External Sensor Logging

A free update to DeltaDash and Flash2002, the external sensor logging facility allows additional external sensors to be logged by DeltaDash.

Yes that's right - it's totally free ! If you have already purchased DeltaDash, simply dowload the latest version from the web site to use this new feature.

Introduction

Until now, EcuTek ECU tools have been able to retrieve data only from the engine management unit to which they were connected. This new 'External Sensor' feature allows additional data to be logged from any sensors that the user wishes to attach to the car. Example ways in which this can be used are listed below:

Example Sensor Applications

• Pre & Post Intercooler Temperature Sensors
• Pre & Post Intercooler Pressure Sensors
• Per cylinder EGT sensors
• Wideband lambda sensors e.g. Motec PLM
• Oil temperature sensors
• Fuel rail pressure sensors

It's Free

This additional feature is free. If you are using DeltaDash, just download the latest version from the web site. If you are using Flash2002, then the feature is already built in. All that you need is an interface box to connect your sensors to the PC - read on.

External Logging Features

• The new external sensor feature allows up to 8 extra inputs to be logged.
• USB is the only connection required to the laptop being used for logging.

Compatibility

DeltaDash

Up to 8 additional sensors may be attached to the vehicle. Data from these external sensors may then be viewed and logged alongside data from the ECU.

Flash2002 ECU Programming Tools

A wideband lambda unit may be attached via this feature, to give real time overlaying of air fuel ratio onto any ECU map e.g. fuel maps to optimise fuelling.

Sensor Compatibility

Any external sensor may be connected that gives a voltage output. E.g. the standard Denso pressure sensors as used by Subaru for manifold pressure measurement. Thermocouples and resistive devices may need some additional circuitry to function correctly.

Ordering Hardware

Whilst the software required is free, you need to purchase an interface box that connects the sensors to the PC. This device is known as an analogue to digital converter box. EcuTeK have designed their software to work with a device called the LabJack U12. EcuTeK do not supply this unit - it must be ordered direct from LabJack or one of their distributors. Whilst EcuTek could supply these units, it would only add to the cost of this additional feature. Ordering direct saves you money.



At the time of writing, the LabJack U12 costs a mere $99 or £99 when ordered in the US and UK respectively. Please visit the LabJack web site at www.labjack.com for ordering information. Labjack can also supply a range of sensors and thermocouple interfaces for use with their product.

Software Installation

Installation Prerequisites

The updated version of DeltaDash requires no more of the PC it is installed on than previous versions of DeltaDash. However, you should check the system requirements of the LabJack U12 to make sure it will work with your PC. Please see the www.labjack.com web site.

Installation

For installation of drivers and software for the LabJack U12, please follow the instructions supplied by LabJack. Ensure that you perform a full installation of the drivers and software (rather than just the drivers), since you will next need to test the installation using a test program that Labjack supply on their CD.

Installation Testing

The LabJack CD installs a number of programs onto your PC. To test that the LabJack is functioning correctly before attempting to use the unit with any EcuTeK products, please run the LjTest program supplied by LabJack. This will confirm that everything is OK with the installation so far. If your LabJack passes the test, please proceed to the next chapter for information on how to use the LabJack U12 with DeltaDash and Flash2002. If for any reason your LabJack failed the test, please consult the LabJack manual & web site for support.

Software Setup

External Sensor Setup

With the LabJack correctly connected to your PC, start DeltaDash. If you have installed and tested the LabJack (described above), you will see an additional menu item available from the options menu.


New 'External Sensor Setup' Menu Item

Clicking on the new menu item will bring up the window below.


External Sensor Configuration Window

This window allow you to configure the sensors that you have connected to the LabJack. For example a Motec PLM (Professional Lambda Meter) has been connected to the first channel of the LabJack. This measures air fuel ratio, so the units of measure have been entered as AFR. The Motec unit has been configured to output a voltage of 0-5v for an air fuel ratio range of 8:1 to 20:1. In this way, any sensor with a linear output may be displayed with the correct scaling and units of measure.

DeltaDash

Once the external sensor configuration has been done, an additional tab is available from live data capture. This tab shows the current values of the external sensors. Only the sensors channels that were 'enabled' in external sensor configuration are shown - Just like logging data from the ECU, the fewer data items that are retrieved, the faster the rate of capture.



When selecting items to graph, the additional, external sensors are displayed at the bottom of the parameter list.

Selecting External Sensors for Graphing

Flash2002

When using Flash2002, an additional panel will appear on the live map access tab for any open ROM…


External AFR Display

The first input channel of the LabJack will be displayed below data retrieved from the ECU via the diagnostics port. This feature is for external wideband lambda use. Also, when view live map access of any 3D maps, there is now the option to colour those maps based on the wideband lambda input. Hovering over any zones that have been coloured will display the min/max wideband lambda values measured in that zone, as well as the standard OEM air fuel sensor and knock correction values.


Colouring Map Access based on an External Lambda Sensor

Notes on Logging Wideband Lambda Sensors

The closer that the lambda sensor can be placed to the engine, the more 'detailed' the data that may be captured. Sensors placed in the tail pipe of the vehicle tend to read a very blurred representation of AFR. The readings in this position are also affected by any catalytic converters in the path of the exhaust gases.

The recommended position for the sensor is immediately after the turbo, mounted in an additional boss placed in the downpipe. This has the following advantages:

• EGTs are lower than pre turbo, so the sensor will last longer.
• The sensor is quite close to the engine, and so receives a clearer indication of instantaneous AFR.
• The location is easy to access, making it easy to inset and remove the sensor when one device may be shared between several cars.

Obviously, mounting the sensor pre turbo will give the best response, though the sensor life may be shortened. Never remove the OEM sensor to provide a mounting hole for the external sensor. Always weld an additional mounting position into the location you choose. The ECU will get very confused if its own sensor is removed or disconnected.