Wouldn't it be nice if there was a serial port or usb port to the car's cpu where you could access rpm/mph/engine temp/ any output that would allow you to hook up an alternate means of viewing or storing data about your ride? It seems like a simple task to do yet no manufaturer does it that I know of. This would especially help the "track" folks out there.

 

Ever heard of OBDII?

There are numerous companies that make OBDII to serial (RS232) converters and software on Windows platforms to do everything you want.

Just run a web search...

Here's just one decent one:
http://www.autotap.com/

 

You are a genius!

this would be WAY better than the OBD II connector since nearly every PC and laptop has USB. It would cost them next to nothing to implement this.

They could go one step further and tack on an HTML interface and you could do certain setup stuff and read information with any web browser!

If only they would do this!

The OBD II solution I have seen for PCs are sort of kludgy and cost money. UBS would be sleek and clean and FREE.

 

they'd never do it. What they should do is implement a dash like the R34 though. That would be nice

 

There is a company than has the OBDII conector and the programs available to hook up to a palm pilot or lap top. Not cheap nor does it allow any modifing of the ecu, but does let you check for codes and some allow testing of power balance of injestors and other systems the computer controls. I try to look for the info

 

PocketLogger.com

I have one and it's awesome. You can read/reset codes, track anything the ECU does (o2 sensor readings, fuel trims, intake temp and volume, etc) and datalog runs.

 

You use a Palm Pilot model m125 for the accessing the computer or I am sure a lap top would work, the software can be purchased at napa or probably any tool truck (snapon,mac, etc) I am inquireing on price for fun and to see if it can be ran on any other palm devices.

 

Good cheap system, www.obd-2.com

I've used it on a few cars, works great! Reads code, shows timing and other graphs, great for mild tuning. I got the software and plug for $65 on a group buy. Should do one for 350z's, the guy who makes it is real cool.

 

hmm yeah i've seen those too. haven't had any experience with the connectors. more or less, id like to see where it would be possible to even hook up a digital display if you have a navigator or maybe even want to hook it in to a 8" screen for just an extra view of the temp, speed, and whatever else you could fit in there.

Just seems like there could be so many applications for this. i mean, if i wanted to hook up a laptop and wanted quick access, just plug and play.

i know that "changing" the settings on the ecu is not favored by the factory, so that's why my request is simple. make it an output only on the ecu usb. :P

seems kind of odd at how little access we have to the ecu.

 

They like to keep it that way.

When I had my t/a, I used an auto xray for all the tuning. Great for adjusting TPS, seeing inj cyc duty, real temp, map readings, codes etc...

 

Yes they have that it called the digital data link connector you'r car has that all ready and their are software and cables for a palm and or laptop. Still waiting on a price should be around 500.00 but does all OBDII cars, plus the cost of the palm pilot.

 

I have already been doing this for some time now. All you need is one of those "Drive Smart" chips, and install it below the steering in the OBDII conector. You can record all kinds of data and download it on to your computer.

 

There's also MaxQData. It connects to the OBDII (it can also take other sensor inputs, too), and requires a Pocket PC for storage and display. I'm thinking about getting one for track use.

 

The only problem with using the OBDII link is that it's quite slow. Samples are about once every second...so it wouldn't work great for engine RPMs or catching temporary rich/lean conditions.

It's comical: all the manufacturers are highly secretive about their ECU code. Yet with as many engineers that change companies, I'm sure they'll all writing the same code by now!

 

My pocketlogger runs about 12-13 samples/second

 

I use the CarChip by Davis Engineering.

It's got enough memory to save months worth of data, but only takes samples every 5 seconds or less.

I log all related parameters before and after my mods to see objectively what the change has done. It works perfectly for me.

Roark