I would like to get OBDlink but I use a Macbook pro, ipad and iphone. What do you recommend as the best device to use to run it? Should I get a cheap windows based PC or what? Also, what also would I need to buy to use it? I would like to change out my head and taillights to LED and would use that to program them instead of using the cables.
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Is there a difference between OBDlink and AlfaOBD?
- Thread starter stepbill
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DownShiftz
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OBDLinkMX+ works with iPhone/iPad but as diagnostic only.
If you are wanting to change truck parameters/features you'll need something like AlfaOBD to go with it. Android and Windows only.
I have both and suggest getting both. You can run the software on just about any low level device, you do not need a powerful work station.
For my Android I use a 3-4 yr old Galaxy tablet. You will also need the KodaTech bypass cable.
Do a search for AlfaOBD in the main forum page and you'll see what is most popular.
If you are wanting to change truck parameters/features you'll need something like AlfaOBD to go with it. Android and Windows only.
I have both and suggest getting both. You can run the software on just about any low level device, you do not need a powerful work station.
For my Android I use a 3-4 yr old Galaxy tablet. You will also need the KodaTech bypass cable.
Do a search for AlfaOBD in the main forum page and you'll see what is most popular.
OBD link and AlfaOBD are two different things with completely different tasks. OBD link is an interface dongle that plugs into the OBD port, and is necessary for any type of scan tool app. AlfaOBD is the actual app that is able to make changes to the vehicle by interfacing with an OBD Bluetooth dongle, such as OBD Link. There are several different models of OBD Link, and the MX+ is compatible with iOS. That means that an app on an apple product can use the MX+ interface. AlfaOBD is not available for iOS devices, so even though the MX+ is compatible with iOS, that doesn’t mean AlfaOBD is. You would need a windows device or Android device to use AlfaOBD no matter what.
Don't overlook that tidbit. It's required to write changes to the BCM. You need three things.
OBDLink MX+
AlfaOBD (Windows and/or Android only)
KAOdTECH cable
kobra
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Thanks for the summary @Brutal_HO
Any ideas for Mac or IOS that can be used to write changes to the BCM?
B
Any ideas for Mac or IOS that can be used to write changes to the BCM?
B
For AlfaOBD?
No, it only runs on Windows or Android.
Buy a cheap used windows laptop or android tablet. I know there's an android emulators for Windows (I use Bluestacks) but don't know what's possible on a Mac.
I don't know if perhaps running winders 10 under parallels is an option?
There was another software vendor, appcarDiag, but I don't know how well it works, doesn't seem to get frequent updates like AlfaOBD, and think it's Windows only.
Jscan is an up and coming app for iOS that is similar to AlfaOBD. They don’t have 2019+ support yet, but the way they’re expanding, it shouldn’t be long.
Following up on an old post:
Jscan is looking good, can you I trouble you to put some fresh eyes and brain power and tell us if this a good IOS based contender to AlphaOBD?
Yeah, I use it quite a bit, and it has more Ram support now than before. I use it with the vLinker MC+. So far, the only features I can tell that it doesn’t have all the settings for activating are surround view camera system, and the premium headlights with adaptive lighting.
I wouldn’t use that particular bypass cable for the HD Ram though because you have to remove the instrument cluster to install it. I would go with the kaodtech style bypass.
Thanks a bunch. I appreciate the heads up on the bypass.
Not that you need a recommendation other than Jimmy’s, but I’ve used Jscan quite a bit as well. It works well. They’ve got settings broken out by category, which is easier for “poking around”, but sometimes takes longer if you have a whole list of changes to do and you know the names of the settings.
Yes
It’s the same
DeadEnd
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Thank you Jimmy!
In addition to the small 2-wire connectors that plug into the CAN blocks, An (HD truck) bypass cable has a male and female OBD-II connector. You plug the truck OBD into one, the reader into the other.
While you can leave the truck panel mount OBD connector in place, most of the bypass cable headers are oriented the wrong way and/or are subject to getting kicked, so pulling the factory port out and snapping in the bypass cable port is preferred. They just have release clips on either end.
I leave all my cables connected and just pull off the bypass from one can block and pull the reader when it goes into the dealer. Everything is tidy/tied/hidden so they wouldn't know unless they went digging. I did remove everything when I had the HVAC recall done (dash removal)
Thanks for the info but I think I'd have to go to school to pull this one off...If I just install the vLink in the slot underneath and install the app on my phone could I still use it to do more detailed monitoring like turbo temps etc. ?