Leaf Spy Lite

[jlv]

I bought this and it works find with my Android phone and Leaf Spy (Lite and Pro):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AAOOQJC/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ($11.39 with Prime shipping).

Because it was recommended somewhere, I also bought this OBD II "Y" splitter: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJAMBI8/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It allows me to tuck the OBD II adapter up out of the way.

[Turbo3]

I have tested one unit of this model and it works fine. It is also fairly short so no need for a cable to get it out of the way of your leg. Available from Amazon Prime for $21.99.

http://www.amazon.com/CHEERLINK%C2%AE-K ... 902+elm327

[Agkirk]

I use this one which cost $6.75 and was easy to disassemble as it is just snapped together at the base. Use a thin knife blade or Xacto blade to pry it apart.

Rewired it by cutting pin 16 and soldering pin 8 to the pin 16 stub on the board. Cut away the snap at pin 16 to get access. This puts the unit on the Leaf's switched 12V.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Interfuse-Mini- ... 4638369240" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Turbo3]

I use this one which cost $6.75 and was easy to disassemble as it is just snapped together at the base. Use a thin knife blade or Xacto blade to pry it apart.

Rewired it by cutting pin 16 and soldering pin 8 to the pin 16 stub on the board. Cut away the snap at pin 16 to get access. This puts the unit on the Leaf's switched 12V.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Interfuse-Mini- ... 4638369240" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I bought a couple of these for testing. Here is what they look like inside. Note only snap clips hold it together.


Note that the case could be made half the size. Due to the oversized case the three LEDs on the board are not visible with the case on.

This adapter works with LeafSpy because it still uses a separate Bluetooth daughter board and on the back side there is a PIC processor that handles all the CAN commands.

The ELM327s that don't work with LeafSpy have dropped the PIC processor and integrated the CAN code into the Bluetooth CPU. In the process of making it all fit in one processor they dropped the commands needed to communicate with the Leaf. Then relabeled their cost reduced ELM327 as version 2.1 which it is clearly not, not even a v1.5 after they dropped the commands. Unfortunately you can not tell which ELM you have (PIC or no PIC) unless you open it up or run LeafSpy.

[dhanson865]

newbieish question:

Can I use leafspy while on a Chademo charger to watch charge percentages and/or do anything else it can do?

Can I use leafspy while on a J1772 charger to watch charge percentages and/or do anything else it can do?

or put another way is the ODBII port active during charging sessions?

I'm about to go look at a used leaf and I'm trying to figure out how much time to spend on doing things before I charge it up. I want to test charging before I buy and if I can do all my leafspying during a charge session that would save some time and hassle.

[Turbo3]

newbieish question:

Can I use leafspy while on a Chademo charger to watch charge percentages and/or do anything else it can do?

Can I use leafspy while on a J1772 charger to watch charge percentages and/or do anything else it can do?

or put another way is the ODBII port active during charging sessions?

I'm about to go look at a used leaf and I'm trying to figure out how much time to spend on doing things before I charge it up. I want to test charging before I buy and if I can do all my leafspying during a charge session that would save some time and hassle.

Yes, you can use LeafSpy to monitor a charge (QC or L1/L2). With LeafSpy or LeafSpy Pro you can also create a graph while it charges. Here is one for a QC. A csv file can be saved for later viewing or analysis.

With the newer Leafs you may need to turn on the Leaf after starting a charge so LeafSpy can start collecting data and once started then the Leaf can be turned off for the remainder of the charge cycle.

[mjblazin]

I thought running the car while charging was not recommended. I have tried the LeafSpy, not running, during charge with no success. I did not want to go to run even for short time unless ok. I assume on a hot day, the run time has to small or the battery heating with running and charging could cause problems.

[Turbo3]

I thought running the car while charging was not recommended. I have tried the LeafSpy, not running, during charge with no success. I did not want to go to run even for short time unless ok. I assume on a hot day, the run time has to small or the battery heating with running and charging could cause problems.

There is no problem turning the Leaf on while charging. In this case it would only be on for a few seconds to wake up the VCM so LeafSpy can talk to it. Once the VCM is awake and responding to LeafSpy commands you can turn the Leaf off and the VCM will stay awake.

This only became necessary with the 2013 Leaf. On 2011/12 Leafs the VCM will stay awake during charging so you don't need to wake it up.

[mjblazin]

I did turn on the car after I started charging. I established connection long enough to see one gid added. I then got a warning message to turn off the vehicle during charge. The connection continued for about 15 seconds and then broke.

[Turbo3]

I did turn on the car after I started charging. I established connection long enough to see one gid added. I then got a warning message to turn off the vehicle during charge. The connection continued for about 15 seconds and then broke.

Must be a new message for 2013 and newer Leafs.

I assume you are using the latest version of LeafSpy Lite.

LeafSpy Lite should have the code to keep the VCM active. I will need to find a 2013 or newer Leaf to test to see what is going on.

If you could enable taking an ELM trace and send the trace file to the email address on the About screen that would help. Go to the bottom of the Settings screen and check the "Trace ELM (on restart)" checkbox. Then exit and restart the app and try to stay connected while charging again. Then send me the TRC_xxxx.txt file you find in LEAF_BT_CAN/DEBUG_FILES directory. When logging is active you should see the word "LOGGING" flash on the center bottom of the screen.