Guys, check out thiese "gauges". I cannot stress enough how useful this setup is. I bought a $25 brand new Android 7" on Amazon and mated it to a 1320 Electronics Bluetooth adapter plugged into my ALDL cable, downloaded two apps, ALDLDroid and ALDLScan, and now have the ability to monitor in real time EVERY engine parameter running thru my ECM. With either app I can now customize the display to show any parameters I'm interested in or show all of them, and with ALDLDroid I have the option of choosing between a basic readout (which is shown in these photos), or emulated gauges (that look like real gauges), or digital gauges, etc.
Frankly, I've discovered these readouts are much more accurate and precise than my traditional analog gauges behind my wheel. Also, for some reason, I very much appreciate being able to watch when my 4.9L goes into closed loop status and block learn mode (which I've displayed as two blue circles in the bottom left of my monitor).
The support from John Wales at 1320 Electronics couldn't be better, the price for his Bluetooth adapter is low, and he happens to live near me, so all of that convinced me to order from him. However, Red Devil River offers a Bluetooth adapter, too, that also looks like great quality, and is priced similarly. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them.
Ernie
------------------ '87 Fiero 4.9 5-speed
[This message has been edited by Warlordsix (edited 08-23-2020).]
I've used this on one of my other vehicles with a TPI install. Makes it easy to adjust the tune to get the BLM and INT where you want them. I left mine plugged in for quite a while, but realized that some performance issues can arise. I believe that there are a few parameters in the tune that "sets" some of the ECM basics when the ALDL is plugged in. I found a couple of them in the tune, and zeroed them out, but not sure I got them all. Seems like engine ran better, and mileage went up, once I disconnected the bluetooth from full time running. Something to ask the developer about if you notice anything unusual ( Higher idle rpms, restricted top end performance( spark tables cut off at higher rpm's)), etc. I also had to play with mine to keep it connected. Don't know if that was a bluetooth thing,or maybe the Android radio I was using.
------------------ '87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)
Fierosound, the only file I needed was the proper ADX file corresponding to my engine. I downloaded that for free from either the 1320 Electronics site, the TunerPro site or the Red Devil River site...I don't remember which. Once you have it saved on your Android, then both ALDLDroid or ALDLScan apps have a simple feature to load the file in turn into the app, so it knows what engine it's talking to. Very simple and inexpensive.
Ernie
------------------ '87 Fiero 4.9 5-speed
[This message has been edited by Warlordsix (edited 08-23-2020).]
Darbysan, no I've had no problems whatsoever...certainly not from the bluetooth adapter. I use it all the time, on every drive, and my car is a daily driver. Works great for me. Highly recommend it to anyone.
⚠️ Warning: "OBD1" ECMs like Fiero uses Do Not like being scanned while driving because Not Made to do that. Some early OBD2 ECM/PCM have problems too.
When done is only for short testing and not all day long for everyday use. If you have Emission Testing, can Fail because you're scanning the ECM.
Most older ECM will "see" the scanner and boost Idle and likely other things you won't see easy trying to do "Two Threads" at same time. (Is very likely Not multi treading while scanning but just keep this simple.) Worse Most OBD1 units are Very Slow too. Think the Fiero ECM clock is only 4mhz to 8mhz depending exactly what ECM used w/ only later DIS ECM are 8mhz w/ more features like builtin Cruse logic. Most Fiero won't idle below 1000rpm when scanned vs. Normal idle on most Fiero and others idle is 850-950rpm after engine warm up.
Related issue/problem... If people tried programing "Arduino" Atmel/Microchip Atmega328P and related is same thing and only handles 1 thread. Example: If you store/"print" and display X data, can't do both at same time as far as these MCU class see. IOW You can only serial.print or push to display X a given time. And most are a lot faster w/ less code so may look to you happens at same time but not true.
Many "real doc" from big company scanner names and GM tells you not to scan while driving too and for same reason.
If you have a Stick car maybe that won't matter to you many times... Auto Trans hate High Idle at any time and can cause brake problems to because Auto trans w/ idle problem can "upset" brake bias and more. Scanning can be driving when engine cold and ECM keep high idle longer so won't stall etc. Like Many people w/ AT have First couple miles in cold weather make in hard to drive slow in town.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
"⚠️ Warning: "OBD1" ECMs like Fiero uses Do Not like being scanned while driving because Not Made to do that. Some early OBD2 ECM/PCM have problems too."
Well, all I can say, Ogre, is my Caddy OBD1 ECM wasn't "made to do that" either, but she's doing just fine. My hands-on experience with it while continuously scanning in real-time with ALDLDroid and a 1320 Electronics Bluetooth adapter demonstrates no issues whatsoever. Zero.
Im looking in the Play Store, and the only ALDLDroid I see is by Sebastien Giroux and costs $20. Not that I mind paying for it, i just want to know if thats the same app you use and if it is worth it.
Originally posted by Warlordsix: "⚠️ Warning: "OBD1" ECMs like Fiero uses Do Not like being scanned while driving because Not Made to do that. Some early OBD2 ECM/PCM have problems too."
Well, all I can say, Ogre, is my Caddy OBD1 ECM wasn't "made to do that" either, but she's doing just fine. My hands-on experience with it while continuously scanning in real-time with ALDLDroid and a 1320 Electronics Bluetooth adapter demonstrates no issues whatsoever. Zero.
Ernie
So You have 1 engine that seem to "works" so now you're a expert?
Others have run every type of scanners for GM vehicles for 20+ years and Very Few GM OBD1 ECM will scan and drive w/o above issues. Older L4 and all V6 Fiero and many others have very slow "C3" class ECM that have same issues too. Even later "P4" class ECM w/ faster clock etc used on 87-88 DIS L4 Fiero have same problem as above.
For OBD1 and some early OBD2... Scanners are made to help finding some engine problem but can hide problems too.
If anyone forget scanning often makes ECM to force idle to ~ 1000 rpm then many try to find vac leaks etc. because won't idle to normal rpm no matter what they find or worse adjust.
Is Why you need "shop tack" to adjust the hard Idle Stop, Not an ECM scanner. Hard idle is very low rpm like 500 to 800 depending on year, engine and trans. Only idles above that because ECM uses IAC to control actual idle for whatever conditions at the time.
These are not like newer vehicles w/ "ALDL" connector on the CANBUS and related network protocols that often doesn't care what is connected to ECM/PCM BCM ABS etc. Even they won't handle some issues/problems.
Im looking in the Play Store, and the only ALDLDroid I see is by Sebastien Giroux and costs $20. Not that I mind paying for it, i just want to know if thats the same app you use and if it is worth it.
Yes, sir. That's it. Also, the ALDLScan app from 1320 Electronics is free, but as of now doesn't offer the ability to configure the display to show emulated gauges, etc. I use both apps in my android. The bluetoof adapter from 1320 Electronics is $80 or so.
BTW check out some of the youtube videos on these apps, etc. Will give you a good idea of their capabilities. You'll be impressed.
Ernie
------------------ '87 Fiero 4.9 5-speed
[This message has been edited by Warlordsix (edited 08-25-2020).]
Yes, sir. That's it. Also, the ALDLScan app from 1320 Electronics is free, but as of now doesn't offer the ability to configure the display to show emulated gauges, etc. I use both apps in my android. The bluetoof adapter from 1320 Electronics is $80 or so.
BTW check out some of the youtube videos on these apps, etc. Will give you a good idea of their capabilities. You'll be impressed.
Ernie
Ok, thanks. I’m looking to do a 4.9 swap into my 88 Formula and want a diagnostic screen in addition to other digital screen displays.
Ok, thanks. I’m looking to do a 4.9 swap into my 88 Formula and want a diagnostic screen in addition to other digital screen displays.
Exactly. And I run a fuel pressure gauge on my injector rail. All together this stuff is a big help with troubleshooting, tweaking, peace of mind, etc.
Australian, if you're talking about using that 9" monitor to set up where my monitor is located, then I think it will fit. Mine is a 7" monitor, and you can see in the photos there is at least an inch or two of space left on each side of it. The 9" monitor you're considering should fit easily in the same space. As to the brackets on the back of the image, I'm guessing you would mount it where the stock Fiero radio is mounted. Don't know one way or the other how well a 9" monitor would fit there. Still worth a shot.
Ernie
------------------ '87 Fiero 4.9 5-speed
[This message has been edited by Warlordsix (edited 09-08-2020).]
For all those thinking about the Android radio, consider these steering wheel controls as well. I used them with my Android install on my El Camino, and they work great. I think they will fit just fine on the GT wheel. https://www.amazon.com/Pola...f_rd_p=703f3758-d945 -4136-8df6-a43d19d750d1&pf_rd_r=DVNJNNRHCQFPPV99Y2HC&psc=1&refRID=DVNJNNRHCQFPPV99Y2HC
------------------ '87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)
For all those thinking about the Android radio, consider these steering wheel controls as well. I used them with my Android install on my El Camino, and they work great. I think they will fit just fine on the GT wheel. [URL=https://www.amazon.com/PolarLander-Universal-Wireless-Controller-Navigation/dp/B07Q5XLL4C/ref=pd_sbs_107_1/146-0014154-3452446?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07Q5XLL4C&pd_rd_r=fa55c55a-0059-4d50-85c9-241ee3f39919&pd_rd_w=cXr3H&pd_rd_wg=t5TlO&pf_rd_p=703f3758 -d945]https://www.amazon.com/Pola...f_rd_p=703f3758-d945[/URL] -4136-8df6-a43d19d750d1&pf_rd_r=DVNJNNRHCQFPPV99Y2HC&psc=1&refRID=DVNJNNRHCQFPPV99Y2HC
Great idea. Love seeing folks innovate to improve the breed, so to speak, rather than wed themselves to how we've always done it. It's always easy to say something won't work. It takes novel-thinking and the Real World test of trial and error to show how it can. Thanks.
I like what you have done Warlordsix, I may pick you brain at some point more. I am currently building my 4.9 and like this idea. I have an android radio already in the car so this would work great.
