Starting with version 3.5.5, CarWebGuru has the ability to receive and display technical data received via the ELM327 adapter via the OBD2 protocol. This standard describes more than 200 standard parameters (sensor temperatures, pressure, speed, voltage, revolutions, DTC errors, etc.). The number of supported parameters depends on the car manufacturer and the adapter.
Please note that these are quite complex technologies that require the user to understand how it all works, what data the adapter receives, why your car does not support all the data, what AT commands are, how to install and configure applications, how to connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If you do not have such skills, then perhaps you should find someone who could help you, otherwise you will not be able to connect and configure everything yourself.
So, in order for OBD2 data to appear in CarWebGuru as standard widgets, you need the following:
- Install a separate OBD Console application
- In OBD Console, set up a connection to the ELM327 adapter
- In OBD Console, select the widgets supported by your car that you want to display in CWG
- Use OBD2 widgets in CarWebGuru as regular widgets
Now a little more detail on each item.
1. Installing the OBD Console application
Download and install the application in the standard way, like any other APK application. Launch it, give the necessary permissions that the application asks for. Next, first select the make, model and year of your car. After that, the application is ready to work.
You can download OBD Console from this page.
Keep in mind that despite the fact that the console can display many PID parameters, DTC errors, AT commands, the OBD Console application is not a professional diagnostic tool. It is being developed by the CarWebGuru project specifically for the CWG – OBD2 bundle and is intended primarily for visualization and display of technical data of the car in a beautiful graphical form. If you have any suggestions or wishes for working with OBD2 data, then write me in telegram: @toden
2. Connecting to ELM327 adapter
Read the instructions for your adapter on how exactly to connect it. If it is a Bluetooth adapter, you will need the name (usually OBD2) and password to connect (usually 1234 or 0000). If you have a WiFi adapter, then the name of the WiFi network (usually OBD2), IP address and port. (Usually 192.168.0.10, port: 35000). Manufacturers advise connecting the adapter to the diagnostic connector on a turned-off car. Then start the car and connect to the adapter after 5-10 seconds. Currently, Bluetooth and Wifi adapters are supported.
I tried to simplify the connection process as much as possible using OBD Console. If you have compatible equipment, then just click “Device List” in the console, then select your adapter from the list, enter the password (if necessary). Then the application itself will try to connect and determine the appropriate protocol for data exchange. During the connection, the console will display brief information. In case of successful connection, at the top of the screen you will see OBD2 data from the car in real time (RPM and temperature). In case of unsuccessful connection, an error and a small log will be shown.
If necessary, you can set up automatic connection to the adapter when starting the console. To do this, you must first successfully connect, then activate the “Auto connection” option. There is also an option “Start CWG on successful connection”. If you want to configure another parameter, then see the instructions in the console itself. If the parameter can be changed, there will be brief instructions there.
3. Setting up widgets
You will be able to configure widgets in the console only after a successful connection. That is, if P2 is successfully completed, you will see the button “Configure CWG widgets” (if you do not see such a button, then click “Help”). After that, you will see a list of standard OBD2 data supported by your car. Such data is also called PIDs. The console finds and displays all such supported PIDs with real values. You do not need to select all the parameters, find the interesting and necessary parameters in the list and click on them to include them in the list of widgets. If the parameter is active, then a checkbox will be placed to the left of it. After all the necessary parameters are selected, then you need to click on the “Install CarWebGuru widgets” button at the very bottom in the console.
Please note that when you install widgets in CarWebGuru, it must already be running and in the background. If your CWG works as a home application (launcher), then it is already running. But if not, then you need to run CarWebGuru yourself in advance, before setting up widgets in the console.
The list of standard PIDs parameters is more than 200 pieces. But manufacturers usually support from 20 to 100. In addition to standard PIDs, there are also custom PIDs, which are not currently supported. That is, at present, the OBD Console application supports only standard PIDs.
4. Using widgets in CarWebGuru
After you have successfully completed step: 1, 2, and 3, OBD2 widgets will appear in CarWebGuru in a separate group when selecting widgets. Such widgets can be added in the same way as other widgets – long click on the button / change action – then the “OBD2” group.
You can add a new window and customize the theme with OBD2 widgets. Thus, when you use the adapter, you switch to this theme. And when you do not use the adapter, you switch to another theme.
If necessary, you can add the console application to autorun, so after starting the CWG console will automatically start. To add an application to autorun, you need CarWebGuru / Tools window / Applications – long click on the application icon -> Add to autorun.
For testing sensors and widgets, there are several simple themes that are here: List of themes / Others / Gauges and Gauges 2.
Car manufacturers advise connecting ELM327 adapters only during its use. That is, turn it off when the car is not in use or turned off.
If you have any questions or suggestions, write.
Good luck!