Almost all production cars manufactured after 1996 are equipped with an OBD2 connector. This port, which is located under the steering column, allows you to read data about the car's operation: from mileage and fuel level to engine errors.
You won't need to install any complex mechanisms: to see all the car data online, We talk about the features of GPS devices in the diagnostic connector in the video. A full analysis of the advantages and nuances of OBD 2 trackers is in our article.
What is an OBD connector?
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) is a vehicle on-board diagnostics system. Data from various sensors inside the vehicle can be easily obtained via the OBD connector in real time. In addition, if something is faulty, the system signals the driver.
The history of OBD began in the mid-20th century in the United States. The spread of cars harmed the environment, and the American government forced automakers to implement a system for monitoring emissions into the environment. To solve the problem, all manufacturers developed their unique protocol and unique OBD port, so now the supervisory authorities had to understand the technical features of each brand of car, as well as have a separate scanner.
The solution was the introduction of the OBD2 standard, which unified the pinout of the OBD connector. By the end of the 1990s, all concerns selling cars in the United States had to equip their cars with a single diagnostic system. The trend spread to Europe and Russia: since 2001, every new car has an OBD2 port.
Data available via OBD port
To see the location of the car and data on its condition, you will need a GPS tracker compatible with the OBDII connector. When installing the tracker and connecting to the monitoring system, the user can receive a large amount of information about the condition of the car online:
speed,
mileage,
tachometer readings,
engine error codes,
fuel level,
use of seat belts,
coolant temperature,
dashboard data,
data from wireless sensors and others.
The tracker transmits data to the server depending on the parameters selected by the user. For example, you can configure data transmission by time (every 30 seconds), by distance (every 500 meters), by rotation angle (every rotation of 10 degrees or more), etc.
Advantages of OBD trackers
The main advantage of OBD trackers is ease of installation:Every car enthusiast can handle the connection in a couple of minutes. You need to find the OBD connector (usually it is located near the steering block), install the SIM card in the tracker and connect it to the connector. If the light indicator on the device is on, it is ready for work.
Installation of OBD GPS tracker is simple and does not require special technical skills
In addition, the trackers operate from the car battery and have an internal battery, which allows you to track the location even after disconnecting from the OBD2 port. There is also a sleep mode: if the car is not used for a long time, and the tracker is connected, you can remotely reduce the power consumption to reduce the battery charge.
Finally, the tracker can react to events.
Nuances of use
Although the OBD2 tracker is simple and convenient for transmitting all the necessary information, there are a few points in its use.
Firstly,The OBD connector is not always located near the steering column.Sometimes it is located in inconvenient places, which is why the GPS signal will be received worse. Fortunately, this problem can be solved with a special OBD extender.
Secondly,Athermal glass in a car can interfere with the GPS signal.An OBD extension cable will also come in handy here, allowing you to place the tracker in a more convenient place. For example, under the dashboard or next to the side window.
To prevent athermal glass from blocking the signal, place the tracker in a convenient place using an extension cord.
Third,The tracker reads fuel data from the standard sensor.The fuel level sensor may transmit data with an error: this depends on the car brand, year of manufacture, type of standard sensor, its technical condition, etc.
Fourthly,The tracker is easy to connect and, unfortunately, easy to detect.Car thieves can find the connector, so for greater security we recommend using it in combination with the miniature M2 beacon , which can be easily hidden in the car's interior.
Why do you need OBD 2 trackers?
There are several conditions when it is worth choosing OBD 2 trackers.
Firstly, the OBD tracker can be installed in a couple of seconds and easily switched between vehicles in a commercial fleet.
Secondly, it is useful if you want to see the main telematic data of the car online and receive warnings: for example, if there are engine errors or it is overheating.
Thirdly, with the help of the OBD tracker, you can control fuel consumption without special sensors. The system records the fuel level in the tank and instantaneous fuel consumption.
Finally, with the tracker you will always know where your car is: the GPS/GLONASS monitoring system will show the location with an accuracy of up to 5 meters, speed and direction of movement.
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