data logging

[10sec.et]

what are you guys using for data acquisition ? most of what im seeing is $500 and up. considering i already have thousands of dollars invested in computer diagnostic equipment, im not buying another over rated scanner. is there anything simple that i can just log four or five data pids ?

[clay]

Are you talking about something for the Olds or for later model stuff? Clay

[10sec.et]

for the Olds. i have data logging ability for just about every EFI system you could use. ironic, actually .

[SMOKEmUP]

When you say four or five data pids are you talking about OBDII? Or just analog 0 - 5 volt inputs? Are you looking for stand alone (no pc)? or pc connected?

[Paul P]

On my Focus through the OBD II port I am using an SCT 3015 and Innovative MTX-L WB O2. The WB is connected to one of the SCT tuners external analog inputs. Their software for data logging is free. Tuning software is not of course.

You can use the software that comes with the Innovative MTX-L to data log the fuel mixture. That is how I am tuning the Chevelle once it is together.

[10sec.et]

i say "PIDS" because thats what im used to calling it. i just want to be able to log wideband, boost, intake air temp, RPM, and timing. i have a laptop specifically for tuning but i dont know what is available to do this on a carbed engine. if it were EFI.... ANY EFI..... i would be all set.

[10sec.et]

found this....... http://odumspecialties.com/zeitronix_data_logging_system.htm

anyone know anything about these ? looks like it will do what i need.

[SMOKEmUP]

It sounds like you're looking for a wideband controller with a few external logging points. I have the Zeitronix wide band and it's ok. I had it on my LS1 Camaro for a long time and used the simulated narrow band output to signal the stock computer and the true analog output going to HP tuners. I haven't really used their stand alone logging software. That config worked for a while but it started setting off the CEL on the GM computer because it wasn't switching fast enough. After that started happening I did some reading and here's a thread on HPTuners site about it. It's a long thread, but a quick summary is they had accuracy problems and ultimately HPTuners pulled support for Zeitronix.

Right now the LS1 Camaro is running the stock O2 and the boat has the Zeitronix on it. When spring comes around I plan on getting the LC1 from Innovate since I'm only looking for a wideband signal for further tuning the LS1.

If you're looking for an inexpensive datalogger controlled by a PC then check out Dataq. I have an older version of the DI-145 and it works fine. I've used it for automotive and other hobby projects around the house.

[10sec.et]

Smoke, that looks pretty close to what i need. with some of these...http://www.dimensionengineering.com/DE-SW050.htm, i can run normal 5v automotive temp and pressure sensors. only issue i can see at this time is that it wont be able to log a wideband. a separate wideband controller wouldnt be a problem. its just easier to decipher the data with everything on one screen.

i just had a thought (speaking of 5v sensors). the LS7 uses a combination oil pressure and temp sensor. so, i wonder if, with the dataq setup, i could monitor both IAT and Boost with one sensor .

[clay]

I used the Innovate LM1 to do my logging. It does rpm (with their converter cable as well as I can remember) and afr (obviously)pretty easily. I also logged boost (just a map sensor) as well as air temps before and after the intercooler. I also have logged fuel pressure with a homemade isolator and a map sensor and throttle position. They air temp sensors took some setting up to work right (the ones I used anyway - off a 2001 GTP). I can't remember but there has to be another resistor put in the circuit to make it work. Radio Shack sells a 5 volt chip that I used for my power supply to the sensors. I can find the resistor value for the air temp sensor if you need it later. How to log timing with the Innovate I don't have a clue. Clay

[10sec.et]

Clay, whats the cost on your setup ? timing is not absolutely necessary to log since my distributor is locked. i just like that data for when stuff goes wrong.

*edit* i just looked it up. its about $300. not too bad.

[SMOKEmUP]

I would look at the LM2 from Innovate. Looks like a wide band, data logger, and OBDII code reader in one.

[clay]

$300 sounds too low. Make sure the one you looked up has the rpm converter cable with it. I started out without it thinking I could look at the graph and figure out what was going on but without rpm it's a lost cause. Seems like the rpm converter cable was $99 buying it seperate which makes the LM-2 look like a pretty good deal at $479 given the extra stuff it can do. One thing I do like about the Innovate is being able to configure a table to match whatever sensor you have. One example is I used a 2 bar map to measure boost over 15 psi by putting in an adjustable bleed. I supplied 30 psi and adjusted my bleed to have 15 psi at the map then measured my voltages at every 5 psi. Then you can enter this into a table and it will display 0 - 30 psi on the screen. Now I don't know anything about other widebands capabilities so Innovate is all I can tell you about. Clay

[10sec.et]

yeah, the $300 (+/- a couple bucks) was just a basic wideband setup. if i can stay under $500 im good. when it starts getting closer to the $1000 price tag, converting over to EFI gets a bit more favorable.

[10sec.et]

i just realized something...... since diagnostics and tuning is what i do for a living, this diagnostic test equipment is tax deductible .