Ultra Compact UnitScanGaugeII by Linear Logic measures 1.5x4.8x1.0 inches, making it one of the smallest and most portable automotive computers. It connects to your truck's OBD-II port with a detachable 6-foot cable. Then, it automatically communicates with the truck's computer, and installation and set-up is complete. ScanGaugeII is a three-in-one automotive computer containing a built-in scan tool that reads and clears trouble codes while captured data can be recalled to help troubleshoot problems. It will let you know when your truck is ready to pass OBD-II testing. The integrated trip computer provides real-time feedback and tracks three sets of trip data. ScanGaugeII will automatically save today, yesterday, and tank trip data. The digital gauges display real-time data for your truck, displaying as much as 4 of 12 possible gauges, all at the same time. With gas prices increasing, it can be beneficial to measure the fuel economy and fuel rate. Whether you are racing in the Baja 1000 or towing a boat, ScanGaugeII can prevent overheating by measuring coolant temperature, manifold pressure, engine load, and so on. The price is $169.95, viewable at www.scangauge.com.
Pros: It's super lightweight, portable, and transferable from vehicle to vehicle while packed with easy-to-read menu-driven operations-a lot of features for the money.
Cons: We were unable to print data, the unit may be too small for some to read.
In-Vehicle InfotainmentVeaLink offers a complete system that functions as the entertainment control center for the vehicle. This is the source unit for your truck, providing such things as sound, entertainment, GPS navigation, internet access, and engine diagnostics, to name a few features. The engine diagnostics interface will measure and read the vehicle speed, intake air temperature, engine load, fuel pressure, engine rpm, coolant temperature, air flow rate, intake manifold pressure, timing advance, short-term fuel trim, PTO status, engine run time, throttle position, long-term fuel trim, and the fuel-system status. Although it doesn't allow you to clear trouble codes, the ability to access these measurements is a nice addition to the unit. Users can easily view the information and logic to find the desired data. The system helps troubleshoot a problem, and it prints out the screenshot with the diagnosis. Its price is $2,600, viewable at www.vealink.com.
Pros: The system offers everything from playing and storing music, music videos, and photos, to sending an e-mail in your truck that includes the engine diagnostics.
Cons: It was unable to clear trouble codes or graph, and it is a costly device if you're only interested in engine diagnosis.
In-Dash Navigation SystemPioneer's AVIC-Z1 includes a hard disk drive navigation, touch-screen control for your iPod, entertainment, and checks the performance of the vehicle. It's not OBD-II enabled, but the Vehicle Dynamics gauges offer an easy, fun and accurate way to determine the truck's performance in key areas: acceleration, lateral G-force, angular velocity and slope. The vehicle-dynamics display allows the driver to monitor performance attributes in real time. The AVIC-Z1 displays all of this information on digital gauges, rendered in full color and in different finishes. Interestingly, the AVIC-Z1 will automatically calibrate itself over time to compensate for changes in a vehicle's configuration, such as the installation of bigger wheels and tires.The price is a whopping $2,250. More information is available at www.pioneerelectronics.com.
Pros: This offers a complete source unit for your audio and video needs along with the vehicle dynamics digital gauge displays.
Cons: This is costly in relation to its limited vehicle diagnostic capability.