a copyrighted work, and everything from printer cartridges to car-engine parts have software in them. If the manufacturer puts an "access control" on that software, they can send their customers (and competitors) to prison for passing around tools to help them fix their cars or use third-party ink.

Now, even though the DMCA is a copyright law (that's what the "C" in DMCA stands for, after all); and even though blocking video strobes, using third party ink, and fixing your car are not copyright violations, the DMCA can still send you to prison, for a long-ass time for doing these things, provided the manufacturer designs their product so that using it the way that suits you best involves getting around an "access control."

As you might expect, this is quite a tempting proposition for any manufacturer hoping to enshittify their products, because they know you can't legally disenshittify them. These access controls have metastasized into every kind of device imaginable.

Garage-door openers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/09/lead-me-not-into-temptation/#chamberlain

Refrigerators:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/06/12/digital-feudalism/#filtergate

Dishwashers:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/03/cassette-rewinder/#disher-bob

Treadmills:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/22/vapescreen/#jane-get-me-off-this-crazy-thing

Tractors:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/23/reputation-laundry/#deere-john

Cars:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/edison-not-tesla/#demon-haunted-world

Printers:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/08/07/inky-wretches/#epson-salty

And even printer paper:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/16/unauthorized-paper/#dymo-550

DMCA 1201 is the brainchild of Bruce Lehmann, Bill Clinton's Copyright Czar, who was repeatedly warned that cancerous proliferation this was the foreseeable, inevitable outcome of his pet policy. As a sop to his critics, Lehman added a largely ornamental safety valve to his law, ordering the US Copyright Office to invite submissions every three years petitioning for "use exemptions" to the blanket ban on circumventing access-controls.

I call this "ornamental" because if the Copyright Office thinks that, say, it should be legal for you to bypass an access control to use third-party ink in your printer, or a third-party app store in your phone, all they can do under DMCA 1201 is grant you the right to use a circumvention tool. But they can't give you the right to acquire that tool.

I know that sounds confusing, but that's only because it's very, very stupid. How stupid? Well, in 2001, the US Trade Representative arm-twisted the EU into adopting its own version of this law (Article 6 of the EUCD), and in 2003, Norway added the law to its lawbooks. On the eve of that addition, I traveled to Oslo to debate the minister involved:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/28/clintons-ghost/#felony-contempt-of-business-model

The minister praised his law, explaining that it gave blind people the right to bypass access controls on ebooks so that they could feed them to screen readers, Braille printers, and other assistive tools. OK, I said, but how do they get the software that jailbreaks their ebooks so they can make use of this exemption? Am I allowed to give them that tool?

No, the minister said, you're not allowed to do that, that would be a crime.

Is the Norwegian government allowed to give them that tool? No. How about a blind rights advocacy group? No, not them either. A university computer science department? Nope. A commercial vendor? Certainly not.

No, the minister explained, under his law, a blind person would be expected to personally reverse engineer a program like Adobe E-Reader, in hopes of discovering a defect that they could exploit by writing a program to extract the ebook text.

Oh, I said. But if a blind person did manage to do this, could they supply that tool to other blind people?

Well, no, the minister said. Each and every blind person must personally – without any help from anyone else – figure out how to reverse-engineer the ebook program, and then individually author their own alternative reader program that worked with the text of their ebooks.

That is what is meant by a use exemption without a tools exemption. It's useless. A sick joke, even.

The US Copyright Office has been valiantly holding exemptions proceedings every three years since the start of this century, and they've granted many sensible exemptions, including ones to benefit people with disabilities, or to let you jailbreak your phone, or let media professors extract video clips from DVDs, and so on. Tens of thousands of person-hours have been flushed into this pointless exercise, generating a long list of things you are now technically allowed to do, but only if you are a reverse-engineering specialist type of computer programmer who can manage the process from beginning to end in total isolation and secrecy.

But there is one kind of use exception the Copyright Office can grant that is potentially game-changing: an exemption for decoding diagnostic codes.

You see, DMCA 1201 has been a critical weapon for the corporate anti-repair movement. By scrambling error codes in cars, tractors, appliances, insulin pumps, phones and other devices, manufacturers can wage war on independent repair, depriving third-party technicians of the diagnostic information they need to figure out how to fix your stuff and keep it going.

This is bad enough in normal times, but during the acute phase of the covid pandemic, hospitals found themselves unable to maintain their ventilators because of access controls. Nearly all ventilators come from a single med-tech monopolist, Medtronic, which charges hospitals hundreds of dollars to dispatch their own repair technicians to fix its products. But when covid ended nearly all travel, Medtronic could no longer provide on-site calls. Thankfully, an anonymous hacker started building homemade (illegal) circumvention devices to let hospital technicians fix the ventilators themselves, improvising housings for them from old clock radios, guitar pedals and whatever else was to hand, then mailing them anonymously to hospitals:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/07/10/flintstone-delano-roosevelt/#medtronic-again

Once a manufacturer monopolizes repair in this way, they can force you to use their official service depots, charging you as much as they'd like; requiring you to use their official, expensive replacement parts; and dictating when your gadget is "too broken to fix," forcing you to buy a new one. That's bad enough when we're talking about refusing to fix a phone so you buy a new one – but imagine having a spinal injury and relying on a $100,000 exoskeleton to get from place to place and prevent muscle wasting, clots, and other immobility-related conditions, only to have the manufacturer decide that the gadget is too old to fix and refusing to give you the technical assistance to replace a watch battery so that you can get around again:

https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/26/24255074/former-jockey-michael-straight-exoskeleton-repair-battery

When the US Copyright Office grants a use exemption for extracting diagnostic codes from a busted device, they empower repair advocates to put that gadget up on a workbench and torture it into giving up those codes. The codes can then be integrated into an unofficial diagnostic tool, one that can make sense of the scrambled, obfuscated error codes that a device sends when it breaks – without having to unscramble them. In other words, only the company that makes the diagnostic tool has to bypass an access control, but the people who use that tool later do not violate DMCA 1201.

This is all relevant this month because the US Copyright Office just released the latest batch of 1201 exemptions, and among them is the right to circumvent access controls "allowing for repair of retail-level food preparation equipment":

https://publicknowledge.org/public-knowledge-ifixit-free-the-mcflurry-win-copyright-office-dmca-exemption-for-ice-cream-machines/

While this covers all kinds of food prep gear, the exemption request – filed by Public Knowledge and Ifixit – was inspired by the bizarre war over the tragically fragile McFlurry machine. These machines – which extrude soft-serve frozen desserts – are notoriously failure-prone, with 5-16% of them broken at any given time. Taylor, the giant kitchen tech company that makes the machines, charges franchisees a fortune to repair them, producing a steady stream of profits for the company.

This sleazy business prompted some ice-cream hackers to found a startup called Kytch, a high-powered automation and diagnostic tool that was hugely popular with McDonald's franchisees (the gadget was partially designed by the legendary hardware hacker Andrew "bunnie" Huang!).

In response, Taylor played dirty, making a less-capable clone of the Kytch, trying to buy Kytch out, and teaming up with McDonald's corporate to bombard franchisees with legal scare-stories about the dangers of using a Kytch to keep their soft-serve flowing, thanks to DMCA 1201:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/20/euthanize-rentier-enablers/#cold-war

Kytch isn't the only beneficiary of the new exemption: all kinds of industrial kitchen equipment is covered. In upholding the Right to Repair, the Copyright Office overruled objections of some of its closest historical allies, the Entertainment Software Association, Motion Picture Association, and Recording Industry Association of America, who all sided with Taylor and McDonald's and opposed the exemption:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/10/us-copyright-office-frees-the-mcflurry-allowing-repair-of-ice-cream-machines/

This is literally the only useful kind of DMCA 1201 exemption the Copyright Office can grant, and the fact that they granted it (along with a similar exemption for medical devices) is a welcome bright spot. But make no mistake, the fact that we finally found a narrow way in which DMCA 1201 can be made slightly less stupid does not redeem this outrageous law. It should still be repealed and condemned to the scrapheap of history.

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/28/mcbroken/#my-milkshake-brings-all-the-lawyers-to-the-yard

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[mod2amaryllis]

insurance will really insist that your baby's 2000 dollar vaccine was diagnostic and therefore uncovered

[voidmetal-alloy]

I’ve decided that Bass is by far the funniest MM character to have a transmasc headcanon about because he’s so aggressive about his own self image that if Wily tried to activate him and he didn’t like a single aspect of himself he’d for sure just go “Oh absolutely fucking not. Try again.”

[artsywitchling]

jumped over my shadow and booked an appointment with a therapist! After years of being to afraid to call one. 🥺

[maraeffect]

i think it is sooooo funny when i need to argue w my insurance over vaginal medications like.... yes, my marker says "M", yes i'm calling regarding my vagifem vaginal inserts 🙄🙄🙄 they're always so confused and u can hear it, but they can't really ASK outright bc. well it isn't their business unless they directly ask your doctor or you disclose. does make me chuckle when they sound obviously hesitant 😭

[sammygender]

‘they didn’t have the concept of mental illness back in the day so that’s why so many people claimed they could talk to god/had life altering visions/believed in witchcraft’ have you considered that maybe the lack of current magic in our world is due to the psychiatric system’s well-meaning inability to differentiate between life-threatening delusions & whimsy/possible spiritual insight

[moredifferentthanusual]

I think I finally figured out my gender. But it's funny because I've been iding as trans for years but it's kind of uhhhhh the opposite of trans

Ok so you know how people naturally change genders over the course of their lives? Like cis people start out as Baby (boy or girl) then Child (girl or boy version) then like Teen Girl or Teen Boy once puberty hits then a number of subtle variations of Woman or Man as they age but it's mostly the same once they hit adult

Well I've always felt like my gender was just child. Like I'm an adult but a kid. I hit puberty and everyone was like oh look time to change! and I got dysphoric immediately. But like does this mean I'm the opposite of trans? I refuse to transition even the normal amount. You gave me a gender when I was 4 and I'm keeping it actually. no takebackies

[thebestmanuals]

Tips and Tricks for Paccar Davie 4 Software Users

Paccar Davie 4 is an essential diagnostic tool for technicians working on Paccar engines, including MX, PX, and Kenworth/Peterbilt vehicles. To maximize its potential and ensure smooth operation, users should be aware of several tips and tricks. Below, we outline some best practices to enhance your experience with Paccar Davie 4 Software.

1. Ensure Proper Installation and Updates

Before using Paccar Davie 4, make sure the software is correctly installed on a compatible Windows system. Keep your Davie 4 software up to date by regularly checking for updates from Paccar. These updates provide crucial bug fixes, new features, and compatibility improvements.

2. Use a Reliable Interface Device

To ensure accurate diagnostics, use an approved Paccar Vehicle Interface Adapter (VIA). The Nexiq USB Link 2 and DG Diagnostics adapters are commonly used and provide stable connectivity. Avoid using counterfeit or unsupported adapters, as they may cause communication errors.

3. Optimize Software Performance

· Close unnecessary applications running in the background to free up system resources.

· Use a laptop with a recommended processor and sufficient RAM (at least 8GB) to avoid software lag.

· Maintain adequate storage space to prevent slowdowns, especially when logging diagnostic data.

4. Master the Advanced Features

Paccar Davie 4 offers more than just fault code reading. Users can:

· Perform parameter adjustments, such as engine idle speed and cruise control settings.

· Conduct forced DPF regens to resolve soot accumulation issues.

· Run system tests on injectors, turbochargers, and exhaust aftertreatment.

· Program and calibrate new engine control units (ECUs) when necessary.

5. Utilize Troubleshooting Guides

The software provides built-in troubleshooting procedures and repair guides based on error codes. Follow these instructions to avoid misdiagnosing issues and ensure effective repairs. For additional guidance, refer to The Best Manuals Online for detailed service manuals and wiring diagrams.

6. Backup and Restore Settings

Before making significant adjustments to engine parameters, create a backup of the current settings. This allows you to restore previous configurations if needed, preventing costly mistakes.

7. Maintain Secure Connections

· Always use a high-quality USB or Bluetooth connection for stable communication between the software and the truck’s ECU.

· If the software fails to detect the vehicle, check cable connections and restart both the software and the vehicle.

· Disable power-saving settings on your laptop to prevent connection interruptions.

8. Stay Informed and Trained

Technology and software capabilities evolve constantly. Stay up to date with Paccar Davie 4 by attending training sessions, engaging with online forums, and referring to official Paccar resources. The Best Manuals Online also provides comprehensive guides to help you understand and troubleshoot engine issues effectively.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Paccar Davie 4 Software can significantly enhance your diagnostic and repair efficiency. By following these tips, technicians can ensure accurate diagnostics, maintain vehicle performance, and extend engine life. For additional resources, check out The Best Manuals Online for expert repair manuals and technical documentation.

[threefoothobbit]

this has happened enough times that there is a diagnostic code for it.

The code is V01.131D if you're curious.

[diagnozabam]

Coduri erori OBD2 Smart Fortwo

Smart OBD Powertrain Generic Trouble Codes DTC Codes — P0100-P0199 – Fuel and Air Metering P0100 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Malfunction P0101 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem P0102 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input P0103 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input P0104 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Intermittent P0105 Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric…

[captainkirkk]

Honestly wish we could get an episode of House MD from the POV of the rest of the hospital staff. Part of the episode would be very normal, straight forward medicine - and then you see the fellows streaming past the camera screaming MORE MICE BITES or some wild shit as their patient codes for the fourth time that morning. You just know the diagnostic team is infamous in the hospital

[steves-auto-repair-va]

Transmission fault codes were found when performing check engine light diagnostics on a Ford Focus.

The car would move forward when put in first gear, but there was no reverse gear.

This problem continued even after we cleared the codes and swapped out the transmission clutch shift motor.

A new transmission is needed.

[m1autorepair]

With the ever-increasing amount of electronics being added to vehicles, the importance of pre- & post-repair scans cannot be stressed enough! Thorough diagnostic processes are crucial to ensure the proper functioning of electronic systems. Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7w-J-0EmBE

Ready for more? GET STARTED NOW with a 14 day free trial of ProDemand auto repair information from Mitchell 1, trusted by generations of service professionals for over 100 years. No Obligation. No Credit card. No Risk! It's 100% FREE! 🔗 https://www.m1repair.com/mitchell1prodemand

[radiant-system]

Just because you can’t be diagnosed with OSDD 1a or 1b doesn’t mean they aren’t real terms. They’re community terms. Much like how you can’t be diagnosed as transgender but you can still be transgender