PDA and Logger questions

[Calan]

I've read several posts about PocketLOGGER, etc., but have a couple of questions.

Someone mentioned a Palm IIIc. I found this one.. Palm Iiic *D (3C80600U)... at a decent price. Is this a good PDA for PocketLOGGER? or MMCD?

If I go with MMCD (or should I just buy PL ?)... where can I find the correct cables? Is the MMCD software current? (I can't find anything newer than 2004).

All of this info about upgrading ECU's (socketing), DSMLink vs. PDA loggers, etc etc etc and all the different "experienced" viewpoints are making my widdle head hurt...

Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[xveganxcowboyx]

Any logger that is new enough to use the 3.5 OS, but old enough not to use USB to connect should work. The IIIc would be a great logger. http://mmcdlogger.sourceforge.net/

I prefer to use rechargeable loggers as replacing the batteries is annoying. MMCD gas worked great for me. There is not much to update, because your car hasn't been updated either. It worked fine when made and still does.

You can get the cables on ebay for cheap. Just remember that you need the datalogging cable as well as the standard logger cable. The datalogging cable runs from your diagnostic post to the logger cable which runs to your logger.

Comparing the logger to DSMLink or socketing isn't really accurate. The logger is only a monitoring tool and is not capable of doing any tuning itself. It is, however a great investment.

 

[blackGSX2g]

I used to run a Palm IIIc with a constant charge 12v charger before I got DSMLink. It worked perfectly. When I started up the car, it would feed the PDA with power and it was always on.

I would definately recommend the IIIc as a logger PDA

 

[kenamond]

I have a PalmIIIc, too, and I love it. However, I think MMCD is black/white, so if you're only going to use the PDA for logging with MMCD, you might be able to save yourself a few bucks buying the older PalmIII models (forget the letter, but it's not "c") or a different Palm model, but if you want to use it for something else that would benefit from a color screen, take that into consideration. I agree with the rechargeable comment. Backlit screen is probably a good idea for night-time pulls.

I haven't checked recently, but PocketLogger used to be only 2g. Make sure you check that out before you lay any cash down.

Also, most of the logger sites list compatible PDAs. Some list typical sample rates for different PDAs. I get 10-11 samples per second with my car/logger, and it might vary from PDA to PDA, so that might be helpful for selecting a PDA. The higher the sampling rate, the better.

You might also look for package deals. Pocketlogger for a 2g is $125 without the PDA (just the interface cable and the software). Many of the package deals come with logger software, interface cable, and a PDA for about that price, too. Some come with MMCD.

But the cheapest bet is to make your own interface, buy a used PDA, and get a free logger tool. Next best is to buy the interface cable, used PDA, and download the free logger software.

 

[jon21388]

I bought a Palm IIIc off ebay for $36 shipped. For the price you can't beat it. I then bought the cable to hook to the car for 15 bucks. Total price $51. You can save alot of money making your own.

 

[denniegst]

I bought a Palm IIIc off ebay for $36 shipped. For the price you can't beat it. I then bought the cable to hook to the car for 15 bucks. Total price $51. You can save alot of money making your own.

where did you buy the cable?

 

[jon21388]

also offf ebay, i search for a db9 to a OBDII cable

 

[steve]

However, I think MMCD is black/white.

I haven't checked recently, but PocketLogger used to be only 2g.

But the cheapest bet is to make your own interface, buy a used PDA, and get a free logger tool. Next best is to buy the interface cable, used PDA, and download the free logger software.

Nope, Nope and yep.

MMCd has supported color for white a shile. Look at the screenshots on the old sorceforge site.

IIRC, Pocketlogger came out first on the 1G.

Steve

 

[supercarbuilder]

i just got a whole kit off ebay. it came with the palm the cable and the adapter so you can go from the port in the car or to a computer with the same cord. Palm case and carger and software. I upgraded to the palm IIIc and an added car charger for 200. everything you need and so far I love it.

 

[supercarbuilder]

oh, 1g started out just under 100 bucks.

 

[Calan]

Will the Palm IIIc charge through the datalink cable while it's hooked to diagnostic port, or do you have to unplug that and plug in the car charger?