ELM 327 device for Torque App

The good news is that ELM devices are relatively cheap. When this technology first came out, they were $100 or more (which were also proprietary for the included software). With the life of our battery, I was more concerned about and OBDII unit that would work with Dr. Prius app to monitory battery voltages. Since it really doesn't look like Torque offers anything different than the others, I think at that stage it's personal preference. So, long story short, if you ever want to use the Dr. Prius App, I would start by looking at the ones listed here: Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus Hopefully one that is on your radar is on this list.

I ended up with the Carista because they said it worked the best with iPhone. Which after a slight hiccup, it actually works very well with Dr. Prius as well as with Car Scanner by Stanislav Svistunov

 

Top 5 Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners - AutoGuide.com

Out of the top 5 picks chosen on this review site, we coincidentally got the # 2 rated appliance. i think it was around $75. Several folks write apps for various cars utilizing this one, which is why we gave it a try. So far so good.

 

Bought one from China for $5.99. Low profile and has on/off button. Bluetooth connectivity disconnects once every 6 months on average. No problems pairing with any android apps w/tablets & phones. Carista price is a joke.

 

I'm a rebel! I bought the cheapest ones I could find. One BT and the other WIFI. Both work great with the Torque App.

 

So Just to break it down,
Dr. Prius app list includes:
PanLong
**VeePeak
Vgate/Tonwon
Carista (iOS/Android)
**BAFX(android only)

Top 5:
**BAFX (android Only)
BlueDriver
Foseal (wifi)
**VeePeak
Kitbest

Torque App Website:
No specifically listed adapter that can be had for less than $69.00 usd.

I got my first BT adapter by Innova called QuickLink. I spent $100, which hurt, but basic scan tools at the time were still in the $60-80 range with higher function units going for well over $150. So all the features being offered by QuickLink at that price seemed amazing. However, that thing sucked in the end. It was a PITA to get connected, worked a handful of times, I let it sit for a couple years (shouldn't have an impact on it) and it will no longer connect to the app (connects to the phone though). So that's when I looked at that list for Dr. Prius. There were only 2 listed that works with iOS, and both were priced the same. I could have gotten the unit straight from china for $12 instead of $20...but that would have taken 4-5 more weeks. $8 was worth it to me to get it quickly. Can one get one even cheaper than $12...Grit and gliderman prove you can. Am I willing to gamble on a $6 unit and 3-5 weeks waiting time? not really. I'm ok with parting with an additional $14 knowing I can easily return the unit to amazon. So far, Carista has been a solid device, hasn't ever disconnected, I'm using nothing but free apps, so all I'm out is the cost of the adapter. without paying for Torque, I can't say for sure Carista will work, but since it works well with all the other apps i have, I'm pretty confident that it would. Im not trying to sell Carista. I couldn't care less which device you end up getting, I'm just confirming that the one device that i have...works.

Grit and gliderman, you didn't specify which OS platform you are using, if you're using Android then you definitely have an advantage and a plethora of adapters to choose from. iskoos, you didn't specify either, so if you are on the iPhone side, I can confirm that Carista works with that device and I haven't tested any other low cost models. If anyone wants to send me some to test, I'd be more than happy to PM my address to you

 

The last one I bought on ebay was a USA seller and it was:

ELM327 V1.5 OBD2 Car WIFI Interface Diagnostic Tool Scanner For Android/IOS
Total: $9.99

Item ID: 123158296892

 

unfortunately that link was to your order, so it won't come up...but I see it's a wifi interface and not a Bluetooth interface. I honestly don't know which is better, but I get the feeling that wifi is the less expensive route production wise...but I did read something about BT mac addresses being a bit more generic and may conflict if you have other devices connected. I'd say, since gliderman confirmed his works with Torque, is $10 cheaper, works with both OS's, get that one!

 

I have both versions. I use WIFI because I have a dedicated device(an old android phone) for my Torque App, and I use my phone connected to my car BT. But I have used the BT version also with Torque App. I keep the BT ELM327 in my glove box just in case.

 

is this the one? ELM327 WiFi V1.5 OBD2 OBDII Car Diagnostic Scanner Code Reader Tool PIC18F25K80 | eBay

 

there is also this one that says specifically to download Torque: OBD2 ELM327 V1.5 Bluetooth/WIFI Car Scanner Android Torque Diagnostic Scan Tool | eBay

in the spirit of science, I think I'll order this one to leave in my truck.

Sounds like me with an old iPhone in the boat just for music and another one just for the daughter to play games/take pictures

 

They all look the same. And when I bought mine, the listing did have a bunch of Apps that it claimed to work with.

 

hahaha, i had an $5 Ebay coupon. I got it for $1.59! Now /THAT/ I'm willing to gamble if it doesn't work well.

 

Read post #5 - second to the last sentence.

 

I think both have their advantages and disadvantages. Like I mentioned above, if the unit uses a generic BT Mac Address and you have another device that is also using that address, it may disconnect randomly. But I do believe BT is more secure (if that matters for this application) and consistent. Wifi can definitely be less reliable with connectivity due to interference since the frequency ranges are overly saturated these days. gliderman's approach with a dedicated device could alleviate both the BT and wifi issues from your main phone/device.

 

Bluetooth speed is typically sub 250meg - while Wifi runs at least that speed, & up to 1.3ghz + it can receive/transmit much further. OBD distance doesn't matter, but if you want to view higher volumes of detailed output then Bluetooth would be struggling to keep up, in comparison.
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