OBDII and Kiwi
 

I am debating which OBDII device and automotive software to go with and want to hear impressions and testimonials of those who have a bluetooth or wifi system linked directly to their iPhone. The Kiwi wifi currently has my attention but if I did purchase that, which software would you all recommend (Rev or DashCommand, or another?).

Anyone have a Kiwi? Or similar product that they would recommend? And it sounds like the general consensus is Wifi > Bluetooth, right? Any issues with these devices after ECU tunes? I will be going with an UpRev Standard tuner within the next couple of months but would be bummed if these are not compatible.

I know there are tons of programs out there that integrate with Windows PC and Androids, however I would rather stick my..... (hmmm) hands in a meat grinder before leaving Apple to go to the dark side. I want something that can integrate with my iphone or ipad in real time, with the least lag and most accurate readings.

After my dash cluster started celebrating the Christmas season a week or two ago with a light display, I was suckered into purchasing an Actron OBD II / CAN tri-lingual scanner which was on sale for around $200. It didn't take me very long to realize that the tool, to me, was not worth 10x that of a cheapo $20 OBDII scanner and fault code eraser off ebay. Not to mention it only works on a PC and even with Bootcamp, I wasn't able to get it to work properly on my MB Pro. Looking forward, I want more than just a diagnostic tool for reading and erasing fault codes, so I'm looking for your recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Kiwi Wifi

Hey There!

I actually just pulled the trigger on a similar setup. Kiwi was really expensive compared to many other successful readers that are already out there.

On Monday i bought an ELM327 bluetooth reader off of ebay for $18 these have been used far and wide so I am hoping for good results. I couldnt find any tests on this platform however.

Anyways They make a wifi version for idevices. From everything I read they are pretty lag free. I will know in a few days and will report back. Also IMHO ipads look really stupid in our cars. I went with a Nexus 7 as it is hires, quad core, fast bluetooth and it sits perfectly flush in our top cubby hole.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290812437816...84.m1423.l2649

I use the Kiwi PLX here:
PLX Devices Kiwi Bluetooth Wireless Trip Computer and OBDII Scanner : Amazon.com : Automotive

No complaints. Using it mated to an Android tablet, though. From what I've read, Apple devices do better with the wifi version.

I have the Kiwi2 wifi and it works pretty well on my iPhone and iPad. I could already read and clear codes with my Dashhawk and Uprev but I wanted it mostly for use with Harry's Lap Timer so I could have RPM on my track videos.
I did buy Dash Command but I am really underwhelmed with the software as the gauges already out there don't really have what I want and it takes to much effort to make your own gauges.

I just use Torque

I have bought the 1st version kiwi device and it does not detected my z.

I've contacted the kiwi support and still having the same result.

Rumors, that my z is being locked by nissan from scanning my own obd2.

Reason, need to pay their diagnostics device only.

Solution, please

Yeah I agree, I have zero inclination about mounting my full-sized iPad in the car. My car has nav anyway so the cubby hole idea is out of the question. I would be using my iPhone 99% of the time but I have been pondering for about 2 months now why Apple would ever come out with the iPad mini... Perhaps its intended purpose was to be used in conjunction with Kiwi Wifi, I wonder if it could sit flushly in front of the shifter over the climate control settings, maybe fabricate removable mount... hmmm

DR_ : how do you like the harry's lap timer app? Should I stay away from Dash Command?

Yeah I would be going the ipad mini route if they made it true 7" tablet. I was really let down by that becuase I was waiting on its release to make my decision lol. I havent measured what the size of that area is but there for sure would need to be cutting and relocation of dials and things.

I am curious about this as well. I'm looking to use Torque on my android phone and want to make sure I get the best bluetooth OBDII adapter. In what way is the Kiwi superior to the Elm? Response time?

From what I've read through research....the iPhone doesn't work well or at all with the bluetooth OBD II connection. I may be wrong. I bought the PLX Kiwi WiFi and linked it with my iPhone with the DashCommand App. If I use the supplied "dashboard", it seems to work fine with no lag, but if I try to use other dashboards that I download, it seems to lag a lot with my iPhone 3GS and my newer iPad.

If I had to do it again, I'd go bluetooth and use a Google Nexus 7 tablet or something with Android. My iPhone is too small and my iPad is too big for mounting :( I would've waited to get the iPad Mini if I knew it was coming out :P

I purchased a WIFI OB2 ready off of ebay for about $40 bucks, then purchased REV2 through the app store for $40. It works flawlessly with my iPhone 5. If I had to do it again, I probably would not go with REV2 because they haven't updated their app in a very long time. It still looks the same way it did for non retina devices. Even their icon is still pixelated. I would go with something like Dash Command. Do not buy the KIWI, the one on ebay is identical to it and a quarter of the cost. I am pretty sure they are built in the same factory lol

Hey 2910 i had the same issue with reading my port as well. There is a little white push switch that fits over the 10 A Electrics fuse that comes to the dealer in the off position, they then push it in on delivery. Except my dealer didnt do that. Your switch may still in extended storage mode and therefore preventing you from reading your port. Hope that helps.

Good answer. On another note if you leave anything plugged into your OBDII it will drain your battery quicker. When I first got the Dashhawk it did this so I bought a OBDII switch that plugs in between the port and the cable.
I don't know if my Kiwi II drains the battery as it has an auto shutoff. However I do know that I have to turn it on every time I use it which is a PITA.

Are you sure that it drains your battery when plugged in? I leave mine plugged in at all times and if this is true i'll have to stop doing so... but this is the first i've ever heard of this.