Looks like there are many wireless (Bluetooth & WiFi) OBD devices that plug into a car's diagnostic port, that display a lot of data on a iPhone, iPad & Android.
Most of the OBD devices are low cost at less than $40. And the software Apps are also low cost or free.
Anyone with experience with OBD wireless and Apps?
Thanks
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=obd&c=apps (https://play.google.com/store/search?q=obd&c=apps)
Amazon.com: obd wifi (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=obd%20wifi&sprefix=obd+wi%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aobd%20wifi)
Amazon.com: obd bluetooth (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=obd%20bluetooth&sprefix=obd+bl%2Caps%2C218&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aobd%20bluetooth)
Yes, a little I know. Share I will.
1. There are many free apps and a few that costs a couple of bucks. They seem to work well with nice looking user interfaces.
2. Compatibility issues exists. Virtually all of the low-cost bluetooth OBD devices are Chinese clones of the Elm327 chip. How compatible any particular device is with any particular app is dependent on how well "they" replicated the Elm327. Here is a link to a review of OBD device compatibilities with GLM's software http://www.glmsoftware.com/ScantoolReview.aspx (http://www.glmsoftware.com/ScantoolReview.aspx). Figure out which app you want to try and check their website to see if they list particular devices (see last paragraph for more info on apps).
3. These apps only work on autos - not motorhomes or large trucks. Large trucks and motorhomes use a different data bus protocol. Similar devices for large trucks and motohomes exist, but they are expensive with Silverleaf being, by far, the least expensive (some are several thousand dollars). There are some developers skirting around the edges of free scanners for large trucks and motorhomes, but I have been unable to find any working apps.
I actually have a bluetooth OBD device plugged into my coach's databus and have been able to read information from the engine using a very unfriendly user interface on my Nexus 7. Someday, when I get out from under my coach, I will work on this a bit more.
The device I have is this one Car Diagnostics Kit Landing Page - SparkFun Electronics (https://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/294). It uses a difference chip, an STN1110, which is similar to the Elm and can handle both auto and large truck data protocols. I added a separate bluetooth module I bought off eBay for about $10. Here is a list of apps compatible with this device Downloads (http://scantool.imechatronics.com/downloads.htm). Opportunities for lots of fun here. Just need more time.
Here are a couple of more web sites with DIY info
a complete guide to hacking your vehicle bus on the cheap & easy ? part 1 (http://theksmith.com/technology/hack-vehicle-bus-cheap-easy-part-1/)
a complete guide to hacking your vehicle bus on the cheap & easy ? part 2 (http://theksmith.com/technology/hack-vehicle-bus-cheap-easy-part-2/)
Thanks Jim, I figured it to only work with our 2012 Jeep Grand. And it would be nice to have more than just OBD2 info, like Jeep ABS or other Jeep computers. This is almost like trail blazing.
I've been pleased with
Super Mini ELM327 V1.5 OBD2 OBD-II Bluetooth CAN-BUS Auto Diagnostic Tool for Windows XP, Vista, Win7, OSX and Android
Amazon.com: Super Mini ELM327 V1.5 OBD2 OBD-II Bluetooth CAN-BUS Auto Diagnostic (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008U1MOM8/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
paired to the Torque Android app.
Thanks Mac for your reply.
Amazing the amount of knowledge in this forum. Great stuff for almost next to nothing...Thanks...