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What is it?

The OBDLink MX Wi-Fi is a professional grade OBD-II adapter that uses wifi to communicate.

The Verdict:

The OBDLink MX Wi-Fi is a great OBD-II adapter option... provided you can't make use of the more user-friendly Bluetooth model.

What's In The Box?

The OBDLink MX Wi-Fi comes with the OBD-II adapter and a host of platform specific start guides. A link to the included OBDLink application and a copy of the license number for that app are also included.

Description:

One of my favorite "high-end" products to review during my time at mp3Car.com was the original OBDLink MX Bluetooth. Prior to using it, I always purchased the cheapest OBD adapter I could find, and it really took getting a high-quality product like the OBDLink to realize just how slow those bargain basement options are. When I heard that a new faster version of the MX line was available, I requested a sneak peek to find out if it was an even better option.

First things first, the OBDLink MX Wi-Fi is fast. No matter the protocol, the wifi model was faster to communicate with my cars when compared to the Bluetooth model. The MX Wi-Fi also maintains all of the available features of the Bluetooth variant. The dimensions are the same, it works with every protocol including MS CAN, and the battery saver technology still powers the unit down when the vehicle is off. Using wifi means the MX Wi-Fi can take advantage of the super secure WPA2 encryption protocol, leaving little chance that an intruder can steal your signal and interfere with vehicle controls. Using wifi means that the device is compatible with nearly every Android/iPhone/Windows platform out there. Everything you'd expect from a wifi based OBD-II adapter you get with the MX Wi-Fi.

Then, there are the limitations that one might overlook when choosing this wifi OBD-II adapter. The first issue is found during initial setup. As expected, the WPA2 encryption that the MX Wi-Fi uses requires a key that is only found on the back of the unit. In order for your smartphone or tablet of choice to find the MX Wi-Fi adapter, you must install the device into the OBD-II port commonly found under the dash. After your smartphone finds the device, you just then enter the WPA2 key, and unless you thought ahead and wrote down the key or have a sequence of mirrors just hanging around your car, you'll probably have to take the MX Wi-Fi out of the OBD-II port and take down the key. Rinse and repeat for each new wireless device you want to use to communicate with the MX Wi-Fi.

Unfortunately, it doesn't really get easier from there. After establishing your wifi connection, you effectively lose internet service to your smartphone. Assuming you're following the start guide thats included with the MX Wi-Fi, you have already installed the included copy of the OBDLink software, and have now completed step 2 through 8 of the guide (summarized in the last paragraph). The first time you run the OBDLink application it requires you to enter your license key and register the software. Here's the catch, while connected through wifi to the MX Wi-Fi, so you have no internet access. You will have to hop off the OBDLink MX access point and grab another wireless source to complete this step. Internet access, or lack thereof, is a common problem to me while using the OBDLink MX Wi-Fi for anything other than on the spot diagnostics. Unlike the Bluetooth model which you can install in a vehicle and basically "forget" once is initially setup, the OBDLink Wi-Fi relegates a smartphone to a "dumb" phone while it's plugged in, and unless you manually take the time to open your smartphone settings and disable wifi while driving, you're automatically going to lose data access while driving. Even the OBDLink software that comes with the MX Wifi has an issue with internet access. One of the functions of the app is mapping diagnostic data over your current position, but without data access, the app cannot draw the map (see below).

Despite this, the OBDLink application is incredibly powerful. It has most of the features of competing applications like Torque, but is designed to work specifically with OBDLink devices. Its much smaller in terms of install size and seems to be a lot faster between screens than Torque. All that and free support and updates for life make it the ideal companion to the MX Wi-Fi, internet hiccup aside.

The OBDLink MX Wi-Fi is a great OBD-II adapter for someone who might be looking for a device to swap in and out of cars to do spot diagnostic data, but I wouldn't recommend for someone looking to do long term data-logging or something similar. If you have Bluetooth connection as an option, I'd definitely suggest the original MX Bluetooth as your option.

The Positive:

Super fast connection and wireless communication
Secure communication
Smallest OBD-II adapter on the market
OBDLink app included in purchase is optimized for this device
Cross-platform compatibility


The Negative:

Initialization and setup is unavoidably painful
Use of wifi communication is a constant inhibitor of overall usability

The Verdict:

The OBDLink MX Wi-Fi is a great OBD-II adapter option... provided you can't make use of the more user-friendly Bluetooth model.

Tags: !s!wcrtestinput000000!e!

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Product Reviews

What is it?

The G1W is a high-definition automotive PVR camera with a 2.7 LCD display.

The Verdict:

The G1W automotive PVR is an excellent 1080p capture device which distinguishes itself from the pack with its functional and beautiful 2.7" LCD display.

The G1W is available at GearBeast.com, normally priced at $63.83. The manufacturer has created a special mp3Car.com community discount code. Use code GBG1WCHF to get the G1W at the price of $41.99. Coupon expires October 31st!

Description:

Automotive capture cameras come in all shapes and sizes these days. Some consist of a low-profile which is easy to hide away, and others come with a larger frame suitable for a larger backup battery and expansion. Size aside, their specs indicate that most do the same thing. The G1W high-definition camera has its own niche' with its high-quality 2.7 LCD display. Size wise, the G1W rests firmly in the middle of the smaller and bulker PVR devices. Its not large enough to be an eye-sore on the windshield, but the included and quite functional display makes it larger than a device you wouldnt notice at all.

The G1W is capable of recording in stunning 1080p high-definition at 60fps. Recording is up to the standard that the previously reviewed BlackVue DR400G set. No matter if youre driving during the bright sun or at night, the G1W is capable of capturing a high-quality image. Details like license plates and road signs can be easily discerned both during external playback or using the built-in screen. The image also spans the width of the windshield thanks to a 120-degree viewing angle. Audio capture is also excellent. The G1W does a good job of capturing voice or background music all while eliminating most of the road noise you would expect to have when a camera is mounted to a car.

Initially I wasn't too keen on the idea of having a display sitting on the windshield anywhere near the drivers view in the car. This idea seemed like a distraction waiting to happen in fact. After using this device for some time though, I gained an appreciation of having a screen available if I wanted to replay a driving scenario on the fly. While using PVRs without a screen, theres always a level of fear that the content is not actually being captured. With the G1W, you get a live preview when you want it, but the display can easily be turned off in the settings menu. The fact that I can modify settings on the device is another reason I like the G1W. With all of the other PVRs Ive tested, settings modification requires the camera to the connected to a PC. There are a host of options available on the G1W and being able to change them when I want is a definite plus.

The G1Ws body has all of the buttons connectivity options you would expect from a car PVR with a screen. The PVR has a built-in capacitor which the manufacturer suggests provides a safer installation when comparing to a standard battery. The capacitor keeps the device alive just long enough to shutdown gracefully and ensures video data is saved properly. On the face on the camera are zoom buttons, a record button, a mode button for playback, and a small LED . The top of the G1W has power and menu buttons. Display options include HDMI via the mini connector on the left side of the camera and an A/V out 3.5mm jack on the top. The A/V connector is strangely absent from the box, as is a micro-SD card for capturing right out of the box. When purchasing the G1W, make sure to pick up as large a card as your budget can afford (up to 32GB). On the lens side of the camera is a LED flash, though it's only use in the car would be to upset any driver in front of your vehicle.

Sadly, there is one other notable omission from the G1Ws package. The camera does not include a GPS sensor, meaning location meta-data is not captured with the video. This of course doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, but having GPS information while reviewing footage is something Ive grown quite accustomed to with other car PVR models. The G1W does have an accelerometer and uses it to automatically suspend recording while stopped. This of course allows the installed memory to capture more footage while youre driving instead of parked. I do wonder though how video would be captured while sitting at a stop light and a sudden collision occurs. As with most features, this too can be turned off in settings.

The Positive:

High quality 1080p video capture
included LCD gives options competitors dont offer
Latency-free live preview from the display
A host of display output options
Built in accelerometer is very functional
Suction cup mount is strong and secures the camera in place
12-foot power cord aids in installation



The Negative:

Lack of GPS data capture
Micro-SD card is not included



The Verdict:

The G1W automotive PVR is an excellent 1080p capture device which distinguishes itself from the pack with its functional and beautiful 2.7" LCD display.

Check here for more photos of the G1W car PVR. Check back later for a comparison video between the G1W and other PVR models.

Updated 09-01-2014 at 07:41 PM by Sonicxtacy02

Tags: camera, car pvr, recording, video capture

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Product Reviews

What is it?

The 1Sheeld is an Arduino shield that allows for smartphone sensor information to be used with an Arduino device.

The Verdict:

1Sheeld to rule them all! The 1Sheeld for Arduino is a must have component for beginners and advanced users alike. It's easy to use, easy to setup, and arms most Arduinos with a bevy of prototyping tools at their disposal. The bottom line is if you own a compatible Arduino and an Android device you should buy a 1Sheeld.

Description:

Anyone who's ever spent any amount of time with an Arduino knows of its seemingly unlimited potential. Arduino has an extremely large support community and because it's open source hardware, the number of ways you can expand are only limited by imagination. Buy an Arduino, and if you're anything like me you'll feel compelled to purchase many of the available shields add-on modules just to see what new possibilities exist. The cost of Arduino shields seem to increase based on their usefulness, so often times many of the cheaper shields you buy first simply get left out of any design when it comes to protect implementation time. What if "1 shield" could effectively replace the pile of shields you'd normally purchase during prototyping? Meet the 1Sheeld.

1Sheeld is a prototypers dream add-on. Using an Android device running 2.3+ and an awesome 1Sheeld app, your smartphone becomes your Arduino shields. 1Sheeld's job is to communicate between the Arduino and the Android. Using the built-in HC-06 Bluetooth module, 1Sheeld allows any available sensor in your smartphone to become a virtual shield, so that the sensor data can be used in Arduino sketches.

The 1Sheeld can serve as a GPS shield, Wifi shield, and most any other shield available today. In addition, it replaces smaller hardware components like LEDs, buttons, and buzzers. Want to design a sketch using a gamepad or keyboard? 1Sheeld makes this easy. Email, SMS, Facebook, and Foursquare implementation is a breeze thanks to the 1Sheeld.

With the power and flexibility the 1Sheeld affords, its easy to see an incredibly complex Android control app. I was frankly amazed at how clean and easy to use the app is. Upon first running the app, you're presented with a short tutorial, then a scan button that searches for 1Sheeld devices in the 30 foot range. Once a 1Sheeld is found, pairing is a single tap process. From there, the UI shows all of the available sensors the app has in a simple and clean manner. You can select which of the various sensors you would like to enable, and any sensors not available to the Android device are blocked immediately via toast notification. Once you've selected the sensors you want to utilize, a single button presents a screen where the selected sensors are displayed with their various values. The entire app interface is fluid, fast, and organized. There's even an included plugin for the powerful automation Android app Tasker. The available 1Sheeld library for Arduino is also top notch, with several example sketches for the various sensors the shield provides.

The 1Sheeld is designed to attach to the standard Arduino shield form factor. Connecting to an Uno or Mega is very easy. Compatibility issues do exist with Arduino's without the standard shield form factor. The 1Sheeld is also a pass-through shield, allowing access to the Arduino's input/output pins.

The Positive:

Powerful, flexible platform
Terrific Android app
Arduino library all but eliminates sketch implementation issues
Easy learning and setup process
Standard shield form factor
Tasker support



The Negative:

No current Apple support
Wont connect to Arduino's without the standard shield form factor.



The Verdict:

1Sheeld to rule them all! The 1Sheeld for Arduino is a must have component for beginners and advanced users alike. It's easy to use, easy to setup, and arms most Arduinos with a bevy of prototyping tools at their disposal. The bottom line is if you own a compatible Arduino and an Android device you should buy a 1Sheeld.

Tags: Android, arduino, automation, prototyping, shield, sketches

Categories

Product Reviews

What is it?

The Portal Media Bluetooth TPMS module lets you monitor tire pressure wirelessly via Bluetooth.

The Verdict:

Portal Media's Bluetooth TPMS improves on the last generation of devices by allowing wireless communication via Bluetooth. The module is sleeker and reception appears improved. Once the kinks are worked out of the Android app, the Bluetooth TPMS module will be an awesome addition to any compatible car.

Description:

Quite a few years ago at mp3Car's first national car PC meet, I was lucky enough to win a prize for having as many as 19 USB devices connected to my car PC. The prize received was USB number 20, a car PC connected tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from Portal Media. Many years and several dead sensor batteries later, the device had served me well, but it was time for an upgrade. Luckily, the guys at Portal Media have been busy at work improving on their existing technology. For years it's seemed that the Bluetooth variant of their TPMS devices was simply an idea in our mp3Car forum, but the time has arrived, and the device really exists. I've been privileged to spend the last few weeks testing this new device out and getting to see if the wireless abilities actually improved the experience.

Let's get the obvious information out of the way first. The tire sensors required for the Bluetooth TPMS device must be professionally installed, so be sure to account for the cost of installation when considering this purchase. My cost was roughly $30/tire, but yours can vary. Also, as if this review, there is no Apple or Windows application that will work with the Bluetooth TPMS module. It's unknown whether this will be created by Portal Media in the near future, but as the mp3Car community is founded on the idea of tinkering and fitting square pegs in round holes, I'm sure solutions will exist shortly. Once the sensors are installed in the tires, the rest of the pr