Flock Gauge Connections: OBD-II, Wired Sensors and CAN
Choose your Flock Gauge connection by where the readings come from: your stock ECU through the OBD-II adapter, a wired analog sensor, or the forthcoming CANbus adapter for an aftermarket ECU.
CAN adapter status, October 9, 2026: The dedicated aftermarket-ECU CANbus adapter is in final hardware testing and is not yet available for sale. The October 9 update expected availability before the end of 2026; this is an estimate, not a confirmed release date.
Compare the three connections
| Connection | Where the data comes from | What to check | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock OBD-II adapter | Readings made available by a supported stock ECU through the vehicle's diagnostic port | Exact vehicle, ECU, diagnostic protocol and available PIDs | Current product option; check the product page for stock |
| Wired analog sensors | A compatible sensor wired to the gauge, such as oil pressure, temperature or boost | Sensor range, calibration, harness, fitting and safe installation location | Current product options; check the selected package and included parts |
| Dedicated CANbus adapter for aftermarket ECUs | The configured CAN stream broadcast by an aftermarket ECU | Adapter release, exact ECU model, firmware, protocol, wiring and required signals | Forthcoming; final hardware testing |
When to choose OBD-II
The current Flock OBD-II adapter can read supported stock CAN-bus vehicles. Useful channels can include RPM, coolant temperature, vehicle speed and throttle position when the ECU supplies them. An OBD-II connector or model year alone does not confirm compatibility or guarantee every reading. Standard and custom PID availability depends on the vehicle and ECU.
Confirm the readings you need before ordering. Oil pressure, oil temperature and boost may need additional sensors when useful data is not available from the ECU.
When to choose wired sensors
Wired analog sensors are useful when the ECU does not expose the measurement you need or when your setup needs a separate measurement point. Choose a compatible sensor and harness, then verify its range, calibration and fittings for your engine. The gauge can use the OBD-II adapter and wired analog sensors together.
Start with the gauge setup guide, boost sensor guide or custom sensor wiring guide. Follow the vehicle and component manufacturers' installation instructions.
Planning for aftermarket ECU CAN
The forthcoming dedicated CANbus adapter is intended for aftermarket ECUs. Existing Flock gauges are intended to use it with the required adapter and compatible firmware. Confirm release status and your exact setup before buying specifically for CAN use.
The CAN setup reference documents Link, Haltech, ECUMaster, MaxxECU and Hondata presets, plus an Ignitron custom-JSON guide. A documented preset is not a vehicle-tested compatibility list. ECU model, firmware, output stream, installed sensors and configuration all matter. Compare decoded readings and units with the ECU software before relying on them.
Before you order
- List the measurements you want to display
- Confirm your vehicle year, make, model, engine and ECU
- Check whether the ECU supplies each reading or a wired sensor is needed
- Check the selected package, included harnesses, adapters and current availability on the product page
For help choosing, email hello@flock-mfg.com with your setup and the readings you need.
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