Our next review is KIWI WiFi OBDII automotive interface from PLX Devices, a device that connects your cars on-board diagnostics to an iPad in real time through it's WiFi port. Right up front this is just the interface device and without an app to access the data it provides you might as well own a rock instead. That said there are a number of apps in Apple's App Store that work with PLX's KIWI device, none more than $50. Alas there does not appear to be a free app, at least not anymore.
PLX Devices offers the KIWI in 2 different formats, the base model, which only connects to the OBDII port, and an upgraded version that has an input port for external devices like boost controllers and external sensors to gather data not collected by the OBDII port. We chose the upgraded version because at some point our test mule is to be equipped with a supercharger and we need something to manage the boost controller. A variety of compatible sensors and controllers are available from PLX depending on your needs.
Our KIWI arrived in the mail in a small box about a week after we ordered it, and opening the box we found a a small plastic box with two cables dangling out and a simple single page of instructions. After we located our OBDII port and plugged in the KIWI we started the car and the KIWI lit up. Following the instructions we launched the control panel on our iPad, located he WiFi settings , made a setting change and viola! The iPad found the KIWI and we were all set.
Or were we? Life is rarely as simple as a one page instruction sheet and in fact that turned out to be the case here.
While the iPad saw the KIWI and vice versa, when we launched our management app it was unable to locate or open the OBDII port. After casting about a bit on the internet for a solution (everyone elses seemed to work of course!)we finally decided to go straight to the source and contacted PLX devices support dept by email. After exchanging a few emails and voicemails I finally connected with Tim Oravec and after jumping back in the car he had me add a line to the iPad's network configuration file, something not in the instructions and not needed in most instances according to Tim. Firing back up the management app it immediately located the OBDII port and started collecting data.
I have run around with the KIWI attached for about a month now and it has been a solid piece of equipment. It has performed as advertised, would have been really simple to get running for the one configuration issue, and was worth the investment. For more information on PLX Devices KIWI WiFi OBDII reader for the iPad check out their web site at http://www.plxkiwi.com/kiwiwifi/ . They have a similar model that utilizes BlueTooth for Android based tablets..