|
 |
|
06-01-2009, 04:51 PM
|
#1
|
|
Newbie
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 28
|
OBD2 scanner from Hong Kong? Should I trust?
I'm seeing a bunch of very cheap OBD2 scanners on ebay right now that are coming from Hong Kong. Even the bluetooth versions are very cheap. I know the age old saying "you get what you pay for", but honestly, has anyone purchased these direct from China and had luck getting them to perform? I'm basically just looking for a scan tool so I can diagnose my personal vehicles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertisement
|
Sponsored links
|
|
06-01-2009, 07:27 PM
|
#2
|
|
Mod - Driveline forum
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 82
|
Quote: Originally Posted by acex008  I'm seeing a bunch of very cheap OBD2 scanners on ebay right now that are coming from Hong Kong. Even the bluetooth versions are very cheap. I know the age old saying "you get what you pay for", but honestly, has anyone purchased these direct from China and had luck getting them to perform? I'm basically just looking for a scan tool so I can diagnose my personal vehicles.
I bought my knock-off ELM327 from Mo-Co-So.com. It was $50.
http://store.mo-co-so.com/elm-327-usb-p-163.html
It's definitely a knock-off. But it definitely works. I don't know if a true ELM327 device would have a faster interface, but mine refreshes about 7 or 8 values per second. Unless the ebay item is under 20 bucks, I'd try to get one from a real company. And, now that I think about it, if it's under 20 bucks, I wouldn't trust it. :-\
Personally, I wouldn't use bluetooth for this, but that's just because I hate bluetooth.
|
|
|
|
|
06-01-2009, 07:47 PM
|
#3
|
|
Maximum Bitrate
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 620
|
There's a bunch of posts on this, but yeah, they work. Typically.
I bought an ELM 327 off of a random Hong Kong seller on eBay. It's a very obvious knock off, but it works very well. It it certainly slow, but it's not a big deal since it was only about $20.
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2009, 08:48 AM
|
#4
|
|
Newbie
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 28
|
Sorry if it's been covered, I just wasn't sure what to search for. Anyhow, thanks for the replies.
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2009, 08:52 AM
|
#5
|
|
Low Bitrate
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 77
|
I have experimented with several ELM knock offs and real ELMs. The knock offs work, but like you said, you get what you pay for. They often dont implement the full ELM327 command set or have their own subset.
If you do run into problems, getting help could be difficult. I suppose you could just buy another too.
I have had the best results with the elmscan, but its not the cheapest out there.
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2009, 09:41 AM
|
#6
|
|
Variable Bitrate
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kristiansand, Norway
Posts: 287
|
Many members of BMWCCN have had problems with cheap hong kong copies.
Atleast with the combination of CarSoft.
One member aparently got a faulty ECU afterwards.
|
|
|
|
|
06-08-2009, 01:11 PM
|
#7
|
|
Newbie
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 28
|
Now, onto my next question.
My '98 Chevy Silverado lists as being the VPW (ELM322) while my wife's '03 Chevy Suburban lists as being CAN (ELM327).
If I purchase the ELM327 model from Mo-Co-So.com will it still work on my older vehicle? Or will I need to purchase two seperate devices?
|
|
|
|
|
06-08-2009, 02:29 PM
|
#8
|
|
Maximum Bitrate
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 620
|
The 327 should work with all the older protocols.
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsored links
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
06-14-2009, 11:42 AM
|
#9
|
|
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 18
|
What about serial vs usb ? Is there any serious performance loss?
The one mp3car sells has bluetooth and serial port. If it had the usb and the bluetooth it would be perfect. If the bluetooth doesnt work then switch to usb... but you cant have everything.
The most interesting one I have seen so far is the WLan one. It was 230 euros as far as i can remember.
I am still in the phase of searching for the right tool for me.
|
|
|
|
|
06-14-2009, 11:43 AM
|
#10
|
|
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 18
|
Can one use these devices to interface over the can aswell? Just sent and rcv can commands?
Say if you wanted to connect to a later model car wich has CAN.
|
|
|
|
|
06-14-2009, 11:55 AM
|
#11
|
|
Low Bitrate
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 77
|
I use the bluetooth ELM 327 for most of my applications. The usb unit is just a serial to usb converter built onto the unit, so there is no gained performance or speed by using the usb over the serial. Most PCs dont have a serial port so the USB is more convenient. You can buy an external serial to USB converter. I use those a lot.
The elm 327 will work with all OBD II protocols, including CAN.
|
|
|
|
|
06-14-2009, 12:04 PM
|
#12
|
|
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 18
|
what does the elm327 version change mean? I see devices which say ELM327 v1.3 ... v1.5... anything to be concearned about?
|
|
|
|
|
06-14-2009, 12:15 PM
|
#13
|
|
Low Bitrate
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 77
|
The version changes when a significant number of changes are made to the firmware of the ELM327 chip. There could be any number of reasons why code was updated or changed. The higher the number, the newer the firmware. All of my units are 1.3 and I don't have any complaints.
|
|
|
|
|
06-14-2009, 12:56 PM
|
#14
|
|
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 18
|
ok, so how does iBus fit in to all of this?
is it a different protocol over the same physical connector?
|
|
|
|
|
06-14-2009, 01:12 PM
|
#15
|
|
Low Bitrate
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 77
|
iBus is a proprietary bus used by BMW to control their audio and nav systems. It is not accessible over OBD II and does not conform to any of the OBD II protocols that I am aware of. You will have to locate the wire for the iBus and splice into it and to monitor/transmit commands. I just did some brief reading about it here.
http://everything2.com/title/BMW%2520I-Bus
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsored links
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:24 AM.
| |
