Using a wideband without gauge?

[Timechg]

This may be a dumb question and have searched through numerous threads.

I have ECMLink V3 and I am looking to buy a wideband O2 sensor. Is it unwise to buy just the O2 sensor only (bosch 17014) and solder it in and only logging the AFR's through Link? Or is it just 'better' to buy the wideband kit with the light show gauge?

The obvious cons of this kind of setup would be the lack of a visual data stream (through the gauge), but I would be able to fully log everything with a laptop (which would be plugged in the majority of the time).

 

[undefined0000]

But that's the ONLY reason I got the gauge LIGHTSHOW . Never heard of anyone doing it, the sensor costs a good $60 and the gauge probably about the same price. You might have to wire up the sensor manually as far as power and stuff goes because I'm fairly certain with the UEGO, power is routed through the gauge to the sensor. Not sure about other cases though.

 

[snowborder714]

Depends on what wideband you're considering as to whether a gauge is optional or not. Some wideband setups have the electronics built into the gauge where some have a separate box. If you don't need the gauge and have the option to install it without one, then you can do this. Most people get the gauge for instant feedback vs. having to go check a log. I'm one of them, yet don't look at my gauge too often and rely on the logged value to look at.

 

[ExtremeTurboSystems]

Innovate Motor Sports On-Line Store

You can run this and not worry about a gauge. I don't think you can just wire in the sensor. I suppose if you knew the voltage specs you could program it into link. I would be curious to see if someone can pull this off. Would make things cheaper.

 

[c2ypt1c]

I'm currently running my LC-1 without the gauge, ECMLink v3 has a default mapping for it. I don't see why there would be any, but I've had no issues thus far (even with nbsim). Although I do plan on wiring up my gauge here pretty soon just for the hell of it...

NOTE: The most recent versions of the ECMLink laptop application include a native Innovate datalogging routine that uses the default mapping setup by Innovate in the LC-1.

...you can just use ECMLink's LC-1 log item instead and leave the default LC-1 mapping alone.

 

[Timechg]

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Here is the schematics for the LC1 installation from their directions and from the ECMTuning site. It looks like the gauge is just a simple analog input (so there is nothing coming from the gauge to help power/redistribute the signal).

There are only four wires that need to be connected (seems like). Another dumb question (noob). If I connect the wide band o2 sensor in the front o2 housing (another controversial subject it seems) and connect my wires to the ECU as prescribed, can I use the narrowband simulation and leave the original o2 sensor connect unplugged?

Innovate Motor Sports On-Line Store

You can run this and not worry about a gauge. I don't think you can just wire in the sensor. I suppose if you knew the voltage specs you could program it into link. I would be curious to see if someone can pull this off. Would make things cheaper.

**Yes I am going for cheap right now, I am willing to shell out the extra cash. It just seems like I could just solder off of the sensor itself and get the signal to the ECU w/o the cable that comes with the LC1. Even if I wanted to add in an analog gauge in later, I could just send the extra analog output from the o2 sensor to the gauge to get the light show.

 

[c2ypt1c]

It looks like the gauge is just a simple analog input (so there is nothing coming from the gauge to help power/redistribute the signal).

Exactly.

can I use the narrowband simulation and leave the original o2 sensor connect unplugged?

Yes.

It just seems like I could just solder off of the sensor itself and get the signal to the ECU w/o the cable that comes with the LC1.

WTF? Not sure what you mean, but you need the controller that comes with the LC-1 kit (the sensor plugs into controller, controller is wired to ecu). You cannot wire just the sensor in...

 

[Timechg]

Exactly.



Yes.



WTF? Not sure what you mean, but you need the controller that comes with the LC-1 kit (the sensor plugs into controller, controller is wired to ecu). You cannot wire just the sensor in...

HAHAHA, yes...I just realized you need the LC1 controller (thanks for the wake up WTF ).

 

[c2ypt1c]

HAHAHA, yes...I just realized you need the LC1 controller (thanks for the wake up WTF ).

Lol, no problem man. The problem would be heater calibration and warm-up along with sensor calibration. But, yeah, with v3 you shouldn't have issues running the LC-1 without the gauge, go for it and good luck with the install!

Also, since you're on a tight budget (who isn't?) you might appreciate this: innovate sells the LC-1 by itself on amazon for relatively cheap but for $10 more, you might as well get the gauge (it's also prime eligable which is free for students )...

Innovate Motorsports 3769 LC-1 Wideband Controller Lambda Cable with O2 Sensor by Innovate Motorsports

 

[Timechg]

I was doing some thinking about wiring up the wideband o2 sensor and the lambda controller box. It seems to me that all the controller box does is transforms (linearly) the analog voltage (0 - 5V).

Using a simple micro-controller like Arduino (which I already have) I could just retrieve the analog signal from the O2 sensor, convert the analog signal and then output the new signal to the ECU.

You would only need literally several lines of code to do this.

 

[Stapl3]

If you're logging it though link, the gauge is completely worthless.

 

[YZFR1]

In theory, if you were 100% sure of the logged value, than yes the gauge would be worthless..