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Enhance Your RealDash Experience with OBD2 and CAN Adapters

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RealDash is a powerful tool for car enthusiasts and professionals alike, transforming your mobile device into a customizable digital dashboard. To fully leverage its capabilities and unlock a wealth of vehicle data, connecting via OBD2 and CAN adapters is essential. This guide explores compatible adapters, ensuring you choose the right one to maximize your RealDash experience.

Understanding CAN and LIN Adapters for RealDash

RealDash communicates with your vehicle’s systems through various adapters, primarily focusing on CAN (Controller Area Network) and LIN (Local Interconnect Network) protocols. These networks are the backbone of modern vehicle communication, relaying crucial data from the engine, sensors, and other modules. By using compatible adapters, RealDash can display real-time data, offering insights into your vehicle’s performance and health.

This article will guide you through several supported CAN and LIN adapters, detailing their features and connection procedures within RealDash. Whether you are a seasoned tuner or a car owner wanting deeper vehicle insights, understanding these adapters is your first step towards a richer RealDash experience.

Supported CAN/LIN Adapters for RealDash

Below are detailed descriptions of compatible CAN and LIN adapters for RealDash, ensuring seamless integration and robust data transfer.

CAN Analyzer (Type 1)

The CAN Analyzer, readily available from Seeedstudio, is a versatile CAN to Serial adapter. It’s a cost-effective option for users seeking a reliable wired connection.

Key Features:

  • Serial/USB Connectivity: Provides a stable USB connection for data transfer.
  • Configurable Baud Rate: While defaulting to 2000000, it’s adjustable, which is beneficial for troubleshooting data stuttering issues. Windows software for configuration is available on GitHub.
  • Baud Rate Indication: LED flashes on boot indicate the current baud rate setting, simplifying diagnostics.

Setting Baud Rate (If Needed):

If you encounter data stuttering in RealDash, lowering the baud rate can improve stability. Follow these steps using the Windows software:

  1. Connect the adapter to your Windows PC.
  2. Open the Windows software and select the correct COM port and current baud rate (observe LED flashes on adapter boot to determine current baud rate).
  3. Click “Open”.
  4. Click “Change bps”.
  5. Select the desired baud rate from the dropdown and click “Change”.
  6. Close the port, disconnect and reconnect the adapter to USB. Observe LED flashes to confirm the baud rate change. Reopen the connection with the new baud rate.

Connecting CAN Analyzer (Type 1) to RealDash:

  1. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  2. Add a new connection.
  3. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> CAN Analyzer -> Serial/USB -> [Adapter name on the list] -> Baud rate configured on the adapter’.
  4. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  5. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

Robotell USB-CAN Adapter

The Robotell USB-CAN adapter offers a straightforward USB CAN interface. However, it requires a power cycle for configuration changes, which RealDash handles externally.

Key Considerations:

  • Pre-Configuration Required: CAN speed and other settings must be configured using Robotell’s software before connecting to RealDash. RealDash does not configure this adapter directly.
  • Default Baud Rate: Typically set to 115200.

Connecting Robotell USB-CAN Adapter to RealDash:

  1. Ensure the adapter is configured with the desired CAN speed using Robotell’s software.
  2. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  3. Add a new connection.
  4. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> Robotell -> Serial/USB -> [Adapter name on the list] -> Baud rate configured on the adapter (Default 115200)’.
  5. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  6. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

CANable (and SLCAN Adapters)

CANable adapters, available from Openlight Labs, are popular for their open-source nature and flexibility. They are SLCAN compatible, making them broadly usable.

Key Features:

  • SLCAN Compatibility: Adheres to the SLCAN protocol, ensuring compatibility with various software and platforms.
  • CANable 2.0 Default Baud Rate: Often configured to 2M baud rate by default.

Connecting CANable Adapter to RealDash:

  1. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  2. Add a new connection.
  3. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> SLCAN -> Serial/USB -> [Adapter name on the list] -> Baud rate configured on the adapter’.
  4. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  5. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

MeatPi CAN Adapter (WiFi/Bluetooth)

The MeatPi CAN adapter from Tindie offers wireless connectivity via WiFi and Bluetooth LE, providing flexibility in setup.

Key Features:

  • Dual Wireless Options: Supports both WiFi and Bluetooth LE connections. Bluetooth is compatible with Android and iOS RealDash versions.
  • MeatPi Documentation: Configuration details are available on the MeatPi GitHub page.

Connecting MeatPi CAN Adapter to RealDash:

  1. Bluetooth Connection: Pair the MeatPi adapter with your device via Bluetooth settings.
  2. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  3. Add a new connection.
  4. For WiFi: Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> MeatPi CAN Adapter -> WiFi/LAN -> [Enter IP and Port]’.
  5. For Bluetooth: Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> MeatPi CAN Adapter -> Bluetooth -> [Adapter name on the list]’.
  6. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  7. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

SPLeinonen DashBox

The SPLeinonen DashBox, available at SPLeinonen web store, is a Bluetooth CAN converter with added sensor inputs, ideal for comprehensive vehicle monitoring.

Key Features:

  • Bluetooth CAN Conversion: Wireless Bluetooth connectivity for easy integration.
  • Additional Sensor Inputs: Expands data collection beyond CAN bus data.

Connecting SPLeinonen DashBox to RealDash:

  1. Pair the DashBox with your device via Bluetooth settings.
  2. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  3. Add a new connection.
  4. Select ‘DashBox -> Bluetooth -> [Adapter name on the list]’.
  5. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  6. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

OBDLink OBD2 Adapters: High-Quality OBD2 Solutions for RealDash

OBDLink adapters are highly recommended for RealDash users seeking reliable OBD2 and CAN connectivity. While OBD2 adapters can read CAN streams, it’s important to note that they are not ideal for heavy CAN bus writing due to potential data read interruptions. However, for general RealDash use focusing on data monitoring, OBDLink adapters are excellent, high-quality choices.

Why OBDLink?

  • Reliability and Quality: OBDLink devices are known for their robust performance and longevity.
  • Versatile Connectivity: Available in Bluetooth, USB, and WiFi versions to suit different setup needs.
  • Pre-defined Configurations: RealDash offers pre-configured settings for direct CAN connections with OBDLink adapters, simplifying setup.
  • Wide Range of Models: Choose from OBDLink MX+, OBDLink CX, OBDLink EX, OBDLink LX, and OBDLink SX based on your specific requirements.

Connecting OBDLink OBD2 Adapters to RealDash as Direct CAN:

Bluetooth Connection:

  1. Pair your OBDLink Bluetooth adapter with your device.
  2. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  3. Add a new connection.
  4. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> OBDLink CAN Adapter -> Bluetooth -> [Adapter name on the list]’.
  5. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  6. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

USB Connection:

  1. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  2. Add a new connection.
  3. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> OBDLink CAN Adapter -> Serial/USB -> [Adapter name on the list] -> Baud rate 115200’.
  4. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  5. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

WiFi Connection:

  1. Connect to the OBDLink adapter’s WiFi hotspot.
  2. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  3. Add a new connection.
  4. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> OBDLink CAN Adapter -> WiFi/LAN -> [Adapter IP address and port, default 192.168.0.10 and 35000]’.
  5. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  6. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

CAN Analyzer (Type 2)

Developed by Beijing LDXN Technology Ltd (Website, Online Shop), this CAN to USB converter simplifies setup with automatic baud rate handling in RealDash.

Key Features:

  • Automatic Baud Rate: No manual baud rate configuration needed within RealDash.
  • Verified Compatibility: Tested and working with Windows and Android versions of RealDash.

Connecting CAN Analyzer (Type 2) to RealDash:

  1. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  2. Add a new connection.
  3. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> CAN Analyzer (type 2) -> Serial/USB -> [Adapter name on the list]’.
  4. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  5. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

LIN Analyzer

Also from Beijing LDXN Technology Ltd, the LIN Analyzer is a dedicated LIN to USB converter, operating at a fixed 115200 baud rate.

Key Features:

  • Dedicated LIN Support: Specifically designed for LIN bus communication.
  • Fixed Baud Rate: Operates at 115200 baud rate, non-configurable in RealDash.

Connecting LIN Analyzer to RealDash:

  1. In RealDash, navigate to ‘Garage’ -> open vehicle door -> tap instrument cluster.
  2. Add a new connection.
  3. Select ‘Adapters (CAN/LIN) -> LIN Analyzer -> Serial/USB -> [Adapter name on the list]’.
  4. Optional: Tap ‘Can Description File’ to use a predefined file or select a custom XML file from RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files.
  5. Tap ‘Done’ in the upper left corner and exit the Garage.

Maximize Your RealDash Experience with the Right Adapter

Choosing the correct CAN or LIN adapter is crucial for optimal RealDash performance. This guide has provided detailed information on supported adapters, from wired USB options to wireless Bluetooth and WiFi solutions. By selecting an adapter that suits your needs and following the connection steps, you can unlock the full potential of RealDash and gain valuable insights into your vehicle’s operation. Remember to explore the RealDash CAN protocol compatible XML files to further customize your data interpretation within RealDash.

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