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Data Logger.

2367 Views 76 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Buddy
Well, a good project is never done! I'm expanding on my Ignitech Ignition module project.

A gentleman from New Zealand contacted me with interest in my logging program. He's using the Ignitech on his 2 stroke race bike and wants to log his races. He didn't like the idea of hauling around a laptop in a backpack for data-logging, so he asked me if I could set up an M5 Core2 (pictured below) to do the datalogging. I agreed, so he bought me one in exchange for helping him.

Product Communication Device Portable communications device Mobile device Output device


So, I'm rewriting my program to run on one of these.

In addition to logging, I'm hoping to use the small screen to output some of the data.
For my use, I'm planning on displaying RPM and engine vacuum. I already found that my tach is inaccurate, showing about 900 when the ignitech shows 1100.
The engine vacuum would be useful for syncing the carbs.

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to try to mount it up by the gauges, or if I'm going to tuck it under the trim panel, or not mount it at all.
Of course, this isn't waterproof, but the gentleman from New Zealand is working on a solution for that.

We're also talking about implementing GPS for speed monitoring. The built in accelerometer can be used to record G forces and lean angles.
If I have GPS speed data, I can use that along with RPM to show a gear indicator.

This project is going way beyond practical and is getting into the "just for fun" and "why not?" category. Clearly the 750 isn't a track bike. But it's now getting into a more universal project that can be used on more bikes. But I see some practical uses, like using G forces to practice emergency stopping.

After a week or so of fighting through some code bugs, I finally got the LCD screen to display "Hello World".
I'll periodically update my progress on here, unless this project is deemed too far off scope of the Vulcan 750.
I won't be offended if asked not to post updates. It is a bit off topic.
I suppose it could move it to the Goats Belly too. Whatever the administrators decide is ok with me.
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The accelerometer should allow a horsepower number, of sorts. The ScanGauge has a code I could input that would let it read horsepower. Maybe not a very precise reading but you could see if the number changed after tuning.
Ping is spark at the wrong time, and detonation is combustion occuring by heat and pressure, without spark. Knock is the sound they both make. Detonation is why diesels make so much racket, they fire by heat and compression, no spark at all.

When we did horsepower runs with the ScanGauge we just did a drag race run as far and fast as we dared. Then tried to duplicate the time and distance for each run. 270 hp from a chipped inline six.

Buggers at the inspection station swiped the ScanGauge from my glove box. Had it in my pocket and decided I didn't need to worry about it.
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Can probably adapt a throttle body and computer, or just have Jason whip one up. Fuel injection, no jets, bowls, or floats!

Should be plenty of OEM throttle bodies in the parts auctions. EFI has been around long enough for the parts to pile up. The Kawasaki Brute Force 750 is injected.
I assure you I still take great pleasure in riding! Now I am able to measure exactly how much fun I'm having per ride! 😂😂😂

I was unable to ride for three weeks due to an appendectomy, so this kept me from going crazy.

I rode about 120 miles today. I added a total revs counter, because why not. It's currently only visible in the debug mode (text way too tiny to see while riding). But I'm just shy of 400,000 revolutions on the engine today. I also have Ambient temperature (shown in Fahrenheit) and a placeholder for Cylinder Head Temperature and Exhaust Gas Temperature (both were a request from the New Zealand fellow). GPS data is strong (VDOP, PDOP, HDOP, Sat etc). The whole trip consumed about 40% of the battery.
View attachment 55157
Market this gadget to Kawasaki, The Good Times Meter!


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I have surpassed 1 million engine revolutions with my datalogger!
Sounds like a lot! Time for a rebuild.
I adjusted the MPG algorithm and now I'm seeing 25-35 MPG (positive this time :ROFLMAO:) while riding. It's still estimating low, so it needs some work still.
I added some resettable trip-meters. I'm curious how many REVS it takes to go 3000 miles (IE per oil change).

I'm looking into a way to tie it into the stock tach output in order to use it without an Ignitech.

I'm also going to put some shrinkwrap over the thermocouple I put in the coolant hose. It's grounding against the radiator and shorting out the signal.
The insulation will slightly slow down it's response, but I don't need super fast response on engine temperature.

Maybe one day I'll tie in the fuel sender.
I can't get above 34mpg, just have a lead ... elbow, I guess.
I have mounted it now! I still need to dress the cables.

View attachment 56229
If you ever get pulled over you can say you have two speedometers. At one point I had three in the car, the dash, HUD, and ScanGauge.

Is it backlit?

Is it showing the gear you're in or just showing it's in gear?

I imagine there's several items you can scroll through?
I added a display line current MPG (or MPG over the last 1 second) and average MPG. Originally, it averaged MPG for the last 5 miles, but it would drop pretty drastically at every red light. Not quite the average I was looking for. I upped it to 10 miles and it's a lot more stable. I want it responsive enough to respond when change from back roads to when I jump on the highway for a bit, but not drop a lot at every red lights or when I pass a car. I am goin to try 20 miles and see what I get. When that responds well, I can use that number to calculate how many miles I have left on the current tank of gas. Provided I remember to reset my fuel usage and I actually have a full tank.
The mpg readout in my cars seems to peak at around 30-50 miles depending which vehicle it is. Don't know if that's relatable to yours. Probably just the way they program it to average.

Thinking if you set your average near your highest mpg it shouldn't drop so much at a stop, or one full throttle blast.
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.1-.2 is about what my cars lose at stoplights, unless it's one of those early retirement intersections.

Ten minutes is roughly how long it takes my bike to warm up at idle on a cool day.
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