Garmin ecoRoute HD and Android = gauges/code reader for $100

[MrMaico]

I picked up a new GPS recently and also bought the ecoRoute HD module that is a Bluetooth module that plugs into the OBDII port and it gives you the option to show coolant temp, voltage and about 7 or 8 other options for a gauge readout. Some are kinda useless though, I mainly wanted those two. On the GPS you can pick from showing 5 different gauges. This is how I had mine setup the other day.....

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/42624/1234354982_fhf2M-M.png

That temp was while my car was still warming up, normal operating temp is right around 200-205.

Now about Android....if you have an Android phone you can just buy the ecoRoute HD module for $100 and download the Garmin Mechanic app and it works similar to how it does on the GPS. It looks though like you can only pick 3 gauges to show at a time. It also works as a code reader and can reset a Check Engine light. There's even a few options on the Android app that I can't do like a shift light and rev limit light and check 0-60mph and 1/4 mile times. Also, on both versions there is a nice current MPG readout that also shows fuel used and cost.

https://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-D1095-00/g/sc-02-lg.jpg

Garmin Mech app.....

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=94688

This is the GPS I got....

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=87930

Same GPS unit at Amazon.com (and cheaper) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004A88RM6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B004A88RM6).

.......pretty slick unit but some of the things about how it operates make me wish I had my big old Garmin back. They've dumbed down their GPSs in recent years, I had more setting options on my old one. I'm still debating if I am going to keep it or not but there's no doubt the gauges readout is great to have. I wish I had an Android phone now then all I would need is the $100 ecoRoute HD module.

Barry

[danewilson77]

Looks fun....Thanks for the writeup.

[MrMaico]

Looks fun....Thanks for the writeup.

Glad to be able to contribute something useful. Too bad they don't have an app for iphone/touch.......yet. Supposedly the Dynavin will be available with an Android OS later this year. Like I said, I'm not completely satisfied with the GPS and if I don't keep it I might go with a Dynavin but if I do that I have to decide if I want to wait till it does come with Android. You can also get cheaper Garmins that work with the ecoRoute HD module. That would be an option for me, get a cheaper GPS and wait for the Android Dynavin. One of the things I don't like about this GPS is the Bluetooth phone doesn't sound all that great with the built in mic. I had a different Garmin a couple years ago with an external mic that sounded great. But then again, I don't even own a cellphone, mine is from work and I don't really talk on it all that much in the car when not working.

[ryankokesh]

Supposedly the Dynavin will be available with an Android OS later this year.

Boy do I hope this is just a firmware update....:rolleyes

edit: doesn't sound like it is

[MasterC17]

If you want a solution for iOS you could get a PLX Kiwi Wifi. http://www.plxkiwi.com/kiwiwifi/hardware.html This is what I'll be getting in a few weeks to use with Harry's GPS LapTimer. It can also read and clear codes, view coolant temp, etc with FuzzyCar. Other apps offer a wide range of different things you can do with it.

[spencers]

Harry's GPS Laptimer rocks!!

[MrMaico]

If you want a solution for iOS you could get a PLX Kiwi Wifi. http://www.plxkiwi.com/kiwiwifi/hardware.html This is what I'll be getting in a few weeks to use with Harry's GPS LapTimer. It can also read and clear codes, view coolant temp, etc with FuzzyCar. Other apps offer a wide range of different things you can do with it.

I got a PM from a guy at E46F last week who said he used to have a Kiwi and the coolant temp readout wouldn't work on his E46. I just sent him another PM to check how long ago this was. Seems like if my car is reading coolant temp from the OBDII port it should have worked with the Kiwi as well. I'll let you know what he says.

Otherwise that looks pretty cool. LOTS of options with that thing!

Barry

[MasterC17]

Harry's GPS Laptimer rocks!!

It does, I love it, plus the developer is really good.


I got a PM from a guy at E46F last week who said he used to have a Kiwi and the coolant temp readout wouldn't work on his E46. I just sent him another PM to check how long ago this was. Seems like if my car is reading coolant temp from the OBDII port it should have worked with the Kiwi as well. I'll let you know what he says.

Otherwise that looks pretty cool. LOTS of options with that thing!

Barry

Hmm, somehow that doesn't particularly surprise me; the E46's electronics are a bit different than most. Although if the Garmin is working I would assume the Kiwi should too.

[spencers]

Hmm, somehow that doesn't particularly surprise me; the E46's electronics are a bit different than most. Although if the Garmin is working I would assume the Kiwi should too.
I don't recall seeing the coolant temperature when I was testing dotpage's Kiwi Wifi with Harry's GPS LapTimer. I'll dump a couple data files from my runs to see if it was output.

If not, Harry said it'll be in the upcoming version 13.3
Source: http://www.gps-laptimer-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=26

[Washburn]

Interesting - I have a Blue Tooth capable Garmin - It's Nuvi 815, I think...I wonder if that would work too...And I do remember seeing the Eco Route option...

[MrMaico]

Interesting - I have a Blue Tooth capable Garmin - It's Nuvi 815, I think...I wonder if that would work too...And I do remember seeing the Eco Route option...

I'm not seeing it in the list of compatible devices so it's hard to say. I think it has to be a GPS that was made in the last couple of years to work with the EcoRoute HD.

I bought it mainly for the temp gauge, it's nice to be able to keep an eye on it with our cars reputation for overheating and causing expensive damage. I saw temps range from around 190 to 210 over the summer. 205 seems like the average temp.

[Washburn]

That is very true - I just got a free Megallan GPS (2035) If I can sell that AND my current Nuvi, I think this is worth getting...

[MrMaico]

That is very true - I just got a free Megallan GPS (2035) If I can sell that AND my current Nuvi, I think this is worth getting...

There you go. I see this one is only about $100 on Amazon (use the ZHPMafia affiliate links below) and works with the EcoRoute HD....

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=402&pID=30964

Amazon.com link here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U0O7PS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001U0O7PS

For $200 you can have a GPS, gauges, instant and average mpg readout and an OBDII code reader.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=38354

Amazon.com link here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CLYMSU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003CLYMSU

[Washburn]

i am buying a used Nuvi 1490T tomorrow for for $60. It's compatible with EcoRoute HD, and that's a great deal anyway...
damn now I have too many GPSs.

[MrMaico]

i am buying a used Nuvi 1490T tomorrow for for $60. It's compatible with EcoRoute HD, and that's a great deal anyway...
damn now I have too many GPSs.

Can't argue about that price. I see the one I bought last spring is $100 cheaper now.

[Washburn]

Well that one turned out to be a mistake of the model # by the owner :( Boo! now wonder he only wanted $60
BUT on the same day, I was able to secure a 1390T (compatible w/ Eco Route HD) for almost the same price on Craigslist in mint nearly new condition...
This is the model I got:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=32700

Just did the software update and EcoRoute now shows the "HD connection" option :)
Now I just need the EcoRoute HD Dongle ...

oh btw, current Garmin nuvi pending sale and Magellan already sold, so all in all, I think it's going to be a worthwhile upgrade...real time coolant temp. alone will be worth it!