Telemetry Monitor – Engine Data Display for the Škoda Karoq

What is Telemetry Monitor?

I have developed a project called Telemetry Monitor, which allows you to monitor selected engine parameters and other vehicle data via the OBD-II diagnostic interface. The information is displayed on a small dedicated screen, making it available directly in the car without having to keep an eye on a mobile phone running a diagnostic app.

In my Karoq, I have installed the display above the rear-view mirror. The system is wired to switch on automatically when the car is started and begin displaying the available data. There is no need to switch anything on manually or prepare the system before each journey – everything works automatically during normal use.

What can it display?

The monitor provides a real-time overview of selected vehicle parameters. Some of the most useful include:

• Engine temperatures – coolant and engine oil temperatures, helping you monitor how the engine warms up.

• Driving and engine data – a digital speedometer, voltage and engine torque.

• Additional temperatures and oil data – for example, catalyst, fuel and exhaust gas temperatures, as well as available oil degradation information.

• 12V battery status – voltage, current, temperature, internal resistance, state of charge and state of health.
  

The interface supports Czech, Slovak and English. You can also choose an introductory brand logo.

Colour-coded values for quick reference

The display does more than simply show numbers. The individual readings use dynamic colour coding to make their current status easier to recognise and highlight important changes.

For example, the battery display uses colours to distinguish between charging and discharging and to indicate voltage that is too low or too high. For temperatures and other parameters, the colour coding depends on the relevant conditions for each value.

This makes it easier to understand what is happening without constantly having to read every number. The monitor is designed as a useful addition to the factory instruments, not as a replacement for the vehicle's original warning lights.

Compatibility with the Škoda Karoq

I have verified the project with the 1.5 TSI EVO2 engine, engine code DXD, in the Škoda Karoq.

The firmware also includes support for other EA211 engine variants, such as the 1.0 TSI, 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI. However, I have not yet confirmed their functionality through real-world testing, so compatibility with these engines cannot be guaranteed.

The monitor may also be compatible with other Volkswagen Group vehicles (such as Volkswagen, SEAT or CUPRA) equipped with the same engine types. However, I have not tested it in these vehicles, so compatibility and the availability of individual parameters are not confirmed.

What do you need, and where can you find the project?

The basic hardware consists of an Ideaspark ESP32 development board with a 1.9-inch TFT display and a VGATE Bluetooth OBD-II adapter. The display communicates with the adapter to retrieve vehicle data.

My installation also includes a custom circuit that automatically switches the OBD adapter on when the car is started. This means the entire system starts up without any manual intervention.

No programming knowledge is required to install the firmware. You can flash it directly from your web browser using the project's web installer, without installing a development environment or writing any code.

• Telemetry Monitor on GitHub

• Firmware releases

• Automatic OBD adapter switching circuit
  

Please note: The GitHub project documentation is currently available in Czech only. I plan to translate it into English when I have more time. In the meantime, you can use your browser's built-in page translation feature or another online translation tool to read the documentation.

What does it look like in the car?

I will add photos of the actual installation and a link to a video showing the display mounted above the rear-view mirror and how it works during normal driving.

Final thoughts

The aim of this project is to make important vehicle parameters easily accessible, with colour-coded indications of changes, without having to worry about switching the system on manually.

If you are interested in what information can be accessed from your Karoq via OBD-II, feel free to explore the project and its current capabilities. I would also be happy to hear your feedback, experiences and findings from other engine variants.