ScanTool makes the excellent OBDLink LX and MX.

Valarm can monitor, record and broadcast alerts based on vehicle parameters with OBDII. This capability is built-in to both Valarm Classic and Valarm Pro. Compatible with a wide variety of Bluetooth-compatible adapters, Valarm’s OBD2 support allows you to monitor and configure alerts based on vehicle speed as reported directly by the vehicle’s ECU (besides the speed calculated by GPS), as well as throttle position, engine RPMs, and coolant temperature.  Also see the OBD2 tutorial for step-by-step instructions on setting up Valarm with OBD2.

The high-quality interfaces offered by ScanTool.net, PLX Devices and OBDKey.com are highly recommended, and Valarm may function with other ELM327+Bluetooth compatible adapters (but these off-brand or “clone” adapters are not tested and not officially supported). Valarm’s OBDII capabilities are BUILT-IN, there are no extra charges – just buy a compatible interface from any of the vendors listed above, pair it with a Valarm device, and you’re remotely monitoring a vehicle ECU.

Valarm can send you text messages, email, and post alerts to the tools.valarm.net website when the vehicle is overheating, being raced, or speeding beyond a configured limit. In a near-future release we’ll also monitor the vehicle’s ECU status for trouble codes, and add a few more interesting vehicle parameters to our OBDII support. The Valarm app can also be configured to monitor other aspects of a vehicle’s situation. For example, the microphone can monitor noise-levels, and the accelerometer can be used to measures sudden shocks caused by accidents, poor road conditions or careless driving.

Valarm’s OBD2 support has been tested and confirmed in the following vehicles so far:

  • 2004 BMW 325i
  • 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  • 2010 Ford Mustang 427R “Roush Supercharged”
  • 2007 Honda CRV
  • 2009 Infiniti G37
  • 2005 Mazda 3
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz S430
  • 2013 Subaru Forester
  • 2007 Toyota Prius
  • 2014 Toyota Prius
  • 2003 Volkswagen Jetta

 

Below is a sample of Valarm’s OBD2 output from our Thanksgiving 2012 drive to visit the family!  The plot was made using Analytical Mapping and Sensor Plotting.