CarChip collects data

Paying too much for gas?Want to micromanage everything with you cars?Love gadgets?Yep, me too!I purchased this chip to meet all of these.

What it is:

This "chip" (or more accurately labeled "module") plugs into your OBDII port to read data and trouble codes at defined intervals (5s - 30s).This data can then be uploaded to your computer for analysis. This is for gas engines only.

What it is not:

This chip does not alter or reprogram your car.This will not improve your gas mileage.This is a read only device.

How does it attach?

OBDII port.This is where a mechanic plugs a test instrument into your car to read trouble codes.This plug is usually at the bottom of the dash near the steering column.

To attach to the computer it uses a serial connection (newerversions use USB)

Software

A user selects the parameters (up to four), thresholds and frequency to be collected.Parameters include vehicle speed, RPM, O2 sensor, throttle position, battery voltage, temperature, among others.

Conclusions

This is a neat idea, but doesn't collect enough data to be really useful.It s more of a gadget, but I dofind the information useful for tracking mileage.Capturing how many times a driver exceeded a threshold like 70mph.It can also show hard accelerations and hard braking.A more powerful unit would be quite beneficial in a fleet management system with a heavy emphasis on Big Brother.