An on-board computer is called a computer installed in the car, while it does not matter which it is narrowly directed or universal. If the engine is considered the heart of the car, then the on-board computer can be rightfully called its brain.

Tasks and on-board computer functions

Depending on the type of the installed onboard computer, it can have a huge functionality and solve many different tasks. These can be directly entertaining functions, such as multimedia playback, GPS navigation and Internet connection support. So more serious functions of diagnosing, management and remote information about the operation of the car.

Side computers of narrow-controlled type

The type of unlocked BC directly includes: route computers, service (diagnostic) computers and electronic control systems (so-called control computers).

Side computers are often installed in cars with injection and diesel engines of internal combustion, in very rare cases of carburetor.

route on-board computer

Initially, on-board computers of this species began to install on cars that participated in the rally in the 70s of the 20th century. And only by the 90th year, this type of side computers got to serial cars.
The main functions of the router BC is the calculation and display on the screen of the vehicle of the car. Modern computers of this species are quite common with the built-in satellite navigation module, on the very first route computers it was absent, all calculations were carried out exclusively within the system.

Modern route on-board computer is able to display the following types of data on the information display:

• The average speed of movement at a certain period of time and for the entire route traveled;
• Average car fuel consumption;
• The length of the route to the destination;
• Calculation of the distance traveled and the distance of the total car path;
• Shows the trip time and calculates the arrival time at the specified point;
• Calculating the cost of this trip (taking into account the price of fuel);

These are the basic parameters that displays a route on-board computer. Depending on the manufacturer and the model, these parameters may vary.
Routed BCs mainly have a symbolic liquid crystal display or OLED indicator, which are embedded in the center console or directly into the dashboard of the car.
Route on-board computers installed independently have a relatively smaller number of functions than integrated serial BCs that are installed by the car manufacturer. A very often built-in route computer is combined directly with a service or control computer.

service on-board computer

According to its essence, the service on-board computer is designed to identify malfunctions in systems and knots of the car, including those that occur in the way. Also, this type of computers is quite commonly referred to as diagnostic.

In addition, this type of computers is needed to simplify the diagnostic process in the service center. During the occurrence of any error or malfunction in the car, the data is stored in directly in the memory of the computer itself. And when providing service work based on the collected information, an error and malfunction in the car is being formed.
List of basic functions of a service side computer:

• Full control of the entire car electrical system (lighting, detecting short circuits, current leaks, etc.);
• Constant control of the brake equipment of the car, including brake pads;
• Diagnostics of the car work directly;
• Storage of data about all errors in the car;
• Permanent control of the oil level in all car units.

Directly diagnostic BC as a completely independent system is quite rare.

managing on-board computer

The managers of the on-board computer is the main unit of the electronic control system of the car. An IBM's American company is considered the parent of this block, it was created in the 80s of the last century for the German manufacturer of BMW cars. The onboard control computer can be consisting of both one and several digital computers independent from each other, which are attached their own sensors and mechanisms. Recently, increasingly found as part of a common branched system.

List of basic functions of the control side computer:

• Ignition control system;
• All climatic systems;
• Automatic transmission control unit;
• ABS;
• Injector control system;
• High-speed control (cruise control).

Also, the main abilities of this type of computers include the functions of determining the parameters of the engine itself.
This list includes such parameters as:

• Cooling fluid temperature;
• Oil pressure;
• Air consumption;
• Crankshaft rotation speed;
• Voltage adjustment in car electrical system and battery charging current;
• Monitoring the temperature of the engine and alarm;
• Control over the exceedment of the maximum speed;
• Control over the use of seat belts;

And much more…

Leaders of onboard computers

Today, the unconditional leader in the production of onboard computers is Multitronics. Side computers from this brand support a huge number of original car diagnostic protocols. That in a consequence makes it much more accurate to make diagnostics and increases the speed of its operation.

MULTITRONICS RC-700

For example, in the Multitronics RC-700 on-board computer model, the number of functions reaches three hundred, there is also a variety of settings. With all this, abundance, setting up and operating this device is quite simple. It has unique features, defining the wheel slip with the removal of buxing wheels on the display, provided that the ABS Bosch 8/9 is installed on the car. As well as the possibility of accurate determination of gas flow when connecting to HBO nozzles not lower than the 4th generation. It is possible to select the color scheme of the display, which has a resolution of 320x240 with a diagonal of 2.4 inches.

MULTITRONICS MPC-800

The magnificent option is the Multitronics MPC800 onboard computer. This BC differs from his analogues in that he has no own display, as it, he uses a smartphone on the Android operating system with a specially installed application. Communication between the on-board computer and the smartphone occurs through the Bluetooth connection. The application can work both in the background, displaying only important information on the screen, as well as a full-fledged display of the BC, constantly displaying the states of the car systems. This unit also has a voice alert. The main advantage of this device is the lack of need to make changes to the interior design. It is also compatible with almost any car.

Multitronics VC-730

Multitronics VC730 is the best option from models attached to the windshield. It has the support of a large number of protocols. The main pluses include control of fuel quality and the possibility of connecting parking sensors to the front and rear bumper. This BC has the ability to select the color scheme of the screen.

Multitronics TC-740

Multitronics TC740 is designed for mounting on the front panel of the car. Equipped with a visor that protects the display from sunlight entering and improves its visibility. And has a very powerful processor that provides it with excellent accuracy and high speed.
Not the last place in the lists of the best manufacturers of onboard computers occupies the "Orion" brand. The on-board computer from this company BKK-135 has a simple installation and support of a large number of protocols. The main function of this device is to control the operation of the main systems of the car.

Micro Line Prestige

Also, Micro Line has proven well on the market with its side computers of the Prestige line. Which also has an impressive number of functions (in some models there are more than 500). There is an independent possibility of programming on-board computer. Like all modern BCs, they have the function of decrypting the car engine codes, as a result, it is possible to understand the fault itself without resorting to the service center services.

Chevy Matrix-M

The onboard computer Chevy Matrix-M from the "state" manufacturer is equipped with all standard functions. It is also capable of decrypting error codes. For lovers, the indicator of the acceleration time from zero is present to hundreds. It is also equipped with a "plasmer" function that allows you to warm up and dry the spark plugs with the help of targeted pulses, even with a muffled engine.

Orion BK-135

One of the most purchased onboard computers Orion BK-135. Refers to the type of universal BC. He has the support of a large number of protocols. The main task of this computer is the operational control of the operation of the aggregates and the velocity of the car. Orion BK-135 is characterized by a very simple installation and the ability to install it almost anywhere in the cabin. Updates this onboard computer passes through the Internet and does not require great effort. It has a remote temperature sensor.

Selection of models of on-board computer, taking into account models of cars

Before you begin the choice of BC for the machine, it is necessary to find out what type of electronic motor control unit is installed in it. They are installed on each car, they differ in the model and year of release.
In order to find out what type of block installed on the car, you need to directly find the electronic unit itself. It is located under the instrument panel and is, in essence, the control center of the electronic system of the machine. Directly on the block itself there is a sticker on which its type is indicated.

When choosing an on-board computer, you must proceed from what engine is installed on the car. Depending on the type of engine, the carburetor, diesel or injector and the on-board computer is selected. It is worth saying that if the carburetor engine is installed on the car, the selection of onboard computers is very limited. Also not distinguished by a large abundance of onboard computers in the market, diesel cars. Recently, side computers began to appear very often on sale directly under a certain car model.

By defining the type of block of the electronic engine control system and the type of engine itself, you can proceed to the selection of directly the on-board computer. When choosing, you should proceed from what exactly you need a computer. And on the basis of your own requirements, select the onboard computer individually for yourself. It can be like just a beautiful show fuel consumption and a more advanced device capable of producing almost complete diagnostics of the car.

Choosing a place of installation of on-board computer, dignity and disadvantages of the selected place

Depending on the model of the machine and directly the BC itself, the installation site may vary.

installation on the windshield or front panel

This placement place is perhaps the most simple. Mostly installing computers to such places occurs with the help of two third-party skotcha. On-board computer installed in this way is always before the eyes. The main disadvantage of this installation is that it is striking, very often the purpose of hacking the car is the on-board computer.

setting over the mirror

Not very good place to install onboard computer. Very far pull the wires, and to switch will have to pull your hand up, which is not very convenient.

setting on the steering column

Also is not a bad option, the on-board computer is always in front of the eyes, but it may be difficult if you need to switch something on it while driving.

installation in the magnetic connector

It is also not a bad option, but unfortunately, when installing, there is no possibility of a normal installation of a radio tape recorder. True, there is a way out, this is the installation of a universal onboard computer with multimedia functions. To minuses, this option is unless you can attribute that very often because of the poor-quality display in the winter it freezes, and solar weather is almost nothing to be visible, but it applies more directly to the computer itself, and not to the place of its installation.

The most good installation site of the on-board computer

Below are as an example in our opinion the most successful places to install the onboard computer into the car.

installation instead of full hours

For many car owners is the ideal option, since the clock in the on-board computer is also present. With such an installation, it is also not flashed before his eyes, as well as well hidden, on-site computers very often serve as a car hacking. Plus, almost all the necessary wires for connecting the on-board computer come to the clock.

installation in a special hole under the onboard computer

Installation in a special hole provided directly under the on-board computer, it is usually closed with a plug. In fact, it is an ideal option for installing a side computer, but unfortunately is not available on all cars. When installing this method, the computer does not flame in front of the eyes, and it is provided with normal access to its buttons.

On-board computer universal type

If narrow-controlled side computers are designed to perform any specific function, the universal can combine huge multifunctionality. In many models of cars, the universal on-board computer is equipped with a large number of sensors.
In modern cars, the removal of information and computer takes place by means of a color sensory display (usually from seven to fifteen inches).

By your device, the universal BC car is identical to the usual personal computer. If you turn off from the car and connect to the twelve voltage power supply, it will turn into an already familiar home PC.
In addition to functions inherent in narrow-controlled computers, the universal also has the support of multimedia. When it is installed, there is no need for a radio tape recorder, as a result of which it can safely be installed in its place.

Is it possible to install on-board computer with your own hands, or entrust installing professionals

With sufficient knowledge and possessing special skills, install the on-board computer with your own hands will not be difficult. It should be remembered that it is not enough to install the computer itself, it is still necessary to flash it. In the other case, it is better to trust this business to specialists who know their own business. The average price for installing a side computer in a specialized car service is 2.5 thousand rubles. In this case, they will be guaranteed to their work in 1 year or on a certain car mileage.

On-board computer is installed incorrectly, which brings the installation errors of the on-board computer
Incorrect installation or adjusting the on-board computer can be very negatively affected by the car.

If the computer is incorrect installation, the following problems may occur:

• Not correctly or not at all displays data on fuel consumption, speed, engine speed, etc.
• The car engine can start stuffing or troiting;
• There may be problems with the start of the engine, it can also stop starting at all;
• You can also burn directly on the on-board computer.

Outcome

To date, almost no one doubts that the on-board computer in cars is very useful, and sometimes it is even necessary. Most global automakers made it installing it in their cars norm. Modern side computers offer car owner a huge functionality and make the operation of the car much more comfortable.

Before you start buying a side computer initially, it is necessary to determine for which purpose it is necessary for you. For someone, a sufficiently narrow-controlled route, and someone prefers preference to a multifunctional universal on-board computer. Here everything is purely individually.

If you do not have sufficient skills and knowledge, then you should not take on its installation yourself. Incorrect installation of the BC can lead to unpleasant consequences, such as violations of the car systems. Also, with the wrong installation, it is possible to burn the on-board computer itself, and its price can sometimes reach 7-9 thousand rubles. It will be better to contact the specialists who will install it on your car quickly, and most importantly, in any convenient place for you.
Do not install on-board computer on the front panel or windshield of the car. Directly the BC themselves are very often the goal of car hackers. Installation for these places, largely increases the chance of hacking the car and simplifies his theft. Since it is mounted on the windshield and the front panel using a simple bilateral tape or lipochk. Thereby, increase the temptation for thieves.