The MSF guide to Torque

[speedaholic]

This guide is intended to help you through all the steps required to setup the Torque application and it’s plugins (mainly the Mazdaspeed plugin) to run on your android phone or tablet, to help you use the basic features (real time monitoring, logging and fault code reading) and to use custom themes. In time, I will also update with in depth use of the other features and plugins such as racing meter and track recorder.



Index:

1. Requirements
2. Software Installation
3. Initial Setup

… stay tuned for more …




1- Requirements

Hardware:

• Android 1.5+ phone or tablet with bluetooth
• ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII adapter

Software:

• Torque Pro (Current version is 1.6.46)
• Torque Mazdaspeed plugin (choose the one that corresponds to your car’s year)

2 - Installation

Install Torque Pro and desired plugins through the Android Market or the Google Play store. If you need special instructions on how to do that well honestly, don’t go any further, Torque isn’t for you.





3 - Initial Setup

To monitor or log properly the first time, certain options need to be set. These can be accessed by pressing the menu button on your phone or tablet or the menu icon on your tablet (bottom left corner of screen):

1. Plugin Preferences (Plugins)
2. Unit Preferences (Units)
3. OBD2 Adapter Settings
4. Custom OBD2 PIDs (Manage extra PIDs/Sensors)
5. The Vehicle Profile

Of course there are other options that need to be set to enjoy the app to its full potential (such as themes). Those will be explained further on in this guide.


3a - Plugin Preferences

Accessed through: Menu Button >> Settings >> Plugins

• Allow plugins full access = CHECKED
• Installed plugins = Take the time to see if the Mazdaspeed plugin is correctly installed

3b - Unit Preferences

Accessed through: Menu Button >> Settings >> Units

• Check/Uncheck the various options to your personal preferences.

3c - OBD2 Adapter Settings

Accessed through: Menu Button >> Settings >> OBD2 Adapter Settings

*Connection Settings*

• Connection Type = Bluetooth

*Bluetooth Settings*

• Choose Bluetooth Device = Choose the name of your OBD2 Adapter (name given while paring)
• Auto Bluetooth On/Off = Check to ensure that Bluetooth turns on automatically when Torque starts.
• Only if BT was already off = I recommend to check this especially for phones that use Bluetooth often.

*OBD2/ELM Adapter preferences*

• Faster communication= CHECK to speed up monitoring and to maximize loggi- ng speed.
• Disable ELM327 auto timing adjustment = Leave unchecked unless you have problems connecting to the car.
• Don’t calculate MPG/Fuel = CHECK to speed up monitoring and to maximize logging speed but the app won’t log fuel consumption.
• Enhanced MPG calculation = UNCHECK (check to use more sensors to calculate fuel consumption, to the detriment of other PID monitoring latency)
• Use vehicle fuel level sensor = Check or Uncheck to your preference.
• Boost calculation method = Prefer MAP (Default)
• ScanTool.net (ODBLink) Power Saver = Check only if you use ScanTool.net

*Wifi Preferences*
Not covered in this guide

*USB Adapter settings*
Not covered in this guide


3d - Custom OBD2 PIDs

Accessed through: Menu Button >> Settings >> Manage extra PIDs/Sensors

To add the Mazdaspeed PIDs:

• Phone= Menu Button >> Add predefined set >> Mazdaspeed 20xx
• Tablet = Menu Button OR Icon in top right corner of screen >> Add predefined set >> Mazdaspeed 20xx

3e - Vehicle Profile

Accessed through: Menu Button >> Vehicle Profile >> Create new Profile

• Profile Name = Name it whatever you want (ex.: MS3)
• Engine Displacement = 2.3
• Total Vehicle Weight = 3500lbs (curb weight + driver + luggage/groceries. As reference, 1st gen= 3108lbs and 2nd gen=3281lbs)
• Fuel Type = Petrol or E85
• Fuel tank capacity = 15.9 (US gal.)
• Current fuel level = You’ll want to set this at 100% after a fill-up at the pump.
• Boost Adjustment = 0.0 for most, those living high above sea level might need to tinker with this setting.
• Volumetric Efficiency % = 85.0
• Fuel Cost = Fuel cost in your area
• Accumulated Distance travelled with Torque running = Follow on screen instructions, used to calculate average fuel consumption.
• MPG ‘trim’ adjustment = Follow on screen instructions, used to calculate fuel consumption.
• OBD Speed multiplier = Follow on screen instructions, used if you tires differ in overall diameter/circumference from OEM.
• Use separate dashboard layout = CHECKED
• Advanced- Connect using this Bluetooth adapter = As defined in global OBD2 preferences
• Use Alternate OBD Header = Check if the Mazdaspeed PIDs don’t display correctly
• Prefered OBD2 Protocol = Automatic – Thorough protocol
• Very Advanced- ELM custom configuration = Leave Blank

*Don’t forget to save the configuration!*



You are now set monitor your MS3!


There's a lot more to come so stay tuned!

[ajkulish]

thanks for the info, i wasnt sure about some of those fields!

also, is the mazdaspeed plug in worth 10 dollars?

[speedaholic]

Originally Posted by ajkulish thanks for the info, i wasnt sure about some of those fields! also, is the mazdaspeed plug in worth 10 dollars?

It's the only way to monitor certain PIDs (ex: KR). 15$ for the app+plugin isn't too bad imo. The whole setup in my car cost me 180$ total (tablet, mount, hardwire, software).

[ajkulish]

is that the only extra PID it handles? some of the recent reviews dont necessarily praise the mazdaspeed plug in

[speedaholic]

It reads a bunch of them (more for Gen 1). Check the plugin description.

tapsayeule avec mon HTC

[BigRedSpecial]

I'd say it's definitely worth it. There are a TON of PIDs that the generic OBDII codes won't touch.

[zenit]

When other datalogging setups cost hundreds, I'm a little skeptical about the efficacy of something cheap.

Any details on response time and PIDs?

[speedaholic]

Originally Posted by zenit When other datalogging setups cost hundreds, I'm a little skeptical about the efficacy of something cheap. Any details on response time and PIDs?

PID latency is hardware dependent. The bluetooth unit I purchased for 12$ on ebay reads over 28 PIDs/sec. average so I log 12-14 at 0.5 sec interval.

tapsayeule avec mon HTC

[BigRedSpecial]

It won't replace my AP or my dashdaq, but for the price it's awful convenient.

The only downside I can see is that it doesn't read BATs... unless I'm missing something

[speedaholic]

Originally Posted by BigRedSpecial It won't replace my AP or my dashdaq, but for the price it's awful convenient. The only downside I can see is that it doesn't read BATs... unless I'm missing something

It does with the mazdaspeed plugin.

tapsayeule avec mon HTC

[BigRedSpecial]

I have the plugin for gen won; couldn't find it. Found ambient and iat but no bat.

[djern]

got installed on a old android phone and a dongle...not as fast as the AP buuut you can live monitor so many parameters at the same time its a useful tool... a better dongle will give faster PID's though, I got mine set to monitor = boost, fp, kr, bat, fuel economy, fuel level engine temp, wgdc, pedal position, and map voltage all at the same time... only drawback with the mazdaspeed plugin is that if you turn the car off and back on mine stops reading pedal position, BAT, and KR until i restart the app.. i found out if you leave the dongle plugged in and leave the car parked for a week it will kill the battery lol

[BigRedSpecial]

Hmmm...I looked for an hour last night and couldn't find BAT; checked again this morning and it's there. weird.

[ajkulish]

Originally Posted by djern got installed on a old android phone and a dongle...not as fast as the AP buuut you can live monitor so many parameters at the same time its a useful tool... a better dongle will give faster PID's though, I got mine set to monitor = boost, fp, kr, bat, fuel economy, fuel level engine temp, wgdc, pedal position, and map voltage all at the same time... only drawback with the mazdaspeed plugin is that if you turn the car off and back on mine stops reading pedal position, BAT, and KR until i restart the app.. i found out if you leave the dongle plugged in and leave the car parked for a week it will kill the battery lol

how do you get fuel pressure?

[dodorkus]

Does anybody know how to manually start/stop datalogging? The only way I've found to log is to enable the following setting:

Settings > Data Logging & Upload > Log when Torque is started


For my setup, I'm using:
- Nexus 4 (running CyanogenMod 10.1)
- Mountek nGroove Universal CD Slot Mount
- AGPtek® Super Mini ELM327 V1.5 Bluetooth OBD2 OBD-II CAN-BUS Auto Diagnostic Scanner Tool (works flawlessly)

Originally Posted by ajkulish how do you get fuel pressure?

Fuel pressure is avaliavble under Realtime Information > Add Display (tap & hold on a blank area) > Fuel Rail Pressure.

This is available even if you haven't purchased the Mazdaspeed plugin, and it works great!

[djern]

My torque setup
tapatapa zoom

[speedaholic]

Originally Posted by dodorkus Does anybody know how to manually start/stop datalogging? The only way I've found to log is to enable the following setting: Settings > Data Logging & Upload > Log when Torque is started

In dashboard view while monitoring >> press and hold on screen >> start/stop logging.

I wish I had more time to continue this guide.




Klatapat gnisu tnes

[ajkulish]

Originally Posted by dodorkus Does anybody know how to manually start/stop datalogging? The only way I've found to log is to enable the following setting: Settings > Data Logging & Upload > Log when Torque is started For my setup, I'm using: - Nexus 4 (running CyanogenMod 10.1) - Mountek nGroove Universal CD Slot Mount - AGPtek® Super Mini ELM327 V1.5 Bluetooth OBD2 OBD-II CAN-BUS Auto Diagnostic Scanner Tool (works flawlessly) Fuel pressure is avaliavble under Realtime Information > Add Display (tap & hold on a blank area) > Fuel Rail Pressure. This is available even if you haven't purchased the Mazdaspeed plugin, and it works great!

thanks dude, i never bothered to check rail pressure.

[himurax13]

Has anyone figured out how to recalibrate the Boost PID for a 3 Bar MAP sensor?

[hnda etr]

Originally Posted by himurax13 Has anyone figured out how to recalibrate the Boost PID for a 3 Bar MAP sensor?

Would like to know this too...

[sidekick]

They still don't make this shit for iOS? Damn... That's a lot cheaper than buying an aeroforce or dashhawk. Easier to mount a phone as well.

[speedaholic]

Originally Posted by himurax13 Has anyone figured out how to recalibrate the Boost PID for a 3 Bar MAP sensor?

Originally Posted by hnda etr Would like to know this too...

Your best bet would be to contact Torque's creator on his forum. His user name is piemm if I recall correctly.

[Teeeerell]

So fuel pressure and rail pressure are the same?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[speedaholic]

Originally Posted by Teeeerell So fuel pressure and rail pressure are the same? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They are different PIDs in Torque, but the MS3's fuel pressure is read through the "fuel rail pressure".

[Jtaylor]

Originally Posted by sidekick They still don't make this shit for iOS? Damn... That's a lot cheaper than buying an aeroforce or dashhawk. Easier to mount a phone as well.

This is available for iOS but since Apple locks down their Bluetooth capabilities you would need a WIFI based OBDII transmitter, which is quite a bit more.

[sidekick]

Originally Posted by Jtaylor This is available for iOS but since Apple locks down their Bluetooth capabilities you would need a WIFI based OBDII transmitter, which is quite a bit more.

Was it recently added? When I posted that, nothing came up when searching the app store for "torque".

I'm most likely switching to a google nexus 5 soon anyways, so I can join the torque party soon. Lol.

[N2o]

Just bought a Nexus 7 and an extra sun visor for a little project

[Patty-Wack]

My Mazdaspeed add on stopped working. I re downloaded etc and no go. The regular torque app works I just don't get knock etc from plugin. Anyone run into this?

Sent from my big ass Note 3

[SpencerC]

I haven't run into this issue. I'll maybe see if I can link it up tonight and try it again to make sure.

[speedaholic]

Originally Posted by Patty-Wack My Mazdaspeed add on stopped working. I re downloaded etc and no go. The regular torque app works I just don't get knock etc from plugin. Anyone run into this?

This happens randomly when the plugin tries to check it's license status. If the phone or tablet isn't connected to the www, the plugin is disabled. The fact that you reinstalled and still does't work is weird though...

I'd try to contact the author @MattJackson86;, maybe he can chime in on this.

[MattJackson86]

How do you mean "stopped working"? If the PID's are in the available list then the plugin should be "working". All this plugin does is provide the PID data to Torque, so if the customer PIDs are in the list of available ones to add to display, then all should be good. If not data is being returned then it would be a Torque or hardware issue. Let me know some specific details and I can get back to you. PM me or email me.

[Patty-Wack]

Originally Posted by speedaholic This happens randomly when the plugin tries to check it's license status. If the phone or tablet isn't connected to the www, the plugin is disabled. The fact that you reinstalled and still does't work is weird though... I'd try to contact the author @MattJackson86;, maybe he can chime in on this.

This is it I bet. I'm using old phone with no Internet when in car. Bummer. @MattJackson86; how often does it run a check? I could maybe take thing in house for wifi..

Thanks for help guys.

Sent from my big ass Note 3

[Jtaylor]

Unfortunately my Verizon phone will only allow firmware updates over the actual network so I am unable to download any extensions since my phone is loaded the "market" app instead of the newer google app

[sidekick]

Is anyone using this adapter? It claims over 100pid/sec and is recommended on the wiki for torque.

ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink LX Scan Tool | OBD Interface | App Accelerator - ScanTool.net

[Jeff23spl]

Originally Posted by MattJackson86 How do you mean "stopped working"? If the PID's are in the available list then the plugin should be "working". All this plugin does is provide the PID data to Torque, so if the customer PIDs are in the list of available ones to add to display, then all should be good. If not data is being returned then it would be a Torque or hardware issue. Let me know some specific details and I can get back to you. PM me or email me.

What happend to my old phone used as a tablet (without sims card) is that your specials PIDS just disapear from the list from time to time .
The selected meter just doesn't show results and the green dot on them became white.
It took time to figure it out, i connected the phone manually to wifi ethernet but it doesn't help, i had to re-select again your plug in in the torque function to get them to re-appear on the list and now it works

How often do your plug in check for autorization ? This is kind of anoying, is there any way to go around this ?

Is there a way to change the Boost sensor math calcul representation inside torque when we run a 3bars ones. I changed it fine with access tuner and i can read the correct boost level but Torque is maxed out to 22.x psi

[Jeff23spl]

Originally Posted by sidekick Is anyone using this adapter? It claims over 100pid/sec and is recommended on the wiki for torque. ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink LX Scan Tool | OBD Interface | App Accelerator - ScanTool.net

i would be interrested also because the adapter permit 100pid/s but is our pcm communication speed permit it too ??? I had a wired Dashawk that broke but i could remember the update speed was way better than with torque.

[sidekick]

Anyone?

[speedaholic]

For me, the elcheapo from ebay does the job and I don't think a lot of guys want to invest 100$+ just for the module. The best way to know is to buy and try!

[Jtaylor]

Originally Posted by speedaholic For me, the elcheapo from ebay does the job and I don't think a lot of guys want to invest 100$+ just for the module. The best way to know is to buy and try!

Same

[sidekick]

Meh, I ended up buying a BAFX off of amazon, because it was $23 and had nothing but good reviews on there and on some forums. If it's too slow, I'll sell it and buy the one I linked. I should have it some time this week and I'll make a post here about it for people looking in the future.