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Topic: Wireless OBD plug-in devices (Read 697 times) previous topic - next topic

Wireless OBD plug-in devices

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

Amazon.com: obd wifi

Amazon.com: obd bluetooth

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Wireless OBD plug-in devices

Reply #1 –
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.  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.  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.  Opportunities for lots of fun here.  Just need more time.



Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Wireless OBD plug-in devices

Reply #3 –
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.

Re: Wireless OBD plug-in devices

Reply #5 –
Thanks Mac for your reply.
 

Re: Wireless OBD plug-in devices

Reply #6 –
Amazing the amount of knowledge in this forum.  Great stuff for almost next to nothing...Thanks...
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH