Previously, automotive technology was limited to the function of sound reproduction, and the development of this segment of technology lagged far behind its stationary counterparts. Now car radios are no longer just devices that read information from CDs or DVDs. They have become more advanced, as can be proved by citing a few facts.

Firstly, car radios now they can play sound not only from the above-mentioned media. Now you can connect any USB-drive (flash drive or portable hard drive) to them. It became possible to interact with a mobile phone, PDA or audio player. Some car radios are equipped with card readers and can play music directly from memory cards, and if there is a display, an image. In addition, the presence of a USB port allows you to charge your phone or mp3 player right in the car.

An interesting improvement of the car radio is the support of Bluetooth communication. This innovation makes it possible not only to listen to music on the phone, but also to use the radio instead of hands-free.

A real abundance of functions has the dream of every motorist - Car PC. This miracle of technology combines the capabilities of several devices. Car PC features include:

• - Video playback. This capability, combined with computer intelligence and an LCD screen, makes watching videos a real pleasure. In addition, the computer has the ability to install a TV tuner and watch your favorite TV shows on the road.
• - Sound. HDD capable of storing thousands of audio clips that will not fit in all the disks that can fit in the glove box. A quality installation speaker system makes car audio unique.
• - Navigation. A compact GPS system is also built into the car computer, which allows you to navigate the terrain using satellite communications. In addition, the presence of a Wi-Fi adapter allows you to update the catalog of road maps directly from the car. And yes, access to high speed internet in the car gives the driver a row additional features: Download music and videos, update PC software and more.

There are now special adapters that allow you to synchronize the operation of a PC and a car engine. Such control over the operation of the car is provided by a special software, which allows you to display the parameters of the engine on the PC screen. More expensive adapter models allow you to not only monitor these parameters, but also change them on the go. A car equipped with such capabilities can rightfully be considered digital.

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Apple and Google want to take over the automotive world with CarPlay and Android. However, they require either an expensive upgrade or a completely new car. However, if you want to smartly connect your smartphone and car, it is not at all necessary to make huge expenses: even the "old cart" has everything you need to be able to use mobile phone as an onboard computer.

The only condition is the presence of a small module with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which can be purchased for only a few tens of euros. This module only needs to be inserted into the OBD-2 (On-Board Diagnostic) diagnostic socket, which is found in any gasoline car manufactured after 2001, or diesel produced after 2004 or later.

The installation location of the OBD-2 connector depends on specific model, but most often it is located under the dashboard on the driver's side.

So the smartphone turns into an on-board computer

In order for a mobile phone to be used as an on-board computer or diagnostic tool, it must be paired with an OBD-2 connector via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Using the appropriate application, you can monitor fuel consumption and display speedometer readings on your smartphone, as well as data on temperature and engine speed, the magnitude and duration of accelerations, and so on.

For off-road driving or competition racing, information such as braking distances, lap times or body tilt can be useful. In addition, using a smartphone, you can read the error codes of the car's on-board computer in order to be able to fix simple problems yourself.

Available modules for the OBD-2 connector with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can be found in the table just above. Besides, interesting applications to work with data from the OBD-2 connector (on iOS and Android) we have shown in the following table.

Note: due to the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol, the presented modules are compatible with the iPhone only via Wi-Fi.

On-board computers
We live in the computer age. And computerization has affected not only our homes and offices, but also cars. Many modern cars are equipped with on-board computers.
On-board computers can significantly protect the driver and passengers, save on expensive diagnostics at the auto center and warn in time about the presence of a malfunction. All this is due to the fact that they:

• Receive and analyze information from various automotive sensors,
• Display current status indicators various systems car,
• They “tell” the car owner what needs to be done to avoid a malfunction or eliminate it.

There are many functions of on-board computers. Here are the most important ones:

• The on-board computer monitors the number of revolutions of the engine, and also monitors its temperature.
• Keeps track of how fast the vehicle is moving
• Checks the oil level, and also monitors the serviceability of candles and filters,
• Monitors fuel consumption depending on various conditions: vehicle load, engine usage, roadway quality, etc.
• Shows the temperature both inside the car and outside.
• Many on-board computers are equipped with speech synthesizers, thanks to which they can speak any information, for example, about the state of a particular car system, which allows you not to be distracted during the trip.
• And much more

Any noticed problem is immediately displayed on the screen and stored in the memory of the on-board computer. There you can also see troubleshooting information, how to properly operate the car so that such malfunctions do not appear in the future, find addresses service centers etc.

Also, the on-board computer can:

• Display vehicle mileage in kilometers,
• Draw a vehicle flow chart
• Calculate the amount of fuel that is needed for a particular trip,
• connect to the internet,
• Serve as a parking sensors screen,
• Prepare reports on the functioning of all vehicle systems,
• control the air conditioner,
• And much more.

That is, the driver can configure the on-board computer to suit their individual needs.
Most often, an on-board computer is installed in a standard place on the dashboard. However, sometimes it can be mounted directly into the roof of the car. It can be installed on vehicles with any engines: injection, carburetor or diesel.
As you can see, the on-board computer allows not only to repair the car on its own, but also to prevent its breakdown, which saves money and avoids accidents.

Car on-board computers completely replace and replace classic devices. For some, this is a great opportunity to open a new device, and someone categorically does not want to change their old equipment, but only by purchasing, you can find out how useful this thing is. Before making a rating about these devices, we will tell you what on-board computers are in general. On-board computers of simple models allow the vehicle owner to find out information about the state of the fuel in the tank, engine speed or temperature, as well as the temperature outside the car. But there are models newest generation, higher class, they have more functionality.
You need to select an on-board computer based on your car, and in order to choose suitable model with the necessary functions, we have compiled rating of on-board computers in 2018, which will describe in detail about each type of device.

The first three in our ranking, occupied by the well-known model of Multitronics, a Russian brand that has been letting in on-board computers since 1987 to the present day, is in first place. This brand creates devices for both our domestic auto industry and foreign cars.

In the first place, the on-board computer of this model is great for cars with gasoline and diesel engines. The capabilities of this device are impressive, thanks to advanced diagnostics, and huge amount functions, your car will always be under control. While in motion, the device notifies of any malfunction and its elimination. Powerful processor for 32 cores, will provide accurate and high-speed operation. The device has USB connector, to connect to a computer, so you can update the on-board computer software, as well as edit and even save the settings that you have set. Built-in voice notification for any errors or malfunctions and their elimination. And the final detail in the description of the Multitronics C-900 model will be complemented by the presence of a universal mount, with which the device is installed on the vehicle panel.
(+) Large high contrast color display. Four color schemes, to switch to a convenient image.
(-) There are no shortcomings, this model has proven itself only from the good side.

In second place on our list is the popular model -. This on-board computer supports a huge number of original protocols, thanks to which the device can be installed in any car. On-board computer Multitronics VC731 has a color display with a resolution of 320 * 240 and excellent image quality. Device diagnostics will be carried out up to 30 parameters, quickly and accurately displaying all errors on the screen, or notifying with a voice synthesizer. The "Fuel quality control" function will allow you to track the consumption of your gasoline and warn of any change, and the "econometer" will control and calculate the amount of gasoline on the way. Complete with an on-board computer, you will receive a 2-year warranty.
(+) New, updated interface, "Hot Menu", allows you to quickly open the desired functions without wasting time.
(-) Long user manual. We attributed this trifle to the minuses, since it has no more shortcomings.

Third place, which will allow you to quickly and accurately get all the information about the state of various systems in your car. Universal system connection, will allow you to use the device in any vehicle. The device is easily installed on the car panel, and has protection in the form of a visor from sunlight. With the help of voice notification, which has 21 emergency warnings, you will ensure complete comfort during the trip. Multitronics TC750 users leave only positive reviews, because the device has a large number of functions and works stably for a long time.
(+) Ability to connect the on-board computer to two parking radars, this will ensure the complete safety of the car during parking.
(-) Due to the large number of functions, it is a little difficult to figure out the settings right away.

The next model in the rating list is well-known by our manufacturer and entered the market after restyling in 2012. Designed for use with UAZ-Patriot, UAZ-Pickup vehicles. The device boasts of its large amount of functionality. With its help, you will always be aware of all problems or failures in management. Liquid crystal display, with a resolution of 128 * 32 dots, as well as an accurate image. Fuel level and external temperature sensor, thanks to this feature, any trip will become comfortable. Operating temperature range (-35 to +60 degrees). And of course free update software over the internet.
(+) Equipped with a self-diagnosis system (gasoline and diesel engines).
(-) Installed on the dashboard near the air duct, so accurate installation is required to properly install.

Fifth place opens on-board computer, model, which is perfectly installed in the standard compartment for the radio (1DIN, 2DIN). The device is equipped with a color display automatic adjustment(day / night), as well as voice notification, thanks to these functions, the trip will be more comfortable. Possibility of more than 100 settings and connection to your laptop to save or transfer travel statistics. A removable front panel will complement a number of good ratings about this on-board computer model.
(+) Powerful 32-bit processor, support for a large number of protocols, advanced diagnostics, up to 200 parameters.
(-) The disadvantages of the device include a complicated menu.

We put the on-board computer in sixth place, with a new 16- bit processor, which will ensure high and accurate operation of the device. The device can be installed in any compartment you choose (1DIN, 2DIN) for convenient use. Removable front panel as well as a casing for its storage, comes with the device. Graphic display with various backlights, and a sun visor. In case of difficulty with the screen, it will help voice guidance, which will notify you of any errors or fuel consumption during the trip. And also, the ability to connect two parking sensors (front and rear) of your car.
(+) The operation of the on-board computer is carried out from the control units of cars or from the speed sensor, this makes the device universal.
(-) Almost every Multitronics model comes with a huge number of functions, due to this it is much more difficult to understand the menu.

In seventh place is the on-board computer of the brand, completely different from previous models, made in original design and is installed in the air duct in Gazelle-Business, UAZ-Patriot cars (dashboard before and after restyling). A 32-bit processor is installed in the on-board computer, which allows you to perform all work at a high level. Auto power on headlights, at the beginning of the movement, as well as the display of slipping wheels. Connection to desktop computer, thanks to availability of USB connector, and the possibility of updating the software. The on-board computer can connect simultaneously to two fuel level sensors, as well as connect up to two parking radars. Multitronics C-580, has a large amount of various functions and is easy to operate, and in addition to all this, has an attractive price.
(+) On the display of the device, 9 different parameters are displayed at once, which will allow you to monitor the condition of the vehicle with complete accuracy.
(-) There are no flaws in this model, it is completely easy to manage.

The eighth place in our rating is occupied, with the ability to connect to the diagnostic block of any car. "Hot menu" system, with which you can carry out fast access to desired functions. And also, a log of trips and gas stations, more than 20 of your trips will be saved for accurate calculation of the next trips. For a good and easy parking, or if you are not bad at feeling the dimensions of the car, you can connect the on-board computer to up to two parking radars. More than 200 ECU diagnostic parameters, diagnosis of any errors that have occurred, as well as a color display, with up to 4 different color schemes. All these important details are collected in the Multitronics CL-590 on-board computer.
(+) Use with gas equipment will allow you to calculate fuel consumption as accurately as possible.
(-) No voice synthesizer.

The next place is on-board computer, the ability of which is to understand up to 11 types of on-board systems, as well as to diagnose more than 30 different parameters. Support for many diagnostic protocols, both domestic and foreign cars. Equipped with a 32-bit processor, as well as a digital display, with the ability to display up to 9 parameters. Instead of a voice synthesizer, the on-board computer has a buzzer that works in case of any malfunction. You can always transfer any settings and even saved parameters to a desktop computer.
(+) The advantages of this device include extensive functionality and convenient control. Multitronics CL-550, the most a budget option, which is in no way inferior to its predecessors in work.
(-) There is only one minus of this device, a non-removable panel.

In the last place of our rating, we put the on-board computer model, an excellent choice for AvtoVAZ owners. It is easy to install, in a regular place of the car and just as easy to manage, and thanks to the instructions supplied with the device, installation will not take much time. A display with a maximum resolution and an operating temperature of up to -30 degrees will please any owner of the domestic auto industry. Voice notification, with speaking about any emergencies, and with the help of this, you can easily and quickly eliminate the cause of the error. By purchasing this model of on-board computer, you get good helper on the road, which will monitor and correct any errors in your car.
(+) Completely new software interface and work in all weather conditions.
(-) Slightly different in size from other models.

All presented on-board computers in the rating can be bought from us in the online store, either by placing an order through the basket, or by calling us by phone. If you have any questions, call us, we will definitely help you. Our store delivers nationwide!

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