DIALOG: what it does, versions and system requirements

Find out what DIALOG does for a REBEL logger, which of its four versions you need and what your PC must have to run it.

This series covers DIALOG in thirteen guides. You install it, learn the window, look after the logger and build configurations. Then you record CAN, GNSS, input and diagnostic data, and copy, export and batch-process the recordings.

What DIALOG does

DIALOG is the companion software for REBEL LT and REBEL CT data loggers. It configures the logger to record any mix of data, retrieves the recordings and then analyses them or prepares them for other tools. A REBEL records to its SD card in IVD files.

• Build configurations from individual components in a graphical interface, with no scripting.
• Keep configurations in a database of projects. Import and export them and copy components between configurations.
• Create triggers with logic and formulae. You can have up to 20 triggers with up to 20 conditions.
• Write your own messages to send to a vehicle. Configure output signals for displays and other tools.
• Scale values to engineering units with conversion tables and formulae.
• Configure the logger over USB or with an SD card. While it records, stay connected to control it and watch live data.
• Analyse recordings with data scaling, multiple plots, XY scatter plots, dual cursors and calculated channels.
• Export to the standard data formats for other software. Convert many files at once, with event reports for multiple triggers.
• Record raw CAN traffic in listen-only mode.
• Run and store complete EOBD and OBD-II reports when a trigger fires.
• Monitor J1939 signals and import J1939 DBC files.

DIALOG versions

DIALOG comes in four versions. Remote and Configurator are free, with no time limit, trial period or feature restriction. Standard and Plus need a licence. REBEL LT ships with DIALOG Configurator and REBEL CT ships with DIALOG Standard.

Remote

A maintenance utility, installed on its own. It formats the SD card, sets the clock, updates the firmware and sends a finished configuration on an SD card. See DIALOG Remote: install it, prepare the SD card and maintain a REBEL.

Configurator

Adds full logger configuration and export to CSV, MDF and the other common formats. It has no graphical analysis or live data viewer.

Standard

Adds the live data viewer, graphical analysis, the synchronised GPS map and XCP and CCP ECU measurement.

Plus

Adds batch processing, data file merging and import of ASAM A2L and FlexRay Fibex files.

The tables show which version unlocks each feature.

System requirements

DIALOG runs on Windows. Connect the REBEL to a USB port on the same PC.

The guides in this series

1. DIALOG: what it does, versions and system requirements (this guide)
2. Install DIALOG and activate, deactivate or move a licence
3. The main window, menus and settings
4. Set the clock, format the SD card and update REBEL firmware
5. Create projects and configurations and send them to a REBEL
6. Record raw CAN frames or DBC signals with a REBEL
7. Record GNSS, analogue and digital inputs
8. Log UDS and OBD diagnostic data
9. Log ECU data over CCP or XCP from an A2L file
10. View live data, copy recordings and export them
11. DIALOG Plus: batch processing, merging and conversion scripts
12. DIALOG Remote: install it, prepare the SD card and maintain a REBEL
13. Reference: glossary, OBD and UDS services, ISO-TP and PIDs

For short answers to common questions, see REBEL and DIALOG: frequently asked questions.

For every tutorial video, see DIALOG videos.

Next: DIALOG: install it and activate, deactivate or move a licence.