Auterra A-501 DashDyno SPD ProPack In-Vehicle Automotive Computer - Scan Tool, Performance Meter, and Data Logger

Other products by Auterra

Product Features

• All 1996 and later vehicles supported, including American, Asian, and European
• Measures fuel economy, horsepower and torque, 0-60mph, 1/8 and 1/4 mile, and top speed
• Windows PC scan tool software included
• Can be dash mounted or handheld - no hard wiring required
• Record GPS data using an external GPS receiver (not included)

Product Details

Instruction Manual [3.25mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000YTN7KW
• Item model number: A-501
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #25,488 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)

Product Description

Product Description

DashDyno SPD is an in-vehicle mounted automotive computer that displays real time information about your vehicle's operation. Digital gauges, a trip computer, scan tool, performance meter and data logger are combined into one, easy-to-use instrument. A windshield suction cup mount with quick release makes installation a snap. 1996 or newer cars and trucks are supported. Simply plug DashDyno into the OBD II diagnostic port located under the dashboard. No hard wiring or tools are required for installation. The software is menu driven and wizards ask simple questions making multi-step operations quick and easy. The vehicle diagnostic connector powers the device and offers support for hundreds of different vehicle parameters like instant and average fuel economy, engine RPM, oxygen sensors, and air-fuel ratio. View all data in real time and simultaneously record up to 16 different vehicle parameters. Monitoring your driving habits and adjusting them can save on fuel costs. DashDyno has trip computers to record vehicle statistical data such as fuel economy. The green/yellow/red alarm lights can be individually configured to illuminate or flash if vehicle RPM, throttle position, or speed values exceed your preset limits. Each kit includes the Dyno-Scan for Windows PC scan tool software. This software opens files recorded by DashDyno or you can connect a laptop directly to your vehicle using a USB cable and the DashDyno PC pass-through mode. A simple loose gas cap can cause the vehicle Check Engine light to turn on. Save money and diagnose Check Engine light problems yourself by reading the diagnostic trouble code and turn off the light. Internal databases contain thousands of generic and enhanced code definitions so you'll know exactly what each code means. Vehicle horsepower/torque and acceleration times are measured and graphically displayed. DashDyno is a handheld, in-vehicle display and PC-based scan tool all-in-one.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly flexible, effective product, February 12, 2009

By	Ian Jordan (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Auterra A-501 DashDyno SPD ProPack In-Vehicle Automotive Computer - Scan Tool, Performance Meter, and Data Logger (Automotive)

I've used this on a bunch of cars and it has worked great on every one. I've tried it on a 2006 Subaru WRX, 2004 Mazda RX-8, 2004 BMW 325i, 2004 Infiniti G35, and a 2007 Lotus Elise. It does what it says in terms of being able to monitor all the parameters and has flexible display options. The only issue I have had is the update rate on the Infiniti was slow, but that's Nissan's fault, not Auterra's.

I've also used the Dyno part of it on all the above cars and am really impressed with how close it comes to the stock HP and torque charts for the cars. Getting all the data for the car is a bit time consuming (you need to find the weight, drag, gear ratios, etc), but once you have that, it does work. If nothing else, the 0-60 timer is really fun when you find a blank stretch of road.

The included mount with the 501 kit is a nice, flexible RAM brand mount.

The only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars for me is the user interface. It asks WAY too many questions when all you want to look at is a single value like Engine RPM. I wish they figured out a way to make it simpler while also maintaining all the great features.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good product, minor use-related issues, August 29, 2009

By	Disraeli (East Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Auterra A-501 DashDyno SPD ProPack In-Vehicle Automotive Computer - Scan Tool, Performance Meter, and Data Logger (Automotive)

The Auterra does what it is advertised to do. However, there are some minor issues:

First, set-up is not intuitive, sometimes difficult, and not well-explained either by written instructions or the step-by-step instructions on-screen. It does take some time to figure out how to set displays and alarms, and with certain more elaborate functions, you're on your own.

Second, the LCD screen itself seems inadequate - it's poorly-lit and the contrast controls are somewhat ineffective. It's also subject to some "roll and flicker" as voltages to the unit change. In a product this expensive, the screen should be of a higher quality.

Third, the connections are also problematic. It's very easy for the OBD connector to be knocked or vibrated out of the vehicle's OBD socket - my solution was to use electrical tape to secure the connection. The same is true at the other end - the pin connectors in the box itself will sometimes vibrate out, and the unit will have to be unplugged and reset. Again, the solution is a bit of electrical tape - but that's an unnecessary issue that should have been worked out before the product was put on the market.

Beyond that, the software works well, the displays are accurate and helpful, and there are a number of neat things you can do with the Auterra if you want to monitor more esoteric vehicle parameters. Better than the Scangauge it replaced; more diverse in functions than other "prettier" products on the market, but the Auterra definitely needs a few upgrades to remain competitive.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A unique data monitor for OBD II, May 10, 2010

By	G Wheels "wheels" (NE USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Auterra A-501 DashDyno SPD ProPack In-Vehicle Automotive Computer - Scan Tool, Performance Meter, and Data Logger (Automotive)

Ian says it all quite well. I especially concur regarding the steps necessary to get what you want. It leaves me wishing it all was a bit simpler to do. Auterra compares their product with G-tech. I own them both as well as EFILive and an Actron CP9145 scanner. I don't see the comparison to the G-tech other than the performance monitoring aspect. It's almost like pitting a PC against a calculator. The DashDyno is significantly more expensive, has many more features, occupies the DLC port and is completely OBD II reliant. The G-tech is a non On Board Diagnostic tool with a single purpose unit that is completely stand-alone other than using the cigarette lighter for power.

The DashDyno RAM mount is a real quality item and nothing about the unit and accessories are cheap. The LCD display is limited by its size, hence the amount of real time information shown is what you might expect. In that regard the DashDyno is probably better compared to a high end hand scanner in regard to its data collection and display.

I have only used the DashDyno on my Lancer and it would continually go to sleep while driving. I've not investigated the cause and because of this I'm not in love with the DashDyno at this time. I intend to hook it up with one or more of my other cars and will edit or add to this review at that time.

I wish there was more online support through an active forum so questions and issues could be discussed as the comment about instructions and inadequate supplied information is correct. I think the customer base just isn't great enough at this time.

I think is the DashDyno is a sophisticated little black box / scanner /accelerometer with some exciting features that are missed by the typical casual user like myself. The performance monitoring aspect in conjunction with the data collection sets it apart from every other item out there. I need to dedicate some serious time to the unit so I can understand all the features and navigate the layered menu system while driving. For the price of the DashDyno, it needs some serious attention as it carries the cost tag of a good laptop. The DashDyno shouldn't be a compulsion type of purchase and I wish I would have spent more time in contact with customer support before buying the A-501 which I own. The single email I sent them was quickly and satisfactorily answered; so someone at tech support is there listening.

I would recommend the DashDyno with a little caution. There's nothing out there like it without spending a lot more money to get the same results. But you need to evaluate whether you want to spend more money for something even more sophisticated for data collection and display features because you are already making a significant investment. For considerably more money you can have the whole enchilada with something like HP Tuners or EFIlive's basic software.

I gave the 501-A 3 stars because I'm not convinced it works well with my Lancer and the spotty documentation and the need for more ubiquitous support.