V3 accessport? Please?

[chuckms6]

I'd like to stay by saying that the Cobb software and support is excellent. However the hardware is severely lacking. It's simple, but it's not what I would call reliable or durable.

The screen has burn in and is dim, the cord has developed a short, and logs and flashes are only started successfully about 80% of the time. From what I understand these aren't isolated issues either.

I understand there is a balance between price and quality, but I would happily pay 100 more for a piece of hardware that was a little bit better with maybe a bigger, better screen and more features.

Is there any chance that a revision is on the horizon?

Tapatalking

[guitarzan134]

I'm about to send in my accessport for the second time for the same issue.

AP completely bricked this evening. It went through boot-up screens, then went black and won't turn on through ODB or USB. Maybe this time they'll fix the issue and I can log and flash with no future worries.

Maybe.

I love what it does, but the hardware could definitely be higher quality.

[manila]

I just got mine back from having warranty work done. I do think they should expand their features on a new AP. Having a larger screen where you can view multiple parameters would be a nice feature.

[smakdown61]

I would hope for something with dashhawk like abilities and built in wifi or bluetooth for transferring maps to it. Would be awesome to leave it in the car plugged in and have it wake up with wifi to move maps on it.

[superskaterxes]

my AP serial number is 0000051. i bought it in 2009 and i havent had ANY problems with it. i also have zero burn in because i dont leave it on when i walk away from the car.........

[taf0422]

Ive had zero issue with mine. Definitely one of the old AP's. still looks new. Zero screen burn. Dont leave it hooked up to the car and you will have no issue with the screen.

[guitarzan134]

No screen burn here. Just a bricked AP, twice.

I never leave it plugged in when the car is off. It was purchased in July '12. Does the lemon law apply here, too? Jay kay.

[Mizzle]

It's 2013. You can make crazy r/c robotic transforming cars and shit for $100. I don't see why the AP can't be more advanced within the price range, especially given the reduction in costs for equipment as of late.

A processing upgrade would be a big bonus, too, so you could get better logs. WiFi and BlueTooth aren't expensive, either. Hell, high-rate GPS chips aren't all that much - I don't see why it wouldn't be reasonable to expect all that since this is basically the only piece of equipment we have to rely on.

[gotspeed]

the AP should just become an application for smart phones... they would just need to sell the obd2 adaptor and the app for whatever phone you have.... at least it would look good, the screen would be better... put in some gauges designs for the app.

[Mizzle]

Originally Posted by gotspeed the AP should just become an application for smart phones... they would just need to sell the obd2 adaptor and the app for whatever phone you have.... at least it would look good, the screen would be better... put in some gauges designs for the app.

They'd have to have a server-side authorization system and that's extra $. Even then it'll probably be pirated.

[chuckms6]

I might forget to unplug mine once in a blue moon, but my burn in is 88's from the gauge feature that I use most of the time. It's still ticking but the short in the cable is beginning to worry me for when I flash a map. I would get it refreshed under warranty if I knew I would get a better unit back, but I don't see the point in going through the trouble for the same issues later. at the very least there could be a option for "screen off" at Koeo.

Tapatalking

[KusteLokal]

Originally Posted by superskaterxes my AP serial number is 0000051. i bought it in 2009 and i havent had ANY problems with it. i also have zero burn in because i dont leave it on when i walk away from the car.........

Well I see more more people using the ap for daily monitoring. I know you use the dashhawk for daily monitoring like I do.

Sent from GalaxyS3

[maisonvi]

yeah, I would love a key out, ignition off function. Be able to leave it plugged in all the time. Not sure if thats even possible though

[chuckms6]

Originally Posted by maisonvi yeah, I would love a key out, ignition off function. Be able to leave it plugged in all the time. Not sure if thats even possible though

simple, if voltage>12.8v and ap is idle, after 30 seconds check for ecu connectivity. if none, power off

[sidekick]

Originally Posted by maisonvi yeah, I would love a key out, ignition off function. Be able to leave it plugged in all the time. Not sure if thats even possible though

It's definitely possible. The Aeroforce interceptor manages to turn itself off after the key is turned all the way to off, so it must be possible.

I agree 100% that the AP needs a revamp. Don't get me wrong, it's a great device, but it could be so much more. IMO, It needs a bigger screen, the ability to monitor multiple parameters at once, KOEO = turns off AP. That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but I'm sure I can come up with more. Lol. I basically want one device in my car that can take the place of my AP/Aeroforce combo.


@Cobb Tuning; @Calvin@COBB; @Evan@COBB;

[aggierandy]

I have to agree with OP. The device is capable and convenient but the first thing I said when I picked it up is that it feels flimsy. For a device that moves in and out of the car so much, it would be nice to have something more durable. Something that can display multiple parameters.

[Mizzle]

I say open-source the hardware before copyrighting the software. Then require server-side authorization keys tied to your VIN... That or Android... Then you could modify as-necessary to run more shit through it. Hell, with enough time & effort, a comprehensive package with high-speed GPS could be incorporated and we could compare logs against geographical data...

[evidence]

On the subject of auto shut off, Braden has been responsive here, hopefully a good sign.

https://forums.cobbtuning.com/forums...port-off-timer

[Raider]

Version3 will have a tapatalk plugin, built in Netflix, and a free year of PornHubLive.com!

[Yatta]

Originally Posted by Raider Version3 will have a tapatalk plugin, built in Netflix, and a free year of PornHubLive.com!

as long as the start up splash screen doesn't include the booger......

[aggierandy]

Originally Posted by Mizzle I say open-source the hardware before copyrighting the software. Then require server-side authorization keys tied to your VIN... That or Android... Then you could modify as-necessary to run more shit through it. Hell, with enough time & effort, a comprehensive package with high-speed GPS could be incorporated and we could compare logs against geographical data...

From a consumer point of view, I can see how you would like this, but it would get pirated or hacked or spoofed. In the long run, that's bad for the consumer. Especially considering the size of the market.

I'm comfortable with their current structure. A hardware/software update would be great.

RapaTapTap

[mr.speedy3]

Originally Posted by aggierandy From a consumer point of view, I can see how you would like this, but it would get pirated or hacked or spoofed. In the long run, that's bad for the consumer. Especially considering the size of the market. I'm comfortable with their current structure. A hardware/software update would be great. RapaTapTap

I agree with this as well. However, I think they should make an ATR Android APP... It'd be nice to tune on the go with a tab in the car. Also would be very handy for e-tuners I would think.

Not sure if I am the only one, but I absolutely hate the connector at the bottom of the AP... I have so many issues with the AP restarting because of it, even with a mount. Sometimes, I touch it and it reboots. We definitely have the technology to make a better fitting connector... If they put the connector inside the AP, or extend the casing down, it would be more secure. The issue I see is the plastic housing around the connector on the AP is flimsy. Same with the "clip" that holds it in place. If that was stronger, I bet many of the logging/freezing issue would evaporate.

Also regarding the "auto shutoff" that so many are asking for, this would be super simple! @chuckms6 already posted a simple pseudo code type solution for it. I know that the AP knows when it cannot communicate with the ECU when you remove the key and leave it plugged in. Adding a 30 second timeout to shutdown the AP should be a walk in the park for the people who developed this device. Alternatively, the AP has the option to monitor the battery voltage, therefore ChuckMS6's code would be a quick and easy solution. But hey, if it was that easy, I'm sure I'd go make my own. Wish they'd open source the stuff..

Not trying to bang on COBB, the device is amazing and the reason I pulled what I did on a dyno, I just think an update is needed.

On a side note, you could always wire a switch into the empty port (next to DSC) that would control the AP power. Super simple, a buddy of mine added a switch to the center console for the AP and it works just fine.

[aggierandy]

Originally Posted by mr.speedy3 Not sure if I am the only one, but I absolutely hate the connector at the bottom of the AP... I have so many issues with the AP restarting because of it, even with a mount. Sometimes, I touch it and it reboots. We definitely have the technology to make a better fitting connector... If they put the connector inside the AP, or extend the casing down, it would be more secure. The issue I see is the plastic housing around the connector on the AP is flimsy. Same with the "clip" that holds it in place. If that was stronger, I bet many of the logging/freezing issue would evaporate.

I could not agree more with this post. My one single biggest knock on the accessport is that fragile connector. It looks ancient. Reminds me is the pins on old compact flash ports.

If they are gonna update that connector, they might as well update the pc link to micro usb. Ideally there would only be one port (or two of the same ports) but I can understand the challenge of going from odb II to usb.

RapaTapTap

[mr.speedy3]

Originally Posted by aggierandy I could not agree more with this post. My one single biggest knock on the accessport is that fragile connector. It looks ancient. Reminds me is the pins on old compact flash ports. If they are gonna update that connector, they might as well update the pc link to micro usb. Ideally there would only be one port (or two of the same ports) but I can understand the challenge of going from odb II to usb. RapaTapTap

You would need an OBDII -> microUSB. If they were going to share the same port. I suppose that would work fairly well actually. They have an OBDII -> USB cable already out there, so I can't imagine that it hasn't been tried in some application before. A faster processor wouldn't hurt either, I want a high resolution for logging, but probably would never get to the point of using it to the fullest resolution. Now I'm thinking too much.

Originally Posted by Tyhackman15 The staying on with key-off is a software thing as far as I know. Pretty simple formula = If you can't connect with the ECU after 30 seconds power down until voltage is seen again. that would resolve 90% of the issues mentioned

Correct, very easy solution in my mind (but I am a software engineer, so I speak code).

[Tyhackman15]

The staying on with key-off is a software thing as far as I know. Pretty simple formula = If you can't connect with the ECU after 30 seconds power down until voltage is seen again. that would resolve 90% of the issues mentioned

[silvapain]

The cost of the AP doesn't come from the hardware, it comes from the time invested in reverse engineering the ECU and programming the software. And from testing to make sure the changes work for all model years.

[mr.speedy3]

Originally Posted by silvapain The cost of the AP doesn't come from the hardware, it comes from the time invested in reverse engineering the ECU and programming the software. And from testing to make sure the changes work for all model years.

Agreed. I kept telling myself that when I bought my AP lol.

[aggierandy]

Originally Posted by silvapain The cost of the AP doesn't come from the hardware, it comes from the time invested in reverse engineering the ECU and programming the software. And from testing to make sure the changes work for all model years.

Agreed, and I think most people understand that's what they are getting. But instead of a $20 piece of hardware, I'd like a $50 piece of hardware. And I'd be happy to pay the difference.


Heck make an upgraded one and call it the accessport pro and make it $100 more.

RapaTapTap

[chuckms6]

Originally Posted by aggierandy Agreed, and I think most people understand that's what they are getting. But instead of a $20 piece of hardware, I'd like a $50 piece of hardware. And I'd be happy to pay the difference. Heck make an upgraded one and call it the accessport pro and make it $100 more. RapaTapTap

My point exactly

[Yatta]

So I actually understand the locking of a hardware dongle (marrying, whatever you want to call it) to enable the use of software; as some have mentioned we all likely have phones that have bigger/better screens and would like to use them to control... I currently don't have an AP (money...time...) but I do have a bluetooth ODB dongle that I use to turn my iphone into a gauge pack... why not do the same thing with the AP? make a dongle, put the storage and computer interface (usb to home computer) on it. add bluetooth and write a gui/interface that expects to communicate via bluetooth.... (or wifi but I imagine bluetooth would be easier) in fact, you could have it communicate to the home pc via bluetooth... this way you have the hardware lock in that you need to secure your intellectual rights and we get the interface upgrades we all would like... should make the hardware end cheaper for you...

[aggierandy]

Originally Posted by Yatta So I actually understand the locking of a hardware dongle (marrying, whatever you want to call it) to enable the use of software; as some have mentioned we all likely have phones that have bigger/better screens and would like to use them to control... I currently don't have an AP (money...time...) but I do have a bluetooth ODB dongle that I use to turn my iphone into a gauge pack... why not do the same thing with the AP? make a dongle, put the storage and computer interface (usb to home computer) on it. add bluetooth and write a gui/interface that expects to communicate via bluetooth.... (or wifi but I imagine bluetooth would be easier) in fact, you could have it communicate to the home pc via bluetooth... this way you have the hardware lock in that you need to secure your intellectual rights and we get the interface upgrades we all would like... should make the hardware end cheaper for you...

This is a fine idea and I could see a place for it.

But why reinvent the wheel here. I think the current accessport is a rather elegant solution. I like that it isn't wireless because it means that you don't have to be concerned with loosing connection, refresh rates, or syncing to bluetooth etc. That's a hassle. I don't want a touch screen either. I want to be able to start and stop a log without looking at the device.

Just take what you have and make it a little bit better quality. Bigger screen, allow viewing multiple parameters at once (a la dashhawk). Add an audible alarm for things like knock. Even if you aren't looking at that parameter, if it crosses a threshold value, beep. Improve the quality of the connectors. All these changes would cost pennies. The software could be written in such a way that you wouldn't have to have two sets of software for the v2 and the hypothetical v3.

Just make a good product better. Its due for an update.

[mr.speedy3]

Originally Posted by aggierandy This is a fine idea and I could see a place for it. But why reinvent the wheel here. I think the current accessport is a rather elegant solution. I like that it isn't wireless because it means that you don't have to be concerned with loosing connection, refresh rates, or syncing to bluetooth etc. That's a hassle. I don't want a touch screen either. I want to be able to start and stop a log without looking at the device. Just take what you have and make it a little bit better quality. Bigger screen, allow viewing multiple parameters at once (a la dashhawk). Add an audible alarm for things like knock. Even if you aren't looking at that parameter, if it crosses a threshold value, beep. Improve the quality of the connectors. All these changes would cost pennies. The software could be written in such a way that you wouldn't have to have two sets of software for the v2 and the hypothetical v3. Just make a good product better. Its due for an update.

This is why I would love an open source AP. If not the hardware, at least a version of the software. I know plenty of tech guys that could build a device, especially with software provided. I suppose the alternative solution for the ones that just want to monitor more than one parameter for now can install gauges or get Torque and a tab.

[rfinkle2]

If it is considered, I'd like the ability to monitor more than 1 variable @ a time, but I would rather have continued ATR support and improvement and just install the necessary gauges if a trade off was needed.

[aggierandy]

Well...Here it is!

Accessport

[chuckms6]

Originally Posted by aggierandy Well...Here it is! Accessport

I'm happy with it, they really listened to what people want.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

[aggierandy]

Originally Posted by chuckms6 I'm happy with it, they really listened to what people want. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

I have to agree. With the dashhawk difficult to find, I think this fills the gap nicely and is really a better, more up-to-date version. I'm interested to get my hands on one and see how the device feels. Something I never really liked about the AP was that the UI is clunky and slow at times. Hopefully they gave it a little more oomph and it runs a bit smoother.

Oh and i see the new connector as well! Very cool.