List of loggers and info for tech article

[kenamond]

I'd like to collect some info for a tech article so that newbs like myself can get the lo-down on what loggers are available for their cars. I'd love to have that resource myself.

So here's what I'm collecting:
- Logger name
- Hyperlink to where you can get it or find more info out
- Whether it works on a 1g, 2g, or both, turbo only, etc.
- Whether it works with a handheld and laptop or just one or the other
- Has PC software (laptop loggers obviously will, but some handhelds may not)
- What interface is needed (many folks can't get loggers to work, because they don't have the correct interface)
- Price (Free or some ballpark $$ amount)

I'll probably edit the tech article over time as I get additional information or am informed of corrections, but a list of loggers with this info should give folks a good reference when they're looking for their first logger.

So far, I know (or think I know):

TunerStein:
- URL: http://students.db.erau.edu/~szabafab/stein
- 1g and 2g
- Palm handhelds (not all, though) and laptop
- PC software: Yes, data analysis
- Interface: 1g - ALDL that you can buy or make, 2g - Multiplex Engineering T16-003
- Price: Free

OBD Gauge:
- URL: http://www.qcontinuum.org/obdgauge/index.htm
- 2g
- Palm and Pocket PC
- PC software: Yes, data analysis
- Interface: Multiplex Engineering T16-003 or T16-006
- Price: Free

Pocketlogger:
- URL: http://pocketlogger.com
- 1g and 2g
- Palm
- PC software: Yes, Java PLViewer
- Interface: Pocketlogger cable
- Price: $125

MMCd:
- URL: http://mmcdlogger.sourceforge.net
- 1g
- Palm
- PC software: ?? Can hotsync logs to PC and supposedly convert to CSV or Excel for analysis
- Interface: ADLD, site has instructions for making your own. Can you buy it? Don't know.
- Price: Free

DSMLink:
- URL: http://www.dsmlink.com
- 1g turbo and 2g turbo - Need EPROM ECU in both cases
- Laptop and Palm - sort of - Hal Landry has a PalmOS port available for registered DSMLink users
- PC software: Whole kit and kaboodle
- Interface: In-house cables for 1g and 2g
- Price: $600 but can be more if you need to buy an EPROM ECU and have it socketted.

That's all I have for now. If there are errors (and you know FOR A FACT what the correction should be), please let me know. I'm especially interested in other loggers not on the list.

I'm thinking that aftermarket ECU loggers don't really belong in this. Each will obviously have a logging capability, but this is geared toward stock ECU loggers.

I also know that there are a lot of specific pros and cons for various loggers, but I'm not yet sure how to include that info in a concise manner in the tech article.


Anyway, I'd like to keep the incomming info related to the tech article in this thread until I think I've got enough.

Thanks!

 

[kenamond]

Did you ever hear back from Todd about the freeware rumor?

Nope. One email account bounced, and I never heard back from the other. Unless I get the okay from him, I'm not willing to list it as free.

Anyone with a laptop want to demo PCMSCAN for me? The link is a few posts back. Free demo that only lets you log RPM, but you can check out the interface, make sure it actually talks to the ECU, etc. Looks like a good tool, and nobody on this forum has ever mentioned it (other than me).

 

[steve]

Would it be safe to say that the sampling rate is independent of the logger and completely a function of the car/ECU?

No, but it's safe to say that the max sampling rate is a function of the ECU.
Some datalogger software is more efficient than others, some are smarter and don't over sample parameters faster than the ECU does. Various hardware platforms are faster than others even in the same general family.

PC based software should be easily able to deliver the max that the ECU is capable of.

Steve

 

[diablos991]

Nope. One email account bounced, and I never heard back from the other. Unless I get the okay from him, I'm not willing to list it as free.

Anyone with a laptop want to demo PCMSCAN for me? The link is a few posts back. Free demo that only lets you log RPM, but you can check out the interface, make sure it actually talks to the ECU, etc. Looks like a good tool, and nobody on this forum has ever mentioned it (other than me).

I have a laptop, however, I don't have a cable or interface.

 

[kenamond]

I have a laptop, however, I don't have a cable or interface.

That's two of you so far.

 

[dave99gst]

Thanks!
Have you tried it or know anyone who has on a 2g?

Yeah this is the logger i used untill i went dsmlink -
It works pretty well, supper user friendly. The speed is ok if you
dont log too many things at once.

also - http://www.scangauge.com/
its not really a "logger" per say but its pretty cool. It can display sensor info
and read/clear CEL's

 

[dr1ftx3]

New product from greddy everyone, its called the informeter and it seems like it is a wonderful yet pricey replacement for old fashioned Palms and stuff. Heres some info taken from the product description: "GReddy Intelligent Informeter White Body. Designed with a compact plug and play color LCD display, the Informeter allows you to monitor, set warning points and datalog your vehicles performance though it's own OBD sensors. Select through important signals like Speed, Tach, Temps, Air Flow, Voltage, etc. (up to 25 channels), to monitor. The easy to use navigation menu allows you to select between various screens and displays: Digital, Analog or Bar Graph and 2ch, 3ch, or 6ch screens. You can also set warning points and pre-warning points, which will alert you with audible and visual highlights of important readings. Datalog up to 6 channels of data, and replay them. This is great for tuning. In addition to being functional the Informeter is also infinitely fashionable. Seamless changes in backlighting color, GReddy signature wall papers and colored backgrounds, along with a clear bezel to install colored face plates or even custom face plates, offer a endless options to match any vehicles interior. And to aid in mounting the unit can flip the display 180 degrees to free even more options. The GReddy Informeter is a key tool for all; beginners to pro tuners." More info and pics here

 

[fourreGsixty3]

Nice thread, Im going with DSMLink when Im out of school and my engine is built up.

Dustin

 

[JC78C]

I have looked at all of these & I have gone back to the most reliable & free logger on the net, tunerstien, but you need a OBII cable you say? I got you covered with this nifty little tool that comes with converter to USB so you can hook it up to Laptop & or PDA.

http://www.scantool.net/products/product_info.php?cPath=8_1&products_id=41

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TunerStein:
- URL: http://students.db.erau.edu/~szabafab/stein
- 1g and 2g
- Palm handhelds (not all, though) and laptop
- PC software: Yes, data analysis
- Interface: 1g - ALDL that you can buy or make, 2g - Multiplex Engineering T16-003
- Price: Free

 

[BobG]

Found this one which I didn't see listed in previous articles.

Mitsulogger The Aktive Matrix - Your Automotive Resource

This is primarily a bunch of Evo guys, but am going to see if I can get it to talk to my 92 Laser BEFORE modifying anything. My objective for now is to learn what's available from the data stream and how to use it without laying out big bucks before having a full understanding.

It's FREE, and therefore somewhat limited; Basically a hobby project. Uses existing interface designs.

I'd also like to see if a 2-way radio programmer design I made could be adapted for use as a 1G interface; They're basically the same idea, and actually a bit more complicated. (OBD-II is of course a completely different animal.)


CONNECTORS:
OBD-II connectors & pins are available from Mouser Electronics in small quantities for any of 'yall who need them. Mouser Electronics - Electronic Component Distributor

Housing p/n: 829-12110252
Pins p/n: 829-12047581


What about the connector for the 12-pin interface on the 1G cars like mine? Anybody got a manufacturer part number for the housing & pins? Think I saw AMP mentioned somewhere for pin extractor tools used in wiring harness maintenance.

Thanks!

 

[dawid4444]

i use PCMScan all the time on my laptop and it is great

 

[wings9191]

Does anyone have a diagram to make the conversion cable?
I have the tech skills to make one up but just not the info need to build it.