OBD2 Data Logger SD Card: Easily Record & Visualize Your Car Data

Do you need to record OBD2 data from your vehicle? Understanding your car’s performance and diagnostics is now simpler than ever with OBD2 data logging. This guide dives deep into the world of OBD2 data logging, focusing on the convenience and power of using an SD card for data storage. We’ll explore the benefits, use cases, and how an OBD2 data logger with SD card capability, like the CANedge, can empower you to take control of your vehicle data.

Unlike many standard OBD2 dongles and scanners, the CANedge provides a unique advantage: it lets you log and process your car’s data your way. With completely free software and APIs, including browser-based dashboards, you have unparalleled flexibility.

Visualize your OBD2 data in a customizable, open-source browser dashboard.

Discover why the CANedge is the ideal solution for CAN and OBD2 data logging and telematics.

Quick Tip: Watch our brief 4-minute introductory video to get started!

Article Contents

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Understanding OBD2 Data Logging with SD Card

Let’s begin by revisiting the fundamentals of OBD2 systems. On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) provides a standardized set of parameters, known as OBD2 PIDs, that can be accessed and recorded from most modern vehicles. These PIDs offer a wealth of information about your car’s engine, emissions, and overall health.

Logging OBD2 data using an SD card logger is a straightforward process, typically involving these three steps:

Configuration: Set up your OBD2 logger by selecting the specific OBD2 PIDs you wish to record. This customization ensures you capture only the data relevant to your needs, optimizing storage space and analysis efficiency.
Connection & Logging: Connect the OBD2 logger to your vehicle’s OBD2 port using an OBD2 adapter cable. Once connected, the logger will automatically begin recording data directly onto the SD card as you drive.
Data Extraction & Decoding: After your drive, simply remove the SD card from the logger and insert it into your computer. Using free software and APIs, you can then decode the recorded data, transforming raw values into meaningful metrics.

For more detailed instructions, refer to our comprehensive guides:

CLX000 OBD2 guide CANedge OBD2 guide

Visualize the OBD2 data logging process: from vehicle connection to software analysis of PIDs.

4 Key Advantages of OBD2 Logging with SD Card

Opting for an OBD2 data logger with SD card storage offers numerous benefits for various applications. Here are four compelling advantages:

1. Enhanced Vehicle and Driver Optimization

OBD2 data provides invaluable insights for optimizing both driving habits and vehicle performance. By logging parameters like speed, RPM, throttle position, and fuel consumption, you can identify areas for improvement in driving efficiency and style. For instance, fleet managers can utilize this data to monitor driver behavior, encourage safer driving practices, and reduce fuel costs across their vehicle pool. Furthermore, automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can leverage OBD2 data loggers to rigorously analyze the real-world performance of prototype components and systems under diverse driving conditions. This field testing is crucial for identifying potential issues and refining designs before mass production.

2. Effective Diagnostics for Intermittent Issues

Diagnosing infrequent or elusive vehicle problems can be incredibly challenging. These issues often occur sporadically during driving but may not be present when the vehicle is in a repair shop. An OBD2 logger with SD card resolves this by continuously recording data while you drive. When a rare issue manifests, the logger captures the relevant data points leading up to and during the event. This recorded data provides a detailed timeline of vehicle parameters, enabling technicians to analyze the conditions surrounding the problem and accurately pinpoint the root cause. This approach significantly reduces diagnostic time and improves the accuracy of repairs for intermittent faults.

3. Streamlined Car Fleet Management

For businesses managing vehicle fleets, OBD2 data logging with SD card offers a powerful tool for optimizing operations and reducing costs. Implementing OBD2 telematics across a fleet provides a centralized data source for monitoring various aspects of vehicle usage and driver behavior. This includes tracking fuel consumption to identify inefficiencies, monitoring vehicle health to predict maintenance needs and prevent breakdowns, and analyzing driving patterns to enhance safety and compliance. The data collected can also be invaluable for insurance purposes and dispute resolution, providing objective evidence in case of accidents or incidents. Moreover, the insights gained from fleet-wide OBD2 data can facilitate predictive maintenance strategies, minimizing downtime and maximizing vehicle lifespan.

4. Unmatched Data Control and Custom Integration

Unlike many closed-system OBD2 solutions, an OBD2 logger with SD card, especially those like the CANedge, provides complete control over your data. The raw time-series data is recorded and stored on the SD card, giving you direct access for extraction and analysis. This open approach is crucial for custom integrations. You can easily upload the data to your own servers or preferred cloud platforms, enabling seamless integration with existing systems and workflows. Furthermore, open APIs and software tools facilitate custom data processing and visualization, allowing you to tailor the data analysis to your specific requirements. This level of data ownership and flexibility is essential for users who need to integrate OBD2 data into proprietary systems or develop custom applications.

Which of these benefits aligns best with your OBD2 logging needs? Contact us today for a free consultation!

Introducing the CANedge OBD2 Data Logger with SD Card

The CANedge CAN bus data logger stands out as an exceptional solution for OBD2 logging, particularly due to its robust features and SD card data storage. It offers optional GPS/IMU, WiFi, and even 3G/4G capabilities, making it exceptionally versatile for OBD2 fleet telematics and diverse automotive data logging applications.

Experience plug-and-play OBD2 logging with CANedge, seamlessly connecting your vehicle data to your server.

PLUG & PLAY: The CANedge is designed for out-of-the-box operation. Its standalone functionality ensures immediate data logging without complex setup procedures. Effortlessly link your vehicle data to your server infrastructure.

CANedge delivers professional-grade OBD2 data logging with high-performance specifications.

PRO SPECS: Benefit from extractable SD card storage ranging from 8GB to 32GB, dual CAN/LIN channels, CAN FD support, zero data loss even under heavy loads, a precise 50 µs RTC, and error frame capture. The CANedge is engineered for demanding data logging tasks.

The compact and rugged design of CANedge makes it ideal for discreet and reliable OBD2 data logging in any vehicle environment.

COMPACT: Measuring only 8 x 5 x 2 CM and weighing just 100g, the CANedge boasts a robust aluminum enclosure and multiple status LEDs. It also features configurable 5V power output on channel 2 for powering external devices.

Securely transmit your vehicle’s OBD2 data wirelessly via WiFi or LTE with CANedge’s advanced connectivity options.

WIFI/LTE: Seamlessly push data via WiFi or 3G/4G to your server. Advanced end-to-end security protocols and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates ensure data integrity and device management.

Enhance your OBD2 data with precise location and motion data using CANedge’s integrated GNSS and 3D IMU sensors.

GNSS + 3D IMU: The built-in GPS/IMU provides 3x accuracy through sensor fusion, capturing position, speed, distance, acceleration, orientation, and more, enriching your OBD2 data with valuable contextual information.

Leverage free, open-source software and APIs with CANedge for unparalleled interoperability and data processing flexibility.

INTEROPERABLE: Utilize free, open-source software and APIs. Convert MF4 data to ASC/CSV formats, benefit from DBC support, Python libraries, and pre-built dashboards.

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Software Showcase: OBD2 Dashboard for Vehicle Data Visualization

The CANedge simplifies the creation of free, customized browser dashboards for visualizing your OBD2 data and setting up real-time alerts. This capability transforms raw data into actionable insights, allowing you to monitor vehicle performance and diagnose issues effectively.

For even richer data analysis, combine your OBD2 readings with GPS/IMU data by choosing a CANedge equipped with GNSS/IMU. This fusion of data streams provides a comprehensive view of vehicle behavior and context.

Explore the interactive online playground or delve deeper into our dashboard introduction to see the power of OBD2 data visualization in action!

playground dashboards intro

Download the ‘OBD2 Data Pack’

Eager to start working with real OBD2 data? We offer a free ‘data pack’ to get you going.

This comprehensive download includes:

Our OBD2 DBC file for easy data decoding.
25+ car DBC files (reverse engineered) expanding your compatibility.
100+ MB of real-world data from 10+ different cars, providing diverse sample datasets for practice and analysis.

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Practical Use Cases for OBD2 Data Loggers with SD Card

Let’s explore some real-world applications where the CANedge OBD2 data logger proves invaluable.

OEM Vehicle Part Field Testing

Do you need to log CAN/OBD2 data from vehicles in real-world operating conditions?

For OEMs, late-stage field testing of prototype equipment is critical. This often requires collecting OBD2 and CAN data from numerous vehicles over extended periods, such as months. The CANedge1 is perfectly suited for this purpose due to its compact size, plug-and-play simplicity, and easy pre-configuration. Data can be collected periodically and analyzed using industry-standard CAN tools or the free asammdf GUI/API. The SD card storage ensures reliable data capture even in remote locations.

canedge1

OEM field testing of prototype vehicle parts using an OBD2 data logger to collect odograph and odometer data.

Advanced Vehicle Telematics (OBD2 + GNSS/IMU + 3G/4G)

Are you looking to implement advanced OBD2 telematics for on-road vehicle fleets?

The CANedge3 excels in telematics applications. It can automatically upload logged OBD2 data via 3G/4G using your own SIM card, enabling near real-time wireless data transfer from vehicles to your cloud server. The open APIs, including OBD2 DBC decoding support, facilitate automated data processing. CANedge3 devices support over-the-air updates for remote management. The integrated GPS/IMU adds valuable location, motion, and orientation data, enriching your telematics insights.

canedge3

Case Study: OBD2/CAN Telematics Implementation

Discover how Volkswagen leverages the CANedge2 to log both OBD2 and raw CAN data to an SD card, and automatically push this data to their self-hosted server for in-depth analysis.

“The CANedge2 allowed us to get up and running incredibly quickly with highly configurable options – and the support was outstanding!“

learn more 100+ case studies

Illustration of Volkswagen’s OBD2 telematics system using a WiFi data logger for data transmission.

Accessing OBD2 Data from an Audi A4

To help you get started, we provide downloadable OBD2 sample data recorded using the CANedge from an Audi A4.

You can also download our free, open-source OBD2 software to experiment with decoding raw OBD2 data yourself.

Raw OBD2 Data Decoded OBD2 Data Free Software

Frequently Asked Questions about OBD2 Data Logging

The OBD2 protocol (SAE J1979) standardizes a wide range of vehicle data parameters accessible from your car. However, the specific OBD2 data supported can vary between car makes and models. Older vehicles, in particular, often support fewer parameters.

Here are some common OBD2 parameters frequently available for logging:

Fuel system status
Engine load
Coolant temperature
Fuel trim
Fuel pressure
Intake manifold pressure
Engine RPM
Vehicle speed
Intake air temperature
MAF air flow rate
Throttle position
Air status
Oxygen sensor status
Runtime since engine start
Distance with MIL on
Fuel tank level input
System vapor pressure
Absolute load value
Hybrid battery pack life
Engine oil temperature
Engine fuel rate
Torque
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Various DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)

For comprehensive details, consult the OBD2 PID Wiki page or the official SAE J1979 standard.

To convert raw OBD2 data from a CANedge OBD2 data logger into physical units (e.g., km/h, RPM), you need a database of decoding rules, known as a DBC file, and compatible OBD2 software.

We offer a 100% free OBD2 DBC file that encompasses the majority of standardized Mode 01 (Service 01) OBD2 PID decoding rules, as documented on resources like the OBD2 PID Wiki page.

This OBD2 DBC file utilizes extended multiplexing to facilitate OBD2 data decoding. For a deeper understanding, refer to our DBC introduction and our OBD2 introduction, where we explain interpreting raw CAN frames containing OBD2 responses.

You can load your raw OBD2 data and the OBD2 DBC file into our free software tools, such as asammdf or our OBD2 dashboard integrations. This allows you to visualize decoded OBD2 parameters like Speed, Engine Speed, MAF, and Fuel Level.

A key advantage of this approach is the ease of modifying the OBD2 DBC file to incorporate additional proprietary OBD2 PIDs. You can also combine the OBD2 DBC with proprietary CAN DBC files to enable comprehensive CAN and OBD2 car data logging.

What is UDS?

The Unified Diagnostic Services protocol (UDS, ISO 14229-1) is another communication protocol used in automotive ECU communication. While OBD2 is designed for on-board diagnostics during vehicle operation, UDS is intended for off-board diagnostics when the vehicle is stationary, typically used with a UDS diagnostic tool to send request messages to ECUs to retrieve specific information.

How to Make UDS Requests over ISO-TP (ISO 15765-2)

Requesting OBD2 PIDs is relatively simple, involving a single request and response CAN frame exchange. In contrast, UDS requests can be more complex, often requiring transport protocol requests over multiple frames. For example, using UDS service 0x22 to request data by identifier involves a multi-frame communication sequence:

A ‘UDS data logger’ sends a request frame specifying the Service ID (SID) and Data Identifier (DID).
The car ECU responds with a first frame, containing the SID, DID, total message length, and initial payload.
The UDS logger acknowledges with a flow control frame.
The ECU then transmits consecutive frames with the remaining message payload.

Logging UDS data requires a UDS tool capable of sending custom CAN frames and flow control frames. Software tools must also be able to reassemble multi-frame UDS responses to extract and decode the payload.

UDS and OBD2 Extended PIDs for Enhanced Car Data Logging

The UDS Service ID (SID) and Data Identifiers (DID) are sometimes combined into an ‘extended OBD2 PID,’ such as 0x220101. Utilizing UDS service 0x22 requests can unlock access to vehicle data beyond standard OBD2 PIDs (Service 01). For instance, some electric vehicles provide State of Charge (SoC%) data via UDS requests under service 0x22.

Utilizing CANedge as a Versatile UDS Data Logger

The CANedge can be configured to initiate UDS requests. This involves sending a request frame followed by a flow control frame within a specified timeframe to trigger the full UDS response sequence. Log files containing UDS responses can be analyzed in tools like CANalyzer (by converting MF4 data to Vector ASC) for decoding, or processed using our free Python CAN bus API to push parameters to a Grafana UDS dashboard. Our github API examples include UDS response data and a UDS DBC file for decoding State of Charge (SoC%) from a Hyundai Kona EV. For more information, see our article on EV data loggers or contact us.

Is My Car OBD2 Compatible?

Most likely, yes. OBD2 has been mandatory in the USA since 1996 and in the EU (as EOBD) since 2003 for cars and light trucks.

However, OBD2 support doesn’t guarantee access to all desired data. Parameter availability varies by vehicle model, with older cars often having limited support for real-time parameters like speed and RPM. Some manufacturers are also restricting OBD2 data access for greater data control. While CAN is the dominant signal protocol for OBD2, older US cars (pre-2008) and some EU brands may use alternative protocols.

Verification Tip: Check your OBD2 connector for “metal pins” in positions 6 (CAN High) and 14 (CAN Low) as illustrated in our OBD2 connector diagram (red pins). If unsure, send us a photo for review.

OBD2 employs five signal protocols:

ISO 15765 (CAN): Predominant, mandatory in US vehicles since 2008.
SAE J1850 (PWM): Ford Motor Company standard.
SAE J1850 (VPW): General Motors standard.
ISO 9141-2: Used by Chrysler and some EU/Asian vehicles.
ISO 14230 (KWP2000): Primarily used by EU manufacturers.

The CANedge/CLX000 supports CAN-based OBD2. Contact us if you have compatibility concerns.

For a preliminary protocol check, use this resource: OBD2 compatibility (cars). For a basic overview, see our simple OBD2 introduction.

Using an OBD2 logger, you can also determine supported Mode 01 OBD2 parameter IDs by requesting ‘Supported PIDs’ parameters (IDs 00, 20, 40, 60, 80, A0, C0). Analyze the response data bytes bit-by-bit to confirm PID support, as detailed in the Wikipedia OBD2 PID article.

OBD2 vs. J1939 Data Logging for Different Vehicle Types

OBD2 data logging is primarily suited for cars and light trucks. For heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, tractors, and excavators, J1939 data logging is typically required. J1939 is a standardized protocol for heavy-duty vehicles, enabling data decoding across brands, similar to OBD2. Decoding J1939 data requires a J1939 DBC file. The CANedge/CLX000 can also function as a J1939 data logger.

Choosing Between CANedge and CLX000 for OBD2 Logging

Both CANedge and CLX000 data logger series are capable OBD2 data loggers.

For SD card-based logging, the CANedge series is recommended as the 2nd generation, optimized for data logging efficiency. For auto-uploading log files to your server, the CANedge2 is ideal for OBD2 telematics and OBD2 dashboards.

If real-time OBD2 data streaming via USB to a PC is also needed, the CLX000 series, such as the CL2000, is recommended.

Real-Time OBD2 Data Streaming via USB

Yes, the CLX000 series supports real-time streaming of raw CAN and OBD2 data via USB. See our OBD2 streaming introduction.

Raw CAN Data vs. OBD2 Data Logging

Connecting a CAN logger like CANedge or CLX000 to your vehicle’s OBD2 port will, by default, record raw CAN bus data in most cars. This raw CAN data is used for internal vehicle communication.

OEMs may log raw CAN data as they possess the necessary CAN databases (DBC files) for decoding. For non-OEM users, decoding raw CAN data typically involves reverse engineering, although partial databases may be available from projects like opendbc.

For most users, OBD2 protocol logging is the primary method for data collection. OBD2 data is accessed “on-request,” unlike raw CAN data. OBD2 communication in modern cars is primarily CAN-based. Logging OBD2 data involves sending specific CAN frames to request data, and the vehicle responds if the requested OBD2 PID is supported.

Types of OBD2 Devices

The market offers a wide variety of OBD2 devices:

OBD2 Scanners: Used mainly for diagnostics by mechanics to identify and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Bluetooth and WiFi OBD2 scanners offer convenient smartphone access to diagnostic information.

OBD2 Dongles: Typically small, low-cost Bluetooth OBD2 readers for consumer use. They provide real-time vehicle data via smartphone apps, suitable for basic plug-and-play applications but with limited flexibility. Often based on ELM327 microcontrollers.

OBD2 Data Loggers: Record OBD2 time-series data to an SD card in standalone mode, without needing a PC or app during logging. Data is extracted later via USB or SD card for analysis. The CANedge1 exemplifies an OBD2 data logger with SD card capability.

OBD2 WiFi/LTE Loggers: OBD2 data loggers with WiFi or 3G/4G connectivity, like the CANedge2/CANedge3, enable auto-transfer of OBD2 data to servers for telematics applications and OBD2 dashboards.

OBD2 Interfaces: CAN interfaces that also function as OBD2 interfaces, allowing real-time OBD2 data streaming to a PC via USB, such as the CLX000 with USB streaming via SavvyCAN.

OBD2 Logger Power Consumption and Vehicle Battery Drain

In most cases, CANedge and similar OBD2 loggers power on/off with the vehicle ignition as the OBD2 connector typically uses the IGN power supply, preventing battery drain when the vehicle is off.

However, in some vehicles, the OBD2 connector is directly battery-wired, potentially keeping the logger powered even when the car is off. The CANedge’s minimal power drain (

To check if your logger powers down with the vehicle, observe the LEDs after turning off the car for 15-20 minutes. If LEDs are off, the logger is off.

If the logger remains powered and prolonged vehicle shutdown is expected, disconnect the device or configure the CANedge to start/stop based on CAN data patterns linked to ignition status. Alternatively, use a DB9-DC splitter cable and a DC-cigarette receptacle adapter to power the CANedge via the cigarette lighter socket, which is usually ignition-linked. See CANedge documentation for details.

GPS Data Logging with OBD2 Loggers

While some cars have built-in GPS, accessing this data via OBD2 or proprietary CAN is often not feasible. Using a CANedge with integrated GNSS/IMU is recommended for synchronized GPS/IMU and CAN/OBD2 data logging.

Ready to start logging OBD2 data from your car?

Get your CANedge Obd2 Data Logger Sd Card today!

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