Data logging?

[Jays535is]

So,

I'm wanting to do some data-logging. Here's what I have Miller WAR/MAF, AEM widband with rs232 port.

Is there a software that I can just use my Laptop to data-log? Or do I need an actual data-logging device?

[Jeremy]

Does AEM have anything you can use? That RS232 port would be the interface for whatever software you use for acquisition, but the data you could log would likely be rather limited.

Jeremy

[Scottinva]

You can log with aem but all you will see is afr. So if you want to make sure you aren't going richer or leaner than a certain number thats fine. However if you want to really dial something in, without speed inputs and other things its next to useless for datalogging.

[Brad D.]

I just read through the AEM manual and its suggestion is to use hyperterminal to log. Lame but it would work. The problem is you have no real way to "sync" up your log with engine speed that way making the info pretty useless. The lack of datalogging has been my complaint with the WAR chip setup since day one. The AEM unit does have a 0-5V output but you would need some sort of USB logger to record it. The problem though is finding one that will also record frequency (engine speed) that is reasonable priced. I did fine the SL-1 from Daytona Sensors. It would log everything you want it to but it isn't really cheap. The other option is to sell the AEM unit and get a older LM-1 or the newer LM-2 which would log all you want.

[George]

The lack of datalogging has been my complaint with the WAR chip setup since day one.

That and the lack of real time tracing.

[Shadow]

I'd almost go as far as to say you're tuning blind with no map tracing.

[Scottinva]

I have installed a handful of chips, saf-c's, digital boost controllers so on so forth. If you add up all those things together which a lot of tuners are doing, you can damn near afford a new lc-1 with megasquirt. An saf-c is the most half assed thing I have ever heard of it, the one I used only did anything about 70% throttle, just to lie about the afm input. It's full standalone, or your out back.

[Murfinator]

I'm in a similar position as the OP: running a WAR/MAF and want to data log to create a better tune. I also possess a laptop and installed an o2 bung in the center of a custom x-pipe just forward of my cat. My question is which hardware/software to use? I've read through various threads and the jury still seems to be out...

[Jeremy]

If you're looking for tuning tools, the LM-1 is a good bet because it's a WB O2 controller that can record multiple inputs. So you can tap into the tach signal, maybe add an EGT, boost signal (if digital). It's a good tool if you want to be able to log without going to standalone.

I'm sure there's other options, but that's the one that I know.

Jeremy

[Scottinva]

If you're looking for tuning tools, the LM-1 is a good bet because it's a WB O2 controller that can record multiple inputs. So you can tap into the tach signal, maybe add an EGT, boost signal (if digital). It's a good tool if you want to be able to log without going to standalone.

I'm sure there's other options, but that's the one that I know.

Jeremy

Thats just about your only option.

[iXer]

TechEdge are nice, I've used them as datalogging units (and for feeding WBO2signal to a ECU) in many harsh environments and they offer compatibility with more exotic wide-band sensors if you so desire.
www.wbo2.com

[Scottinva]

TechEdge are nice, I've used them as datalogging units (and for feeding WBO2signal to a ECU) in many harsh environments and they offer compatibility with more exotic wide-band sensors if you so desire.
www.wbo2.com

I haven't heard of that, it must be more popular overseas?

[Brad D.]

Man TechEdge has come a long way. I remember when about all they had was a DIY kit. That was well before Innovate and the like came along. It's cool too because it will utilize an NTK sensor.

[iXer]

TechEdge are nice, I've used them as datalogging units (and for feeding WBO2signal to a ECU) in many harsh environments and they offer compatibility with more exotic wide-band sensors if you so desire.
www.wbo2.com

I haven't heard of that, it must be more popular overseas?

Like most good things in automotive electronics they come from Australia, I guess they're popular in the US to some extent too. It's just not a "name brand" like Innovate that know how to make their name known through sponsorship and advertisement.

A side note if you want my opinion, The TechEdge round O2 meter is one of the best I've seen, very quick to tell you what's up.

[Scottinva]

Good to know, I have had nothing but problems with lc-1. All problems have been electronic failures on there side, actually my lc-1 is with them now being repaired go figure.

[Murfinator]

Great info. Looks like I'll be investing in some TechEdge gear since I've heard mostly negative reviews regarding Innovate's reliability. Also considering MegaSquirt...

[Jeremy]

LC-1 quality has been spotty. Some have no end to problems, some have none at all. The LM-1 is much more reliable as a product from what I've seen.

Jeremy

[Brad D.]

I agree that the LM-1 is a much more reliable product. I have only had to replace the sensor once in 2 years. Since the LM-1 isn't made any more hopefully the LM-2 is equally as good.

[Scottinva]

I have read and helped diagnose basic lc-1 problems for people, most of the problems with it , and megasquirt, are caused by problems with the installation. When I talked to the engineer of the lc-1 he said he hasn't seen my specific problem before. Megasquirt's reliability relies on the quality of solder joints, and installation really. I have never had a reliability problem with megasquirt. Most of the lc-1 problems are improper grounds, and if the unit loses power while updating or doing some other things, it can corrupt the internal software. Most of the problems with these widebands and standalone systems seems to be generally the "Idiot who pulls the starter rope."

[Canuck YYC]

Perhaps, but it's a bit like the Toyota floor mat / unintended acceleration thing. Toyota claims there's no problem with their hardware or software in the fly-by-wire system and that it's actually the drivers who are jamming the throttle down with the floor mat. Problem is, millions of other drivers in millions of other cars aren't jamming their throttles with the floor mats as often as Toyota drivers (assuming of course it is in fact the floor mat and not a hard/firm/soft-ware glitch). If a high percentage of a company's product is failing relative to it's competitors, it's either a poor product to begin with, a flawed design or a flawed execution. Make sense? It may be the end-user's actions that the LC-1 has the reputation it does (I'm unlikely to buy from Innovate based on the things I've read on MyE28 alone), but if those same users don't have issues with TechEdge or the JAW then the problem lies with Innovate. Somewhere along the lines we've forgotten that the consumer, while not always right, is the one being served by a (retail) business. I think that's why Apple's iPhone dominates so much of the smartphone market - it just works and it's dead-easy to use (despite, or perhaps because of being locked up tight).

[Jeremy]

iPhone is a bad comparison, it has more problems than a number of other phones, but its users seem to tolerate the problems better for whatever reason. I see your point, however.

You have to remember though, that there are a number of people here using Innovate's products successfully. I have yet to have a problem with my LM-1 aside from a broken wire in a WB O2 sensor (which I can hardly blame on Innovate) in 5+ years of use, and no problems with the LC-1 that's hardwired into the red car.

Knock on wood, of course.

Jeremy

[Scottinva]

They were kind enough to take a look at it for free, and it's out of warranty time. When the unit works, it works very well. I remember reading that it was the most accurate wideband solution.