Instrumentation & Datalogging

[Faheemo]

I'm currently working on a small elektronic board that gives out 0-5V readings for the Zeitronix input.

@Faheemo - Was it difficult to setup meassuring of TPS?

TPS signal is already a 0-5v signal, zeitronix reads it as a percentage.
Use a multimeter to determine which is the 0-5v TPS signal cable and tap into it.

[S2central.net]

Zeitronix looks good every time I browse it... Bit expensive though when you count all the pieces up. Yikes... Wonder if Santa will bring me one - if I ask really nicely

[S2central.net]

Had a good look round tonight and I think the Zeitronix is the one for me... I toyed with the idea of having a host of analog gauges on show, but in reality I only need that kind of data when doing some before / after logs with chip tweaks or various different components.

The Zt-2 is the basic data-logger and interface to WB-O2 and EGT sensors. It also monitors RPM, TPS, Boost and a user input (0-5V).

It has a serial connection to a PC for the datalogging s/w... or can hood up to a compact LCD display module. I don't think they can be connected at the same time but not sure about that. They are pretty compact units and can easily be hidden from view whilst remaining permanently wired.

For a bit more money, there is the DashDAQ module (expensive) that can hook up to the Zt-2 interface and also pick up OBD channels at the same time - this is a stand alone unit that can be sucker mounted when required.

All way too expensive for now, but I'd rather save up the money for this than start hacking up the cabin for umpteen analog gauges which realistically can't be made that easily removable / concealable.

I'd consider getting a combo Boost / AFR gauge to fit in the central vent... There should be lots of choices that are compatible with that generic Bosch sensor supplied with Zt-2 and its linear WB signal. Being able to keep a regular eye on AFR has some appeal.

Only other gauge I'd like (tucked away probably for occasional use) is fuel pressure - an electrical type - but these are also expensive.

Anybody BTDT with DashDAQ on the S2/RS2 - does it work OK or is it a nosebleed ?

[Jonas_R]

I'm pretty sure the DashDAQ is build on PalmerPerformance software or more specificly DashCommand (see link below)

http://www.palmerperformance.com/products/dashcommand/index.php

Seen a couple of threads about this on mp3car.com and people seem to be very satisfied with it.

I have the Zeitronix datalogger and the gauge that shows AFR/Lambda and I can use this while datalogging. So I would say that you can use the display and the datalogger at the same time.

[S2central.net]

OK - good info Jonas... I think the Zt-2 plus LCD is a good combo if you can log to PC at same time as the display running...

Its easy to see how you could get carried away with this stuff and get into carputers and such like - running VAGCOM, Zeitronix plus having all the multimedia capability on top of that in a somewhat convenient / user friendly package with touch screen etc etc... I don't intend to take that route though I can see why it would make sense to people.

DashDAQ is cool - especially for more modern cars where so much more data is available via OBD - you have a portable logging / monitoring device that just needs a single cable connection. Plus it has the additional monitoring for WBO2 and EGT etc when hooked up to the Zt-2. It feels right...

I assume the Zt-2 works with standard K-type thermocouples... I have one along with probe and bung that works on S2/RS2 zorst - that will save me buying Zeitronix version.

I noticed another neat trick on the Zt-2 in how it provides the normal / narrowband lambda signal into the ECU. I had always assumed it was done by the probe itself providing both NB and WB outputs, but it looks more like a piggyback trick where the NB signal into ECU is provided by Zt-2 and there is software control of the point where you want it modulate... Allowing you to run slightly lean (saving fuel) or rich (with poor fuel) in part-load / cruise conditions as it fools the ECU rather nicely. A lot of care would be needed to test just how lean you could safely run, but there is potential for the Zt-2 to pay for itself in fuel savings by making the car burn leaner most of the time... All ignored at WOT when the ECU runs open loop so it again smells right to me.

[Jonas_R]

If you are going for a gauge in the vent, why not go for the "Zt-2 + ZR-2 Red Digits Multi Gauge Combo" with black bezel?

Then you get the datalogger system, and a gauge that shows EGT, AFR, Lambda and boost.

[S2central.net]

Yeah I spotted that... Trouble is two things -

1. I don't like its appearance as a permanent guage (black background)
2. Its expensive when you add all these Zt toys up !

Given the generic / linear WBO2 sensor is used I'm reasonably confident I can source an alternative guage - preferably a combo one with boost that just looks nicer... I don't want all the air vents packed with gauges.

[S2central.net]

Spotted another wrinkle in the DashDAQ story for S2/RS2 - it only supports OBD-2... Fine for ECUs running with that protocol - from 1996 approx on more recent Audis - but not our cars...

VAGCOM remains our best bet for ECU datalogging on S2/RS2 because it supports the pre OBD-2 protocols.

DashDAQ does have two user inputs of its own and a whole host of other tricks up its sleeve so its still a good toy when attached to more modern cars.

[Jonas_R]

Yeah I think the DashDAQ is too expensive because you have to buy the touchscreen etc., it would be ok if you could buy the software as a standalone.
However if you can't even use the OBD function, then the normal software version of Zeitronix Datalogger system has some ok dials that can be used.

[S2central.net]

Yeah but the Zt s/w only logs what the Zt2 unit is monitoring - it can't suck data out of ECU by OBD. Attached is my wish list really... If only DasDAQ supported OBD-1 like VAGCOM.

[quattronutter]

plx will show afr, boost and egts up to 4 paramaters siultaneously with peek warnings and i think it could be hardwired into existing sensors,also has selection of backgrounds etc...i went for quick option and used plx sensors though

[EspenW]

The added features of the Zeitronix are indeed nice, but the Innovate LC-1 seems to be the fastest and most accurate on the market:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=120932

The LC-1 has two analog outputs that can be programmed to emulate NB sensor output.

In my own car, I run the following:

-Innovate LC-1 wideband with display mounted where the ashtray used to be
-Auto Meter analog boost gauge in center vent.
-Turbo XS KnockLight mounted behind the left center vent. Invisible from the outside, but when it flashes, it is visible through the vent. Doubles as a shift light (handy).
-Fuel pressure gauge. On adjustable fuel pressure regulator in the engine bay.

No EGT gauge. E85 lowers EGT by approx 100c, so I'm not worried about that.

In addition, I hook up VAGCOM when I need to log engine data.
MR Dyno used for logging acceleration times/G-forces and performance data