Mp3Car's OBDLink MX Hardware Review

Mp3Car.com just completed a thorough, hands-on review of OBDLink MX. Mp3Car is a pioneering force in the mobile computing world, and we're grateful they took the time to check out MX in-depth, and provide some thoughtful, independent feedback. Here are a few quotes from the review:

• "The information I want from my OBD-II system comes at a rate that is 5 times greater than the generic device."
• "OBDLink MX is programmed to automatically shut off if activity is not detected on the bus for 10 minutes. This is a feature that should be considered invaluable to a person who wishes to install this device permanently"
• "Fact is, the OBDLink MX is the best OBD-II option to date."

If you're in the market for an OBDII adapter, this review is a must-read.

The World's Smallest & Fastest OBD Adapter Provides Access to Single Wire and Medium Speed CAN networks

Engineered to accelerate performance over the Bluetooth link, OBDLink MX is up to five times faster than the closest competitor. The world's smallest OBD adapter provides access to SW CAN & MS CAN networks in addition to legislated OBDII. Thanks to the unique BatterySaver™ technology you can rest assured that, unlike other OBD adapters, MX won't drain your battery if you leave it plugged in.

• Up to 5x faster than the closest competitor – MX accelerates Android apps by up to 25% and PC software by up to 400%. Experience faster screen updates and more graph points.
• Supports SW CAN & MS CAN protocols – MX is the only scan tool in its class that can access these proprietary GM & Ford networks in addition to the 5 standard OBDII protocols.
• World’s smallest scan tool – At just under 2” long, OBDLink won’t obstruct driver legroom.
• Hack-Proof – Cutting-edge security scheme virtually eliminates the risk of unauthorized access.
• BatterySaver Technology – MX’s innovative sleep function lets you leave it plugged in without danger of draining your car’s battery.
• Read & Clear Check Engine light – Check diagnostic codes yourself and make informed repair decisions.
• Works on PC’s, Smart Phones, and Tablets – Turn your laptop, netbook, Android, or Symbian device into a sophisticated diagnostics tool and performance monitor. Note: Not compatible with Apple products.
• Works on a wider range of vehicles – OBDLink’s advanced algorithm enables MX to connect to more OBDII-compliant makes & models than any other scan tool.
• Free diagnostics software – Includes ScanTool.net’s exclusive OBDwiz license for Windows (a $39.95 value)
• Peace of Mind – Covered by our 3-year warranty & 90-day money-back guarantee.
• Superior Compatibility – works with more 3^rd party apps & software than any other adapter.

Vehicle Interface features STN1110 technology from OBD Solutions

Team Hermes, a group of 4 students attending IT Sligo in Ireland, won the top prize at the 2011 Microsoft Imagine Cup in New York this month with an innovative project that addresses the global issue of road safety.

Their pioneering solution utilizes a vehicle interface that monitors dangerous driving behavior and road conditions, giving instant feedback to the driver and vehicle owner. The vehicle interface uses OBD Solutions’ STN1110 technology to extract data directly from the vehicle’s on-board computer. The collected data is then processed and analyzed using Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7, Bing Maps, and the Windows Azure cloud computing platform to change driving habits and reduce road deaths.

Team Hermes won $25,000 with their victory. Vitaliy Maksimov, General Manager of OBD Solutions, said “The guys earned the victory with persistence and hard work. I am very happy that we could, in some small way, participate in their success."

OBD Solutions produces components and innovative turn key solutions that utilize legislated OBD-II protocols to deliver a wealth of useful diagnostic and engine performance data. Read more about the company’s products and services on their website ( www.obdsol.com).
Microsoft produced a Team Hermes project overview video, and you can read more about the team on the IT Sligo website.

Sparkfun.com, the world's most popular electronics hobbyist site, has just released their OBD-II Development Board. The board is based on our own STN11xx chip family, and has all the electronics necessary to interface with any OBD-II compliant vehicle's ECU. Sparkfun designed the board to be compatible with their existing USB and Bluetooth development boards. We're big supporters of any STN1110 development, and are excited that Sparkfun has introduced a product that makes it easy for hobbyists, prototypers, students, engineers, or anyone interested in OBD-II to get their project off the ground.

ScanTool.net, LLC offices will be closed on Monday May 30, 2011 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Orders placed after 1 pm on Friday, May 27th will ship on Tuesday, May 31st.

OBDLink SX released - Big on Performance, Small on Price

Since its release, OBDLink has become the market's best-selling PC based scan tool. Today, we raised the bar. OBDLink SX provides the same core functionality as its big brother, but in a streamlined package. Our popular OBDWiz software is still included free with every purchase, and SX works with all of premium OBD software offered on ScanTool.net. The original OBDLink is still available if you require some of its more sophisticated product features.

Our STN1110 Featured New Product in January's Circuit Cellar

We are honored to be mentioned in the January 2011 issue of Circuit Cellar. STN1110, our OBD Interpreter IC, is covered in the 'New Product News' section. Circuit Cellar is the 'World's Source for Embedded Electronics Engineering Information', and we are pleased to have our product release covered by such a prestigious periodical. Pick up your copy today!

OBDLink WiFI & ScanXL reviewed on Automoblog.net

Automoblog.net recognizes our solution as "the Cadillac of consumer-level, inexpensive OBDII scanners". Check out this rundown of how OBDLink WiFi & ScanXL stack up to other solutions, then come back and get your order in! OBDLink is also available with Bluetooth, USB-only, and serial interfaces. OBDLink also ships with FREE OBDWiz software for general, but sophisticated OBD-II diagnostics and graphics.

Order Deadlines for US Shipments to arrive by Christmas Eve
(All times are Mountain Standard Time)

• USPS Express - order by noon, December 22nd.
• UPS 3 Day Select - order by noon, December 21st.
  
• UPS 2 Day - order by noon, December 22nd.
• UPS Overnight - order by noon, December 23rd.
• FedEx 3 Day - order by 1PM, December 21st.
• FedEx 2 Day - order by 1PM, December 22nd.
• FedEx Overnight, order by 1PM, December 23rd.

Please note that these order deadlines are based on delivery dates given to us by each carrier. Adverse weather conditions at the destination address may affect arrival dates. These deadlines are for domestic (U.S.) orders only. Happy Holidays!

We've recently joined Facebook. To celebrate, we'll be giving exclusive discounts and prizes to our followers on Facebook through the holdiays and beyond! Look for a few '1 day only' blockbuster specials coming up. Giveaways to random followers include OBDLink, Bluetooth and WiFi Scan Tools, $50 Gift Certificates, and more. Don't miss out - join today! To add us to your Facebook, just click on the button below: