Mulestang

Just spent some time searching and reading posts about using OBDII monitoring apps on a smartphone or tablet via a BT or Wifi dongle plugged into your OBDII port. It appears that the easiest path for Android users is to use a cheap E327 BT adapter and the Torque app on your device. However, Apple users are limited to Wifi, as Apple does not utilize the SPP BT protocol common to the E327-type devices. Unless someone has an easier solution, if I stick with an apple device, I'm limited to WiFi. So, stupid question: By WiFi, does it mean I have to use my home's wifi network (troubleshoot in the garage), or does the WiFi dongle transmit on WiFi instead of BT, and I can connect on my phone in a fashion similar to connecting to my home WiFi network?
Am I just better off buying a cheapo Android tablet off of Craigslist, and using the E327 dongle and the Torque app?
*I know that Edge programmers perform similar OBDII tasks. Just curious about the smart device approach.
Thanks!
EDIT: Looks like the E327 reader transmits its own wifi signal. That explains why BT is so much more popular. Stinkin' iPhone...

jamie930

The Kindles can be had for around $150

The wife loves hers as she reads ebooks on it

Mulestang

I have a Kindle (non-HD), so it doesn't have Bluetooth. Haven an iPad, too. Just wish the Apple BT protocol was easier to work with. I'm looking at cheapo Android tablets on CL now.

jb2012

i have the wifi elm327, and it is a good product however, I have found most of the apps to be a money pit. I bought an app for $10-$20 I believe and when I went to read codes, it required an extra $10 ford code pack that was proprietary to that year and model of truck. As far as monitoring goes, it's pretty cool.

Mulestang

I was excited about building a scanner with the ELM327. But seeing that I'd need a BT android device, I'm just gonna save up for a Edge Evo. My entertain the idea of a wifi 327 and use my Fire.
**Scratch that idea. Looks like Android phones and tablets don't have support for adhoc wifi. The OBDII wifi adapters use adhoc wifi. That's it! Just saving for an Edge.

LEN671

What would you recommend as far as which OBDII adapter to use with your phone?

red car

ELM327 V2.1 clone not working with Ford Protocol PWM (Pin2 and Pin10)
ELM327 V1.5 clone working good (but slow speed)
iCAR2 working good.