OBDII Blues

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Jan 23, 2014 | 09:05 AM

#16

Tugly

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Puget Sound

You can use wired, but many android devices have just one connector - the USB port. Where to get the power to keep the Android charged?

Jan 23, 2014 | 10:45 AM

#17

timmyboy76

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 7,793

Likes: 50

How are you guys able getting the nexus/tablet, to read live data while driving? Doesnt the nexus/tablet work with the BT through internet/wifi? Are you using the "smart' phones as a hotspot?

Jan 23, 2014 | 10:56 AM

#18

Tugly

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From: Puget Sound

My Nexus has Bluetooth and WiFi. When I'm driving, the Nexus is paired with the truck only, and the WiFi is off. If I were to try to multitask with the Nexus, WiFi or USB would be the only remaining options.

If I would have spent the extra money, I could have gotten a unit with GPS (which I never need) and 3G/4G (I have a phone already). My head unit has a USB port, but my antiquated unit (already?) won't talk to Android. The head unit will eventually be revisited... but not until the new products come out within the next year.

Jan 23, 2014 | 12:24 PM

#19

Y2KW57

Super Moderator

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 13,339

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Tugly

You can use wired, but many android devices have just one connector - the USB port. Where to get the power to keep the Android charged?

There is constant 12V in the DLC. A hard wired connection could have an intermediary transformer to step it down to 5V.

Jan 23, 2014 | 11:41 PM

#20

JNG6

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 211

Likes: 3

From: Aurora, Colorado

So Tugly I saw your post about fake ELM327 units. I purchased a V1.5 unit off of amazon.com for about $10 (Super Mini ELM327 V1.5 OBD2 OBD-II Bluetooth CAN-BUS Auto Diagnostic Tool for Windows XP, Vista, Win7, OSX and Android) and it doesn't communicate with my android phone running Torque pro. I tried it on multiple vehicles and it just wont communicate. The seller has agreed to exchange it but am I wasting my time? Are all the knock offs junk? Is there even a chance the new one will work? Wish I would have seen you thread before I made my purchase.....Thanks!

Jan 25, 2014 | 11:59 AM

#21

Pikachu

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 6,363

Likes: 593

From: Amarillo, TEXAS!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tugly

You can use wired, but many android devices have just one connector - the USB port. Where to get the power to keep the Android charged?

Might be able to run it through a cheap, 12 volt powered USB hub.

Jan 25, 2014 | 12:41 PM

#22

Tugly

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From: Puget Sound

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNG6

There are a gajillion knock-offs out there, and they have many varying degrees of success, but I haven't yet heard of a knock-off that works with all platforms (computing devices/software/Apps) and protocols (vehicles) without connection/drop-out/communication issues. 10 bucks is a waste, but consider others who are on their second or third unit for 20 bucks... before having to get a real unit.

Just remember - Apple will not always work with these devices (not even the good ones), you have to get one that Apple says is OK for their products. Android is not so picky.

Jan 26, 2014 | 02:10 PM

#23

A/Ox4

9 ECHO 1

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 12,467

Likes: 58

From: Missouri

I paid like $15 for mine. Works great. Dont know what speed its running at, but I have several (more than 9) PIDs loaded on my Torque App and they all update quickly. Certainly fast enough for me.

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Jan 26, 2014 | 08:27 PM

#24

Dave7.3

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Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 894

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From: South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by A/Ox4

I paid like $15 for mine. Works great. Dont know what speed its running at, but I have several (more than 9) PIDs loaded on my Torque App and they all update quickly. Certainly fast enough for me.

Same here, bought one of the "gajillion knock-offs" and haven't had any problems. This is the one I bought:
CY-B06 Super Mini ElM327 v1.5 Bluetooth OBD2 CAN-BUS Auto Scanner Tool Supports All OBD-II Protocols Compatible for OBD-II Complaint Vehicles and Bluetooth Diagnostic - Newegg.com

I've used it to diagnose quite a few vehicles so far through Torque Pro. So far, I've used it on: 2001 Ford F250, 2003 Ford Taurus, 2006 Ford Taurus, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a 2012 Jeep Laredo.

Even works with Car Gauge Pro too. Hopefully we get a nice day here soon and I can show off the Enhanced Functions.

I think if a guy feels more comfortable throwing a Benjamin at one of these OBDII devices then knock yourself out. However, some of the "knock offs" do seem to get the job done. If you go that way though, make damn sure you are getting the right one! For example, I don't think an OBDII device built to work with Windows is going to work too well with an App designed for Android. :P

Jan 27, 2014 | 07:41 AM

#25

enormiss

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 240

Likes: 0

From: NJ pine barrens

I have a cheapie too that sometimes didnt connect. I've noticed if I put the dongle in before waking my sleeping tablet and opening torque it always connects. Give it a shot...