Alternative to <span class="highlight">Scangauge</span>??
Submitted: Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 11:12
ThreadID:
98713
Views:
8026
Replies:
8
FollowUps:
7
This Thread has been Archived
wombat100
Hi all-
is
Scangauge the 'standard' device being used to monitor OBD, or has any alternative come along lately. I know there are apps for iPhone etc, but I would rather a dedicated unit. Also, the unit should pick up Engine error codes- if/when they may arise- not just a read our of current engine performance, fuel consumption and the rest.
Any comments, recommendations greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Wombat
Reply By: wombat100 - Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 11:14
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 11:14
If it makes any difference, the vehicle is a Mazda BT50 turbo-diesel.....2009 vintage !!
AnswerID:
497347
Reply By: AlbyNSW - Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 12:11
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 12:11
I have an Ultra Guage which has a easier to read screen than the Scanguage 11 but I think function wise are the same.
They read and are able to clear error codes on the current Hiluxes and Landcruisers so assuem the Mazda would be similar?
AnswerID:
497354
Reply By: Michaeljp - Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 13:14
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 13:14
I bought a Ultra-gauge recently. Works great for monitoring the engine. I have 8 gauges displaying, engine temp, volts, boost, etc etc. works fine. I cant comment on engine error codes as none have occurred. And the UG is cheaper and smaller than the scanguage.
AnswerID:
497362
Follow Up By: wombat100 - Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 14:16
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 14:16
Hiya,....did you purchase the UG local or from the US. If US, any probs with ordering, delivery etc ???
FollowupID:
773187
Follow Up By: Bazooka - Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 17:16
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 17:16
Just bought one myself online Wombat (only way to order them is my understanding) for about $90 delivered. Fast delivery with tracking so no problems. When I was researching it I noted that many people commented on the speedy service, although a few also noted they are not so responsive if you subsequently need assistance.
Michael - was it simple to install and set up? I expect so but haven't yet read all the guff on the website that they advise you to before connecting, so
mine is still in the box.
FollowupID:
773200
Follow Up By: Michaeljp - Friday, Oct 26, 2012 at 11:33
Friday, Oct 26, 2012 at 11:33
Yes Baz, very easy to install
well on my GU 8 anyway. I found the plug in point just under the dash behind the steering column, plugged it in and set it up no probs at all. Just download the 58 pages of instructions and you cant go wrong
FollowupID:
773266
Follow Up By: wombat100 - Wednesday, Nov 07, 2012 at 18:00
Wednesday, Nov 07, 2012 at 18:00
Hiya Michael
What would you consider 8 or 10 'important' gauges to setup??
I presume engine temp & volts would be in the list.
Cheers
Wombat
FollowupID:
774045
Reply By: Mick O - Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 14:33
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 14:33
Have a look at the PLX devices from the states. The DM 100 gauge is a full time OBD monitor. Lots of options now including the Kiwi wi-fi units. There are a few outlets for them here in Oz as
well.
PLX Devices
Cheers Mick
AnswerID:
497365
Reply By: AdrianLR - Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 15:35
Thursday, Oct 25, 2012 at 15:35
I have an Ultra Gauge on a CRD Patrol. Works
well, easier to accomodate on the dash due to its shape than a SG, and much cheaper. Ordered direct from the manufacturer in the US.
On the Patrol, it required proper calibration, including setting the distance travelled using a GPS during calibration, before it produced sensible readings. Using the same pump, refills are to spot on compared with the predicted fuel level.
There is a list of compatible vehicles, and the gauges supported for each, on the UG website.
Adrian
AnswerID:
497369
Reply By: Juzzy - Friday, Oct 26, 2012 at 02:45
Friday, Oct 26, 2012 at 02:45
You could get something like a bluetooth OBDII reader and just hook it up to your mobile phone.
OBDII plugin modules with bluetooth are about $20 or less:
http://tinyurl.com/bus4jz7
Torque Pro Android app is about $5:
http://tinyurl.com/chbkx8h (or the Lite version which is free but has less features). Not sure if there is an iPhone/iPad version (Apple, ptooooi).
Some YouTube reviews of this setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbJMHZv7OEAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FKdNYavIcQ
This looks better than those two line LCD devices like
ScanGauge.
Note: I have not actually tried this but was just investigating it today (by coincidence).
AnswerID:
497411
Reply By: Member - Geoff M (VIC) - Friday, Oct 26, 2012 at 12:00
Friday, Oct 26, 2012 at 12:00
Hi Wombat,
I too have a Ultra-Gauge. A bit of messing around to calibrate and setup, but great when sorted.
Previously have a
scangauge which was also good, but reckon the Ultra-Gauge has a bit nicer screen and display.
Both are valuable tools - I had a engine light come up on the way to
Mitchell Falls last year and the
scangauge allowed me to diagnose (and temporarily fix) the problem. Would have been buggered without it.
Cheers, Geoff
AnswerID:
497431
Follow Up By: wombat100 - Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 10:06
Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 10:06
Thanks Geoff amd others for your responses.
Do you have to be a 'rocket scientist' to set the thing up??
I have ordered the Ultra gauge, and expect it this week.
Have read the instructions on the site, but it still looks daunting.
Maybe I could liase with you 'off
forum' for advise if needed???
My email wombat47d(at)gmail(dot)com
Cheers
David
FollowupID:
773401
Follow Up By: Member - Geoff M (VIC) - Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 10:19
Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 10:19
Hi David,
Fairly easy to setup, the unit and its menu's are straightforward to use.
The two main things you need to do is calibrate the distance and fuel. This involves driving a set distance and calibrating the distance travelled via the menu, and using a set amount of fuel (ie. between fuel fillups) and calibrating the fuel. The distance should be pretty close, depending on what modifications (tyres etc) you have done to your vehicle, however the fuel will be way out because the UltraGauge is not setup for diesel (my calibration factor was about 0.4). I setup the fuel over a couple of tank fills.
Since setting it up I haven't had to adjust it, and the fuel figures look pretty good.
Give it a go, and give me a yell if you need a hand. My work email is "geoff.martin@gdfsuezau.com".
Cheers, Geoff
FollowupID:
773402
Follow Up By: wombat100 - Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 11:53
Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 11:53
Geez...not bad service!!!! Ordered it Thursday arvo...arrived this morning!!!!!!!
FollowupID:
773404
Reply By: Scottee B - Friday, Nov 02, 2012 at 13:51
Friday, Nov 02, 2012 at 13:51
Thanks for the heads up guys!! Was looking at getting a
Scangauge as
well but i'll bin that idea and get an UltraGauge for sure.... Looks alot more user friendly plus it has a windscreen mount which makes it easy for mounting!!
AnswerID:
497794