Who uses a datalogger/scanner??

[-=Jeff=-]

I was curious of what any of you use for a datalogger/scanner..

I currently use Ease with my laptop.. But I am working on a scanner Definition file for ScannerPro (free datalogging software for a PC). only cost for Scannerpro would be the OBD to Serial/USb cable..

trying to gauge if people would be interested in the definition. Currently I know it will work on 90-91, not sure on 93-95 I need to check, but should be able to make that one too

[QB93Z]

I am interested. I currently use an ADL cable with a USB interface to a laptop. I am using DataMaster Z2 v351 to look at the data.

I am not sure what the definition file is. Are you trying to create a "translator" so the GM data stream from the LT5 can be input to the ScannerPro for display?

I am new to this stuff.

Jim

[Aurora40]

I also use Datamaster. It has the fields pretty well defined.

[-=Jeff=-]

I am interested. I currently use an ADL cable with a USB interface to a laptop. I am using DataMaster Z2 v351 to look at the data.

I am not sure what the definition file is. Are you trying to create a "translator" so the GM data stream from the LT5 can be input to the ScannerPro for display?

I am new to this stuff.

Jim

yes the file (.ADX) will translate the data just like datamaster.. scanner pro is a nice software package.. I have the ALDL stream almost complete and have tried it with success on my 1990 Z..

[-=Jeff=-]

Oh yeah the definition once completed would also be free..

[bradslt5]

i also am very gren to this stuff and computors in general. i would love to be able to use my lapptop for this stuff .if someone could tell me how to do it . i saw this guy that had an obd1 setup(ford) and was switch ing his tune up between runs. can our computorbe setup to do this . i used to love tunning my 68 mustang between rounds . sure would be nice to see if i could get alittle more out of the car by tunning . is the a web site that i could go to to get the stuff to start to learn this.

[Zr1 Destroyer]

I use datamaster, but lately the auto xray has been doing the jod just fine since I don't really need to read boost like I do in my Syclone......I do like the datalogging abilities though!

[DaveK]

I was curious of what any of you use for a datalogger/scanner..

I currently use Ease with my laptop.. But I am working on a scanner Definition file for ScannerPro (free datalogging software for a PC). only cost for Scannerpro would be the OBD to Serial/USb cable..

trying to gauge if people would be interested in the definition. Currently I know it will work on 90-91, not sure on 93-95 I need to check, but should be able to make that one too

I'm very interested - let me know if I can help in some way.

[Paul Workman]

I use the AutoXray scanner. It is limited to basic fault finding/code reading, etc. and for that it has been very useful - paying for itself many times over across the years (my cars and those of others as well)

But, I'd like to "graduate" to Datalogger or some such s/w at some point. (The latest AXray update omits the injector dwell time, which I found to be one of the more useful tools to evaluate O2 sensors. Grrrrrrr)

P.

[Aurora40]

I use the AutoXray scanner. It is limited to basic fault finding/code reading, etc. and for that it has been very useful - paying for itself many times over across the years (my cars and those of others as well)

But, I'd like to "graduate" to Datalogger or some such s/w at some point. (The latest AXray update omits the injector dwell time, which I found to be one of the more useful tools to evaluate O2 sensors. Grrrrrrr)

P.
One useful thing about the AutoXray is it's just soooo easy to take in the car with you. Lugging a laptop, power supply, invertor, and cable into the car is a much bigger pain.

I only wish the Xray showed the oil temp. For injector info, you can look at the short and long term fuel trims to get an idea. I thought it had the pulse width displayed though, but can't really recall.

[-=Jeff=-]

One useful thing about the AutoXray is it's just soooo easy to take in the car with you. Lugging a laptop, power supply, invertor, and cable into the car is a much bigger pain.

I only wish the Xray showed the oil temp. For injector info, you can look at the short and long term fuel trims to get an idea. I thought it had the pulse width displayed though, but can't really recall.

Yes that makes sense.. I should look into the Autoxray just to keep int he car for ease of use

[bradslt5]

what would one look for in the long and short term blk learns to learn what is going on with the injectors ? i have an auto xray . can you share what i would look for

[Paul Workman]

One useful thing about the AutoXray is it's just soooo easy to take in the car with you. Lugging a laptop, power supply, invertor, and cable into the car is a much bigger pain.

I only wish the Xray showed the oil temp. For injector info, you can look at the short and long term fuel trims to get an idea. I thought it had the pulse width displayed though, but can't really recall.

Yes, I keep it in the cubby behind the passenger seat. If the Vette hiccups, out it comes and a quick dynamic diagnostic is "in the bag". So far, (knocking on wood) it is working: keep it in the car, and there's no problems. Hate to think of the issue I'd have the minute I put the scanner back in the house! :jawdrop:

Pulse width: The prior s/w version had pulse width for VIN "P" (LT1). Fuel trims are more of an indirect method, and I don't know how responsive they are to intermittent problems I've seen.

P.

[-=Jeff=-]

so which autoxray is decent? looking at the 3000 on eBay

[Paul Workman]

what would one look for in the long and short term blk learns to learn what is going on with the injectors ? i have an auto xray . can you share what i would look for

In a word...Parity.

Left/Right integrator values are nominally 128
Left/Right block learn values should be close to the same value.
Cross counts (better seen as a graph than a table) should be uniform

This batch was taken prior to me taking the plenum off, i.e. prior to finding loose IH and plenum screws, and a couple vacuum lines that were not connected. (The vertical columns are time stamped at one second intervals, but all 28 are not shown here.)

Not shown is the cross counts. Apparently, I have a lazy O2 (right side) sensor (seen on the computer after downloading the scanner to the computer w/ PC LINK s/w.) And, I have reason to believe I have an injector that is marginal too.

Anything in particular you wanna see??

P.

[Paul Workman]

so which autoxray is decent? looking at the 3000 on eBay

I called AutoXray's tech support, to ask about that dwell time issue I'm having with mine (a '1000' OBD-I unit) and the 3000. He says the EZ-Scan 3000 is an OBD-I unit, now discontinued, but still is supported. The 3000 can be upgraded to a full OBD-II "6000" capability, BTW. (The '6000' is their top of the line scanner.)

To scan and download the captured data with the 3000, you will need PC Link s/w; costs $79 + S&H. Be sure the cable that is included in the s/w is the GM ALDL/usb cable, and you're all set. Come to think of it...I have an extra ALDL cable around here somewhere (I ordered it, not knowing it also was included w/ the software!)

P.

[XfireZ51]

I use the AutoXray scanner. It is limited to basic fault finding/code reading, etc. and for that it has been very useful - paying for itself many times over across the years (my cars and those of others as well)

But, I'd like to "graduate" to Datalogger or some such s/w at some point. (The latest AXray update omits the injector dwell time, which I found to be one of the more useful tools to evaluate O2 sensors. Grrrrrrr)

P.

EASE has PW for LFT and RGT. Please explain how you use injector dwell time to evaluate O2 sensors.

[-=Jeff=-]

I called AutoXray's tech support, to ask about that dwell time issue I'm having with mine (a '1000' OBD-I unit) and the 3000. He says the EZ-Scan 3000 is an OBD-I unit, now discontinued, but still is supported. The 3000 can be upgraded to a full OBD-II "6000" capability, BTW. (The '6000' is their top of the line scanner.)

To scan and download the captured data with the 3000, you will need PC Link s/w; costs $79 + S&H. Be sure the cable that is included in the s/w is the GM ALDL/usb cable, and you're all set. Come to think of it...I have an extra ALDL cable around here somewhere (I ordered it, not knowing it also was included w/ the software!)

P.

I would use the Autoxray as an in the field tester.. if I needed to datalog i would use a PC, this would be more from trouble shooting an issue when I don't need a log or want to hassle with the Laptop

[Sgreg]

I was curious of what any of you use for a datalogger/scanner..

I currently use Ease with my laptop.. But I am working on a scanner Definition file for ScannerPro (free datalogging software for a PC). only cost for Scannerpro would be the OBD to Serial/USb cable..

trying to gauge if people would be interested in the definition. Currently I know it will work on 90-91, not sure on 93-95 I need to check, but should be able to make that one too

What about us old dogs with Tech 1A's ? ! I have the ability to hook my Tech 1a up to a lap top and also have one of the original 12 V roll data printers that can print data without a lap top. Pretty cool for 25 year old technology.

[Aurora40]

I would use the Autoxray as an in the field tester.. if I needed to datalog i would use a PC, this would be more from trouble shooting an issue when I don't need a log or want to hassle with the Laptop
Yes, the datalogging isn't great. I have the 6000, as it's useful on most all makes and models of car. Anyway, it records a max of 30 frames at a rate of like one frame per 5 seconds down to 2 per second. Not really fast enough/long enough time to be of much use.

[jonszr1]

paul,for the print out. what i was wondering about was why the block learns when cruizing are different l to r example on my 92 with the new inj(bosch rebuilts left runs 129-30 right `130 -`31which seems good . on my 90that has 2 yr old rc injcruizing same speed over the same 5mile road l131-133 r134-137 with a 4 pt spread left to right.why is there such a big spread. both cars have brand new bosch o2 sensors. no vac leaks.on both cars left side reads lower . do all our cars do the same thing?sorry for dumb ?s i am just an old carb guy trying to learn this computor stuff. ps both cars 75mph 2200rpm. 410 gears

[Paul Workman]

EASE has PW for LFT and RGT. Please explain how you use injector dwell time to evaluate O2 sensors.

Dom,

It may be just a personal preference kind of thing: preferring a direct (voltage or whatever) reading as opposed to a derived value such as block learn values, etc. Call me old fashioned, but I like my coffee black, my beer dark, and my data raw!:D

What I've come to understand, over the past 6 years and half dozen O2s, it would seem O2s are a bit finicky at best - or at least perhaps some brands are. (It is amazing what effect the O2 can sometimes haveon ECM data when simply changing a good for good O2s.)

So, when focusing on the O2s specifically, I've gotten into the habit of looking specifically at the O2 parameters; inputs and outputs, as it were. I prefer direct readings to determine their performance. In the absence of direct values, the derived values can be substituted, but there is often a bit of hysteresis and as result, some ambiguity associated with the ECM's derived fueling values. (Think of derived values as 'sex with a condom'!:D )

Bottom line: It is apparent to me that being the key player in closed loop operation, the O2s are far from consistent, over time and operating conditions they are exposed to. Therefore, I find it necessary to view all the related data - direct readings and derived values on the whole and over several "runs" to get the truth.

But, I'm always looking to learn new stuff. So, an 'ostrich' may be in the my near future!;)

P.

[Paul Workman]

paul,for the print out. what i was wondering about was why the block learns when cruizing are different l to r example on my 92 with the new inj(bosch rebuilts left runs 129-30 right `130 -`31which seems good . on my 90that has 2 yr old rc injcruizing same speed over the same 5mile road l131-133 r134-137 with a 4 pt spread left to right.why is there such a big spread. both cars have brand new bosch o2 sensors. no vac leaks.on both cars left side reads lower . do all our cars do the same thing?sorry for dumb ?s i am just an old carb guy trying to learn this computor stuff. ps both cars 75mph 2200rpm. 410 gears

Well, I'm not an expert, so I can just tell ya what I've observed.

The differences you see are not uncommon - according to my experiences; a 4 pt spread warrants keeping an eye on, but not alarming. I would want to see the "cross counts" and pulse width comparison to get a more rounded picture. Also, do a few WOT runs and then re-test. I've seen what looks like a lazy (cross counts) O2 look like brand new after a couple runs. And, I've seen O2 characteristics "swap" back and forth over time and different runs.

4 points difference or even 6 points, in the short term is nothing I get concerned with. However, after some "clearing out the cobwebs" and the characteristics remain consistent, I still might not change the O2, UNLESS the plugs on the suspected bank show some significant sooting compared to the other side, OR the instant gas mileage began to suffer. (I find making some controlled runs on a given piece of highway is "good stuff" for identifying changes in operating (O2, etc) parameters.)

I gotta run, but willing to kick this can around some more later!

P.

[jonszr1]

paul thanx for takin the time to help an old guy learn. i did do a retest on the 90 the one in ? and they are 2-4 apart . i have an auto xray 3000 i dont think i can get pulse withs .but this electronic stuff is new to me so i dont know how to do alot of things with them . i am going to be changing alot of stuff between the 2 cars this week . turning the black one back to stk for a dd car and putting the injector housings and plenum and headers on the callaway . i want to see what theporting on the heads that callaway did compares to the porting on the blk car . plus the blk car has 250 k on her and i think too many more drag runs might break something . i got good gas mileage with the blk car when she was stk . hate to think that way but the price of gas here 4.89 for prem unleaded makes me do it .

[Jason 91]

I just picked up the Autoxray 6000 to use on my cars for basic needs. I've gotten tired of paying people money to tell me what part to replace when my check engine light comes on and it's not a simple solution based on the code I get from my code reader.

Jason

[Paul Workman]

I just picked up the Autoxray 6000 to use on my cars for basic needs. I've gotten tired of paying people money to tell me what part to replace when my check engine light comes on and it's not a simple solution based on the code I get from my code reader.

Jason

WooHoo! The 6000 "ain't cheap", and the scanners are limited on what they can do. But, I know exactly how you feel. I quickly got sick of leaving my (then new to me '95/LT1 Vette) with the dealer, only to get "no problem found" reports over and over again, but yet every time I took it out suddenly it would start running like crap!!. VEEEERRRRYYYY frustrating (being "blind", that is!!:confused: )

Well, the "1000" scanner was being discontinued, but it had OBD-I capability, and that is all I needed. So, my scanner only cost me $130 (if I recall), and it quickly paid for itself; I found the problem on the first run. I didn't buy the download software for a while, but downloading the data numbers (41 items x 30 columns) one number at a time and putting them on a spreadsheet got old reeeeeal fast - so I opted for PC-link.

Anywayz, the scanners aren't the be all/end all by a long shot. But, they sure as hell are a lot better than guessing and asking "what would cause..." So, good luck. If you are like me, you'll get it running good in no time and (hopefully) the scanner will collect a lot of dust. One thing I have observed tho, for reasons I can't yet put my finger on, the car seldom matches (identically) the base case run to additional runs exactly. I'm guessing it is due to the dynamics of engine temp, air density, etc, etc that result in variances. (I guess that is why I rely more on voltages and dwell times than block learns, etc. when it comes to assessing results. I've been scanning and studying the results on occasion a couple dozen times in 5 years, and I'm still learning more. Next, I wanna get the lap top involved and get comfortable with fuel trims and timing and such.

P.

[Paul Workman]

What is the difference between an AutoXray 6000 and an AutoXray 7000?

Does anyone have either the AutoXray 6000 or the AutoXray 7000 that they can comment on?

Since this is a Poll, I thought I would keep it going :D

From their website...

http://www.autoxray.com/

...it appears the 7000 has enhanced memory and graphing capability in addition to that of the OBD-I,II 6000. (Not that I follow it that much - I got my ol' 1000 and haven't been in the market for another (e.g. an OBD-II) scanner, as result.)

[Jason 91]

So I was perfectly fine with my 6000...until I read this and saw the 7000...thanks alot.

Seriously, the 6000 has been great for what I've used it for which is mostly on other cars that I have. It has paid for itself several times over at this point.

Thanks,

Jason

[93 ZR1 Barcelona]

If you guys want to log the car, the TTS Datamaster is the way to go.

Best software for ZR-1 datalog, and also for all Corvette C4's 86-95

10 over 10.

:icon_thum

[todesengel]

One useful thing about the AutoXray is it's just soooo easy to take in the car with you. Lugging a laptop, power supply, invertor, and cable into the car is a much bigger pain.

I only wish the Xray showed the oil temp. For injector info, you can look at the short and long term fuel trims to get an idea. I thought it had the pulse width displayed though, but can't really recall.

There is an alternative to that, installing a "carputer" in your vehicle. I have one in my supra, and the touch screen monitor is in place of the dd stereo. The carputer acts as a stereo, dvd player, computer (mouse hidden in center console, can go online, interfaces with the ems. Great little package for people who are serious about monitoring their system in a particular car!

[GOLDCYLON]

What about us old dogs with Tech 1A's ? ! I have the ability to hook my Tech 1a up to a lap top and also have one of the original 12 V roll data printers that can print data without a lap top. Pretty cool for 25 year old technology.


I agree they still work great love my Tech 1A UNIT

[captcorvette]

Currently have 4. GM Tech I, Autoxray 7000, Launch (Chinese) and ScanMaster. But so far the learning curve on each one is steep for this old fart. So guess I will have to vote for the AutoXray.:confused:

[Paul Workman]

One useful thing about the AutoXray is it's just soooo easy to take in the car with you. Lugging a laptop, power supply, invertor, and cable into the car is a much bigger pain.

I only wish the Xray showed the oil temp. For injector info, you can look at the short and long term fuel trims to get an idea. I thought it had the pulse width displayed though, but can't really recall.

I agree. My AXray rides in the storage compartment behind the passenger's seat; ready at a moment's notice.

I bought it to troubleshoot my 95 LT1 Vette, and it had injector dwell time as well as the trims. What was happening (reason for buying the scanner in the first place) was an O2 sensor was intermittently shorting to ground. The Xray has an "event" button on it you can push when "IT" is happening. The results were instantaneous, and the scanner picked it up nicely.

However, when I bought the Z, I had to get the software retro'ed and I lost the ability to see dwell time directly. Tho the Z has (knocking on wood) not required the Xray's help so much, I would rather it have the dwell time as well.

Can never have enough test equipment. It was Marc's wideband setup that put a finger on some NOS injectors that were going south.

[scottfab]

.... snip....
What was happening (reason for buying the scanner in the first place) was an O2 sensor was intermittently shorting to ground. The Xray has an "event" button on it you can push when "IT" is happening. The results were instantaneous, and the scanner picked it up nicely.
...snip...

I have a PC based Diacom setup that helped me find the same kind of intermittent issue with an O2 sensor. In my case it was not a short to ground but some contamination on the sensor that would partially cover the openings such that readings would go south for a time the be fine for a time.

[lakemeadzmonster]

Any one have an extra cable? This will do diagnostics ext? Thanks

[lakemeadzmonster]

I'm looking to buy something? I was interested in getting into lower cost like the PC idea with the cables might serve my basic tuning and troubleshooting but is it comparable to GM Tech One functions?? Thanks :confused:

[-=Jeff=-]

FINALLY!!!

I have a working ADX for TunerPro.. Connects and does not have issues once connected

I still have some misc status flags to add, but most everything is there and working and it tells the ABS and CCM to be quiet too

[vilant]

FINALLY!!!

I have a working ADX for TunerPro.. Connects and does not have issues once connected

I still have some misc status flags to add, but most everything is there and working and it tells the ABS and CCM to be quiet too
Jeff,
I have TunerPro RT, but haven't dug into the software yet (started with EFI first) . Did the 8e_ads.adx and 83.xdf files have issues? They're the ones I thought I was supposed to use for the RT. Will your file supercede the 8e (believe I downloaded it from the internet somewhere). I assume the old file wasn't silencing the chatter.:cheers:

[Schrade]

I was REALLY hoping to get some software @ BG - something I could see hands-on, and when I saw the Mega-Squirt(?) guys in the parking lot on Thursday, I went to diggin'...

:(

But they had only ECM's to unload. Can't go there with Marc's module - that was a perfect add-in.

[XfireZ51]

Jeff,
I have TunerPro RT, but haven't dug into the software yet (started with EFI first) . Did the 8e_ads.adx and 83.xdf files have issues? They're the ones I thought I was supposed to use for the RT. Will your file supercede the 8e (believe I downloaded it from the internet somewhere). I assume the old file wasn't silencing the chatter.:cheers:

Vilant ,

I assume that by 83.xdf you mean 8E. Be aware that each model year, has an A version of the code. So 90 can be and most likely is $8EA. That can cause issues. Same for all other LT-5 MY (sorry Brett).
TPRT stands for Tunerpro RealTime. Named that way because it is used w real time emulation like Ostrich. TunerCat same thing.

[LancePearson]

I just downloaded the DataMaster software to my laptop and ordered from moates.net the adl to usb obd1 cable set up (not cheap) so that I can do basic data logging on some runs. I tend to stay focused on the road ahead when pushing the car and want to log the data into a file on my laptop which can come with and then later look and see what the specifics were of what I did so this seems like an easy way to do it. The scan diagnostic tools seem intelligent but I don't see that they do what I'd call data logging all that well to dump to a laptop. At any rate, I'll give it a try on my 1991. Ordered adl cable specifically for my year Z and the same download of Datamaster software.

Lance

[Corbusa]

I bought the INNOVA 3140 and haven't had time to open the package . anyone use this one? any usage report? Thanks

[vilant]

Vilant ,

I assume that by 83.xdf you mean 8E. Be aware that each model year, has an A version of the code. So 90 can be and most likely is $8EA. That can cause issues. Same for all other LT-5 MY (sorry Brett).
TPRT stands for Tunerpro RealTime. Named that way because it is used w real time emulation like Ostrich. TunerCat same thing.
Yea, I meant 8E. I haven't really got into yet, but the first time I tried it, it didn't work. I'm sure I can once I get into. Here's a screen shot, you can see the file names at the top, I could have the wrong files, but I thought they were the right ones.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=203&pictureid=2215

[ZR1ROB]

Joe,

you need to pick the correct .BIN file for your car. when you do, the first file in the title bar will be XXXX.BIN, then the XDF and finally the ADX.

[Schrade]

I sure wish someone could post up some youtube vids of scan output, so I'd know what to buy (or to NOT buy)...

[ZR1ROB]

I sure wish someone could post up some youtube vids of scan output, so I'd know what to buy (or to NOT buy)...

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+use+tunerpro&oq=tunerpro&gs_l=youtube.1.3.0l3j0i5.4805.6161.0.9571.8.8.0.0. 0.0.406.1733.2j2j1j2j1.8.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtub e.97g9q4fxCH4

[vilant]

Joe,

you need to pick the correct .BIN file for your car. when you do, the first file in the title bar will be XXXX.BIN, then the XDF and finally the ADX.
I know, and the ones selected are suppose to be the right ones. But I wasn't getting anything, probably just something stupid I overlooked or just needs a little tinkering. I'll start getting back into this shortly, just haven't had the time lately.:cheers: