OBDII Blues
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
OBDII Blues
Another hot topic right now: OBDII Bluetooth interfaces. There is a lot of "buzz" on what works and what doesn't - and what they do and don't work on or with. There's more to this than work yes or work no... there's speed. We are a "bit" blessed in that our 7.3L has a fast OBDII communication protocol - J1850 PWM (Pulse Width Modulated). It's capable of a baud rate of 41Kbps... but many Bluetooth devices I've seen only go up to 10Kbps. I have an example of what a difference this makes:
In both of these videos, I'm monitoring 9 PIDs (the second example doesn't show the other 3, but they are on the second screen with the data flowing at the same pace). The first is AE with the wired USB device that comes with the software. I have tried the software and interface on two laptops - my glacier-melting slow netbook and my bit-burning I7 laptop with 8 processors and USB3... they both behave the same. Watch the data refresh rate:
In this second video, I just did an accelerator bump with a Nexus 7 (Bluetooth v4 hardware/driver), Torque Pro, and an OBDLink MX (Bluetooth v3 hardware) - purported to be as fast as it gets for this type of device:
If you find a unit you like for $6, $12, or $20 that works - good job. If you're looking for something fast that supports bi-directional mode (need this for software that will do a buzz test or a CCT), supports CAN (500Kbps on all 2009 and newer vehicles), is compatible with your portable device, and doesn't force you to push the button each time - read the fine print, folks. According to the brochure, my setup can read as many as 62 PIDs/second simultaneously (124 PIDs/second with a PC), but I won't be testing that capability.
In both of these videos, I'm monitoring 9 PIDs (the second example doesn't show the other 3, but they are on the second screen with the data flowing at the same pace). The first is AE with the wired USB device that comes with the software. I have tried the software and interface on two laptops - my glacier-melting slow netbook and my bit-burning I7 laptop with 8 processors and USB3... they both behave the same. Watch the data refresh rate:
In this second video, I just did an accelerator bump with a Nexus 7 (Bluetooth v4 hardware/driver), Torque Pro, and an OBDLink MX (Bluetooth v3 hardware) - purported to be as fast as it gets for this type of device:
If you find a unit you like for $6, $12, or $20 that works - good job. If you're looking for something fast that supports bi-directional mode (need this for software that will do a buzz test or a CCT), supports CAN (500Kbps on all 2009 and newer vehicles), is compatible with your portable device, and doesn't force you to push the button each time - read the fine print, folks. According to the brochure, my setup can read as many as 62 PIDs/second simultaneously (124 PIDs/second with a PC), but I won't be testing that capability.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 222
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From: Sayreville, NJ
This one is compatible with - Supports all OBD-II Protocols (ISO15765-4 (CAN), ISO14230-4 (KWP2000), ISO9141-2, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM)
It works great on my 99 7.3
It works on my OBS 7.3 but just flashes that not connected on first starting app but still works
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
It works great on my 99 7.3
It works on my OBS 7.3 but just flashes that not connected on first starting app but still works
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
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 655
Likes: 18
From: Randolph County NC
Some of the cheap readers found on Amazon and E-bay state they are compatible with our protocol. They may not be. On the Torque website they have a list of what works and a disclaimer about buying some of the cheaper readers. Dash Command also has a disclaimer. If you do find a cheap reader that works, the data rate may limit how many gauges can be viewed at a time and how often the data is updated.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,951
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From: Gary,Indiana
Rich thank you for touching on this subject ! 
OBDII and all the different ones on the market, I am so lost and I don't want to be a "lemming". Now from what you had explained before in a different tread "Diesel Dash" post #41 about bluetooth, wifi and 3g/4g signals. Now of these 3 different communication signals which do you think will take over as a leader in what software designers will use. It seems to me that bluetooth is going to be replaced by wifi as the leader there. But do think software people will end up adopting a 4g type of signal actually by that time I would think it will be a 5.5g. Just your thoughts on that??
Now the more and more read I think you are a ahead of the curve when you say OBDII and head units is about to break wide open but just not yet.
Your research, R&D and data garthering is really apperciated.
But for me it is like trying to pour a 12oz beer into a shot glass !!
I am only able to process about 1oz of info and the other 11oz's are lost. It just goes over my head. It is kinda funny when I was a young man I knew everything and then when I hit 40 yrs old I thought I knew alot. Now that I am over 50 yrs old I am as dumb as a box of rocks.
So for me one shot glass at a time!
OBDII and all the different ones on the market, I am so lost and I don't want to be a "lemming". Now from what you had explained before in a different tread "Diesel Dash" post #41 about bluetooth, wifi and 3g/4g signals. Now of these 3 different communication signals which do you think will take over as a leader in what software designers will use. It seems to me that bluetooth is going to be replaced by wifi as the leader there. But do think software people will end up adopting a 4g type of signal actually by that time I would think it will be a 5.5g. Just your thoughts on that?? Now the more and more read I think you are a ahead of the curve when you say OBDII and head units is about to break wide open but just not yet.
Your research, R&D and data garthering is really apperciated.But for me it is like trying to pour a 12oz beer into a shot glass !!
I am only able to process about 1oz of info and the other 11oz's are lost. It just goes over my head. It is kinda funny when I was a young man I knew everything and then when I hit 40 yrs old I thought I knew alot. Now that I am over 50 yrs old I am as dumb as a box of rocks.
So for me one shot glass at a time!
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Joined: Sep 2010
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This one is compatible with - Supports all OBD-II Protocols (ISO15765-4 (CAN), ISO14230-4 (KWP2000), ISO9141-2, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM)
It works great on my 99 7.3
It works on my OBS 7.3 but just flashes that not connected on first starting app but still works
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
It works great on my 99 7.3
It works on my OBS 7.3 but just flashes that not connected on first starting app but still works
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
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
I haven't looked into it, but I have no reason to believe they would be any faster. The speed limit is set by the vehicle network, and only the fastest OBDII dongles will match the maximum bandwidth. My OBDLink MX goes as fast as any vehicle network, but it will not work with Apple products (iPad, iPhone, iDash, iWhatever). Homework is needed on that one, but I'm sure Apple is eager to share the info.
Look for any thread I've started within the last week or so. I've been on a real OBDII kick here lately, and I've been sharing what I learn - complete with photos, videos, screen shots, etc.... I usually avoid recommending, but I offer up the options, pros, cons, and caveats. It's then up to the reader to find what fits their particular situation, need, and budget.
I know a representative for a local vendor that supports my employer. I asked him if he had any kids, and he replied he had a 15-year-old son. I suggested he tell his son to write it all down while he knows it all. It took about 15 minutes for the rep to recover.
Bluetooth vs. WiFi: That's a tough one. Blu-Ray vs. HDDVD was a short battle because neither had legacy equipment. It took a very long time for Betamax to finally yield to VHS, and there were plenty of Betamaxes out there when Sony let fly with the towel. Apple vs. Android is really heating up right about now, and I do believe Android (with the open-source Apps) is overtaking Apple. Apple (read - Steve Jobs) really stepped up when they introduced the iPhone and iPad, but they're making the same mistake Sony made with the Betamax - they are keeping everything to themselves. This new deal where Android is going to be in our car dashes will cement the platform prominently in our future. Without the inspiration of Steve Jobs, I fear the Apple iPad and Iphone will be the "Mac" of the portable world, and just occupy a sliver of the market share in the coming years.
Back to Bluetooth vs. WiFi - Bluetooth lends itself better to simple direct connections between two portable devices, so both protocols may complement each other for years to come.
Look for any thread I've started within the last week or so. I've been on a real OBDII kick here lately, and I've been sharing what I learn - complete with photos, videos, screen shots, etc.... I usually avoid recommending, but I offer up the options, pros, cons, and caveats. It's then up to the reader to find what fits their particular situation, need, and budget.
Now from what you had explained before in a different tread "Diesel Dash" post #41 about bluetooth, wifi and 3g/4g signals. Now of these 3 different communication signals which do you think will take over as a leader in what software designers will use. It seems to me that bluetooth is going to be replaced by wifi as the leader there. But do think software people will end up adopting a 4g type of signal actually by that time I would think it will be a 5.5g. Just your thoughts on that??
It is kinda funny when I was a young man I knew everything and then when I hit 40 yrs old I thought I knew alot. Now that I am over 50 yrs old I am as dumb as a box of rocks.
It is kinda funny when I was a young man I knew everything and then when I hit 40 yrs old I thought I knew alot. Now that I am over 50 yrs old I am as dumb as a box of rocks.
Bluetooth vs. WiFi: That's a tough one. Blu-Ray vs. HDDVD was a short battle because neither had legacy equipment. It took a very long time for Betamax to finally yield to VHS, and there were plenty of Betamaxes out there when Sony let fly with the towel. Apple vs. Android is really heating up right about now, and I do believe Android (with the open-source Apps) is overtaking Apple. Apple (read - Steve Jobs) really stepped up when they introduced the iPhone and iPad, but they're making the same mistake Sony made with the Betamax - they are keeping everything to themselves. This new deal where Android is going to be in our car dashes will cement the platform prominently in our future. Without the inspiration of Steve Jobs, I fear the Apple iPad and Iphone will be the "Mac" of the portable world, and just occupy a sliver of the market share in the coming years.
Back to Bluetooth vs. WiFi - Bluetooth lends itself better to simple direct connections between two portable devices, so both protocols may complement each other for years to come.
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From: Puget Sound
I've read reviews on many OBDII apps and ELM 327 devices, and I see a pattern:
The biggest two complaints are "It keeps losing connection" and "It won't connect", then a distant third complaint is about the software features. The Bluetooth device itself is clearly the biggest hurdle to achieve the goal of reliable engine monitoring. I read a recent comment about how the OBDII/BT devices are in the $30-or-less price range then there's a huge jump to at least $90. My research has led me to an educated guess that the "bargain" units are clones (there are a ton of them). Consider the ELM 327 chip is at least 20 bucks - and that's without port, the case, the BT adaptor, labeling, mark-up etc... The units that won't listen to anybody below the rank of Benjamin Franklin are typically the real deal.
This may help you verify if the ELM 327 unit you're shopping for is legit or not - the recent versions of ELM 327 [LINK] are 1.3A, 1.4B, and 2.0. I saw a lot of version 1.5 units on the market - those are clearly bogus.
The biggest two complaints are "It keeps losing connection" and "It won't connect", then a distant third complaint is about the software features. The Bluetooth device itself is clearly the biggest hurdle to achieve the goal of reliable engine monitoring. I read a recent comment about how the OBDII/BT devices are in the $30-or-less price range then there's a huge jump to at least $90. My research has led me to an educated guess that the "bargain" units are clones (there are a ton of them). Consider the ELM 327 chip is at least 20 bucks - and that's without port, the case, the BT adaptor, labeling, mark-up etc... The units that won't listen to anybody below the rank of Benjamin Franklin are typically the real deal.
This may help you verify if the ELM 327 unit you're shopping for is legit or not - the recent versions of ELM 327 [LINK] are 1.3A, 1.4B, and 2.0. I saw a lot of version 1.5 units on the market - those are clearly bogus.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 164
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From: Everett, Wa
Most of the cheap 20-30$ ones you can get for 7$ directly from china at aliexpress.com (1month shipping)
I ordered one from amazon and it caused a crank no start in my truck and chrysler 300. I decided not to screw around anymore and picked up the PLX Kiwi (90$). I don't know about it's bitrate but it's never had issues for me.
I ordered one from amazon and it caused a crank no start in my truck and chrysler 300. I decided not to screw around anymore and picked up the PLX Kiwi (90$). I don't know about it's bitrate but it's never had issues for me.
