Scan Gauge II – Automobile Computer

This is a cool thing to have and could also save some real money along the way. Basically the Scan Gauge plugs in to the OBDII plug in your car/truck and diplays data for you to monitor.

In the case of a problem it will dispaly the error code generated by your vehicles computer. In normal operation it can display digitally the ; battery voltage, throttle position, RPM’s, manifold pressure, speed, fuel economy, engine load, water temperature, intake air temperature, cost per mile, and fuel system loop status. The data can be view real time to help you monitor your driving habits in order to save fuel.

The data can also be tracked for various trips including, current tank, previous day, current day, current trip and resettable segments.

I have used the Scan Gauge for the last six tanks of gas and have been able to improve my fuel economy by about 1 to 2 miles per gallon. At that rate the unit will pay for itself in less than a year, it sells for about $160. It could also produce a real savings in the event of a vehicle malfuction since you would know the error code before visiting the mechanic.

I should point out the savings in fuel is not from the unit modifying the vehicle performance in any way. It simply provides enough real time and trip based data to allow you to see how you are driving and make modifacations to help efficiency. i think all vehicles should display this data but until they do the Scan Gauge is the way to go.

Motorola KRZR Cellphone

We have had this phone for about 18 months during which it sees daily use. Starting with the good points, the phone does not drop many calls (Verizon is the Carrier) and seems better with signal strength than other previous models also using Verizon. For the most part the functionality of the phone is good though it is not necessarily intuitive. The physical size of the phone was a feature I liked initially and still do. I carry the phone in my pants pocket and the slim design allows that to be convenient and comfortable.

What we did not like has to start with the battery. The initial battery seemed to have good life in standby and talk time but began to lose performance in about 6 months. The second battery never had as much life as the first one and was replaced after about 4 months. The lady with the additude at the Verizon Store near my house curtly explained that this was common with customers who overcharge the batteries. I had heard some time ago that batteries like these have a limited number of charge cycles so I don’t plug in the charger until I have 2 bars or less. I think most people plug their phones to the charger so they charge overnight which is what I do. Anyway since then I have replaced that battery and am on the fourth one, so far so good…

A minor issue is with the keypad which started after only 3 months. The keypad finish is a silvery looking metallic type which began to discolor and now is fairly ugly. The operation has been fine, back lighting still works, etc, but it looks more like a 5 or 6 year  old phone than 18 months. What gets the most attention however is the outside plastic display screen that you can view without flipping the phone open. It seems to be an overly brittle plastic that has spider cracks starting on one end and traveling completely across the screen. Again the phone still functions but you have to wonder for how much longer. The “new every two” replacement program may be a stretch but we will see.

To wrap it up, the phone does function well but battery issues and questionable durability cannot be overlooked.