For those using a dongle for on board monitoring of engine functions, which do you like and why.
Or, is a scan gauge all that's needed? I kinda like the thought of using my old ipad to monitor the engine as well as use it for navigation.

 

I use an Ultraguage, while I'm sure plenty of others use the BT adapters. I picked a wired ODB gauge for the "set-it and forget-it" nature. I don't want to always have to fiddle with my phone to view the info.

 

I used the Torque app on my phone for a while but ended up installing separate individual gauges for temp, oil press, and voltage. The app was pretty useful but I'm paranoid about temp, so I wanted numbers completely independent of the factory computer.

I do still use Torque to check codes.

 

I used a elm 327 adapter and the Torque Pro App

 

So two recommendations of the Torque App. Are you guys running android or apple devices. A quick Google of ELM 327 adapter shows Wally World has them for $11-17.00. Seriously?! They are that cheap?

 

I'm currently using a scangauge, however I've started to collect the parts for an in-dash computer and think I'm going to use a Linux based app that will talk with any of the cheap Bluetooth dongles.

The reason I didn't go with a blue tooth dongle In the first place is that A: I don't want an iPad in my way all the time. B: I didn't want to have connectivity issues with components that had to reboot every time I start the vehicle, and have to deal with battery powered components.

With the on board computer, everything will be working in the background all the time, I'll have navigation, diagnostics, WiFi, Internet, audio and video control, etc. And it will all be in a double din enclosure. No giant ipad on the dash or wedged in the console, no GPS on the windshield, no scangauge on the dash, etc.

 

Android. Yeah, I think mine was 17 bucks on ebay.

 

I use UltraGauge Blue OBD dongle to connect to my iPhone or iPad mini. You can customize the gauges that you specifically want to monitor. I've had no issues with Bluetooth connectivity between my Sony radio or the dongle.



Even when my Disco is turned off, I leave the dongle connected in the OBD port. I've left it in for over a week while on holiday and it didn't drain my Disco's battery.

 

Just a note the cheap 327's can be squirrely but they do work, I am using a old Android phone as a temp gauge, and also monitor RPM so I can confirm the connection.

My plan is to put an oil pressure and temp gauge once I get all the minor mechanical quirks (oil leak) sorted out.