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Which OBD Bluetooth scanner to buy?

Discussion in 'OBDII Android App' started by Nakamoto, Sep 19, 2013.

  1. Nakamoto

    Nakamoto Junior Member

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    Greetings!

    I'm on the market for an OBD scanner bluetooth adapter. My online research summarised - there are 3 main types; namely - ELM327-based adapters , ELM327 clones and STN1110 based OBD scanners.

    It now come down to:

    1. Scantool - OBDLINK MX (STN1110) -$150
    2. STN1170 ODB Bluetooth Adapter - $110
    3. ODB-Pros Scantool Bluetooth (Genuine ELM327 ) - $160

    I'm planning to use pair it with my nook hd. I'd appreciate further inputs from you guys! Thanks!

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #1 Nakamoto, Sep 19, 2013
  2. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    I would search for "ELM327" on Amazon and pick the cheapest one with good reviews. I bought mine for under $15 and its worked fine.
     
    #2 vskid3, Sep 22, 2013
  3. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    Cheap clone scanners will drain your battery if you leave them plugged in. Scanners that have the STN chips have a sleep mode. Be careful with your app settings. Torque has a setting for the OBDlink MX that must be set to allow it to sleep.
     
    #3 goldfinger, Oct 11, 2013
  4. Nakamoto

    Nakamoto Junior Member

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    I don't have other OBD bluetooth adapter for comparison, but I must say this device is well worth every penny spent! It is well made and work out of the box with minimal fuss - took me mere seconds to get it paired with my phone and tablet. The power-save sleep mode works like a charm and PID read speed is instantaneous on torque android app.
     
    #4 Nakamoto, Oct 14, 2013
  5. unterhausen

    unterhausen Junior Member

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    I don't see which adapter you are talking about.
     
    #5 unterhausen, Mar 2, 2014
  6. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    I bought a cheep Amazon ELM327 it didn't work with my tablet. I thought it was the Tablet's fault until I replaced my phone with Android version. Then I found it did not see the bluetooth connection at all. I guess I will need to try another one. $20 bucks wasted!
     
    #6 xpcman, Mar 2, 2014
  7. neez

    neez Member

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    I bought this one on amazon and it works with my nexus 7 tablet and LG Optimus G android phone. It works very well, i just wish it would turn off with the car so i could leave it plugged in all the time. But for $15(i'm a prime member, well worth it), it's a great diagnostic tool.


    XPCman, perhaps you bought a defective one that will never work, ever.
     
    #7 neez, Mar 27, 2014
  8. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    Do you drive your car daily? Then you shouldn't worry about the ELM327 adapter draining the aux battery. I leave my adapter in all the time and I haven't noticed any change since I installed it. YMMV.
     
    #8 jadziasman, Mar 27, 2014
  9. Maxroach

    Maxroach New Member

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    stay away from wifi obd scanners - blocks your mobile signal - not useful if someone trying to get hold of you!!
     
    #9 Maxroach, Nov 22, 2016
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