Android on-board computer. Programs for ELM327 Android

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An on-board computer in a car from a tablet is a logical choice, given the prevalence of these devices now. It allows the driver to get a lot additional functions, in addition to the car's standard stereo system. Currently, standard vehicle systems have GPS. But owners of budget cars in the basic configuration are deprived of this. Android device offers more advanced GPS system. An Android tablet can save all your Google contacts, accesses directly the GPS, has its own calendar of events. Can store music, use Internet radio, or play music using cloud players. These are features that are not available on even the most modern luxury cars.

I recommend choosing a tablet that already has a car dock. It can be installed, for example, instead of a 2-din CD player. Plus, the car dock makes the device easy to remove, so you can prevent theft and use the tablet for other purposes. Unfortunately, the cost of such models with a docking station starts from $300. For example, you can consider models such as ASUS Transformer Book T100TA 64 GB dock and HP SlateBook x2 32 GB. There are no universal docking stations; each tablet model has its own, specially designed.

If your car doesn’t have a standard system or you don’t want to cut anything, eat it yourself dashboard.

Connecting a tablet through a car amplifier

There are two options here:

If your car has a standard audio system, then it can be replaced using an external amplifier and a tablet.
If you have a removable radio, then you can use it as an amplifier and connect it to the tablet.

I used the first option.

Replacing a stock stereo system with a tablet requires connecting an external amplifier. The fact is that the tablet cannot be directly connected to the speakers. The audio output is for headphones only. That's why an amplifier is needed. I chose 4 channel because my car has four speakers. I have the amplifier installed under the front passenger seat, but it can be installed almost anywhere, such as in the trunk of a car, but I think that is too far from the battery. I chose a location under the passenger seat to limit cable length. The seat will have to be removed, but it's really not difficult. Google how this is done in your car.

The amplifier will be powered directly from the battery. To do this, you need to run fairly thick wires from the car battery. Read the amplifier's instruction manual to determine the required cable size. There are amplifiers that come with wires for connection. You can also save money and go buy such a wire yourself.

I chose the cheapest amp I could find. I rarely listen to music, mostly audio books, so the sound quality didn't bother me too much.

Tools and materials

You need to connect two devices to the on-board network - a tablet and an amplifier. Of course, they can also be connected through the cigarette lighter, but this option can only be considered temporary. To avoid short circuits and ensure stable power supply, it must be connected directly to the battery.

Important! You must put a fuse on the amplifier's power cable. There are small waterproof fuse holders commercially available that can be used for this. The fuse should be installed as close to the battery as possible. Without this fuse it is possible short circuit and fire.

Running wires through holes

In the fuse box, I chose the one that has no power when the car is turned off, so as not to drain the battery.

Using GPS on your tablet will quickly drain your battery. So charging your tablet is a must. If you look in the fuse box under the hood, you will likely find empty auxiliary fuse holders. The fuse box marking is usually on the bottom of the cover for fuses. For this power wire, you can add a female 12V connector connector (cigarette lighter socket). These can be found in auto parts stores or at the radio market.

Mounting a tablet in a car

I had no problems securing the tablet. I simply removed the part of the dashboard where the built-in CD radio was located. If you don't know how to do this, read the manual, look up instructions on the Internet.

If you want to install the tablet somewhere on the dashboard, here it is.

I measured and cut a piece of plastic slightly larger than the hole where the radio was. This kind of plastic can be found in the store.

Noise in car speakers when charging and playing from a tablet

I didn't like the idea of connecting the headphone cable at the top of the tablet. The docking station connector has contacts for connecting audio. I purchased a cable that allowed me to charge the tablet and also play audio through the same cable. However, when testing this cable in the car, I was unable to get rid of the noise when charging and powering the amplifier at the same time. The main reason is the quality of the 12V - 5V adapter. Those that are inserted into the cigarette lighter are absolutely not suitable, but high-quality ones cost $20-40.

After that, I bought a Bluetooth audio receiver and connected it to the amplifier. This option worked great, and I was able to use audio without connecting a second cable. However, the sound was not as high quality as using an audio cable. Therefore, to save time and effort, I would recommend connecting only using a headphone cable. This is the best option.

It would also be possible to use a car radio with Bluetooth (for example JVC KD-SD80BT) and send sound to the speakers through it.

Automatically turn on the tablet

To automate the processes of turning on and off, I recommend installing the Tasker application for Android. In this case, you won’t have to waste time on unnecessary button presses.

Programs

Car Home Ultra - Android application for drivers with a user-friendly interface and all the necessary tools and functions https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=spinninghead.carhome&hl=ru. Torque Pro https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque (paid, Google to find a cure). Program features:

Check-Engine error diagnostics
Display parameters in real time on a virtual dashboard
Diagnostics of oxygen sensors
Warning about critical parameter values
Logging from wide choice parameters
Approximate calculation of travel costs and gasoline consumption
Record a video of a trip with a map overlay and sensor readings (using the TrackRecorder plugin)
Telnet server for direct interaction with the adapter (for developers)

The ODB2 diagnostic block allows you to read information about the current state of the vehicle by collecting data from installed ones. By connecting the adapter (scanner) to on-board computer(directly or via an adapter), you will need to connect to it. The connection is made via WiFi, bluetooth or USB cable with a smartphone or tablet.

But such a connection will be meaningless if the gadget does not have the appropriate software. Special program transmits information from the on-board computer via an adapter to the phone, which allows you to adjust, reset settings, delete errors and perform a number of other operations, provided by the possibilities machines and diagnostic equipment.

Software

In many ways, independent work depends on what software is used. Not every program is capable of providing extensive capabilities and functionality. But not all cars have a large number of sensors to display a lot of data on the device screen.

If you have a gadget under Android control, then a wide range of programs can be used for OBD 2. Some install two or more programs at once, trying to find the optimal one specifically for their car.

But among all the software for OBD2, which one is better to use? This is an individual matter as it depends on several factors including the make, model and year of the vehicle.

There are better, audience-recognized programs. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these applications as software for working through OBD 2.

Torque

Considered to be the best program for operating system Android. Receives and displays diagnostic data via Bluetooth connection.

Users are offered a free and paid version. Paid software will allow you to study the basic errors of the on-board computer and remove them if necessary. And here Pro version, for which you will have to pay, will allow you to receive useful diagnostic information via OBD2, including engine performance characteristics, decoding error codes, removing errors from the ECU, etc.

The best option, compatible with most. For a novice user, there is no point in buying a paid version right away. Start with free one.

Dash Command

The second most popular program, adapted to work with different platforms, including Android. Allows you to independently diagnose cars using adapters for connecting to OBD2.

It is quite wide functionality, since the program can display on the screen engine speed, driving speed, fuel consumption, position of the throttle, gas pedal, brake pedal, calculate the distance that the car can cover in the remaining distance, etc.

The software reads errors and provides the car owner with self-diagnosis capabilities. Excellent and detailed program, which deserves your attention.

Car Gauge

A decent tool for car self-diagnosis. Just insert the scanner into the OBD2 diagnostic connector and install the software on your Android device.

The program allows you to read errors and diagnose the current state of the machine. Available in paid and free versions paid version. The free program will allow you to verify compatibility with the car and understand the capabilities of the software. The paid version has much wider functionality.

BMW What

One of the best, if not best Android application for car owners from the German automaker BMW. This program works with almost all types of electronic control units that are installed on these machines.

Having an adapter and a program at your disposal, you can fully diagnose the car and code everything yourself. Before purchasing the paid version, be sure to install the free one. The software may be incompatible with some cars. You will simply be wasting your money by purchasing an Android app.

Car Doctor

Decent software that allows you to dynamically read and save data from a car’s on-board computer that supports OBD2. Plus can work with cars that have several on-board computers installed at the same time.

Reads power unit parameters in real time, shows graphs of data changes, reads and resets engine errors, shows fuel consumption, stores information about detected errors, etc.

EZway

The Android program has a whole automotive community online and its own website where you can create personal page, monitor the statistics of other car owners, display statistics of your trips, breakdowns, etc.

The software makes it possible to independently reset the engine error (Check), control fuel consumption, compare real parameters with those declared by the car manufacturer, take into account, etc. You can even calculate approximately how much it costs to drive your car 1 kilometer.

The application has extremely broad functionality, therefore it is suitable for those car owners who want to actively monitor the condition of their own car and do without the services of diagnostic centers.

ECU Tracker

Informative application for reading errors

A fairly informative application that supports OBD2 standards and allows you to work with gadgets under operating system control Android systems.

By installing the software, you will turn your tablet or smartphone into a full-fledged diagnostic center. Lite version offers a wide range of functions, unlike many others free programs. But the parameters and errors are displayed in fewer numbers when compared with the paid version.

When choosing software for the Android operating system, do not forget to consider its compatibility with your adapter and vehicle. Not all best programs will suit you. Some of them, created for certain car brands, may still not work fully with some models. Therefore, be sure to start with the free versions.

If you encounter a problem: Where can I download the program for the ELM 327 adapter for Android? Then we will help you solve this problem.

On our website you can find information about which ELM327 program for Android you need to download, and in the near future our website will have its own section where you can download programs for the ELM 327 adapter absolutely free of charge without registration.

So, if you have at your disposal a tablet PC or smartphone based on the Android operating system, then to fully diagnose your car using the ELM 327 diagnostic adapter you should use only a few programs.

The most common and functional program for ELM 327Android is Torque

The program works great with bluetooth models elm327 and can serve as a complete alternative to an on-board computer. The program covers all the basic needs of the user and even offers a little more. Save your trip routes with readings from all sensors and expenses. Conduct tests of actuators. Read and clear errors from your car's ECU. You can do all this with the Torque program for Android. The program has a friendly Russian interface that even a person with little knowledge of technology can understand. Plus, the developer does not stand still and constantly releases various add-ons and plugins for working with individual car brands.

The second most popular program for the adapter ELM 327 forAndroid is

This program is somewhat inferior in function to the program described above. The program for elm327 does not officially have a Russian language, but the presented program easily performs the basic functions of displaying the readings of vehicle sensor parameters, as well as diagnosing and erasing errors from the vehicle's ECU.

Download ELM 327 program can be found here:

The presented program for elm327 has a user-friendly Russian interface. It runs on Android OS and has on board the entire list of functions that a car enthusiast may need when diagnosing a car. on a phone with Android OS adapter elm327

A short list of features of the OBD Auto Doctor application:

Possibility of reading errors and decoding them (DTC memory)

Removing errors from the ECU (extinguish the MIL - Check Engine light), as well as other saved vehicle parameters

Real-time vehicle parameters reading function:

Engine speed

Long term fuel consumption

Throttle position

Coolant temperature

Fuel system condition

Intake air temperature

Absolute air pressure

Ignition advance

Vehicle speed

Fuel pressure

Mass air flow

Lambda probe (engine mode correction)

Also, the number of read parameters can be much greater depending on the vehicle being diagnosed.

You can download the OBD Auto Doctor program

For VAG car owners An excellent application has appeared called CARISTA that will allow you to fully diagnose and code your car directly through your mobile device.

For owners of Nissan cars using the old Nissan Consult protocol came out great program allowing you to work with these vehicles that are still don't support OBD 2 standard

EconTool ELM327 for Nissan- a program for working with Nissan cars using the native protocol, you can learn more about the program’s capabilities and download EconTool ELM327 for Nissan here ()

Program CVTz50 for diagnosing the variator on Nissan cars and not only

If you are the owner of a domestic car, then you are familiar with the problem of connecting your car's ECU via elm327 Bluetooth. Thanks to the latest developments of our compatriots, we have received mobile version well known program OpenDiag for android.

The developers announced support for the main units of the VAZ, which allows full diagnostics Your car directly through your phone. (mandatory requirement for the program, use of an adapter with versionfirmware 1.5.)

You can download the OpenDiag Mobile program

If you are the owner of the Toyota or Lexus brand, then you will like new program ELMScan Toyota which will help you fully diagnose cars of this brand in the American, European and Japanese markets using a tablet or your mobile phone(mandatory requirement for the program, use of an adapter with version firmware 1.5.)

In conclusion of this article, I would also like to mention a program for elm327 for Android called HobDrive.

The presented program has externally extensive functionality with a Russian interface, but unfortunately it is impossible to fully evaluate the capabilities of this program in free version You can not. The program is paid and the license allows you to diagnose only one car. One of the advantages is the support of Russian cars, the list of ECUs of which is constantly updated.

You can download the program for elm327 HobDrive

Which of these programs to choose is up to you; any of the presented programs for the ELM 327 will allow you to perform a full diagnostic of your car. Turn off the “CheckEngine” light on the dashboard of your car, and also tell you the parameters of your car in real time. Which program for Elm 327 to download and install is up to you.

If you purchased USB version ELM 327 adapter and want to use the ELM 327 USB with your Android tablet via a USB host. For correct operation adapter on your tablet, you need to download Driver for ELM327 USB for Android and install it on your tablet.

Using a smartphone while driving is unfortunately common. I think each of us has at one time or another had to answer phone calls while driving. However, the most dangerous situations are in which the driver writes text messages or perform other actions on the smartphone screen.

For them, you need to take your eyes off what is happening on the road and this provokes an accident. Of course, in an ideal world, every driver would have a speaker or bluetooth headset, and the phone should be hidden deep in the glove compartment. But the reality is somewhat different. Therefore, for drivers who use mobile devices, the AutoMate application was created - a car dashboard. Thanks to this, the phone turns into an additional on-board computer.

Google Play: average rating 4.2; size depends on device; price 3 dollars

Functional

We must admit that the AutoMate is an excellent travel companion. Convenient work with the application ensures that the phone is placed in a special holder that is attached to windshield or car dashboard. A smartphone has many features that can be useful while driving. AutoMate turns them into large buttons or tabs, allowing you to quickly use them without unnecessary distractions while driving.

The main screen is made up of four large shapes that offer access to information that can be useful while moving. The first rectangle indicates the speed of movement and the name of the street passing through this moment. Next, you can go to the event, which should appear in our calendar on a specific day. The next tab is weather information. Last button allows you to quickly connect to our most frequently selected contacts from the phone book.

At the bottom of the screen there is extra menu, which allows you to move on to other functions. The first button allows you to go to navigation. Next is the icon handset, allowing you to quickly make a call. Another one allows AutoMate to connect to any multimedia player installed in our device. On last tab You can personalize Handheld cards by adding selected applications. There are also shortcuts available here that allow you to quickly turn on Bluetooth, reverse screen, change the backlight level, or start Wi-Fi.

Fast access to all functions

Conclusion

If your job requires you to travel by car and use your phone frequently, AutoMate is a must-have app on your device. In combination with user-friendly interface, the program can really make life easier. The application can be downloaded for free on Google Play.