Understanding the performance of your OBD2 scanner is crucial for effective car diagnostics, especially when it comes to real-time data monitoring. One key metric that significantly differentiates OBD2 adapters is their PID (Parameter ID) read speed. This speed determines how quickly your scanner can retrieve data from your vehicle’s computer, impacting the smoothness and responsiveness of live readings in applications like Torque Pro. Let’s delve into a practical evaluation, essentially a “teardown” in terms of performance analysis, of the BAFX OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, a popular choice known for its speed and affordability.
When assessing OBD2 adapters, the PID read speed test within Torque Pro’s “Adapter Status” is a valuable tool. Keep in mind that this speed can fluctuate based on the communication protocol used by your vehicle, as well as the specific make, model, and year. In my experience with a 2001 Blazer, the BAFX OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, readily available on platforms like Amazon for around $22, stands out as one of the faster options in its price range. I consistently observed around 30 scans per second with this adapter.
To put this into perspective, I previously tested the OBDLink MX, a more expensive adapter priced around $80. While the OBDLink MX did offer a slightly better speed of approximately 38 scans per second, the marginal increase in performance didn’t justify the significantly higher cost for my needs. On the other end of the spectrum, a budget-friendly clone adapter, costing under $10 from online marketplaces, proved to be considerably slower, delivering a mere 3 scans per second. This sluggish speed rendered it impractical for live monitoring of multiple parameters simultaneously. I passed this slower adapter to a friend who uses it with Torque Free on a 2007 Taurus for basic code reading and clearing, tasks for which its speed is adequate and the price point appealing.
For users like myself who frequently monitor several parameters concurrently, such as misfire counters across all cylinders, RPM, and CMP retard, a faster scan speed is essential. Imagine monitoring eight PIDs with a slow 3 scans/second adapter; updates would occur only every 2.5 seconds, leading to a choppy and delayed data stream. In contrast, with the BAFX adapter’s 30 scans/second, you achieve approximately 4 updates per second across those same eight parameters, providing a much smoother and more responsive monitoring experience.
While Torque Pro is a feature-rich and user-friendly application, it’s worth noting its limitation in displaying CMP retard on older Blazers. For monitoring CMP retard on 1998-2004 Blazers, Car Gauge Pro ($8.95) is a viable alternative, although it lacks enhanced GM PIDs for 1996-1997 models. Dash Command offers CMP retard display for 1996-2004 Blazers but involves a higher cost, with the app priced at $10 plus an additional $10 for enhanced PIDs per connected vehicle. All these software options are compatible with Bluetooth OBD2 adapters, including the BAFX. For advanced bi-directional communication tasks like crank sensor relearn, specialized Windows-based applications such as HP Tuners VCM scanner, EFI Live, and Autoenginuity are necessary, often requiring their own proprietary OBD2 adapters.
In conclusion, the BAFX OBD2 scanner provides a compelling balance of speed and affordability for users needing reliable and responsive live data monitoring. While not the absolute fastest on the market, its performance significantly surpasses cheaper alternatives and offers excellent value for everyday car diagnostics and performance analysis. For users prioritizing speed without breaking the bank, the BAFX OBD2 adapter is a strong contender.
