I'm looking at purchasing a ScanGauge II but have also come to find that there are potentially ways to monitor the same information via iPhone. Does anyone have any experience using these apps and if so, how do they compare to a ScanGauge. (The one I've come across is called Dash Command.)
I have no smartphone. I do have a ScanGuageE a cheaper, stripped down and smaller version of the ScanGuage II I acquired mainly to monitor fuel consumption. Like the ScanGuage II it plugs into your diagnostic port and reports out the fuel consumption data supplied by your vehicle and will also report and clear diagnostic codes.
If your looking for a tool to guide your driving style it's pretty good. I personally monitor GPH (gallons per hour) and AVG MPG.
Over the several years I've used the ScanGuageE typically the actual gallons at fillup are within about 0.5 gallon of the used gallons reported by the ScanGaugeE over a 380 miles. That's about +/-5%
Welcome, Rick. I too use the ScanGauge E, and it is brilliant. I have it mounted on the steering column binnacle, and it is always in view and always available. Like you, I don't use a Smart phone, but feel that a dedicated instrument is handier than a phone you have to set up every time you want to use it, especially if you use the phone while driving, such as for Sat Nav, music, or even just phone calls.
I got a ScanGauge II years ago, but if I had to do it over, I'd likely use my smart phone. The app and bluetooth OBDII plug will be cheaper. The app might even be more versatile.
The downside to it is having to choose between the gauge app or navigation, if you also use your phone for that.
Otherwise, I am happy with the Scangauge, and Linear Logic has great customer support. They gave me a free firmware update when the gauge didn't work with a new car.
I use a ScanGauge because I can closely monitor instant MPG and average MPG simultaneously, along with getting a precision read-out of the all-important MPH in attaining good fuel economy. I think the ScanGauge is one of the most effective tools for doing all that, and it can be mounted in an easy-to-monitor place much easier than a smart phone, generally speaking.
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