What is an on-board computer and why is it needed?

Safety, dynamism, efficiency, comfort, environmental friendliness. When developing new car models, car manufacturers strive to bring their products to the ideal balance of all these parameters. Thanks to this, a wide variety of models with a small engine, but high power appears on the car market (an example of such a motor is the Ecoboost from Ford, which is described separately).

All of the above parameters cannot be controlled by mechanical devices. More precisely, the parameters of the car are adjusted electronically. To control the transition to different modes of operation, each system receives several electronic sensors. Different mechanisms are used to adjust the units and systems to the desired mode.

All these mechanisms and systems are controlled and adjusted by an electronic element called an on-board computer (onborder or carputer). Let's consider what is the peculiarity of such a device, on what principle it works, how to choose a bortovik for your car.

What is an on-board computer

An on-board computer is an electronic device with a microprocessor, made on the principle of a home PC. This device allows you to combine different equipment that can be used in the car. This list includes the navigation system, and the multimedia complex, and the parking system, and the main ECU, etc.

Today there is a wide variety of such elements, but they will work according to the same principle. In addition to managing comfort and safety systems, modern onborders even allow monitoring the condition of the vehicle. All sensors located in the systems and units of the machine transmit their data to the control unit, and the on-board reads some of these parameters. The onborder itself is not involved in changing the operating modes of the engine or certain car systems. The ECU is responsible for this function. But with the compatibility of these devices, the driver can independently reconfigure some parameters of his car.

The electronic control unit is stitched at the factory. Software is a set of algorithms and all sorts of variables that allow it to send the correct commands to the actuators. The carputer is connected to the ECU through the service connector and allows not only to monitor the transport systems, but also to control the ICE, suspension and transmission modes in more expensive cars.

What is it needed for

A feature of this device is the presence of a wide variety of settings and options that make it possible to monitor the state of the car and create the necessary commands for the actuators. In order for the driver to be warned in time about a malfunction or switching to another mode, a corresponding signal appears on the computer screen. Some device models are equipped with a voice announcement.

The main task of the on-board computer is to diagnose the car. When a sensor stops working or a sensor detects a malfunction in the unit / system, an error warning light up on the screen. Fault codes are stored in the memory of modern computers. When a certain malfunction occurs, the microprocessor recognizes the nature of the breakdown in a split second and issues a specific alert in the form of a code.

Each control unit has a service connector to which you can connect diagnostic equipment and decipher the code. Some models allow you to carry out such a diagnosis at home. A separate review considers an example of such a diagnosis. In some cases, the error can be the result of a small electronics glitch. More often, such errors occur when certain sensors fail. Sometimes it happens that the on-board computer switches to another operating mode without reporting an error. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out preventive diagnostics of auto electrical equipment.

A modern car can be equipped with a control unit with diagnostic equipment, but such vehicles are expensive. An external onboard vehicle is connected to the car's service connector and is able to perform part of the standard diagnostics. With it, the car owner can also reset the error code if he is sure exactly what the problem is. The price of such a procedure at a service center depends on the type of car and the complexity of the diagnosis itself. Installing the BC will allow the vehicle owner to save a little money.

Evolution of on-board computers

The first car computer appeared in 1981. The American company IBM developed an electronic device that was later installed on some BMW models. 16 years later, Microsoft has created an analogue of the first device - Apollo. However, this development froze at the prototype stage.

The first serial onborder appeared in 2000. It was released by Tracer (America). The standard computer gained popularity due to its versatility, as well as saving space on the center console of the car.

Carputers are developing in three main directions. The first is diagnostic equipment, the second is route equipment, and the third is control equipment. Here are their features:

1. Diagnostic. This device allows you to check the status of all systems of the machine. Such equipment is used by the workshop master. It looks like a regular computer, only it has software installed that allows you to determine how the car electronics works and whether the sensor readings are recorded correctly. With the help of such service equipment, chip tuning is also performed (about what this is, read in separate article). As for individual diagnostic mobile computers, such models are extremely rare.
2. Route. If full-fledged carputers appeared at the beginning of the third millennium, then route modifications began to appear earlier. The first modifications were installed on rally cars back in the 1970s. Starting in the first half of the 1990s, such devices began to be installed in serial cars. This modification of bortoviks is designed to calculate the parameters of the movement of the machine and display these parameters on the display. The first developments focused only on the parameters of the running gear (the distance traveled was recorded due to the wheel speed). Modern analogues allow you to connect the Internet or contact satellites via the GPS module (the principle of operation of gps navigators is described here). Such onborders can show the time for which a certain distance has been covered, the total mileage, if there is a map, indicate the route, what consumption the car has while driving and at the end of the trip, the time it will take to cover a certain distance and other parameters.
3. Manager. This type of computer will be installed on any car that has an injector. In addition to the microprocessor, which monitors the signals coming from the sensors, the device is also connected to additional mechanisms that allow changing the operating modes of systems and units. The ECU is able to change the time and volume of fuel supply to the cylinders, the amount of incoming air, the valve timing and other parameters. Also, such a computer is able to control the braking system, additional control units (for example, automatic transmission or fuel system), climate control system, emergency brake, cruise control and other systems. The main control unit instantly detects engine parameters such as pressure in the lubrication system, temperature in the cooling system and the engine itself, the number of revolutions of the crankshaft, battery charge, etc.

Modern on-board computers can combine all of the above parameters, or they can be made as separate devices that can be connected to the service connector of the vehicle's electronic system.

What functions does

Depending on the device modification, the onborder performs many different functions. However, regardless of the device model, its main task remains the ability to notify the driver about malfunctions and the state of all car systems. Such a carputer can monitor fuel consumption, oil level in the engine and transmission, monitor the voltage in the on-board system, etc.

Many motorists are sure that it is possible to drive a car without all this data. The oil level is checked using a dipstick, the temperature of the cooling system is indicated by the corresponding arrow on the dashboard, and a speedometer is installed to determine the speed (how it works is described here). For this reason, many are sure that BC is more a whim of fans of all kinds of electronic buns than a necessity.

However, if you dig deeper into this issue, the standard indicators on the dashboard do not always reflect the real state of the car. For example, the coolant temperature arrow may not point to a number, but to a scale mark. What is the real temperature in the system remains a mystery. Electronics fixes these parameters much more accurately. She has a smaller error. Another situation - the driver installs tuning wheels with an increased diameter. In this case, the mechanical speedometer and odometer cannot be reprogrammed for the resized wheels.

Also, when the carputer is connected to the on-board system, the routine vital signs check of the machine is greatly simplified. So, the driver does not need to waste time to bypass the car with a pressure gauge, measure the tire pressure, check the oil level in the engine or gearbox with a dipstick, control the volume of brake and coolant, etc. You just need to turn on the ignition, and the on-board system will perform all these manipulations in a matter of seconds. Of course, the amount of parameters checked depends on the availability of specific sensors.

In addition to displaying information about the car itself, multimedia systems are integrated into modern computers, thanks to which one device can control the operation of units, turn on music, watch a movie or photographs. In traffic jams or in a parking lot, these options will help pass the time.

In addition to entertainment options, the BC can have the following functions:

• In addition to visual notification, the driver can set up a voice message about the required parameters;
• Built-in diagnostics of the on-board system allows you not only to find out about a problem in a timely manner, but also immediately determine what the problem is, without going to computer diagnostics;
• Fuel at filling stations can be of different quality, the computer can report non-compliance with the standards laid down for a particular power unit. This will prevent premature failure of the fuel system or in the future to avoid low-quality refueling;
• In addition to the odometer readings, the device automatically records trip (daily mileage). Depending on the model of the device, the trip can have several modes, so that the driver can measure the distance of different trips;
• It can be synchronized with the immobilizer (how it differs from the alarm is described in another review);
• It can control fuel consumption and calculate its balance in the tank, helping the driver to choose the most economical driving mode;
• Display the temperature inside and outside the car;
• The navigation system may contain detailed trip statistics. This information can be saved on the device so that in the future it is possible to plan in advance the expenses for the upcoming trip (the on-board system can even indicate on which section of the road you need to plan to refuel);
• In addition to navigation, parking sensors with cameras can be connected to the BC, which will facilitate parking in crowded parking lots;
• Decrypt error codes entering the ECU.

Of course, these and other features may not be present in the overboard. For this reason, when going to the store, you first need to determine for what purpose you plan to buy a computer.

One of the common questions regarding the use of bortoviks is how much they drain the battery. When the motor is running, the device receives power from the generator. When the internal combustion engine is inactive, the equipment can also continue to work, but for this it uses a minimum of energy (if completely turned off, then even less than the alarm). True, when the driver turns on the music, the battery will be discharged depending on the power of the audio preparation.

How useful is an onboard computer?

Everyone knows that the same power unit can consume completely different amounts of fuel in different operating conditions. For example, when a car is idling and the A/C is on, it will burn more fuel compared to the same situation with the A/C off.

If you overtake the car in front, the consumption at low speed will be different from the consumption at high speed. When the car is moving downhill, simply letting off the gas pedal will be more economical if you shift into neutral and apply the brakes.

This is clear to most drivers. But here the question arises: how significant will be the difference in consumption in each individual case. Even minor actions by the driver can affect how much fuel the engine burns. Of course, in most situations this is not noticeable. But knowledge of these processes will help the driver to choose the optimal driving mode both in terms of dynamics and consumption.

In order to understand in a conventional car how the motor will behave in different situations, it is necessary to conduct a series of tests that will help you navigate. But these tests will still be inaccurate, because it is impossible to artificially create all the conditions that a car can be in.

The on-board computer analyzes how much the motor will consume if the driver continues to drive in the same mode or the conditions on the road do not change. Also, according to the information on the monitor, the driver will know how far gasoline or diesel fuel is enough. With this information, he will be able to decide whether he needs to use a more economical mode to get to the nearest gas station, or whether he can continue driving as before.

Many on-board computers also provide a function to analyze the status of all vehicle systems. To do this, the device is connected to the service connector of the on-board system of the car. when a failure occurs, the electronics can immediately display a message about a damaged node (such models are programmed for a specific car model).

By type of purpose, on-board computers are divided into two classes:

• Universal on-board computer. Such a device, depending on the model, can work as a navigator, trip computer, multimedia device, etc.
• Highly focused on-board computer. This is a device that is created for only one purpose. For example, there may be a trip computer that records the distance traveled, calculates fuel consumption, etc. There are also diagnostic computers that analyze the operation of all vehicle systems and decode control unit errors.

Most motorists purchase universal computers. Regardless of the model of on-board computers, they are all used only on injection cars. The reason is that the carburetor model is not equipped with a control unit, since it has few sensors that need to be monitored.

If you want to purchase an on-board computer that will only function as a multimedia device, then for this purpose you can consider one of the suitable radio options (among them you can even find models with a navigator, a DVR and other useful functions), so as not to buy a device, most whose functions will not be used.

Often, on-board car computers are equipped with a 7-15-inch monitor. It can be touch-sensitive or equipped with navigation buttons. There are no rules for what this device should be. Therefore, manufacturers themselves decide what functionality and dimensions will be in the device.

If this is a universal device, then for a multimedia system (it is often present in such computers), the manufacturer equips it with either a slot for a memory card / flash drive or a built-in storage drive.

Types of on-board computers

All on-board computers that are installed in cars are divided into several categories. They differ from each other in their functions and purpose. In total, four types of BC can be distinguished:

1. Universal;
2. Route;
3. Service;
4. Manager.

Let's consider what is the peculiarity of each of them.

Universal

The universal on-board computer is distinguished by its versatility. Basically, such BCs are non-standard equipment of a car, which is purchased separately. In order for the device to determine different parameters of the car, it must be connected to the service connector of the car.

Depending on the model of the computer, it is controlled either by virtual buttons on the touchscreen display (in older models there may be analog buttons), or through the remote control.

Here are some of the features that such computers may have:

• GPS-recording;
• Multimedia (radio, music, video);
• Display of some parameters during a trip (for example, mileage, fuel remaining, fuel consumption, etc.);
• The ability to carry out internal diagnostics of some car systems (decoding of error codes);
• Management of the operation of some additional equipment, for example, parking sensors, rear-view cameras, video recorders, etc.

Route

Trip computers have much less functionality compared to the previous type of BC. They can be either standard or additional (installed in those machines that are not equipped with them from the factory). The main task of such a computer is to record indicators during a trip and display them on the screen.

This is information about:

• Speeds;
• Fuel consumption;
• Building a route (GPS navigator);
• Duration of the trip, etc.

Service

As the name of this category suggests, these computers are designed to diagnose vehicle systems. These computers are also called diagnostic computers. Non-standard models are extremely rare, since each of them is configured to diagnose a specific car.

Here are the functions such a computer can perform:

• Monitor the condition of the motor;
• Determine the level and condition of technical and lubricating fluids;
• Monitor battery charging;
• Determine how much the brake pads are worn out, as well as the condition of the brake fluid.

Not every device is capable of displaying error decryptions on the screen, but data on all faults are stored in the BC memory, and they can be retrieved using service equipment during computer diagnostics at a service center.

Manager

Control computers are the most complex in terms of their functionality. They are used in injection and diesel vehicles. The unit is synchronized with the operation of the control system of the entire car (ECU).

The following systems can be controlled by such a computer:

1. Correct the ignition;
2. Determine the condition of the injectors;
3. Correction of the automatic transmission;
4. Change the operating modes of the motor (sports, economical, etc.);
5. Adjust climate control;
6. Record the need for maintenance, etc.

On-board computer parameters

Most of all, motorists use the multimedia and route functions of the BC. As for the route modifications, they often use the navigator. However, most computers come with a larger package of options. Many models are able not only to display the results of the trip, but also to monitor the parameters of the car in dynamics. Based on this information (if the device has this kind of memory), the onboard system can calculate in advance the amount of fuel and how long it will take to cover a similar distance.

Although the main parameters of the vehicle are read by the control unit, the on-board computer can be configured for non-standard equipment. When connecting another sensor, the ECU may regard this as an error, but when synchronizing it with the BC, the system can be reconfigured for non-standard equipment.

The best on-board computers for cars

Among a wide variety of car computers, multitronics models are popular. They can be either external (mounted on top of the dashboard or on the windshield using suction cups) or non-removable (installed in the radio module).

Each of these types has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of remote modifications is that while the car is parked, the device can be removed and taken with you. At the same time, the suction cups in the mount may be of poor quality, therefore, with strong shaking, the device may fall. Fixed options are fixed more firmly - they are installed instead of the radio. The disadvantage is that such a device is noticeable on the console, so if you park for a long time in an unguarded parking lot, such a computer can be the cause of a hack.

When deciding on the modification of the on-board computer, it is necessary to take into account the following factors:

• Each model is stitched for a specific list of protocols (a protocol is a set of algorithms used by one or another electronic control unit). When buying a device on Chinese platforms, you need to find out which protocols the device is compatible with. Otherwise, the computer will work only as a multimedia complex and a navigator.
• Although non-removable models have standard DIN dimensions, not every car has a center console that allows for an oversized device - you will need to figure out how to install it yourself.
• When choosing a model with a voice notification, you need to make sure that the device has the required language package.
• It is not enough to select equipment just by car model. It is better to navigate by the ECU firmware, since the same model of the car may not differ externally, and under the hood there may be a different unit or a modified system.
• Before buying a device, you should read customer reviews.
• If there is no experience in working with an auto electrician, it is better to entrust the installation to a professional.

Let's consider the characteristics of the top models of overboards from Multitronics.

Trip computer Multitronics VC731

This carputer belongs to the category of route modifications. It is attached to the windshield with suction cups. The device is equipped with a 2.4-inch display. In addition to the display on the screen, the driver can receive voice alerts.

The software is updated when accessing the internet. You can also refresh the software via the mini-USB connector. This model supports recording PC settings as a separate file, which can be saved on your home computer. This option allows you to calibrate the device for the parameters of a specific vehicle.

When connected to a similar vehicle, these settings allow you to make a small diagnosis of another car. If the owners of identical cars have a similar carputer, then the recorded configuration file can be transferred to them so as not to remove their equipment.

After the trip, the voice assistant can report the dimensions or headlights not turned off. On the display, some information about the trip can be displayed in the form of a graph. The equipment is equipped with a memory for 20 routes along with an identical number of refueling.

Multitronics VC731 overboard parameters:

Option:	Availability:	Function Description:
Color display	+	Screen resolution 320 * 240. Works at a minimum temperature of -20 degrees. 4 backlight colors.
Protocol support	+	Provides the ability to carry out diagnostics based on the programmed protocols of specific models. If there is no suitable modification in the list, then the diagnostic option can be used based on the speed sensor and injector flow rate.
Service connector connection	+	Perhaps not in all vehicles.
Connecting Parktronics	+	Front and rear (the manufacturer recommends using its own products, for example, Multitronics PU-4TC).
Voice alert	+	The assistant is programmed to reproduce digital values ​​and 21 errors or deviations from settings. When an error occurs, the BC will not only speak its digital value, but also decipher the code.
Fuel quality tracking	+	The system records the fuel consumption and quality (starting from the programmed standard). When changing the parameters, the driver will receive a voice notification.
Fuel economy	+	Calculates the amount of fuel left and helps the driver to select the optimal mode before the next refueling. Taking into account the data on the current consumption and the remaining distance, the system will indicate how long it will take for the car to arrive at its destination and how much fuel will be required for this.
Favorite features	+	Hot Menu buttons quickly call up the desired item without having to search for it in the menu.

The price of such a device starts at $ 150.

Universal computer Multitronics CL-500

This model belongs to the category of universal computers for the car. The model supports most of the modern error protocols for many car models. Unlike the previous version, this device is installed in the niche of the radio (DIN1 size).

The device supports the transfer of configurations through a separate file that can be transferred to your home computer. In case of failure or errors in the system configuration, you can always make a backup and restore the original settings. The only drawback is that the device does not have a speech synthesizer (notifications are played by a built-in buzzer).

Multitronics CL-500 overboard parameters:

Option:	Availability:	Function Description:
TFT display	+	Screen resolution 320 * 240.
Protocol support	+	Provides the ability to carry out diagnostics based on the programmed protocols of specific models. If there is no suitable modification in the list, then the diagnostic option can be used based on the speed sensor and when connected to the injectors.
Service connector connection	+	Not in all vehicles.
Connect to laptop	+	Via mini-USB.
Connecting Parktronics	+	Front and rear (the manufacturer recommends using its own products, for example, Multitronics PU-4TC).
Internet update	+	The update is performed when the corresponding device is connected via the mini-USB connector.
Fuel quality tracking	+	The system records the fuel consumption and quality (starting from the programmed standard). When changing the parameters, the driver will receive a voice notification. This model also works with HBO.
Fuel economy	+	Calculates the amount of fuel left and helps the driver to select the optimal mode before the next refueling. Taking into account the data on the current consumption and the remaining distance, the system will indicate how long it will take for the car to arrive at its destination and how much fuel will be required for this.
Favorite features	+	Hot Menu buttons quickly call up the desired item without having to search for it in the menu.

The cost of this model starts at $ 115.

Auto trip computer Multitronics VC730

This model is an alternative to the analogue VC731. Unlike its predecessor, this computer does not have a speech synthesizer (does not pronounce errors), the list of protocols is much smaller and the model is focused only on cars popular in the CIS. The list of brands with which this overboard is compatible includes: models of domestic production, Nissan, Chevrolet, BYD, SsangYong, Daewoo, Renault, Cherry, Hyundai.

Multitronics VC730 overboard parameters:

Option:	Availability:	Function Description:
Color display	+	Screen resolution 320 * 240. The operating temperature range starts from -20 degrees.
Protocol support	+	Provides the ability to carry out diagnostics based on the programmed protocols of specific models. If there is no suitable modification in the list, then the diagnostic option can be used based on the speed sensor and when connected to the injectors.
Service connector connection	+	Not in all vehicles.
Connect to laptop	+	Via mini-USB.
Connecting Parktronics	+	Front and rear (the manufacturer recommends using its own products, for example, Multitronics PU-4TC).
Internet update	+	The update is performed when the corresponding device is connected via the mini-USB connector.
Fuel quality tracking	+	The system records the fuel consumption and quality (starting from the programmed standard). When changing the parameters, the driver will receive a voice notification. This model also works with HBO.
Fuel economy	+	Calculates the amount of fuel left and helps the driver to select the optimal mode before the next refueling. Taking into account the data on the current consumption and the remaining distance, the system will indicate how long it will take for the car to arrive at its destination and how much fuel will be required for this.
Favorite features	+	Hot Menu buttons quickly call up the desired item without having to search for it in the menu.

The advantages of this model include the ability to calibrate for LPG. The device can be connected to a petrol / gas cut-off solenoid valve. Thanks to this, the device independently recognizes which fuel is being used and calculates the modes taking into account the characteristics of a particular fuel.

The cost of new items of the route type starts at $ 120.

How to consider fuel consumption

In order for the computer to carry out various calculations of fuel consumption indicators, it must be connected to the diagnostic connector (the standard model will be integrated into the car's on-board system). if the device is properly connected and working properly, then it will transmit fairly accurate data regarding mileage and fuel consumption.

The flow rate is determined by the frequency and interval of opening of all nozzles in total. Since it takes time, measured in microseconds, for the nozzle to open / close, its operation must be recorded by an electronic device. The throughput of the nozzle is also important for the accuracy of the flow rate.

Based on these parameters, on the speed of the car, as well as on the performance of the fuel pump and the quality of the fuel filter, the on-board computer calculates the average and current consumption. To determine how far a vehicle can travel, the on-board computer must also receive information about the level of fuel in the gas tank.

Similar calculations are made for transmission and engine oil consumption. If a failure occurs in some vehicle system that affects the determination of this data, the computer may continue to give out a consumption figure, but it will not be correct. Since the device is programmed for specific vehicle parameters, even if non-standard wheels are installed, this may affect the accuracy of fuel consumption calculations.

How to "reset" the on-board computer of a car

Resetting the on-board computer means resetting all errors that were recorded by the device. This procedure corrects the operation of the on-board computer. To carry it out, there is no need to purchase expensive service equipment.

It is enough to disconnect the “-” terminal from the battery and wait about five minutes. After that, the terminal sits on the battery again. After connection, the on-board computer re-collects the current data on the condition of the vehicle.

To make the information more accurately reflected, you can ride in different modes. Thanks to this, the device will function more correctly.

Watch video reviews of on-board computers

Pay attention to the review on Multitronics VC731, as well as how it connects to the on-board car system:

Review and installation of the on-board computer Multitronics VC731 on sang yeng action sport

And here's how to connect Multitronics CL-500:

Connecting the car on-board computer BK multitronics

In conclusion, we offer a short video review on how to choose the right carputer:

What is a trip computer and how to choose the right one?

Questions and answers:

What is an on-board computer for? An on-board computer is an electronic complex, the purpose of which is to determine different parameters of different vehicle systems and adjust their operation. There are standard (factory) and non-standard (installed separately) trip computers.

What does the on-board computer show? The functions of the on-board computer depend on the package of options with which the vehicle is equipped. Depending on this, the on-board computer screen can display information about fuel consumption, the final balance, the distance for which there is enough fuel. Also, the screen can display the electrolyte level in the battery, its charge and voltage in the on-board network. The device can also signal various errors, breakdowns, the exact speed of the car, etc.

How does the on-board computer calculate fuel consumption? Depending on the model of the device, the fuel consumption is calculated based on the mass air flow sensor, odometer and throttle sensor (determines its position). This data is sent to the microprocessor, in which the factory algorithm is triggered, and a specific value is issued. In some car models, the computer uses ready-made data that it receives from the engine ECU. Each automaker uses its own way of determining the fuel consumption parameter. Since each computer has its own error in calculating the data, then the error in the calculation will be different.