The content of the article:
- Choosing an on-board computer - where to start
- Varieties and features of on-board computers
- Classification by purpose
- Classification by type of installation
- Selection of BC, based on the cost and brand of the car
- Combined or autonomous BC system
Computer technology is massively replacing classical devices in all industries, and automotive is no exception. The standard dashboard is increasingly being replaced by an onboard computer (onborder), which allows not only to simplify tracking of all indicators, but also to equip the car with additional functions.
Choosing an on-board computer - where to start
Before diving into the abyss of varieties, models and their compatibility with cars, you should decide on the goals and capabilities.
To do this, you need to ask yourself a few questions.
Question 1. What exactly do I want from the on-board computer?
Should it perform any specific functions (diagnostics of the state of the car, routing) or be universal? When buying, you should pay attention to the study of the varieties and purpose of specific products. After all, it makes no sense to overpay for a model, most of the functions of which will not be used.
Maybe you only need a BC to equip the car with the latest technology and increase its prestige? Then you will have to first of all pay attention to the visual effects and design of the device.
Question 2. How much can I allocate for a purchase?
For those who have an unlimited budget and want to improve their car as much as possible, you can take a closer look at onborders that completely replace the control panel. And the most budgetary and practical option is service bookmakers.
Question 3. Do I need additional features, and if so, which ones?
The price of products largely depends on the functionality, so you should decide at the initial stage whether you need a device with the ability to dry candles by remote access, etc. It is also important to consider the operating temperature. If you plan to use the car at low temperatures, you should choose a BC that will function smoothly in the winter.
Varieties and features of on-board computers
The division of bortoviks into types, based on the purpose and method of installation, is clear and simple, which allows you to easily determine which device is best suited for a particular situation.
Classification by purpose
Universal BC
Their distinctive feature is their versatility. They combine a GPS navigator, a player, and have basic computer functions. Often, models are equipped with a radio control system, a set of necessary sensors, an alarm system, nozzle control and other parameters. Many universal BCs have the function of a parking device.
Features of multifunctional devices:
- Simplicity and ease of use.
- Versatility. If necessary, the device can be removed and installed on another vehicle.
- It is most often used as a separate or additional system, as it does not integrate well with the vehicle control system.
- The devices are equipped with a liquid crystal display, with the help of which the system is controlled.
- Depending on the model, they have a 2.5-inch hard drive, an SSD or a flash memory chip.
Highly specialized bookmakers
Designed for specific tasks. They are divided into three types.
1. Trip computers
Designed for calculating the parameters of the vehicle movement, processing the received data and displaying the result on the display. Features of modern models:
- They have a graphic display.
- Equipped with liquid crystal or OLED indicators.
- The route onboard can be built-in or external. Built-in models have great functionality.
- The devices are most often compatible with service and control BC.
- Have a satellite navigation connection.
The trip computer calculates and displays:
- a map of the territory along which the car is moving, and the route laid;
- movement speed in the allotted period of time;
- average speed indicators for the entire trip;
- the amount of fuel consumed for the entire distance, from the point of departure to the point of arrival, and its cost;
- fuel consumption during braking, acceleration and other driving modes;
- time spent on the trip;
- time of arrival at the destination, etc.
2. Service
The task of the service on-board computers is to diagnose and report problems in an encoded form. The presence of a service BC in the car allows you to save time and money on car diagnostics, since the service center will only need to decipher the error code displayed on the device screen. If it is impossible to contact the service, then the owner of the car can see the designation of the code displayed on the screen on his own, using the instructions for the avtobortovik. The main functions of service BC:
- Checking the engine.
- Diagnostics of brake pads.
- Monitoring the oil level in all major vehicle systems: engine, gearbox, etc.
- Checking the electrical system for shorts, problems with lamps, indicators, alarm systems, etc.
Service bortoviks are not often installed "in a pure form", in most cases they are equipped with other types of BC.
3. Managers
They are a mixture of a route and service board. Their main functions are:
- Battery charge regulation.
- Injector control.
- Providing cruise control.
- Voltage regulation of the onboard network.
- Alarm in case of malfunction and sound signal in case of emergency.
- Monitoring and diagnostics of engine operation.
Classification by type of installation
By the type of installation, on-board computers can be built-in or external.
Built-in BCs (or standard ones) are provided for a specific car model and are mounted in the dashboard, maximally uniting with the control panel, due to which they have a wide range of functions and capabilities. The model side skirts are ideally combined with the interior design. The disadvantages include the fact that this type of BC cannot be reinstalled on a car of a different make, and sometimes of a different year of manufacture.
Outdoor (or multi-series). It is installed separately, most often on the windshield, which increases the risk of theft of the device. Unlike built-in models, outdoor models have limited functionality, since they are minimally integrated into the control panel. But devices of this type are universal, they can be reinstalled on other machines, regardless of the make and model.
Display variations
Not only the image quality, but also the cost of the device depends on the type of BC monitor. Onborders can be equipped with a color or monochrome display. In addition, there are three types of display, depending on the characteristics of the displayed information:
- Graphic display. Differs in high cost and versatility. Displays information not only in the form of text and numbers, but can also draw graphs, pictograms, etc.
- Text. It is in second place after the graphical in terms of value. Displays data as numbers and text.
- Svetoid. The peculiarity of the LED screen is brightness and clarity. The data is displayed in numbers only. This option is the cheapest.
What to look for when choosing on-board computers
Each onborder model, in addition to the main characteristics, has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when purchasing.
What should you pay attention to first of all?
- Operating temperature. In order for the device to work stably in different weather conditions, the temperature range should fluctuate from -20 to +45 degrees.
- CPU. Can be 16 and 32 bit. Devices with a 32-bit processor are faster and sharper, so they are preferred.
- Adapter for connection. Does the device need it and is it included in the kit?
- What mains voltage the BC is designed for. The wider the voltage range, the better. The most common variant is 9-16 V.
- Which ECU is the specific model compatible with? There are three main types of control units: Bosch, January, Mikas.
- What type of engine is the model compatible with: injection, carburetor or diesel.
- How reliable is the manufacturing company. It is not always worth trusting the products of little-known companies. Companies that have won the trust of consumers and a certain niche in the market carefully monitor the quality of their products and their reputation.
Selection of BC based on the cost and brand of the car
If you need to install a bortovik on a domestically produced car or on an old model car, then you can get by with practical budget options with a set of necessary functions.
There are several popular models:
- "Pilot". Suitable for any VAZ models with a carburetor type engine. It has a fairly wide functionality, is easy to use and durable.
- "Headquarters". It is in no way inferior to "Pilot" in terms of characteristics, it differs only in that it is installed on a car with injection engines.
- "Navigator". The model is similar to the previous version.
- MK-10. Small feature set and low cost. Suitable for the undemanding motorist.
- "Prestige". This option is more expensive than the previous ones; easy to operate, equipped with an LCD monitor. Installed on vehicles with an injection engine.
For foreign cars of the latest models, it is worth choosing a more prestigious and functional bortovik. Its cost, of course, will be much higher, but the characteristics are also appropriate. The leaders in this area are Prestige and Multitronix, which produce a wide range of models of various properties.
Combined or autonomous BC system
Developers of electronic technologies pay attention to multifunctional on-board instruments. Car manufacturers focus on equipping with narrow-profile side trucks. Each of these onboard systems has its own pros and cons.
Unified system. It is a single central computer that unites all vehicle systems: control, diagnostics, route planning and analysis, information, media and other functions. Such BCs are economical, easy to work with, install and repair. But these devices have one significant drawback - in the event of a breakdown, the car can lose all its capabilities, up to the inability to move.
Autonomous system. It is a set of several computer devices connected with each other, but functioning independently of each other. Any car can be equipped with such a system, but its purchase, installation and adjustment require certain costs, both material and time. But in this case, if one of the devices fails, the rest will continue to work as before.
The on-board computer makes it possible to significantly simplify the process of driving a car, and a wide selection of names of on-board vehicles makes it possible to choose a device that meets any requirements of the car owner and his material condition.
