R56 Difference between Scangauge and OBD II Bluetooth Connector?
#1
Difference between Scangauge and OBD II Bluetooth Connector?
I have decided to buy a scan tool for my 07 MCS and would like to know which is the better choice between Scan Gauge 2 and a OBD II Bluetooth Connector paired with my iPhone.
Are both equally capable or is one better than the other and if so why?
Thank,
Systemlord.
Are both equally capable or is one better than the other and if so why?
Thank,
Systemlord.
#2
In terms of functionality, they are roughly equal. Both should be able to display any quantity from the OBDII.
I think much of the decision comes down to appearance and personal preference. I don't want yet another device, so I've been using my iphone with the dashcommand app in a cravenspeed cradle. That can monitor all of the OBDII quantities, datalog, and even read general (not MINI-specific) codes. With the cravenspeed cradle, they even include directions and a splice to lead a hidden charging cable from behind the front dash, so my phone is always fully-charged. I think the torque app is even better, but I don't have an android.
That said, others prefer a stand-alone device like the scangauge, and I be hard-pressed to argue with the choice.
I think much of the decision comes down to appearance and personal preference. I don't want yet another device, so I've been using my iphone with the dashcommand app in a cravenspeed cradle. That can monitor all of the OBDII quantities, datalog, and even read general (not MINI-specific) codes. With the cravenspeed cradle, they even include directions and a splice to lead a hidden charging cable from behind the front dash, so my phone is always fully-charged. I think the torque app is even better, but I don't have an android.
That said, others prefer a stand-alone device like the scangauge, and I be hard-pressed to argue with the choice.
#3
#4
I too have been researching this up to as late as yesterday and finally went with the DashCommand because of my Iphone, but struggled with the Scan Gauge II because it offered the oil pressure option where the DashCommand does not. So it should be considered what you are actually going to want to be monitoring. In my case, I am currently needing to monitor the water temp and got a great deal on the DashCommand ($9.99), but eventually I will want to have Oil Pressure monitoring capabilities, so I will be back to looking again. Having said that, the DashCommand looks great and has alot to offer....
#6
I too have been researching this up to as late as yesterday and finally went with the DashCommand because of my Iphone, but struggled with the Scan Gauge II because it offered the oil pressure option where the DashCommand does not. So it should be considered what you are actually going to want to be monitoring. In my case, I am currently needing to monitor the water temp and got a great deal on the DashCommand ($9.99), but eventually I will want to have Oil Pressure monitoring capabilities, so I will be back to looking again. Having said that, the DashCommand looks great and has alot to offer....
#7
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#8
The ScanGauge has readouts you can't get from the phone apps, at least not yet. It will read one or more things off the OBD2 bus, do calculations to them, and present those numbers to you. Most of them aren't all that interesting, but the instant MPG seems to be more accurate than the one in the tach. You can also add new gauges ("Xgauges") that also read specific things off the bus and do math to them, which AFAIK the phone apps do not do.
Using a stand-alone device also lets you use your phone for other purposes and still keep the instrumentation visible.
That said, the SGII is not a very good looking device--it is function over form, which is in contrast to most of the MINI, which is function plus form. The phone apps probably look much nicer. And, if you already have the phone, the OBD2->BT adapter is certainly less expensive than the SGII.
I have read elsewhere that they may have fixed the problem with the Ultra Gauge waking the car up periodically overnight and draining the car's battery, so that may be another option. I don't think it's as good as the SGII, but it certainly looks nicer and is less expensive. It is a dedicated device, of course.
Using a stand-alone device also lets you use your phone for other purposes and still keep the instrumentation visible.
That said, the SGII is not a very good looking device--it is function over form, which is in contrast to most of the MINI, which is function plus form. The phone apps probably look much nicer. And, if you already have the phone, the OBD2->BT adapter is certainly less expensive than the SGII.
I have read elsewhere that they may have fixed the problem with the Ultra Gauge waking the car up periodically overnight and draining the car's battery, so that may be another option. I don't think it's as good as the SGII, but it certainly looks nicer and is less expensive. It is a dedicated device, of course.
#9
#12
#13
Just received a Scangauge II that I bought from a member here. I immediately shipped it to Linear Logic to have it upgraded with the Mini specific programming. No charge. I'll let you know what I think when it returns and I've tried it for a few days. A major failing in the Mini design is the lack of gauges. JMO.
#14
I've been doing a lot of thinking between Scan Gauge and Ultra Gauge, what I want to know does the Ultra Gauge provide air/fuel mixture ratios and O2 sensor voltages? This is most valuable data and is one of the major reasons for wanting a scan tool/LCD readout. Sure both claim to in the feature list, I was reading into UG and it stated it doesn't actually show you O2 sensor data but shows on that it's in a ready status without actually showing data. Maybe I miss understood I don't know?
If both devices report readings or data on the same gauges I like UG, but not if it can't show O2 sensor voltages and fuel mixture ratios! I also like that you can set alarms for engine temperatures etc..
If both devices report readings or data on the same gauges I like UG, but not if it can't show O2 sensor voltages and fuel mixture ratios! I also like that you can set alarms for engine temperatures etc..
Last edited by Systemlord; 11-01-2013 at 10:31 PM.
#15
...(snip)...
I have read elsewhere that they may have fixed the problem with the Ultra Gauge waking the car up periodically overnight and draining the car's battery, so that may be another option. I don't think it's as good as the SGII, but it certainly looks nicer and is less expensive. It is a dedicated device, of course.
I have read elsewhere that they may have fixed the problem with the Ultra Gauge waking the car up periodically overnight and draining the car's battery, so that may be another option. I don't think it's as good as the SGII, but it certainly looks nicer and is less expensive. It is a dedicated device, of course.
Also, the ScanGauge can be set to display in orange while the UltraGauge is stuck in hideous blue.
#16
#18
What about O2 senors data? SG or UG need both of these features, I know my engine runs lean some of the time and I need to know if fuel pressure (HPFP), A/F ratios and 02 sensors actually give data because my issue is fuel related. Dealer gave up on me so I need to figure this out on my own!
#19
#20
Could you provide a link to where you got coveting facing with colored acetate sheet? No one has commented on whether or not UG can read O2 sensor voltages. I'm split 50/50 for SG and UG.
Last edited by Systemlord; 11-02-2013 at 11:17 PM.
#21
Sorry, mis-spelling in my post. I covered screen with a piece of red $.50 school report cover from local stationery store. Got lucky with color match.
UG manual says capable of reading O2 sensor voltage, but vehicle dependent. Can't confirm as didn't set up on mine.
Here is link it UG manual:
ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/support/ultragauge_user_manual.pdf
UG manual says capable of reading O2 sensor voltage, but vehicle dependent. Can't confirm as didn't set up on mine.
Here is link it UG manual:
ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/support/ultragauge_user_manual.pdf
#22
What about O2 senors data? SG or UG need both of these features, I know my engine runs lean some of the time and I need to know if fuel pressure (HPFP), A/F ratios and 02 sensors actually give data because my issue is fuel related. Dealer gave up on me so I need to figure this out on my own!
A/F
GPH
Load
MAP
MPG
MPH
RPM
TPS
Water Temp
Eng Temp
Oil Temp
HPR
Volt
Intake Air Temp
IGN