Android/iPhone users and a cool OBDII device that anyone can use

[m5james]

I recently download an app from The Market on my Samsung Epic (Android OS phone) called Torque. It's an app that works over BT and pairs w/ a wireless OBDII diagnostic reader that only costs $20. I have no idea what the app is called for iPhone's, but supposedly there are similar apps for that OS.

wireless Bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic 327 V1.4 B15 - eBay (item 300501424791 end time Dec-09-10 19:40:00 PST) - I purchased mine from this seller, it works great.

There are more expensive BT device, either smaller, corded or whatever, but this one has worked great for me for quick little jobs. I've also used it for real time testing while driving down the road, putting it into heads-up display mode and putting it up on the dash. I don't even remember how I found out about this app, but it's quite cool for being free...I've yet to try the paid version. After the fact I have found random YouTube videos showing how it works, along w/ the dev's website http://torque-bhp.com/, which has a forum and everything...maybe has only 2-3 BMW users though. Supposedly some users have reported issues using the eBay readers, and the dev recommends against them (while plugging a certain brand from his website...sponsorship making him play favorites?), but I've yet to see a review or failure using the inexpensive version.

Either way, cool little app and device I wanted to share w/ you guys. I've been able to stand 3-4 bays away from a car while still monitoring coolant & intake temps, engine rpms, reading and clearing codes, etc...all from my phone. A few settings within the app needed to be changed, so if anyone purchases and can't get it working, let me know.

Enjoy

[Wayne's World]

I've had Torque on my phone for the longest while. I love looking at it. I just wish I wasn't so cheap and apprehensive on forking over the kesh for the BT device. Now I'm convinced I'm going to do it! And dude - if you need the full (paid) version, I can get that for free. I'm an IT nerd so I can hack my way around Android pretty good.

[m5james]

I'll take it...I'd like to see if it's any faster for reaction time. I have found a website that lists tons of paid apps for free, but Torque wasn't on there. I did find a ton of Gameloft, EA, etc games though. I'm still amazed the graphics and abilities of these phones!

I just noticed today that when the little green light flashes inside the guage, that is when it's reading from the engine. I have mine set to the faster ELM327 and seems to have a little better reaction time, but I wonder if adding more guages causes things to slow down. I guess this is a question for the Torque forums though

[Wayne's World]

OK cool. PM me your email addy and I'll send it over tomorrow.