Jason, have you ever ridden your Vulcan for, you know, fun? Or leisure? You're like the Mad Frankenstein of Kawasaki Vulcans! 🤣😂🤣
Data Logger.
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.
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.
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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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.
Attachments
I just don't know when to quit!
It started as a joint project for another user to tune their motorcycle, thus a portable datalogger.
The other user was using a knock sensor and wanted to see if he had knock during his rides.
From there, I just started dreaming about what's possible.
I've found myself using the gear indicator like a crutch while riding, because it's just so convenient to look down and see "5th" staring back up at you.
Lean angles are fun to see if and where I'm pushing it in the corners.
I started logging total engine revolutions just because, and I also want to see how consistent it is between oil changes.
IE, is 3000 miles always around the same number of revolutions?
I want to see how much (if any) retarding the ignition timing improves engine warm up.
In my thread on the ignition controller, I posted that I was looking back at a random data log and found a dead spot in the throttle in the 3-4k RPM.
Some of the accelerometer based speed estimates I might end up using at my job.
To answer your last question, I doubt I will ever be satisfied, because there's always something I can add or improve!
But I'd sell one to anyone interested.
Nooo, no math error there. Your expertise and skill are impeccably perfect, Jason.I decided to take a crack at an MPG and fuel consumption estimator. According to my screen, I'm getting -18.5 MPG and I had 0.4 gallons more in my tank after my commute then when I left!
Clearly a math error somewhere.
You know what it is? It's a glitch in the matrix, man. Maybe you DO have 0.4 more gallons than when you left, eh??? Did you actually empty the tank and measure the fuel? HUH?
Don't be a doubter, Jason. That magical data logger of yours produces free gasoline!!! Ssssshhhhhh, don't tell anyone. Next thing you know, NASA will be ringing your doorbell. Them, or Exxon.
I adjusted the MPG algorithm and now I'm seeing 25-35 MPG (positive this time ) 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.
) 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 adjusted the MPG algorithm and now I'm seeing 25-35 MPG (positive this time
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.
41 - 60 of 77 Posts
