A few weeks ago, we introduced the new high-tech gadget, a scanner / OBD 2, MTK Tuning. Really interesting in concept "plug and play" and its compatibility with Apple products, we wanted to test this interface Sgear, to diagnose the car easily!
Monitor your engine with your iPhone!
Many cars have no on-board computer, or just have the necessary gauges. This does not allow precise control of its engine. Of course, there is the solution to add gauges (voltmeter, turbo pressure, ...), but it is not possible or inelegant in some cars. In another report, we sometimes have engine lights or other light without giving us the precise cause. Skip to the garage to the bag diagnostic is not free, and sometimes it is a small problem that we could have solved itself. Via the Car PC and specific programs, it was already possible to diagnose the car yourself. But it needs to have a Car PC in place of the radio, and above all strong computer skills to program their PC. Sgear has put at least one new WiFi OBD2 interface, which is compatible with all major iDevices Apple: iPhone, iTouch, iPad. And that is revolutionary because now you can know the status of operation of the engine easily! As a reminder, since about 1996, most cars are equipped with an OBD 2 for the diagnosis, and it is through this decision that we will run the scanner Sgear.
Services: an OBD 2 "plug and play"!
Scanner / Interface OBD2 Sgear WiFi is as a small matchbox with a cable with a plug OBD 2. Given its compact size, it will house seamlessly into the dashboard or in the glove box (depending on where the OBD plug is placed in the car. As its name implies, this interface Sgear has proposed MTK Tuning WiFi to connect to an Apple portable source. It is compatible with Smartphone iPhone, iTouch or digital media players with touch pads iPad. To use it, download an app (paid) through the Apple Store. 4 applications are available to run this interface: Fuzzycar (a playful interface) Dashcommand (the most complete information, Rev2 (a good compromise between the first two and Port Speed (dedicated to some German vehicles such as Audi and Porsche).
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| Sgear system is "plug and play" on the OBD2 socket of the car |
To try this system, we used the application Dashcommand, available through the Apple Store at a price of 31.99 Euros. It is certainly not given as applications, but in our view the most comprehensive and most interesting. With this application and the interface Sgear, we will be able to analyze the operation of the engine in real time. This helps to know the essential data (vehicle speed, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature, fuel pressure, calculated engine load, accelerator pedal position, intake manifold pressure, air inlet temperature , ignition timing, air flow, fuel level, barometric pressure, vapor pressure system, turbo pressure, voltage, G cashed ... Via Google Maps, you can track a lap . It is even possible to display the error engine and delete them. Via the Data Logging, you can compile a complete list of parameters of the car.
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| Speed, engine temperature, engine speed, fuel consumption, the interface provides a wealth of information Sgear |
The possibilities of the program DashCommand are almost endless, but it also depends on the information provided by the OBD plug the computer in your car. Some cars do not provide all the data. The interface has been designed to operate in portrait or landscape. Of course, it is better to put the iPhone in a dock to easily use the touch screen. It is also possible to download (free) several types of counters to display more or less fun than the data you want to know the time. We can even have a gyroscope / compass that gives direction and inclination of the car. Dashcommand program is in English, but it is not difficult to understand. At worst, Google Translate on the home PC will let you know the meaning of words you do not know. Of course, the interface is fully customizable to display the data in design values (degree Celsius, km, ...). Before embarking on the investment of such an interface, you should check that the car is compatible with diagnostic protocols mentioned in the datasheet. Let's see how it works!
Listen and use: simple, convenient and effective!
To set up the system, you must first download the application on their Apple device. As part of our test, we downloaded Dashcommand an iPhone 3G. Then just now simply plug the interface Sgear in making diagnostic of the car. In the settings menu of the iPhone, WiFi is active and is chosen as the interface connection. There are no more than start the application, to all settings in the Setup (choose a display panel, auto-connection units (Celsius, kilometers, liters, ...). Once these basic operations to be done once and for all, we can start the connection between the interface and the iPhone. It takes a few seconds for the iPhone loads the data from the car. We can thus control the operation by removing the Datas list, check that there is no motor error, and of course get in interface meter. Depending on the panel selected, the interface displays essential information while driving (engine temperature, fuel consumption, engine speed , ...) in one or more screens. Interface using WiFi and possibly the GPS of the iPhone for the lap, the iPhone battery runs out quickly. It is highly recommended to connect the Apple Smartphone a cigarette lighter. And that part, you can drive by having all data on the engine. If it is interesting to see the power, acceleration, braking forces or temperature, it is still more interesting to see all consumption (average, instantaneous, ...), it was then quickly realize what is consumed according to its attitude at the wheel.
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| You can download the complete listing of the data of the car |
Dashcommand multitasking is compatible with the iPhone. This allowed us to keep running while using Garmin for navigation. Arriving at our destination, we ironed on Dashcommand and have seen all the data in our conduct. It is particularly interesting to follow the proper functioning of the engine (some cars are short on gauges and such simply a witness of overheating instead of offering a temperature gauge). It also shows the difference between consumption very effectively conduct "cool" and conduct a "sport". In fuel prices, it is quick to bring to reason. Instructions for use and instructions for use are of course available on the site Dashcommand. It is also interesting that on the same route highway, we do not win much to exceed the speed limit (except out of hand of course). In short, it's also fun and interesting. We tried this interface on a Dacia Duster 110 DCI, and it was very successful. caraudiovideo.com notice of the interface between the program and Dashcommand, self-diagnosis the engine requires a budget of approximately 180 Euros . This is of course a sum, but when you know the cost of the passage to the bag diagnosis, it is not unreasonable. For example for owners of sports, we can remove the catalyst, clear the error engine, without damage to the car without affecting the engine warranty. Sometimes, the errors reported engine (a single indicator used for many things) are only due to a misdemeanor that can correct yourself (for draining to not rub off some on-board computers when did it yourself). With Sgear and Dashcommand, you can clear this error message. Finally, the analysis engine is never useless, and this interface has a playful side very nice for the high-tech enthusiasts. Contents reasonable price compared to a Car PC with diagnosis, high-tech enthusiasts and Apple will soon be under the spell of this little product very nice!
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| The display can be customized by selecting different images of block counters |
