OBD2 tool

[MetroMPG]

I'm slipping further and further into nerdity:

I've been looking at laptop-based OBD2 tools because the SG1 isn't giving me all the info I want to see. Specifically, I want to know about fuel trim, since that's something that would be affected by HAI and EGR. But fuel trim is one parameter that the SG doesn't offer.

Also, I'll be able to log & graph relationships between sensor readings, whereas the current SG 1&2 only let you view "instant" data, which is actually pretty useless if the reading changes frequently by its nature (e.g. timing advance, throttle position, load etc.).

I realize the SG2 is supposed to have a USB or flash media logging feature coming out, but I don't know if it will include ALL parameters, or just the ones currently accessible (e.g. no fuel trim).

Anyway. There you go. Data geek!

[onegammyleg]

Hey ,, your bustin in on my ideas.
Get behind me nerd. !

[GasSavers_brick]

I'll be very interested to hear if you find a package that works well. The ability to collect and analyze data for an entire run would do wonders for our understanding of what these machines are doing.

[SVOboy]

This is the kinda stuff like they use in shops or the kinda stuff like they sell to nerds? The shop-based stuff is prolly the best EFI tool imaginable, in my mind.

[GasSavers_Brock]

I don't think it would work on your car but I have been running vag-com
http://www.ross-tech.com/
for a while. It lets you change a LOT of things on the car, like how the doors lock, to engine timing to real-time MPG and LOTs of logging. I really like up, but it is a pain using the laptop all the time. I was so glad when SG came along.

Hey doesn’t the new SG2 have a USB out and logging options?

[MetroMPG]

I don't think the Metro ECU is programmable.

I agree: the convenience of the SG is not in question. But sometimes I NEED MORE DATA.

SG2 is supposed to be coming out with a logging /export feature, but again, I don't know if it'll include all the sensors & engine parameters. It's missing a few now, in both versions.

[Silveredwings]

So metro, which tools have you looked at? I'm curious how you connect the obd2 to the pc (I know there are a adapters out there) and then what software? TIA.

[MetroMPG]

Well, turns out this isn't the first time I've "decided" to get one. Check this thread from January and you'll see a few different types mentioned.

http://www.gassavers.org/showthread....ght=laptop+obd

Other than those, I'm considering one of the generic ones from Hong Kong. Cheaper, but probably hard to get service if it dies

[DRW]

Nerdy, eh? Well then the line forms behind me! I have three different datalogging programs loaded onto two Palms! I personally don't think of them as nerdy since they are essential tools for improving the 1/4 mile capabilities of my cars. The simplest program show about 20 different gages. The more complex loggers are customizable so I can export any address in the ecu to the logger and see what it's doing. I couldn't tune without them.

OK I'm bragging a little, but I still don't have one that outputs instantaneous mpg so I'm still flying blind!

[rh77]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Well, turns out this isn't the first time I've "decided" to get one. Check this thread from January and you'll see a few different types mentioned.

http://www.gassavers.org/showthread....ght=laptop+obd

Other than those, I'm considering one of the generic ones from Hong Kong. Cheaper, but probably hard to get service if it dies

IIRC, from that thread, there should be some free-ware applications this setup -- all you would need is the cord.

BTW, great decision! I think a lot of us have been dreaming of one for a while Keep us posted, and good luck!

RH77