ELM327 can be divided into different categories according to the different ways
1) Operating system
ELM327 are designed to work on various systems, Android and PC system, Android and IOS system, Android, IOS and PC system, Android and Symbian system, IOS system only etc. Different system based elm327 scanners highlights different features, also differs in software installation and usage. Users had better to pick up one that meets their phone/PC requirements.
2) Connection Mode
ELM327 products are designed to work through multi communication ways, WIFI, USB, RS-232 and Bluetooth.
WIFI:
WIFI ELM327 interface is able to detect and interpret obd2 / eobd protocols automatically. It also provides support for high speed communications and a low power sleep mode. It is easy to communicate with a host device (PC, notebook, iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and so on).
USB:
USB ELM327 scanner can translate all the hard work of protocol into a simple ASCII character based view via the included serial cable. USB ELM327 is used as an interface to connect virtually all OBD-II compliant vehicles to a PC for on-board diagnostics (OBD).
Bluetooth:
OBD-II Software for ELM327 Bluetooth is a free program that allows you to use your PC and a hardware interface to get the information from your car`s computer.
3) Communication Protocol
Some elm327 products are special designed for CAN BUS protocol vehicle models, some fits for OBDⅡand EOBDⅡ vehicles, most of them support all OBDⅡprotocols vehicles. Make sure pick up a correct elm327 to meet the requirement of your vehicle communication protocol.
4) Outlook Design
The outlook design of elm327 scanners turns to get smaller and smarter. MINI elm327 takes over the elm family. Some even special designed with an ignition switch to expand service life. Some elm327 scanners are offered different color alternative.
How to install Bluetooth ELM327 on computer?
1) Locate the diagnostic connector. The 16-pin D-shaped diagnostic link connector (DLC) should be located in the passenger or driver’s compartment in the area bounded by the driver’s end of the instrument panel to 300 mm (~1 ft) beyond the vehicle centerline, attached to the instrument panel and easy to access from the driver’s seat. The preferred location is between the steering column and the vehicle centerline.
2) Turn on the ignition switch and plug the elm327 into the diagnostic socket.
3) Install USB to Bluetooth adapter. Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your laptop or phone. Turn on the Bluetooth symbol and add a device.
4) Match the password and enter the device Bluetooth pairing code
5) Launch the software and select the appreciate COM port. The COM port is the port that your Bluetooth is setup on your computer to communicate with incoming devices. Had better write it down and you will need it later to configure the diagnostics software.
6) Start to scan the ECU and read data.
How to install Bluetooth elm327 on Android Phone/Tablet?
1) Locate the diagnostic connector. The 16-pin D-shaped diagnostic link connector (DLC) should be located in the passenger or driver’s compartment in the area bounded by the driver’s end of the instrument panel to 300 mm (~1 ft) beyond the vehicle centerline, attached to the instrument panel and easy to access from the driver’s seat. The preferred location is between the steering column and the vehicle centerline.
2) Turn on the ignition switch and plug the elm327 into the diagnostic socket.
3) Touch Settings » Wireless & Networks » Check the Bluetooth box and go to » Bluetooth Settings. From here — scan for devices and ELM327 Bluetooth scanner will show up as either: ELM, ELM327, CAN, OBD, etc. Enter the pass code to pair the Bluetooth.
4) Launch the OBD app you have download form Google Play Store and connect to elm327.
How to setup WIFI elm327 on computer?
1) Install the software on computer
2) IP address setting: IP: 192.168.0.11~254 and subent mask:255.255.255.0
3) Find out the elm327 on the network list. Click “Connect” to connect PC with elm327
4) After well connect with elm327 scanner, start to configure the software before use.
5) Save settings and ready to use the device to scan ECU and display data.
How to setup WIFI elm327 on IOS Phone/Tablet?
1) Click Setting>>General>> Network
2) IP address setting: IP: 192.168.0.11~254 and subent mask:255.255.255.0
3) Scan for the elm327 device and join the network.
4) Configure the software before use
5) Save settings and ready to use the device to talk to car’s computer.
The best WIFI elm327 is
this
The best Bluetooth elm327 is
this