What Is an ELM327 Device?
The ELM327 chip was produced and released decades ago by a very small company called ELM Electronics. I actually purchased one of these individual chips in 2007 when exploring the world of vehicle diagnostics. As of 2022 this original pioneering company closed it’s door in 2022. Undeniably this company was a victim of its own success as the inexpensive Chinese clones completely overwhelmed and overtook the market.
For a long period of time these clones functioned identically to the original ELM327 protocol design. Over the years, cost-cutting measures reduced many of them to only a small subset of the original protocols. That means many ELM327 devices on the market are missing up to 90% of the actual ELM327 communication functions.
The 4Dcan software tool is designed for an ELM327 device that has 100% of the original protocols. Finding one is difficult, but there is one nearly guaranteed way to get a fully functioning ELM327 device.
The Easy Way to Choose: Look for FORScan Compatibility
Anything advertised to work with the FORScan software will also work with the 4Dcan software tool.
These devices are easy to identify right in the online listing. Look for an ELM327 device with a small metallic toggle switch on the exterior of the case. That switch selects between the high-speed and low-speed CAN bus on the vehicle, and it works terrifically with the 4Dcan software tool.
Quick Checklist
- Advertised as compatible with FORScan
- Labeled ELM327
- Small metallic toggle switch on the case (HS/MS CAN)
Ready to get started? View the 4Dcan software tool.