data logger...

does anyone know of a datalogging sytem for the 4.0 that connects to your computer. I am actually looking for something that is fully adjustable. something comparable to the one listed here dsmlink.com

Interesting. I am actually a manufacturer of the DSM Datalogger systems. Funny to come across it on the Jeep board.

Some general information:

A datalogger will not allow you to 'adjust' anything. The datalogger simply displays the information from the ECU. Using this information, you can properly adjust sensors/fuel controllers/boost controllers/etc but the datalogger itself will not change any parameters. It is simply a diagnostic tool.

You cannot reprogram the ECU or anything with a datalogger.


As for the Jeeps... What year do you have? A Renix XJ (1990 and older) does not have any datalogger support. The only tool available is the DRB Scan tool, which is not available to the general market. We have considered R&D for a Renix XJ datalogger, however, it is simply not worth it. The market would be too small, and the product would not be necessary. There are a handful of sensors on the Renix XJ that can easily be tested with a standard multimeter.

For the non Renix (91+), I really cannot offer to much information. I have not looked into at all, but I do not believe there are any plug in datalogger systems available to the consumer. (At least not to the detail of a DSM logger). And again, you will not be able to adjust anything. The ECU is static, and cannot be reprogrammed. You can piggyback the ECU with a chip, however, that is an entirely different product.

My question to you would be, why?

well i wrote dsm link a letter, i use to be an avid DSMer. mine is a 90 yrt i really dont know much about jeeps other thatn the obvious. why....well i dont know why, i just kinda want full control of everything from inside the truck. because i will be using this for everything form playtime in the woods to trvaveling. i would like to know something is going on before it becomes painfully aparent. in the end it is just an idea, one of my many ideas that my just not be practical. i ask anyway just to see if someone else has any similar R&D time with their rig. i want to make this the ultimate all purpose, fully adjustable, jeep i can. i dont plan on buying another vehicle after this and if i do it will be another xj for sure.

After reading this thread it got me to thinking:idea:....I have done some research in this area in the past for custom work in the field of chemical (metal finishing) engineering and energy (electrical) consumpiton rate data aquisition, and although there are no plug and play systems for the Renix Jeeps, I have learned enough the last few weeks working on my Renix with the FSM I recently aquired to say that this may actually be possible:clap:, feasable (I know I have just lit the :fuse:here) and not terribly costly either:clap:. The major cost is the laptop computer if you want instant data read outs. Somewhere a computer is required to access the data, but since you are reading this you must have computer, eh?. More on that later.

There is a real cool data aquisition / control device on the market that was selling for $99 when it was first introduced about 3-4 years ago. It is $129, or thereabouts now. It is a USB device that hooks up to the laptop. The input can read voltages directly without additional hardware. It is also possible (with a little extra money, and hardware) to put out outputs that could be feed to the Renix ECU in place of a specific sensor output.

I will pull out my notes after dark tonight and post more details and ideas on this tonight!!!!!:clap: I can already see that this is going to be REAL FUN!

For those of you who simply can't wait to hear more search google for "LabJack" (hint www.labjack.com).:search::wave1:

Scan guage.

[email protected]

Keep it coming this is awsome. not everything people do to their truck is necessary but i think it could be very useful. thanks guys, i will be waiting to hear more about this.

Update: Data logging temperatures or sensor voltages or signals (to start with). Here are some ideas, places to look and hardware & software links to start with:

Say you want to monitor the temperature of ANYTHING in the jeep, oil, coolant, transmision fluid....This little guy (temperature sensor) is easy to use, very accurate, and waterproof. Features a high-level linear output of 10 mV per degree F, typical accuracy of ±0.4 degrees F at room temperture, and a range of 0 to +300 degrees F (-17 to +150 degrees C, with U3/UE9). $49, at:
http://www.labjack.com/details.php?prodId=36&category=5

The USB data aquisition device itself, LabJack U3 is $99, for complete specs and pdf manual go to:

http://www.labjack.com/labjack_u3.php?prodId=25

The LabJack will read voltages directly from parts like a TPS, O2 sensor, MAP sensor, CPS (I think it will read the DC spike or impulse of the CPS, but you would need to check the signal time and measurement times to see if it is fast enoguh to see the CPS signal. Might depend on RPM! But I think the LabJack is much faster than the engine top RPM)

You might need a resistor in the circuit to lower the peak voltage for the U3 model (it reads up to 3.6 volts max) but the U12 will read +/- 10 volt signals. The U12 is probably the better choice at $129.

http://www.labjack.com/labjack_u12.php?prodId=27

Software (some is free) and how to write software downloads at:

http://www.labjack.com/labjack_u3_downloads.php

Other thoughts:

You might need to use resistors on the data collection wires to increase the impedance (need high impedance) of those lines in order to avoid disturbing the signal strength, voltage that the ECU is measuring to run the engine.

Also the digital I/Os of the LabJack might be able to sense (if configured properly) the DC impulse signals of the CPS, and fuel injector inputs (?) as on/off state signals, and thus be recordable to a laptop.

Discusion forum for Labjack users:

http://www.labjack.com/forums/index.php

Other possibilities:

A pressure transducer can be used to measure oil or fuel pressure.

Something to wet your appetite. Here is someone in the discussion forum working on RPM to Analog?, Converting engine rpm signals to analog, already:

http://www.labjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=102

RPM off an Ignition coil:

http://www.labjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=521

Spike protection, Automotive:

http://www.labjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=474
Where I found this!
"I used a frequency to voltage converter with limited success. I was not too happy with it overall. I use my LabJack to datalog RPM, manifold, pressure and several temp sensors along with A/F on dozens of different cars. I had to add a bank of dip switches to the F to V converter to change the resistors so it would read in the proper freq range. That worked OK, and then I just ran the crank position sensor to the CNT and that works great. Granted the CPS is not an even signal, depending on the application but a 60-2 or 36-1 or 36-2 tooth sensor can be scaled to give an accurate RPM. So if you have a CPS I would give that a try."

That is all I have time for right now, but this should help get some of you would be doityourselfers started with looking into data aquisition for the older Renix and OBD-1 models.

Re: data logger...inexpensive solutions for older jeeps

Here is a link to $24.95 data logger that can handle for sensors at once. +/- 10 Volt signals using a PC or laptop serial port.

http://www.dataq.com/products/startkit/di194.htm

And here is the link to another OEM data logger site with cool starter kits for under $50.00 that will read and log (using a laptop with a USB port) sensor voltage data for 8 devices! +/- 10 volt range.

http://www.dataq.com/products/startkit/di148.htm

And here is a high speed on for $99.00. 14,400 samples per second data sampling rate!

http://www.dataq.com/products/startkit/di158.htm

And this one is $39.00

http://www.dataq.com/products/startkit/di154rs.htm

Here is another OEM brand with stand alone data loggers starting at $59.00, no PC needed to record data while driving!!!), one of them measures and records air temperature from -48 to +248 F, with a thermistor probe all for under $100.


http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=OM-40&Nav=dase01