I would be happy to pay Bob an additional fee for updates and new features too. If this was a commercial product, he would have to charge $200-$300 for the product, and that probably doesn't include packaging and marketing either. I think we are very fortunate to have Bob's expertise and especially his willingness to let us have these units *at cost*, excluding even his own time input, which must be considerable. The demand from other Members shows how much people want a solution of this sort. IDK about you, but I am immeasurably happier driving my car, knowing I am able to keep my eye on coolant temperature (and Volts is also very useful of course, but not the $$$-saver coolant temp could be).

My daily beater is an X-Type and it's ironic that that car has a water temperature gauge right there on the dash (although no Volts). Mrs Barnsie's Porsche also has a full set of gauges built right in. Manufacturers took a big backward step IMO when they stopped offering proper gauges and monitoring. Like I say, I am so much more comfortable since fitting my ADU!

 

Box arrived on my front porch! (Illinois, USA)
Unpacked, looks good!

 

👍

 

I'd say, a small business venture for limited sales as the market is far from huge would be a thing. All this work is worthy of a profit.
Side note........ Are any other models equipped with a similar ashtray configuration???

 

Bob, just an idea. I had a DeTomaso Pantera earlier. In that community a guy clever in electronics came up with a solution to a problem. It sold well, even in that small community. And his products and service were always good. That became his business I believe, he invented lots of electronic solutions for Panteras, white/yellow front LED lights, fusebox with LEDs indicating broken fuse, fan controller, instruments etc. etc. etc.

Just saying. Even on more modern cars, there's a demand for clever electronic solutions customized for X150s.

 

IDK how many XK and XKR owners are on this forum, but I bet most would welcome the additional information and peace of mind the ADU gives. If Bob could sell his unit, at a profit, to half of them, I think it could be the start of a viable business idea. And then Bob's creativity and skill could be put, as you suggest, to other ideas for these wonderful cars. The one that springs immediately to my mind is an upgrade of the entire touchscreen unit. I know there are solutions to this already and I have read the threads, but they are all way too complicated for me (and I guess, many others) to undertake. The beauty of Bob's ADU solution is that it is truly plug and play - no skill need to install it or to use it. And Bob has even perfected the update method too, so that it is pretty foolproof to use. I think there is a market for easy to install, easy to use additions to the XKs - the additional requests for a second round that Bob has received seem to bear this out.

 

Received mine today looks great. I am a bit of a flintstone when it comes to computers, my question is this where do I find these uploads that were mentioned here. Do I search this thread? Is there a sticky? I want to take the ADU to work and have someone upload these for me.

Thx

CC

 

Never mind I see Bob has a site. Installed mine ,took two seconds and paired right up, what a treat! Bob u da best

 

I've never seen anything like it before. The first hit on google showed me an ashtray full of ash.

 

If anyone has ideas I'm open to it. But I do not intend to make a business out of it.

 

Connected it ... still looks good ??

 

OK so I have this coolant temperature warning feature finished. Temperature threshold has been set to 104°C ( = 219F).
For this to happen I had to ditch the intro screens and create a new one, and had to lower the ELM327 data request frequency.
When high coolant temperature is reached:
Coolant value flashes when in coolant/volts mode, a big circle with C flashes when looking at other displays.

All is now downloadable from my website (see my signature).
The 5.0 version I can't fully check if it works.
If your device re-starts randomly, I'll have to lower the frequency even more.

Video of how it looks when a high temperature is measured (threshold is set to a low temperature deliberately):



Update procedure:
- connect device to computer (micro USB cable)
- download EZ firmware ZIP file
- unzip the ZIP file
- go into the unzipped folder
- double click the "firmware.bat" file
- follow the on screen directions.

Be sure not to run the "firmware.bat" file from within a WinRAR window.

 

Looking good, Bob!

 

I'd rather keep the existing start up screen so won't be updating..until I have to.

And come on guys, lets keep this X150 and not digress into your own personal ownership needs, if you've other marques that Bob doesn't own don't be self serving & greedy.

 

Hey, sorry Bob, haven’t had the chance to try it out (too many work and non-work issues needing my attention). But it is still sitting on my desk, so it can try to gilt me into trying it out. Trying to make time for a road trip within the next month, so it will definitely be coming along for the ride!

 

I prefer the existing start-up screen too. I have downloaded the update and put it in my ADU folder, but have hesitated, so far, to install it. If you kept the earlier updater install file, you can try this latest version out and if you don't like it as much, you can go back to the earlier version. Not sure what to do ATM.

EDIT:

Having given it some thought, the added safety factor of an overheating engine being drawn to my attention trumps the aesthetics of the boot screen, so I will probably install the latest update tomorrow.

 

​​​​​That is very elegant, Bob. Well done! We can all drive with much less anxiety of not knowing our engine may quickly overheat and self distroy from a defective hose or water pump. This device is an essential must have.

 

I just updated mine, will be installing it shortly. That said, I know you mentioned that you don't want to make a job out of this, but you have talent my friend. You are a hero among men and a god among mortals! This really is awesome!

Thanks again!

Edit: LOVE IT

 

The eagle has landed. Device looks great and displays Coolant. Some minor problems to work out (feedback):

1. No split screen Coolant/Volts
2. Updated to version 2105. Will not know about Coolant warning (flashing or "C") until it is tested when my engine reaches set temperature.
3. Getting error code "5" and sometimes "-1" as I cycle through the display. After error code screen displays, "If your engine is running:" then gores to "Or start your car". Car was running.
4. Screen displays 1.32, Gallon Oil when I selected Celsius/KM on one display.

Did we loose the split screen Coolant/Volts with the warning update change?
Overall the device is well made and will be an essential must have for our cars.

 

Looks like the update is not taking: