Hardware · OBD reader
OBD Log Core: the OBD reader for OBD Log
A reader made for the app: it reads the engine's data, covers some cars common adapters cannot read and never sends a command to the car.
The Core
What it does for you
Plugged into the car's connector, the Core talks to the app over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The phone keeps carrying the data to the server.
Everything the app does
Live engine data, trips, AI and video with data, with a reader made for OBD Log.
More cars
It also covers some cars with older protocols or with the diagnostic pin off the standard position.
CAN bus
Listens to the car's CAN bus without the car noticing the device.
PRO included
Linking the Core to your account unlocks the app's PRO version without a subscription.
Safety
Read-only, guaranteed in two layers
What the device may send to the car is limited in the software and on the board itself.
In firmware
A single allow-list decides what may go out to the car: read services only. Actuator tests, adaptations, programming and security access are dropped.
In hardware
The second CAN is physically unable to transmit: its transmit line is left open on the board.
The only possible write: clearing fault codes
Off by default. Only with explicit confirmation in the app and after the codes have been read and saved. Every clearing is logged.
Comparison
How the Core compares
Side by side with a common OBD2 adapter. Comparison by category: every adapter is different.
See the full comparisonRead-only guarantee
- OBD Log Core
- Firmware + hardware
- Common OBD2 adapter
- Depends on the app
K-line off pin 7
- OBD Log Core
- 8 pins
- Common OBD2 adapter
- Standard pin only
Second CAN on free pins
- OBD Log Core
- Yes, passive listening
- Common OBD2 adapter
- No
Reliable passive listening
- OBD Log Core
- Yes, by design
- Common OBD2 adapter
- Some ignore silent mode
Slow protocols of older cars
- OBD Log Core
- Designed for it
- Common OBD2 adapter
- Some hang
OBD Log PRO included when linked
- OBD Log Core
- Yes
- Common OBD2 adapter
- No
Specifications
Technical specifications
For those who want the details of the board and the protocols. The design may still change before sale.
See the CAN signals page- Pins with routable K-line
- 8
- Buses
- 2CAN
- Vehicle voltage
- 12V
- ESP32 processor, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to talk to the app.
- High-speed CAN on the standard pins (6 and 14).
- K-line/L-line (ISO 9141 and KWP2000) routable across 8 connector pins.
- Second CAN in passive listening on any pair of free pins.
- Nothing is connected to any pin until the firmware decides: at power-up, every selector sits on an empty channel.
- Protection on every pin (TVS) and on the power input.
- Two models on the same board: CAN (essential) and OBD (complete, with K-line and second CAN).
Limits
What it does not do
Better you know up front: the Core has a defined focus.
- 12 V only: the board's power stage and protection are made for cars and light utility vehicles. 24 V trucks are out of scope.
- No 4G modem: the phone carries the data to the internet, through the app.
- No actuator tests or programming: the Core only reads, for the car's safety.
Try the app today with an OBD2 adapter
The Core is still in development. The app already works with a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter.