Tablet for gauges (OBDII)

[JSmall]

I'm going to start purchasing things so I want to make sure I understand what I'm doing ;D and make sure I'm not missing anything.

I would like to monitor speed (GPS), RPM, coolant temp, oil pressure (not sure if this is possible), volts and fuel level just like the stock gauge. I'm guessing it is not possible to monitor fuel level so I'll have to run a standalone gauge for that. Not the cleanest setup, but not sure what the options are.

My original plan was to purchase a Bluetooth dongle, iOS tablet and Torque Pro app. I realize now that Torque Pro does not work with iOS devices so I need to decide if it is more important to run Torque Pro vs using an iOS device. I have never owned an Android device, but if Torque Pro has the best interface and options, I don't mind purchasing one.

This Bluetooth scanner has the best reviews on Amazon so it is an option.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2VZTJP6N0Z6QL&psc=1

Scantool has great reviews as well
https://www.scantool.net/obdlink-lxbt/

Is one better than the other?

Is Torque Pro the gold standard of apps currently? I watched a few videos and it seems like it has a lot of options and most of the users really like it.

I can find a GPS and Bluetooth enabled Android tablet all over the place, but not sure if there are some to avoid. I don't mind spending the money on a nice one if it is worth it.

Any experience, advice, dos and don'ts you guys would like to share?
Thanks,

 

[garberz]

I don’t use my IPad for the dashboard feature, while use the ForScan app. But it works just fine as long as you’re using the Wi-Fi version of the Elm dongle. It works exactly the same on my IPhone, just harder to see as the years click by. %)

Mark

 

[EFI Guy]

I've got no input on the IOS stuff because I don't use it. What I will say is if you ever need me to remote in to take a look you'll need a USB or Bluetooth version along with a Windows laptop.

The OBDlink is probably a little better but I doubt you'll notice a difference. If there is a difference it will be in speed, but you're sort of limited by the data bus as well. If you have a newer Ford that you might also use it on then stepping up to the MX version will allow access to some modules that the LX will not. But in a typical Explorer swap, the LX is just fine.

The one you found on Amazon is probably the best of the "cheap" adapters. I haven't used it personally but know a few people that have.

If you're wanting to keep it mounted into the vehicle to use for gauges then Torque is the gold standard because it's so customizable. If you just want to be able to diagnose something then Forscan wins in that department.

In stock form, you will not get oil pressure or fuel level. I am planning on creating fixes for that because I want to use it myself with Torque Pro. But realistically, it will be a while for that, it's going to take some time before mine is up and running for me to hammer it out. If you want to take the lead on it, give me a ring and I'll point you in the direction to make it happen.

 

[JSmall]

Your setup looks very nice, Garry. I plan to go with an Android tablet because from what I've read they are easier to customize for things like turning off and on with the ignition and loading to the app screen on startup.

Not a big price difference between the MX and LX so I'll probably go with the MX so I can use it in my F-150 if there is every a need.

I will reach out when I have everything and I'm ready to install. Thank you

 

[Justafordguy]

Good choice, Torque Pro on an Android tablet is the way to go for full time gauges/monitoring.

 

[JSmall]

I purchased the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 to use the Torque Pro app for gauges. I will temp mount the tablet to my roll cage for now and eventually mount it in the dash.

 

[onpier55]

Post a pic when you get it setup. I like that idea.

 

[JSmall]

Post a pic when you get it setup. I like that idea.

Will do

 

[broncobilly72]

Nope...old school...current installed stuff is just fine.....to many distractions with all this high tech...just keep you eyes on the road.

 

[JSmall]

Nope...old school...current installed stuff is just fine.....to many distractions with all this high tech...just keep you eyes on the road.

Thanks for the tip

 

[Geniusloerts]

You can always go look and my friend’s page www.theonegauge.com and get some ideas


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JSmall]

I started setting up the app. The Bluetooth dongle will be here tomorrow and the Ram Mount should be here at the end of the week.

 

[EFI Guy]

I just bought an OBDlinkMX myself because I needed to work with a newer MS can network. My initial thoughts are that it seems way faster than the cheapo ones that I've used before. So, it should be faster at updating the gauges.

I'm not very impressed by the App that comes with it though, I'll be sticking to Torque and Forscan.

 

[JSmall]

I just bought an OBDlinkMX myself because I needed to work with a newer MS can network. My initial thoughts are that it seems way faster than the cheapo ones that I've used before. So, it should be faster at updating the gauges.

I'm not very impressed by the App that comes with it though, I'll be sticking to Torque and Forscan.

That's great to hear. I ended up purchasing the LX since it will only be used in my Bronco. I hope that one is fast as well.

After watching a few videos and doing some more reading, I found where guys are adding custom PIDS to get the oil pressure reading for the app. I don't believe any of them were specific to the Explorer 5.0 but thought that might be a way to get that gauge. Any thoughts?

 

[JSmall]

I got the LX synced today. This a list of the available sensors that can be used. Speed is GPS and Volts are monitored through the BT adapter. Like I was told, fuel level and oil pressure will have to be monitored on the stock cluster until I can get that figured out.

 

[onpier55]

On the tablet, do you have to pay one of the carriers a monthly data plan?

 

[sykanr0ng]

On the tablet, do you have to pay one of the carriers a monthly data plan?

Not for the gauges or updating whatever software you use on it, most of them can use WiFi and the OBD2 is Bluetooth.

 

[onpier55]

Not for the gauges or updating whatever software you use on it, most of them can use WiFi and the OBD2 is Bluetooth.

Thank you.

 

[JSmall]

As soon as my Ram Mount gets here I will be ready to install.

This is my plan so far. Documenting for future install and anyone else that would like to give it a shot.

Torque Pro for gauges and diagnostics

Car Launcher Pro so I have a nice interface that is not cluttered for switching between the main apps I will be using

AutoMate for setting the tablet up to turn on when it senses 12v power and turn off when it switches to internal battery power. I plan to make the tablet go to sleep and turn everything else off when not running on main battery power. As soon as it senses main battery power it will turn on and load to the Torque Pro gauges. I'm still working on this part.

Google Maps. I will save maps to the tablet so I can pull them up when I don't have service. GPS will still work

Spotify for tunes. I working on sound right now. I want to use the USB in the tablet for sound so I need to do the conversion from digital to analog for the amp. I believe I have most of this figured out.