Scangauge II vs. Ultra-Gauge: First impressions

[Martinjmpr]

Well, I finally took the time on Sunday to install my Scangauge.

I have been using an Ultra-Gauge (hereafter abbreviated UG) since October, 2010. I really came to like the way it displayed my MPG and DTE (Distance to Empty) and it became my de facto "fuel gauge" (since we all know the stock fuel gauge on the 3rd gens is crap.)

However, after we got a trailer in January, I decided I needed something to monitor the transmission temps. I kept hoping that UG would upgrade their software to display tranny temp, but they never did and according to their web site there are no plans for them to do so in the future. So, it was either go with a separate tranny temp gauge or just get an Scangauge II (SG) which can be programmed (via the X-gauge feature) to show auto tranny temp.

So, with a big trip to Moab coming up, I went ahead and ordered the SG from Amazon, as well as a Satellite Radio mount to mount it to the dash.

I've had the SG for about 4 days now, and these are my first impressions:

First off, the pluses:

The SG appears to be a very sturdy, well built unit. The UG, by contrast, feels a little bit "cheap."

The SG makes it very easy to change which gauges you want to display on the "gauge" menu, and you can even do it while you're driving. The UG, OTOH, needs to be 'set up' ahead of time.

Finally, the SG wins hands down in the "mounting flexibility: The cable is a separate piece and the end that does not connect to the OBD connector appears to be a standard network cable - meaning you can mount the SG almost anywhere. Another plus for mounting flexibility: All adjustments on the SG are on the front, whereas with the UG you need to be able to access the buttons on the back in order to operate it.

Also, there are two input points for the network cable on the SG, one is on the right side the other on the back. This makes it possible to "flush mount" the SG.

Now the minuses: The display on the SG is lame. It may have been "state of the art" in 1996 but in this day and age my cell phone and cheap little MP3 player have better displays. The Scangauge limits its gauge names to 3 letters (so transmission temperature, for example, comes up as TFT, or Transmission Fluid Temperature.) The size of the SG display also limits how much information can be displayed on its big, chunky, blocky letters, meaning no more than 4 gauges at one time.

By contrast, the UG has a bigger, more detailed, easier to read display that can show up to 6 gauges at once, and that uses more understandable abbreviations (like "Avg MPG", "Inst MPG" and "Intake Air Temp."

Another strike agains the SG is that it cannot be calibrated as precisely as the UG. There is no method (that I've found - corrections welcomed by any SG experts out there) to correct the SG's calculation of distance.

The SG allows you to correct for speed, but not distance (IOW, if the car's trip computer shows that you went 100 miles but you actually went 104.4, you can put that 4.4% correction into the UG so it will show correct distance traveled in the trip meter.) Not only that, the SG will only do speed adjustments in whole percentages, whereas the UG will let you do distance corrections (which also corrects for speed) at up to 3 decimal points (i.e. 1.243%)

Setting gas tank size is also a difference: UG lets you put actual size (18.5 gallons for our 3rd gen 4runners), whereas SG only does full gallons (so it's set at 18 gallons.)

Again, none of the items listed above are neccessarily bad, but to me they point a picture of a device that was "perfected" around 1999 and after that, was just left to wither on the vine.

As far as mounting, the blocky, chunky SG doesn't fit easily anywhere. You can see from this photo that I mounted it on the dash with a mount intended for a satellite radio, using some very strong double-sticky tape.

For reference, here's the UG mounted in my 4runner back in 2010:

The UG comes with a factory suction cup mount. The suction cup is better than most, but it's still a suction cup and it will come un-stuck, usually at the worst possible time.

However, when I re-mounted the UG into my DD Mazda, I used a satellite-radio dash mount (one nice thing about the UG is that it has an "inverted-T" mount on the back, meaning it can be mounted using any standard sat-radio mounting system.)

My final gripe with the SG: The Tank-to-empty display is part of the "trip" computations and not part of the "gauge" displays, meaning it's not possible to display both the MPG/Trans Temp and the Tank-to-empty at the same time. Yet, there are times when I want to know both, so I end up having to reach up to the gauge and push buttons. Not a big deal, i guess, but by contrast, the UG gives you three "screens", each screen has up to 6 gauges and you can put whatever gauges you want in whatever position on whatever screen you want.

Obviously, a lot of these gripes are simply coming from having to change from one tool to another.

Still, considering that the UG costs less than half of what the SG costs, I don't think my complaints are without foundation. SG may have been "king of the hill" for a long time, but there is competition now and if they don't step up their game and modernize their device, they're going to be left in the dust.

Of course, the SG will do a lot of "performance" type measurements that the UG can't do, so perhaps the SG appeals to a different customer.

I've got a trip to Buena Vista coming up this weekend, pulling the trailer, so it will be the first real 'test' of the SG. I'll see how it does, and will probably keep it on for my Moab trip in April. However, if I don't start warming up to the SG soon, it will come out and I will simply install an aftermarket dedicated trans temp gauge. Without the trans temp feature, there's no reason to prefer the SG to the UG and I would simply get another UG to go back into the 4runner.

 

[4-Ripcord]

I have to disagree with some of your points.

You call the SG II blocky and bulky.. yet the UG is massive compared to it. The UG has so much wasted space, if it actually made use of that space it might be better. SG is the most low profile scan tool I have seen. Except for the aeroforce, but that only reads two things at a time.

That's one of only two places the UG has the edge. It can display a few more things than the SG II can. But with how easy it is to switch between stuff on the SG, that argument is nearly useless.

Also mounting, there is basically only one place to put the UG, and that is suctioned to the window like you have it.
The SG II has TONS of places to put it that look great and dont take up any space. Just use some imagination and you can do something cool with it. Look at this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...id-you-mount-your-scangauge-pics-request.html

And on the Transmission temp. UG can't even read that, edge to SG again. Even though I have a dedicated trans temp gauge, I still have the SG display trans temp because its so accurate.

Personally, I prefer the big blocky letters in the SG II. Makes it easy to read at a glance, its the only way such a small screen can display so much info and be easily readable. The UG is also easy to read at a glance, so its even there.


To summarize.. Pros:
UG - 1/2 the price, fancy screen, can display more info at one time.
SG - Low profile, can read trans temp, tons of mounting options, easy to switch between display items, performance features.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I have to disagree with some of your points.

You call the SG II blocky and bulky.. yet the UG is massive compared to it. The UG has so much wasted space, if it actually made use of that space it might be better.

Not sure what you mean. Massive? The UG is much, much thinner than the SG, it's also not as wide. It is taller, but that accomodates a much bigger screen. I don't understand what you mean by "wasted space" - virtually all of the UG's space is taken up by its screen, which is not true of the SG.

Also mounting, there is basically only one place to put the UG, and that is suctioned to the window like you have it.

Not true - as I said, you can mount a UG anyplace you can put a satellite radio receiver (because they use the same inverted-T mounting system.) Dash, suction cup, air vent, etc. BTW, my UG is not suctioned to the window on my Mazda. :

The SG may be great for someone who has the skills to fabricate a mount (or who want to do something fancy like a flush mount) but for those of us who don't have those skills or time (that includes me) the UG is easier to get mounted.

And on the Transmission temp. UG can't even read that, edge to SG again. Even though I have a dedicated trans temp gauge, I still have the SG display trans temp because its so accurate.

Well, I think I said the TFT is the only reason I went with a SG.

Really, the impression I get is that for someone who really wants/needs a lot of performance data, the Scangauge is better, as it's more of an "expert's tool." The primitive display and the poor calibration options are only negatives because they show how far behind the times the SG is.

However, for a casual user who just wants to track his MPG and know when his fuel tank will be empty (which would be me) the UG is better.

 

[4-Ripcord]

By wasted space I meant the screen itself. The whole top left corner is not being used. They could condense the size of the screen (and the whole unit itself) if they just organized the screen better.

If they made the UG less tall and able to read trans temps. It would be a hands down winner.

I couldnt care less about the SG's performance stuff, never will use it. I just like the size.

 

[Martinjmpr]

By wasted space I meant the screen itself. The whole top left corner is not being used.

If you're referring to the photo above, that's only because that picture was taken right after I got the UG and before I set up the screens. I had nothing set up for the top left corner, but I do now (that's my Average MPG screen.)

Also, if you're judging overall size by my photo, you should know that the photos above distort the relative sizes. The UG was closer to the camera than the SG was so the UG looks very large, but in fact, it's not.

 

[Nunyabiz]

I think the ONLY thing I would like about the SG over the UG is just the trans temp gauge.
I much prefer the size, gauge layout & usability of the UG.

Not to mention it's $100 cheaper.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

aeroforce scangage to the rescue! :hiding:

it should take care of all of your cons, but it cost more than those 2 combined. Like ripcord said it only reads 2 things at a time but you can put it in a cycle mode to switch every X amount of seconds to where it reads 8 (i think) different perimeters. I cant imagine trying to look at a bunch a different things at the same time while i'm driving but that's just me.

Im not trying to thread jack, but when i was about 2 seconds away from buying the SGII I found this and fell in love! I didn't like the look of the display on the SGII and the ultra gauge just didn't look like i could mount it somewhere that would look out of place. either way i'm sub'd I would like to see your comparison of the two

 

[4-Ripcord]

If you're referring to the photo above, that's only because that picture was taken right after I got the UG and before I set up the screens. I had nothing set up for the top left corner, but I do now (that's my Average MPG screen.)

Also, if you're judging overall size by my photo, you should know that the photos above distort the relative sizes. The UG was closer to the camera than the SG was so the UG looks very large, but in fact, it's not.

That makes more sense then, guess I had just never seen one with the screen all set up. Must have just always been people with a brand new gauge and took a pic, that's why I thought the screen layout was dumb. I do like it more now that I see that above pic of Nunyabiz's unit.

Yes I realize the sizes in the photos.. Its the tallness (is that a word?, lol) of the UG that urks me. I have my SG on top of the steering column, and that is where I love it to be. Right where all of my other instrumentation is! I can't put a gauge suctioned to the window like you guys have it, my radar detector is already there. (pictured below)

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. Let's just be happy we have the choice of two great units and the freedom to make that decision.


Crappy cell pic.

 

[kball]

Nice Write up Martin. Good list of pro's and cons. Considering what you've already brought up I'd say for 96-98 4runners the UG is the easy winner since they don't have the trans temp option through the OBD port. For 99+ the scangauge would make up for it's price difference by saving on a trans temp gauge and install $$.
But like 4-ripcord said mounting can be a major concern so to each his own.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Update/correction

So after posting this on another forum (ExPo: Adventure and Overland Travel Enthusiasts) I discovered that it IS possible to display "trip" gauges like the Tank to Empty (I would say "distance to empty") on the Gauge menu using the X-gauge feature.

I got the manual out and confirmed that this is true. Basically what you can do is "import" a trip gauge into the regular gauge menu via X-gauge commands. So, that addresses one of my concerns, at least.

 

[Martinjmpr]

aeroforce scangage to the rescue! :hiding:

it should take care of all of your cons, but it cost more than those 2 combined.

Wow, that's nice! Much cleaner than either one of my installs.

Plus, I already have a pillar pod, so that's got me thinking...

 

[donkeyhoatie]

Nice Write up Martin. Good list of pro's and cons. Considering what you've already brought up I'd say for 96-98 4runners the UG is the easy winner since they don't have the trans temp option through the OBD port. For 99+ the scangauge would make up for it's price difference by saving on a trans temp gauge and install $$.
But like 4-ripcord said mounting can be a major concern so to each his own.

Wait, so the ScanGauge II doesn't work as a transmission temperature gauge for a 98 4Runner SR5? I didn't realize that. I was thinking about getting one, and that was the one feature that was swaying my decision over over the ScanGauge E. Now, I'm thinking the UltraGauge may be the way to go, since it's $30 or so cheaper than the ScanGauge E.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Another update...

Just got back from my first long trip with the SGII. One thing to point out is that the "AVG"(average MPG) setting for the SG is a "trip" setting - IOW, it is only showing you the average MPG for your current "trip" (that is, since you started the ignition.) This differs from the Ultragauge where the "average MPG" displayed is the overall average since the last time you zeroed it out. I was in the habit of zeroing out my MPG every time I filled up so that what was displayed was the average for my current tank, which was most relevant to me. Also, because I "hand calculate" my MPG every time I fill up, this gives me a way to "check" the UG to see if it's working right.

Now, the good news for the SG users is that you can configure the SG to do this, by importing the "tank average MPG" using the X-gauge feature. The manual is pretty easy to use and it only took me a few minutes to get it set up right.

So now, my SG is set up so that in the "gauge" display, it shows:

Instant MPG
Tank Average MPG
Distance to Empty
Transmission Fluid Temperature

Since I don't have an outside temperature gauge, I had also been using the fIA (Farenheit - Intake Air Temp) as my default outside temp gauge. What I have found (in vehicles that have an outside temp gauge) is that when moving at highway speeds, the intake air temp will be right about 3 - 6 degrees (f) higher than the outside air temp. However, when moving slowly (4 wheeling or city traffic), the intake air temp is much higher than the outside temp due to the fact that the engine compartment heats up and stays hot.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Nice, Im gonna go import those into my gauges too. Dont know how much Ill use them, but nice to have them in the gauges section.

 

[JasetheDamager]

Thanks to everyone on the forum

This is my first post. Yay, I'm no longer a virgin. (At least to the forums)

So I recently bought a 97 SR5 with 131,000 miles and I can't believe I've never owned a 4Runner before. All the hype is well deserved. The interior is immaculate, the body is straight (just a few scratches from off-roading), and the truck has several upgrades. However, the one problem with the truck is the gas gauge. Like others have reported, it seems to have a mind of its own. So I've been devouring this forum and I came across this thread mentioning the Ultragauge EM, did some research, then bought one from the website today. The one with the windshield mount is currently out of stock until April 23rd, so I won't get it until next week at the earliest. I'll gladly post an update of my experience.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posts. I've learned so much the last two weeks. I now have a clear wishlist and an idea how to customize my truck to suit my needs as both a daily driver and a truck that can handle difficult terrain off road, especially when the zombies attack. (Depending who you talk to, it already seems the world is full of zombies anyway.)

 

[stevec5000]

I Got A SainSpeed TurboGauge IV

The TurboGauge IV is a knock off of the ScanGuage made in China. It seems to have all the same features but only costs half as much. They are $89 or $99 on Amazon but I got one on Ebay that was up for bid starting at $70 and nobody else bid on it. The item was shipped from China by UPS and I got it in ONLY 4 DAYS! That's incredible, I can't get something from the next state by UPS in just 4 days! I got it to use on my 2004 Toyota 4Runner so I could keep tabs on engine conditions while driving but there seems to be a problem with it but it might be OK, I'm not sure yet. It looks well made and has a clear, sharp display that is easy to read but can't be dimmed. There are jacks for the OBD II cable on both the side and back so you can use the one that best suits you mounting position. There are 6 buttons on the unit with 3 on each side of the display but they aren't marked. In the Quick Start Guide they are labeled A-F but in the User Manual they are labeled 2-7! The display shows the function of the first 2 on each side in different modes so they don't really need lables but not the bottom ones for Return and Enter. The Gauge functions are all shown as cryptic abbreviations though so you need the manual to tell what they mean. They included a small CD with some software and a USB cable in the box but the manual doesn't say what it's for and I wasn't able to read most of the files on the CD. There is a copy of the manual in PDF format on the CD but I couldn't find anything else that looked useful. It would be great if the unit could be used with a laptop to display gauges or download and save information from the vehicle but I didn't see any way to do that. Other reviewers said the USB option was useless so it looks like just a free USB cable to use for something else.
There is no On/Off switch on the unit and it doesn't go off immediately when the ign. sw. is turned off so I thought it was going to stay on all the time when it's plugged in and it would run down the battery after a while so I unplugged it the first time. However, when I tried it the second time it did turn off after a while but it took a couple of minutes. They don't mention this in the manual. It comes on automatically too but just to the Welcome screen. It doesn't come back on with the same display that you were monitoring before turning it off so you have to keep pressing the buttons each time to get it back to the same display. If it's being used to view gauges this becomes a nuisance. The biggest problem though is plugging in the unit caused several warning lights on the instrument panel to come on including the VSC TRAC warning, which is disturbing. Everything still seems to work OK though so I'm not sure if the warning light actually means anything or not. I found what may be the cause of this problem on the Ultragauge site. It seems they had a similar problem with 2001-2004 Tacomas but they don't mention 4Runners. ultra-gauge.com/customer_support/knowledgebase.php?article=18

 

[freshley]

Just to be clear, the Ultraguage can not display transmission temps. I've been wanting one for a while and I would like to add a trans cooler to mine and possibly bypass the new toyo rad but I would like to know the before and after temps to make sure it's not getting too hot. Can someone please confirm this for me? Also, i've seen something called the "Turbo gage" that seems to be a knockoff version of the scanguageII but is much cheaper. Anyone have this and can comment on it?

 

[stevec5000]

Just to be clear, the Ultraguage can not display transmission temps. I've been wanting one for a while and I would like to add a trans cooler to mine and possibly bypass the new toyo rad but I would like to know the before and after temps to make sure it's not getting too hot. Can someone please confirm this for me? Also, i've seen something called the "Turbo gage" that seems to be a knockoff version of the scanguageII but is much cheaper. Anyone have this and can comment on it?

Didn't you see the previous post? I don't think any of these units can read transmission temps or O2 settings, etc. if they aren't output by the ODBII and I don't know if they are or what they would be called in order to check. The TurboGauge is able to read 24 different values but the manual only defines the 9 most common ones so I don't know what the others are. Does anyone have a list of what all the abbreviations mean like SF1, LF1, S12, etc?
From the ScanGauge site I found that TFT stands for Tranmisson Fluid Temperature but the TurboGauge doesn't seem to read that or the 4Runner isn't outputting it, I'm not sure which.

 

[freshley]

Sorry, for some reason your post wasn't showing up when I wrote that question. Sounds like Scangage needs to update their ergonomics a little to match all the others that are out there and it would still be the best option.

 

[Millerad1651]

Ultra gauge does not show trans temps. 96-98s don't have a trans temp sensor, so nothing but an external gauge will read them, even a scangauge II. I will be going with an Ultra gauge since its only $69 right now...then adding a temp gauge on the pillar.