Hardware Review: ElmScan 5 ODB-II scanner with StreetDeck

**maxxell** · 02-18-2008, 05:49 PM

While we're at it, how does the install go with the ElmScan? I've been running Streetdeck for a while, and just ordered the ElmScan from the mp3car store. What software does it come with? I dont see much by the way of documentation other than this thread.

Do I just plug it in and Streetdeck recognizes the device?

IF you're logging data, do you just leave this thing plugged into your obd-ii port at all times? Can it handle car & carputer startup/shutdown if plugged in at all times?

**RedGTiVR6** · 02-18-2008, 07:10 PM

Download the driver and install it.

You can also get the ElmScan software for free from the ElmScan web site.

**maxxell** · 02-26-2008, 11:32 AM

Red,

How did you get the hardware working with Streetdeck? I plugged it in and the Scantool.net software can get information, but Streetdeck keeps throwing me errors. It shows "Connecting..." at the top of the screen for 10-15 second or so, then says it cannot connect.

I also notice that on the Elmscan itself, the power light is red when all plugged in. Once I hit connect, that light goes green, but that's it. When using scantool.net, the power light goes green but then the tx and rx lights start flickering.

Edit: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/stre...treetdeck.html
Looks like I'm not the only one.

**maxxell** · 03-25-2008, 10:42 AM

*** READ ME BEFORE BUYING THIS DEVICE ***
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/tracker.php?itemid=76

**wonderworm** · 04-12-2008, 01:38 PM

I wish to use an ODBII reader with my carputer and software to double as a scanguage so I can read real-time MPG values while driving.

Can this be accomplished with this device and the proper software?

**RedGTiVR6** · 04-13-2008, 09:42 AM

I would research the capabilities of the OBD-II software first. This is a review of how the software runs from within a front end. There is an entire sub-forum dedicated to OBD-II scanners and their software too. It would be a good place to start reading up on OBD-II, it's functionality, and it's implementations.

**Big_Mike** · 08-03-2008, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by wonderworm

I wish to use an ODBII reader with my carputer and software to double as a scanguage so I can read real-time MPG values while driving.

Can this be accomplished with this device and the proper software?

The hardware is capable of reading the information needed to calculate MPG but it's up to the software to be able to do the calculations.