Trip computer/real time recorder

[ASmartMan]

Hey All

I know some know this has been a pet project of mine, my ultimate goal is to have a trip/real time recorder/computer, capable of data logging (for later translation).

Yet consuming minimum space and allowing for other functions, my goal (still) it to integrate the hardware/software package used to get this data in to a Palm pilot that has built in GPS.

This graph I'm displaying is about my 3rd attempt to record data so it is just RAW data with out any of the conversions/offsets input.

This OBD reader (THAT WORKS ON A G&K CONVERTED SMART) has many functions http://www.auterraweb.com/dyforpacan.html, I had to buy the Windows software too ( I wanted to test on my lap top first).

As I become use to the software and find it's limits I'll update as needed.

Once that is done then I'll buy the Palm/GPS and do the same evaluation.

NOW for the 451 owners, I don't have a clue if it will work on a 451, I can ONLY suggest that if there is a 451 owner close to me, swing by and we'll see if it works as well on the 451 as it does on the 450.

http://www.putfile.com/pic/7781480

ASM

PS wait till the warm weather comes back and I finish my cruse control

[ASmartMan]

Hey

Had my wife drive so I could play with the computer and it's screens, I am pleased. The Lap top version has more flexibility than the Palm unit has yet according the OEM the Palm software is in rewrite, but none the less it is what it is for now.

I was happy enough with what I saw to make me Buy this http://cgi.ebay.com/SEALED-GARMIN-iQ...ayphotohosting
So maybe by this coming weekend I'll have my Data recorder, trip computer, Palm, and GPS all in 1 for under $400

As you can see she drives the Smart like a BMW 5 series http://www.putfile.com/pic/7782283

ASM

[jwight]

I am impressed; this stuff is so far over my head I've got no idea what I'm looking at but it must be cool!

[ASmartMan]

jwight

it's graphs of your cars performance (ie what gear/rpm gives you the best gas mileage) it tells you instant MPG, it gives you the trips average MPG, it will give RPM, Speed. it will give and clear all fault problems. how many gallons you have gone through and how many are left, it will plot horsepower and acceleration for 1/8,1/4.and 1/2 mile, and because this is connected to a PDA (small computer) you can store all that data and import it in to something like Excel and plot your entire trip.

Then to top it off the PDA (small computer) can store things like addresses, phone# notes, etc.

And if that was not enough this PDA comes with a built in GPS (for those times you don't feel like asking for directions).

I've spent a few months researching/asking questions, and e-mailing, BUT to no avail, I am in uncharted territory, no one was willing to stick their neck out (on this unknown) to make any suggestions .

I bit the bullet, and e-mailed to death a few OEMS (AND SPENT MY OWN MONEY), I got them to commit to taking the products back if they didn't work (that is no longer the case, because it does works).

If in the end this works the way I envision, this will be a versatile tool for any one who drives any distance in any car.

And I also got the guys at Auterra to give a 10% discount for ANY SCOA member.

Don't go out and buy anything just yet, I still need to work it to it's max to find it's limits

ASM

[smartie yank]

I guess my question is what kind of a unit can this thing be fed into that I can mount and read while driving down the highway? Granted playing with data at home might excite some but I can't drive with a laptop on the dash and I really don't want to try to interpret a graph while trying to drive. Maybe I'm missing something.

[ASmartMan]

smartie yank

What your missing is this OBD http://www.auterraweb.com/dyforpacan.html connects to a PDA http://cgi.ebay.com/SEALED-GARMIN-iQ...ayphotohosting

A PDA is a mini computer with a 3X3 inch display that will allow you to record/log all your selected trip data (for later play back if needed) and it also has a built in GPS unit.

This entire unit will take up the same space as a normal Garmin GPS unit with the same distraction level as that GPS unit.

Hope that explanes a little better

ASM

[smartie yank]

OK so is the $400 in addition to the cost of a PDA or including the PDA for those of us who don't have one?

[ASmartMan]

smartie yank

The Auterra model 300 for a PDA cost $209.99 (-10% scoa DISCOUNT) and the PDA/GPS cost me $127.50 (E-Bay)

I of course spent more (because I wanted to test more products).

But in the end for an even $316.50 you get the trip computer/recorder/code reader/reseter, with a mini computer (Google PDAs) and a GPS system that has the same footprint a large Garmin GPS.

Not a bad price for what you get

ASM

[ASmartMan]

here is a photo of what is recognized and supported by the OBD reader I'm using http://www.putfile.com/pic/7789402

I am finding it has it's limits that may have to do with the fact that I ordered the Palm version yet testing it on a laptop using the windows software, only time will tell.

BUT for basic distance traveled (once the correct off set is put in) works great. I am finding the avg MPG works great (once again with the correct offset), most reported items need to have an offset.

By the time I get mine finally set up with the PDA most offsets should be known with ONLY minor tweaking would be needed.

did a data capture on a ride in to and back from work today (great data) but me being the moron saved it as a Jpeg and not a data file (so only what was showing on the screen was saved, but none of the before and after data.

Well it's the weekend SSOO there will be MANY more tests (and posts of course)


later ASM

[jwight]

What! No HD radio, no Bluetooth, no sat radio, and where's the latte machine?