OBD Key Diagnostics- My Road Test
 

You can even do "Vehicle Performance Tests", 0-60, 1/4 mile, Lap times and Split Times for PC users with Bluetooth or USB...see below.

Some time ago I purchased an OBD Diagnostic Tool to get into my RX-8's Computer for "future use".

I purchased a "Bluetooth" device made in the UK.

http://www.obdkey.com/obd_bluetooth_info.asp

I thought I would post my first time experience with this device.

Not only can you monitor your engine, but like similar devices you can also read any error codes and reset "CEL" light on your dash once you have rectified the problem.

This device you can set in Miles Per Hour or Kilometres, and Temps in Centigrade or Fahrenheit.

SO, today for the first time I used the OBD Key along with my new Ipaq 212 PDA (yes I know I could have bought an iPhone, but I did not want another Cell and the iPhone has a smaller screen, and it's readouts are in a different format which you have to scroll through to read each segment.

The Ipaq 212 has a VGA 4" screen which will display up to 4 active (live) segments over 4 separate pages or screens.

So far I was interested in monitoring my coolant temperatures (I am waiting for Summer), unfortunately I can't monitor oil pressure or temps with this device.
I am not sure our cars PCM even monitors them anyway.

You can use a Notepad or Laptop with this software also which will give you even more vehicle specs you can monitor..I am still exploring this on my M1730 (Dell laptop).

The pic you see with readings is taken when I pulled into my carport and I was waiting for my coolant temps to rise (at idle), just to check the fan cut in temp.
The OBD Key was not "Active" when I took this pic (it was off).

So, if anyone is interested I will post and update this thread with more information as I "explore" my new toy, particularly through coming Spring and Summer down under.

I certainly am no exert when it comes to some of the readings and what they all mean and their relevance, I hope others here who know more than I can report their views.

The OBD Device...

As I said I purchased the "Bluetooth" model and so far it is very simple to install and set up with good PDF Instructions.

The actual device (hardware) is Very small (about the size of a matchbox and made from plastic).

When you clip it onto your cars OBD Dongle (under your steering column) it has a small Blue LED light that shines nicely on your feet.

When not in use you can store it in the "coin box" compartment just above the dongle...it fits PERFECTLY and does not rattle.

The only other hardware needed is a compatible PDA, Palm, iPhone or PC unit.

Install the software and you are ready to go.

You can see by the Pic below that each monitored segment also show Min and Max readings.

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1249961891

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1249961891

OK , this is my first Reading Today with my PDA Device..Most of what you see in this pic are at Idle and at switch off, but I noted actual readings around the 30 kilometre or 55 Mile Trip.

Outside Temperature (according to RX-8's Air Temp Sensor in front Bumper Bar) 15c or 59F.

COOLANT TEMPERATURE...Remained very constant between 82 and 84c or 180F-183F, pretty hot!!, rose slightly at traffic lights.

ENGINE RPM... 0-6785 (Switch OFF)

VEHICLE SPEED...0-76 KPH or 0-47 MPH (Yes I went a lot faster earlier)

AIR TEMERATURE....21 to 32c or 69 to 89F

CALCULATED LOAD VALUE....75%

IGNITION TIMING ADVANCE.... -5 to 42 degrees

INTAKE AIR FLOW RATE (gs).....38

THROTTLE POSITION.....12-23

SHORT TERM FUEL TRIM.... -7 to 14

LONG TERM FUEL TRIM...... -2 to 1

OXYGEN SENSOR 2 (MV)....... 0 - 985 Max

FUEL SYSTEM (ABS).......... 2 - 4

ummm, no

Derr yeah, I know..Geez:yelrotflm

Can't wait to see when it gets 45c - 113F here like last summer.

COOLING FAN ON-OFF Temps (Series II RX-8)..

Low speed.... 97c - 101c or 206F - 214F
Med Speed.. 101c - 108c or 214F - 226F
Fast Speed.. 108c or 226F ~

Then another series of Cooling Fan ON -OFF's depending if Air Conditioner is on and Refrigerant Pressure Switch is ON or OFF as to what speeds Fans run at.

Just did an ODBKey Test on my sisters 2006 KIA Cerato....

The Coolant Temps were identical to my RX-8, outside Air Temps were also the same from yesterday.. 15c or 59F

Wish they made it for Blackberry.

cool bandanas

Today, I checked out when the Cooling Fans (Low speed) Cut in at idle with Hot engine...

At 97c - 206F (as Mazda Say's) and cuts out at 87c - 188F

************************************************** ***
Are there any members who may be interested in Purchasing this OBD Key from Sinclair in England.

He is a great communicator and happy to respond to any questions personally.

Remember his devices are available in standard USB or Cable connections, Bluetooth and WIFI.

Either one of these platforms can be used with a Handheld PDA (like me), or a Laptop (like me with many more sensors being monitored), or an iPhone.

Yes, I am aware that many have Scanguage II (which is a good product) but IMO the OBD-Key is a lot more user friendly, versatile with great portability.

I can walk a long way from my car and the device still works perfectly with NO messy cables!.

YOU CAN EVEN DO AUTOMATIC VEHICLE PERFORMANCE TESTING 0-60 1/4 Mile ON YOUR PC WITH THIS SOFTWARE

Does he make this product?

OBD-Key is produced by KBM Systems Ltd.

Very popular throughout Europe and the UK and comes with a 2 year no hassle warranty..

Is there a bluetooth version app for the iPhone?

Didn't see it on the site...

For iPhone it looks like the WI-FI Version with larger Transmitter, I don't know, but if iPhone's have a Bluetooth receiver now or in the future then the Bluetooth version should work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prCTsUPXLGs

The vid for Bluetooth version...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQvOL...eature=channel

OBD+Key Features for PC Users..
 

The same software package is also used on your Windows PC (Laptop with Bluetooth or USB Connection).

While the Mobile device is great it still has limitations, the PC use of OBD+Key really "SHINES".

You get all the "Mobiles or Hand Held" Features, plus far more sensor and data information.

ScanFrame feature with Freeze Frames on the live data, and record Data feature.

PLUS................

Vehicle Performance Test, you can do your own 1/4 mile tests!, which Automatically starts once car moves and
reaches any set distance , or 0-60 MPH (or 100 KPH) times, also reprogramable features. Intervals, Distance, Speed, Split Times, etc, etc.
ALSO Standing Start Acceleration Times, 0-40, 0-50, 0-60, 0-70, 0-80, 0-90, 0-100 , etc.
Rolling Acceleration TIMES of Say 50-80 in Gears 3rd.4th.5th and 6th
SPEED IN GEARS (1st to 6th) @ 7,500 RPM or what you pre-set.

You can also LOG Sensor and Performance Data Automatically with Microsoft Excel .CSV

Most developers are still getting to grips with the bluetooth stack on the iPhone. WIll be a bit yet before you start to see stable apps with bluetooth support.

Have a look at this http://devtoaster.com/products/rev/index.html

Great vid, tells the broad to clear the CEL light without fixing the problem!!!...

Looks cool, how much.....hang on....

They don't supply any OBD II Hardware, so you have to Buy another product like OBD+Key's WI-FI or Other makes and then REV's Software, and then an iPhone if you don't already own one.

The only trouble with WI-FI on RX-8's Port is the Location, WI-FI hangs down a long way and would get in the way..

The Bluetooth adapter is only the size of a matchbox.

I like what I have..my apps are very stable..;)

Hang on.... the only differences there are a) choice of PDA and b) $40 for REV's software.

If you already have a an iPhone then there isn't much choice. Plus the interface is much better.

But agreed, wi-fi hangs down a long way and I wish someone would take up the "relocator" kit that MazSport did.

I bought this from the US distributor (Kiwi Wifi).. along with the iPhone app.

I'll post a thread in a few days.

Live Data Readings On my PC..
 

Here are some LIVE data readings taken from my RX-8 at start up, sent via Bluetooth to my PC Laptop.

BTW: My car is 35 feet from my PC inside the House to my carport.
Readings are perfect even across this distance with Bluetooth Adapter.

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1250393333

This is a Scanframe of my CATS Temps in Centigrade
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1250393333

Also Oxygen Sensor Values
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1250393333

Notice:

Warm Ups Since ECU was reset were 44, Also 1287 KMS Since ECU reset., this was when I pulled my 15AMP Interior Fuse located in the Left Hand foot-well...about 3 weeks ago.

So this proves that Pulling your Room Fuse WILL Reset your ECU...at least in 09's

THIS WOULD BE GREAT FEATURE TO HAVE, especially AFTER you have had a RE-FLASH at your Mazda Dealer, you would know IF they performed the task or not.

c)an iPhone if you don't have one.

As I read it the REV does not supply/support the Coms Hardware so you have to buy either the WI-FI OBD+Key ($180 US) or a KIWI make ($250).
They do supply a cable.

I am intrigued how the REV 2.0 can tell your "wheel" horsepower/torque and G-forces from your OBD?.
Is it a vague calculation taken from a range of other info like, throttle position, RPM, Fuel??, whatever, I don't know how accurate Wheel HP would be.

Yep, it looks pretty in a small screen but, how accurate are some of it's "features"?.

Unless there is "other" hardware required...any idea's.

Have you used the REVS Andrew?

c) is a) Its irrespective of which PDA you buy. If you dont have one you have to buy it. What if you want the OBDKey software but own an iPhone? You have to buy a windows Mobile based PDA.

I have not used the software, but the functions are smilar to ones used in other ODB interfaces such as this http://www.dashhawk.com/features.html.

I am not trying to bag one or another, there are different options for different purposes. Functionally I think they are just about identical. Personally I think the REV software has a much neater, cleaner interface. If I was going to buy one of them, I can buy an iPod touch for less than a Windows PDA, but as you mentioned, I would probably break the WiFi dongle. Pro's and Cons everywhere.

Cheers

Andrew

You can buy an ipod touch for less than $500, show me where...

Yeah, and if you own an iPhone and want to go wireless you have to buy the ODB Key , KIWI or other for another $200 US.

http://store.apple.com/au/browse/hom...GOAUE102669325

And you pay double the price for WiFi, not an additional $200. No pun intended but apples for apples.

I only ever posted up an answer to the question about bluetooth support on the iPhone for software you had already shown. I am not sure but you seem to have a particular reason to not want to talk about it so I will stop posting about it.

And Andrew you are not READING What I am saying mate..

If you want wireless OBD Interface even with an APPLE iphone or iPod you have to spend and ADDITIONAL $200 US approx for the Wi-FI OBD Module..

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1250503075