ANCEL BD310
Hardware / interface
Generic OBD-II reader that works either as a cabled handheld or as a Bluetooth dongle with ANCEL's phone app.
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Hardware / interface
Unverified
Unknown
ELM327
Also known as ELM 327 and ELM327 adapter
OBD-to-serial interpreter chip behind most low-cost OBD-II adapters, and the command set that hundreds of apps speak.
By ELM Electronics · Independent community profile — not affiliated with the manufacturer.
About ELM327
ELM327 is the name of an interpreter chip designed by ELM Electronics in Canada. It translates between the car's OBD-II protocols and a simple text command set (the "AT" commands) sent over a serial link. Almost every cheap USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi OBD adapter is built around an ELM327 or a copy of it, so "ELM327" is now used loosely for the whole class of adapter.
What it supports
- All five legislated OBD-II protocols: SAE J1850 PWM and VPW, ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000) and ISO 15765-4 (CAN).
- Generic OBD-II functions: reading and clearing emissions codes, freeze frame, readiness monitors and standard live data (PIDs).
- Manufacturer-specific data only when the app sends the right requests; the chip itself does not know about brands.
Clones and versions
- Genuine ELM327 chips were sold to adapter makers, but most adapters on the market use cloned firmware.
- Clones often report a version such as "v1.5" or "v2.1" that does not match a real ELM firmware, and many leave out commands.
- Missing commands are the most common reason an app connects but cannot read some modules. Better adapters such as OBDLink and vLinker use their own compatible chips and add extended commands.
Good to know
- The speed of a cheap Bluetooth clone is enough for codes and a few gauges, but slow for logging many PIDs at once.
- Adapters that stay powered when the car is off can drain the battery; unplug them or choose one with a sleep mode.
- iPhones cannot use classic Bluetooth adapters; they need a Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi version.
Software that runs on it
Programs that work with ELM327, and how certain that is.
| Software | Status | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torque Pro | Official | $4.95 one-time on Google Play (US price); Torque Lite is free with adverts. Adapter not included. | Any ELM327-compatible adapter. Clone quality varies. |
| Car Scanner ELM OBD2 | Official | Free with ads; Pro about $7.99 one-time on the US App Store | Any ELM327-compatible adapter. Quality varies. |
| FORScan | Community reported | Free Standard licence. Extended licence: free 2-month trial, or paid from about $10–$20 a year or about $50 lifetime | Basic clones often cannot reach MS-CAN modules. |
Capabilities & coverage
Key capabilities
- Live data
- Read & clear fault codes
Vehicle brands
Compatibility note: coverage listed here is a summary of community-submitted information that staff have not yet reviewed. It is not a guarantee for a specific vehicle, model year or software version. Always check the manufacturer's documentation.
Recent community activity
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Fast Bluetooth OBD adapter for iPhone, Android and Windows that works with most ELM327 apps, plus GM and Ford private networks.
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