FAQ
Welcome to the BayForged FAQ. Below are commonly asked questions about our company and the Anvil R1 device.
What is BayForged?
We are an Australian based startup designing and creating electronic driver aids.
Why does the current website suck?
This site is just acting as a placeholder while we are working on the main site. Excuse it being a bit rough around the edges, the main site will be up shortly.
Are the products still in development?
Yes, the flagship device, the Anvil R1 driving companion is currently in a Pilot Program to obtain initial community feedback.
How can I participate in the Pilot Program?
Send the BayForged team an email to discuss participation options.
Employment opportunities?
At this stage we are not actively taking on candidates due to the small size of the organisation, however we are always open to enquiries so do reach out if you are interested.
When will the devices be officially launched?
We do not have an exact timeframe, but we are hoping for the end of 2026 / early 2027.
Are there investment opportunities?
Contact the BayForged team for more information.
Will I be able to share/download dashboards?
Yes, there will be an online community where users can share their dashboard designs.
Are there packages available for car clubs and organisations?
Yes, contact the BayForged team for more information.
Are BayForged products designed and made in Australia?
Partially. All design is conducted locally, while some parts and sub-component manufacturing is foreign. Device assembly and packaging is local.
Will BayForged products be available outside of Australia?
Yes, but not until release of the main product line. Prototype devices (including Pilot Program) devices are for Australia only.
Will BayForged collect driving data from its users?
No. Users will have an option to share anonymous usage data to help with development if they wish (disabled by default). Devices and web tools will only collect system data to help with debugging and creating a better user experience.
Can I use data from BayForged devices to diagnose issues with my car?
Absolutely, our future mobile app will include an AI powered mechanic which can read OBD2 data collected from the device and help you diagnose and fix issues with your car.
Will there be any subscriptions associated with BayForged devices?
No, no features will be locked behind a subscription. Any service that costs extra to users will be a pay-as-you-go system.
Can I share my road trips and cruises with my friends?
Yes, the BayForged website will have a social media style page where users can share their trips with friends using the data recorded from the devices. There will also be ways to export your road trips in image/video form for posting to other social media sites.
Can data recorded from BayForged devices be used in legal proceedings?
No, BayForged cannot verify the accuracy of all recorded data hence it cannot be used in legal proceedings.
Device Specific
What is the Anvil R1?
The Anvil R1 is a prototype for an all-in-one expandable driving companion made for all drivers of all vehicles. It reads data from the vehicle combined with an internal GPS and accelerometer to provide a unified suite for data collection and display. Users can create their own custom dashboards (collections of gauges, readouts and aesthetic items) using the BayForged web tools for display on the device. Record everyday trips with Points-of-Interest (POIs) and road trips with the road trip companion. Take Anvil R1 off-road with its 4WD features on the track with its lap timer.
Will the final product look like the current prototypes?
No, the final product will feature a different display and smaller buttons, opting for a hybrid touchscreen/tactile button user interface.
How does the Anvil R1 connect to my car?
OBD2 port. All vehicles made after 2005 will have this under the dashboard somewhere. Custom connectors and cables will be available for aftermarket ECUs.
What safety features does the Anvil R1 have?
Fatigue detection and warnings, rest reminders, distraction-reducing feature lockouts while driving, and more.
Can I use the Anvil R1 on a Provisional or Learner License?
Yes, however the use of proximity chat or any wireless communication is strictly prohibited. We are still actively working on this aspect of the design’s safety and legal compliance.
How does the Anvil R1 tie in with Australian laws and regulations?
This is very much a work in progress aspect of the design. Safety and compliance are our top priorities during the design process, and we are still working on the specifics. Our general goal is to provide no more distractions than the car already does and to reduce existing ones where possible. For more information on the device’s legal compliance, contact Paramvir at paramvir.saini@bayforged.com.au.
Does the Anvil R1 work with aftermarket ECUs?
It depends on the ECU. The ECU must support OBD2 – which many do. OBD2 can typically be enabled in the ECUs configuration settings. An adaptor cable will be required if the vehicle’s OBD2 port is disconnected.
My vehicle doesn’t have an OBD2 port, can I use the Anvil R1?
If the vehicle still supports the OBD2 protocol, yes (with a custom adaptor cable).
Do I need internet to use the Anvil R1?
No, the device functions completely offline. The web tools obviously require internet, but once that data is exported onto the device no network connection is required.
Can I connect my Wi-Fi device to the Anvil R1 while driving?
No, the Wi-Fi portal is only available while the vehicle is parked. Wi-Fi is automatically turned off when driving is detected. Capturing live performance data while driving can be done using the Anvil R1’s USB-C port.
I already have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, why do I need the Anvil R1?
While there are existing apps to display vehicle data, there is no way to continuously display live data without impacting the other main functions of CarPlay (Navigation and Music). Anvil R1 is a standalone unit designed to complement existing CarPlay/Android auto systems by providing another layer of data without any extra hassle.
I’m not a car enthusiast, should I still get an Anvil R1?
Absolutely, the Anvil R1 is for all drivers of all interests. Whether you are just driving to and from work or driving across the country, BayForged devices can always benefit your driving experience.
Is the Anvil R1 suitable for 4WD vehicles?
Yes, the Anvil R1 is designed for all types of vehicles, including 4WDs. The Anvil R1 has many features tailored for offroad use.
Can I add custom sensors?
Yes! The Anvil R1’s peripheral bus will support the addition of wired and wireless sensors.
Can the device be expanded?
Yes! Additional displays and gauges can be added to the device’s peripheral bus.
Can I make my own external peripherals for the Anvil R1?
Absolutely, and we encourage it! We will provide an open-source Arduino library to handle all communication with the Anvil R1.
I don’t know Arduino, can I still use peripherals?
Yes, BayForged will provide easy to follow tutorials for making peripherals. Pre-made peripherals will be available as well.
What is the range of proximity chat?
It depends on many factors, such as traffic, environment and the devices placement in each vehicle. A general rule of thumb is 50-100 meters, but results may vary.
Can I extend the range of proximity chat?
Yes, we are planning a LoRa based external peripheral which can extend the range of proximity chat into the kilometre range.
How does proximity chat work?
Users can type messages while the vehicle is parked and assign them to hotkeys to be pressed quickly while driving. Messages are limited to 20 characters and up to 8 messages can be loaded onto the hotkeys.
Can the Anvil R1 be used on a racetrack?
Yes, the device has a built-in lap timer and race mode.
Do I need a phone or computer to setup the Anvil R1?
Yes, you will need an internet connected device to setup the Anvil R1. Data, including firmware updates are loaded on and off the device over Wi-Fi.
Can I modify the device's firmware?
No; modifying, editing or tampering with firmware files is prohibited and will instantly void warranty if an attempt is made to install it on a BayForged device.
Can I load my own custom firmware onto the device?
Attempting to load any non-BayForged firmware onto the Anvil R1 will instantly void your warranty and may damage the device.
I’ve noticed screen-burn on my Anvil R1, is this permanent?
The display used in Pilot Program devices suffers from “Image Retention”. This is different from screen-burn and is non-permanent. Any retained images will clear after a few minutes of use.
The display looks washed out on boot, is this normal?
Yes, the display may look a bit washed out on boot and should clear after a few minutes of use.
Can I leave the device plugged in when the engine is off?
Absolutely, it is designed to be left plugged in and powered. The Anvil R1 will automatically detect when your engine is on/off.
Why does the device look a bit rough around the edges?
All current BayForged devices are in prototype phase and are typically 3D printed which does not produce a clean surface finish like traditional injection moulding.
I selected an OBD2 parameter but it says 0 or NaN?
Not all vehicles support all of the standard OBD2 parameters and may not be equipped with the sensor/s required for that parameter. You can see which parameters your vehicle supports in the OBD2 app on your Anvil R1.
Why is my dashboard laggy and animations jittery?
There are too many elements on your dashboard. Large images can slow down performance. For best performance, design your dashboard so that images can be captured within a background.
Why is my Anvil R1 taking so long to find a GPS fix?
Check your mounting setup. The device must have a relatively clear view of the sky. Place the device under the windscreen above the vehicle’s main dashboard.
Can I integrate the Anvil R1 more permanently into my build?
Absolutely! CAD files and 3D models will be available on the BayForged website for you to make your own housings, mounts and faceplates.
I connected a DIY peripheral and the Anvil R1 was damaged, is this covered?
If the fault was caused by the Anvil R1 itself, yes. External peripherals, and any faults caused by them are not covered under warranty. Prototype and test your DIY peripherals before connecting them.