You guys have probably seen the ads for Ultra-Gauge on the auto shows. I was reading a discussion thread where some guys have tried this and it sounds pretty good, especially for $60. This thing is a code reader with a graphic screen (about the size of a GPS) that allows programmable gauges to be grouped on custom screens. It supports calibration and will supposedly read all codes and display any that are active including pending codes.

It mounts to the front window with an articulated suction cup arm or to the dash with velcro. The guys in this thread had been able to move it through several cars and pick up all the codes.

Has anyone tried this gadget on the XK?

 

I've noticed that ultra-guage with interest too.

 

got a link for it walt, or gonna make my lazy butt google it?

 

Click HERE I have bought one of these recently but not fitted I could plug it up and let you know how it looks

 

Has anyone used it yet on the Jaguar's? It doesn't specifically list jaguar support and I know that Jaguar has vehicle specific codes that most don't support.

 

Ok, I have read their materials, and I think I have answered my own question. It isn't really doing anything with trouble codes other than displaying them so the Jaguar specific codes will still be displayed, unless I am mistaken.

 

I am more interested in the more acurate temperature readings, the current temp gauge is a sham and lies, the only gauge that gives a true reading is your analogue tick tock clock

 

Some things I picked up on another forum. The Ultra-gauge firmware can't be updated by the owner. It has to be done at the factory. Since it is a new device updates are likely. There is no mention of what the upgrade policy will be but I will ask.

They originally sold it for $49.99 but now it is $59.99 with the claim that it will go to $200. Whether this actually happens is anyone's guess but they are trying to jack up some sales with the good deal factor.

It apparently will read any code but whether it attaches meaning to it is conjecture. In the mpg forum posts the basic codes were read on multiple vehicles and gauges were created so it has a lot of flexibility. In that group the emphasis is on MPG so tank size, fuel rate, miles traveled, are the sort of thing they were able to get.

 

I made an attempt to talk with the Ultra-Gauge people but found no phone number and no interest on their part in doing anything but sell product. In fact they have gone to great effort to avoid any contact with someone who might know the product. My opinion is that this is an interesting gadget but they have no intention of supporting it as a professional tool. I was mis-lead by the advertisements on the car shows that implied this was something better.

When I asked the question about their upgrade support policy (via email only) I was pointed to their "Service Policy" which does not talk at all about any possibility of upgrade. From this I assume that what you see is what you get since I couldn't get anyone to say anything beyond pointing to some useless boiler plate.

If you have $60 to play with another gadget then this thing is OK but don't expect any support from these people, whomever they are.

 

I had seen this http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm a few months back and liked the idea. If for anything it will tell you the most accurate information on the temperature value along with a host of other points like fuel pressure and oxygen sensors. If you notice the temp and oil pressure gauges in our cars are like a placebo. They stay at the optimum and only move when what they monitor is at an extreme. The question is will it work with our cars?

 

Exact reason why I bought one, I cant care about codes, to me what my engine is exactly doing is more important to me.

 

Does it work well with your xk?

 

Let you know when I receive it LOL.......

 

Sorry! I thought you had it....

 

I suspect we should be careful. It sounds like a marketing firm has found a product they can ride till it dies.

 

What about this:
http://www.plxdevices.com/

Am very VERY tempted, I already have my iphone on my dash, so this whould be a great addition, maybe for xmass ;-)

 

I found this site http://www.tricktuners.com/index.htm which has a lot of info on using the PLX devices. The TrickTuner guy mainly tunes Mustangs, but he appears to get a lot of bang out of the PLX OBDII devices.

I'm also tempted by the PLX OBDII devices: although they are quite a bit more expensive than the Ultra Gauge, they are very customizable, easy to read and it looks easy to update the firmware through the Web.

Your thoughts?

 

Couldn't resist, have just bought it with some additional sensors, can't wait to install.

 

Please post how easily it installs and how it works for you. I'm dieing to know!

 

I ordered an Ultra-Gauge just to see and will report back on what I think. I suspect it will be good despite the cave man operation they are running.

The PLX really looks good, especially that chick they have doing the demo video. Yikes! I don't know what she's selling but I'm a buyer. I noticed that one of the cars in their promo photos is an XKR.