need a good datalogger. suggestions?

[2G_RFF_GST]

The more i read, the more i realize i need a datalogger. my question is, what is a good inexpensive one that will get the job done for a car that will probably never see 300hp. i might get close. but it will take awhile to save up enough money to get above 300hp. Because being in college isn't exactly cheap. haha. so, let me hear what you suggest if you've got experiance and know what you're talking about.

 

[alex]

If you have future plans of getting bigger injectors, you might just want to get a dsm link or an AFC.

 

[ADrewzki]

If you just want a logger, you can get a palm pilot and datalogging software for pretty cheap. It'll let you monitor various parameters and check/clear engine codes when needed. It depends on what your goals are for the car. I am a huge dsmlink fan but in your situation, it doesn't make sense to get it yet. Just remember that if you want to actually tune your car with something in the future, you will have to get dsmlink, an SAFC, a EPROM flash, or something else to that extent. Also begs the question, if you aren't going to hit 300 for awhile, why exactly do you think you need a logger?

 

[VelocitàPaola]

If you just want a logger, you can get a palm pilot and datalogging software for pretty cheap. It'll let you monitor various parameters and check/clear engine codes when needed.

You need an interface to do that. If you hook up a PDA/laptop directly to the OBD port, the voltage difference (12V for OBD/laptop, 5V for the PDA) will destroy your computer.

I could never justify spending more than $100 for such a simple piece of electronics. Now, I make dataloggers. PM me for details. Its a pretty simple interface that is permanently hardwired into the wires just behind the OBD port. Whenever you want to datalog, all you do is connect it to a computer or PDA with a DB9 serial cable or DB9/USB converter. It works just the same as a PocketLogger or similar brand.

 

[alex]

If your plans in the future are getting bigger injectors, dont spend $100 or more on a datalogger, just go ahead and get a DSM Link right away. Either that or some type of fuel management system like SAFC.

The nice thing with data loggers is that you can hook it up to multiple DSMs extremely easy.

 

[diamondgst]

Ok deffently get the logger before the SAFC...

next i have had good luck with mine from OBDLoggers

they have a good product expecially the m125 upgrade.

 

[99gst_racer]

Two popular loggers seem to be www.pocketloggers.com and www.dsmloggers.com .

 

[dsm-onster]

Do a search for "tunerstein" here or on the www. It is free software. and the cable to hook up to your laptop is cheap.

You're in college so don't mod your car too much. It is expensive and can be a headache and you may go weeks at a time without your vehicle if you have a moderate study load. I've been there, done that sh!t .

...I would try and save for a 14b upgrade, however. It's cheap and worth it IMHO. Then get the most out of your stock 450s and rewire your fuel pump ($10-15). Don't go above 16 psi and have reliable fun...

Get DSMLink if you want 350+ whp. You'll have excellent logging software and a system you'll never outgrow. Get the biggest injectors you can find if you go this route as you may realize that your new job (out of college, hint, hint ) may give you the breathing room to fulfill your wishlist.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Do a search for "tunerstein" here or on the www. It is free software. and the cable to hook up to your laptop is cheap.

Again... an interface must be used in between the OBD port and a PDA/laptop for tunerstein (or any other OBD datalogging program) to work properly. There are OBD-DB9 cables, but they are not meant to directly connect the car to a computer.

The necessity of the interface arises partially because of the voltage difference between the two protocols (12V for OBD and 5V for CMOS/TTL devices (computers)). The other reason is because the OBD protocol isn't something computers can read. OBD sends data along two bus lines (the L and K lines) whereas standard computer serial ports (DB9/DE9) read data along only one bus line.

The datalogging software is easy to come by and cheap. There are many versions of freeware available. The main cost associated with logging is in the hardware. Like I said earlier, you'll need an interface that connects to the OBD port with a DB9 out. Then, connect a standard (null modem type, available at Radio Shack) nine pin serial cable from there to your computer/PDA. The interface together with the cable is at least $80 depending on where you look.

 

[warp9]

Ok deffently get the logger before the SAFC...

next i have had good luck with mine from OBDLoggers

they have a good product expecially the m125 upgrade.

Got mines from them to obdloggers.com came in complete down to the batteries.

 

[RedRex02]

Again... an interface must be used in between the OBD port and a PDA/laptop for tunerstein (or any other OBD datalogging program) to work properly. There are OBD-DB9 cables, but they are not meant to directly connect the car to a computer.

The necessity of the interface arises partially because of the voltage difference between the two protocols (12V for OBD and 5V for CMOS/TTL devices (computers)). The other reason is because the OBD protocol isn't something computers can read. OBD sends data along two bus lines (the L and K lines) whereas standard computer serial ports (DB9/DE9) read data along only one bus line.

The datalogging software is easy to come by and cheap. There are many versions of freeware available. The main cost associated with logging is in the hardware. Like I said earlier, you'll need an interface that connects to the OBD port with a DB9 out. Then, connect a standard (null modem type, available at Radio Shack) nine pin serial cable from there to your computer/PDA. The interface together with the cable is at least $80 depending on where you look.

I know this thread is somewhat old but...
If you order the cable and program from pocketloggers.com, that cable has the correct interface, right?

 

[99gst_racer]

I know this thread is somewhat old but...
If you order the cable and program from pocketloggers.com, that cable has the correct interface, right?

Yes, of course.