[ale] need 5" android tablet / phone for obd car instrumentation

[Beddingfield, Allen]

Interesting topic...  how much did you have to pay for the bluetooth OBD-II dongle?  I wasn't aware that such things exist :)  Time to start googling for bluetooth dongles and tablets :D
Allen B.

--
Allen Beddingfield
Systems Engineer
The University of Alabama
________________________________
From: ale-bounces at ale.org [ale-bounces at ale.org] on behalf of Robert L. Harris [robert.l.harris at gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 7:07 PM
To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
Subject: Re: [ale] need 5" android tablet / phone for obd car instrumentation


I run "Torque" on my Nexus 7 using a bluetooth ODB-II dongle.  Works spectacularly.  I realize that tablet isn't what you want but Torque is supposed to work on about any android device and it definitely doesn't cost $160,  I think the pro version was something like $10.  Since I bought it I can't see the price but it does get updates and have a lot of options.



On Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 5:57 PM, Ron Frazier (ALE) <atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com<mailto:atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com>> wrote:
Hi all,

I'm trying to find a good way to add obd based instrumentation to my car.  The scangauge product is an obvious choice, but they want $ 160 for the 4 sensor display model.  I thought I was going to use a 7" tablet, but that's just a bit too big, and I really have no good place to mount it.  I'm thinking I could get away with a 5" tablet and mount it under my gps (also 5") in the center of the windshield.  However, 5" tablets are almost impossible to find.  So, I wanted to see what you think.  A phone could work if and only if it can operate without a cell phone contract or account.  If the total parts count ends up over about $ 130, I'll just go with a scangauge.  I know I'll have to add an obd-II - USB cable from amazon for $ 20 - 30.  I want a wired solution rather than a wireless solution for security reasons, since the obd-II adapter will be permanently in place.

I've tried the following websites searching for tablets: TigerDirect, NewEgg, Micro Center, DealExtreme, ChinaVasion.

Here's what I need:

Required Items:

* 4" - 5" tablet / phone - required
* OS: Android 4 or better - required
* Google Apps, Play, etc. - required
* Screen: capacitive multi touch - required
* USB: with OTG Capability - required
* USB Adapter: Micro to Standard - probably required
* Memory Card Slot - required
* WiFi Radio - required
* Lack of Memory Flaw - required - All of internal flash memory after OS must be available for user apps and data.  Not partitioned as in 1 GB / 3 GB.
* 512 MB RAM or Better, 4 GB Flash or Better - required
* Windshield Mounting System - required
* External Power Adapter & Port - required
     Powering through usb would be a problem unless the obd port can provide enough power, which I doubt.  The obd-II - USB cable may not provide any power to the tablet at all.  Also, the obd port remains powered after the car is turned off, which could drain the car's battery if powering the tablet.

Optional Items:

* Bluetooth - desired
* Gravity Sensor - desired
* Accelerometer - desired
* GPS - desired
* 3G / 4G / Cellular Radio - optional - If present, must be compatible with Verizon and the rest of tablet / phone must be able to work without a cellular account or contract via wifi only.

Any thoughts?  On the chance any of you wanted to sell me used equipment, I would have to get the obd-II adapter and confirm successful operation before finalizing a purchase.  I would also have to find viable solutions for providing power in the car and mounting the device on the windshield.

Any help is always appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ron


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Ron Frazier
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