UltraGauge is a popular automotive information center and OBDII scan tool designed to provide vehicle owners with real-time data and diagnostic capabilities. It allows you to monitor a wide array of engine parameters, from coolant temperature and oxygen sensor readings to more advanced metrics like intake manifold pressure and RPM. Beyond engine health, UltraGauge also tracks fuel efficiency, offering gauges for instantaneous and average MPG, distance to empty, and fuel tank levels. Furthermore, it functions as a trouble code reader, capable of diagnosing issues, clearing codes, and turning off the check engine light.
Originally, UltraGauge offered both wired and wireless (UltraGauge Blue) versions to cater to different user preferences. While UltraGauge Blue has been discontinued since early 2022, understanding the differences between the wired and wireless models can still be helpful in choosing the right OBD2 scanner for your needs. This article will focus on the features of Ultragauge Obd2 devices, particularly the still-available wired versions, and provide context regarding the now-discontinued wireless option.
UltraGauge Wired: Reliable and Straightforward OBD2 Diagnostics
The wired versions of UltraGauge, including the EM Plus and MX models, are designed as all-in-one, purpose-built solutions. These devices are self-contained and ready to use right out of the box. Connecting directly to your vehicle’s OBDII port, they offer a constant and reliable connection, ensuring that your vehicle data is always accessible. Once plugged in, UltraGauge wired becomes a permanent part of your vehicle’s instrumentation, much like your dashboard gauges.
Powering directly from the OBDII port, UltraGauge wired devices are energy-efficient, drawing very little power during operation and entering an ultra-low power mode when the ignition is off. This minimal power draw means you can leave the device connected without worrying about battery drain. The focus of UltraGauge wired is on simplicity and efficiency, presenting data on a bright, monochrome display in a clear digital text format. You can customize the display to show 4, 6, or 8 gauges per page, allowing you to monitor the most critical parameters at a glance.
UltraGauge Wireless (Blue): Exploring Past Wireless Capabilities
Although discontinued, UltraGauge Blue represented a foray into wireless OBD2 connectivity. It paired an OBDII adapter with a mobile application on your Android or Apple device to create a complete wireless diagnostic solution. The UltraGauge Blue adapter connected to the OBDII port and communicated wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet.
One of the key advantages of UltraGauge Blue was its automatic connection. Once paired, it would automatically connect to your mobile device whenever the device was within range, requiring no manual intervention. Like the wired versions, the Blue adapter was designed to be always present and active, becoming a permanent part of your vehicle’s system. Users could choose to mount a dedicated older smartphone as a permanent display or use their primary mobile device when needed.
UltraGauge Blue also offered the benefit of customer-updatable software for both the mobile app and the OBDII adapter. This allowed for frequent updates, new features, and enhancements, extending the product’s lifespan and capabilities. The wireless platform enabled more visually rich displays, supporting color, high-resolution graphics, analog gauges, graphing, and extensive customization options within the mobile app. Users could display between 1 and 10 gauges per page, combining digital, analog, graphs, and alert icons as desired.
Key Differences: Wired vs. Wireless UltraGauge OBD2 (Discontinued)
While UltraGauge Blue is no longer available, understanding its differences from the wired versions helps to illustrate the trade-offs between connectivity types in OBD2 scanners. The wired UltraGauge excels in its simplicity, reliability, and all-in-one nature. It offers a dedicated, always-on display without reliance on a secondary device. In contrast, UltraGauge Blue leveraged the power and display capabilities of smartphones, offering more advanced graphical interfaces and update flexibility, but required a compatible mobile device to function as the display and interface.
The choice between wired and wireless UltraGauge versions, as highlighted in the original product line, mirrors the decision between a dedicated GPS navigation device and a navigation app on a smartphone. Wired versions offer focused functionality and guaranteed operation, while wireless solutions, like UltraGauge Blue once did, offer flexibility and richer features at the cost of added complexity and dependence on external devices.
UltraGauge OBD2: More Than Just a Scan Tool
Regardless of the wired or (previously) wireless connection, UltraGauge devices are versatile tools that go beyond basic OBD2 scanning. They function as comprehensive automotive information centers, providing insights into your vehicle’s real-time performance and health. Whether you are interested in monitoring fuel economy to improve driving habits, keeping an eye on critical engine parameters to prevent breakdowns, or diagnosing and clearing check engine lights yourself, UltraGauge OBD2 scanners offer valuable data and functionality for any car owner.
In conclusion, while the UltraGauge Blue wireless option is no longer available, the robust and reliable wired UltraGauge OBD2 scanners remain a valuable tool for vehicle diagnostics and monitoring. They offer a straightforward and effective way to access crucial vehicle data, empowering you to understand your car better and maintain it proactively.
