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ScanGauge Vs. CAN-View

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by kdk84, May 7, 2007.

  1. kdk84

    kdk84 New Member

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    I'm looking into buying an advanced read-out system for my new prius and obviously the front runner are the scangaugeII and CAN-View.

    Obviously the SG is much cheaper than CV but the CV is more versatile in it's readouts. I was wondering what are the many benefits of having a CV over a SG. And if anyone has used both do you think that CV is worth the extra money?? Also, anyone that has a SG do you wish you spent the extra money and went with the CV??

    Just some general information on the advantages of one system has over the other. To get the whole CAN setup is actually a sizable purchase with the CAN computer and monitor.
     
    #1 kdk84, May 7, 2007
  2. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kdk84 @ May 7 2007, 12:34 AM) [snapback]436675[/snapback]</div>
    I can't give you the comparisons you've asked for -- I've used the SG only -- but I can answer this question. In short, no regrets. Yes, I'd like to have the CV, but right now I can't justify the extra money. The SG gives me valuable information and it's been well worth it. In addition, as a plug-and-play device, I can move it easily from one car to another.
     
    #2 JimboK, May 7, 2007
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    It's tough to answer that question for you. For me it's no contest. I wouldn't be completely satisfied with SG. I feel the "need" to know my MG2 and battery temps. I sometimes "need" to see the MG1, MG2, and ICE RPM while watching the battery amperage and fuel flow. I "need" to know the ICE on % for my route and see if the subtle changes I'm making in driving style affect that.

    Those are a few of the things SG won't give you that CV does. I have an EV button and the EV mode on CV indicator is very helpful to get a 'quick glance' reminder if it's engaged or not...it is not always easy to know.

    A very useful feature that I use is the little graph at the bottom that shows green for the accelerator percent and battery level. In particular the battery one I watch b/c it's more 'sensitive' as the battery SOC gets lower...so when I'm in a glide I pay attention to that to avoid kicking on the ICE inadvertently as I glide to a stop or to slower traffic.

    Perhaps one of the more significant reasons I like Can-View has to do with a similar reason I chose a Prius to start with. It was a unique project, by one guy who has, in all likelyhood, lost a significant amount of money on the project. He's spent endless hours perfecting the system, he's been very open to suggestions for additions and improvements.

    For those who do not have a more 'high tech' interest and just want to monitor a few parameters and do trip mpgs the SG is a very inexpensive option. If you think you might want more, can afford it and want to support one of the most ingenuitive people in the Prius world go for the CV.
     
    #3 efusco, May 7, 2007
  4. kdk84

    kdk84 New Member

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    Thanks a lot for the input both of you. I got two differing views and it was very helpful. I really want to get additional information from my car and both of your analyses will help in my final decision.

    Thanks again
     
    #4 kdk84, May 14, 2007
  5. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kdk84 @ May 14 2007, 05:06 PM) [snapback]441960[/snapback]</div>
    One other tidbit to add to your decision making process...Norm will stop selling the CAN-View at the end of this month...forever. If you're giving it serious consideration at all I strongly suggest you buy it. If you find you don't want it you should always be able to sell it later...maybe even for a profit.
     
    #5 efusco, May 14, 2007
  6. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    I have neither, but I believe there's another thing to consider, that is where the display would be. The SG can go in the spot below the radio, while the CV requires a separate screen with the 2007.
     
    #6 aaf709, May 14, 2007
  7. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    The SG2 gave me exactly what I wanted, coolant temp and rpm information. When I see zero rpms I know the engine shut off while driving. Also, the mpg reading shows up to 9999mpg, so I get an accurate reading past the Pruis 100mpg limit. I have seen 230mpg with the engine running. Plus it was an easy install that can be removed quickly and installed in another vehicle. The backlighting can be adjusted to match your vehicles dash lights.
     
    #7 Rest, May 15, 2007
  8. Tallguyg

    Tallguyg New Member

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    i hope my question doesnt hijack the thread but this is the only thread ive seen specifically regarding these mods. people keep mentionin the CAN-view and the ScanGauge but I have no idea what they are (i am a brand new prius owner). Can someone shed some light on these for me and where I may be able to get them? are they endorsed by Toyota? can they void the warantee?
     
    #8 Tallguyg, May 15, 2007
  9. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    The ScanGauge is a small instrument that plugs into the OBDII connection below the driver's side dash. It can be placed wherever you like to keep it in view while driving; many (like me) place it on the dash. Requiring no installation, it can be moved easily from car to car. All cars from 1996 have the OBDII connection. See the SG website for more.

    There are no warranty issues. It doesn't alter the car in any way; it simply displays information available from the OBDII connection.

    The Can-view is more sophisticated and provides more data, but is more expensive. It either integrates with the car's MFD (requiring installation) or requires a separate monitor, if I'm not mistaken. I'll let CV users provide detail if they choose.

    Regardless, I suggest you use the search feature to find more. There are many discussions here on both items.
     
    #9 JimboK, May 15, 2007
  10. dmckinstry

    dmckinstry New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboK @ May 15 2007, 04:43 AM) [snapback]442308[/snapback]</div>
    Norm's web site on the CAN-View can tell tallguy nearly anything he would want to know.

    The link is below.

    http://www.hybridinterfaces.ca/index.html

    Dave M.
     
    #10 dmckinstry, May 15, 2007
  11. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    well i had both and the difference is like night and day. CV gives so much more its not even a real comparison. before i go on, if you need something then SG is by far better than nothing and welll worth the money. and lets face it... if you have an 04 or 05, then money is barely a concern as the price difference imm anyway is insignificant.


    but if you have an 06 or later, than we are looking at not only the money but a radical change to add the 2nd screen and now it becomes a major modification project.

    but as Evan mentioned, the ability to interact directly with the person who markets and develops CV is inmeasureable. customer service (or the perception of) is 80% of a product. quality and price control the other 20%. ya... BS i know... but i work in CS and that is the stats... how they come up with a number... dont know, but that is the official number.

    many here have actually met Norm... ya CANVIEW does have a name, a real person. not a corporation, and not an untouchable either. cant even put a value on that.

    if you are willing to get another screen installed, do CANVIEW, when it gets right down to it, it is the money and CANVIEW at twice the price is the best money you have ever spent
     
    #11 DaveinOlyWA, May 24, 2007
  12. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    I posted this elsewhere, but it's probably fitting to mention it here: Despite my earlier posts here, I've ordered Can-view. I've discovered that with the optional serial adapter and software available elsewhere, I can do data logging. That's of interest to me most immediately for testing that I intend to do as described here. But I'm also looking forward to real-time display of Prius-specific data, as well as the ability to analyze data later in Excel for any purpose.
     
    #12 JimboK, May 24, 2007
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