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Racing for Information
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Auto Meter's Data Logger brings data acquisition to the sportsman racing community, with powerful results!
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By Cynthia Nelson |
Racing requires information. In the past few years we have seen racing move from a talent to a science. New and improved components seem to appear quicker than the finish line on a six-second pass. Just as computers have changed our lives at home, they're changing them in the cars we race. Auto Meter's Data Logger has hit the scene, and is changing the way racers tune, build, and race their cars. The Data Logger is a comprehensive, onboard computer system that will bring the racing community into the new millennium with a system created for professional and sportsman teams alike.
Data acquisition has helped the top professional race teams create and run successful combinations, troubleshoot component performance, and increase driver skill. Isn't it about time the sportsman community takes advantage of racing's latest technology? The results gained from data acquisition can make the difference between a winning or losing combination. The Data Logger is currently in use by some of the hottest professional and sportsman teams on the track today. Here's how it works: A group of sensors are placed at various points through the car to monitor critical systems. Since the sensors are added independently to the actual Data Logger unit, it is easy to expand the system to its full capabilities as necessity dictates. The sensors range from the standard engine and driveshaft RPM, to advanced areas of study like shock travel and g-force. The unit records with an extremely clear sample rate of 100 samples per second. The information collected for up to six runs can then be downloaded to the advanced Data-Facts Software for analysis. As data acquisition first hit the racing scene, systems were only available and practical for professional teams. They were costly and difficult to use. Luckily, this is no longer the case, as more and more sportsman racers are able to benefit from this technology through Auto Meter. The Data Logger is simple to use and priced to fit the sportsman budget.
The actual Data Logger control box should be mounted in a location that is easily accessible and secure. The menu options appear right on the unit's LCD display window. The 17-channel option starts racers out with three RPM sensors (engine, driveshaft, input shaft), one pressure, one accelerometer, and an EGT for each cylinder. Also included are four auxiliary sensors to be used for additional pressure, fluid temperature or throttle position. The upgrades include one extra channel for battery voltage and sixteen additional channels to run shock travel, linear travel, throttle position, intake temperature, cylinder temperature, fuel flow, wheel counter, and other options determined by the user. In your racecar, each of these systems operates in relation to the others. This is exactly how the system can be revolutionary to the sportsman racer. The Data Logger creates a clear picture of what is happening, where, and why.
Let's discuss sensors. We all know the importance of engine RPM. How does adding driveshaft RPM change the picture? Comparing the engine and driveshaft RPM can clearly tell a racer how his clutch/converter is performing. In some cases, it may be difficult to determine whether the problem is due to a loss of traction, or an instance of driving through the clutch or converter. Additionally, comparing input shaft RPM to the big picture, it is easy to determine how much the clutch or converter is actually slipping. An important aspect to remember here is that you will also have the time during the pass where the conditions are experienced. Is the converter going away at the 330-foot mark or past half-track?
The EGT sensors for each cylinder provide valuable information for fine tuning any race combination. By allowing an EGT for each cylinder, a racer can narrow down a questionable condition to the exact cylinder, and vary tuning accordingly. Racers can be informed right away how their carburetor is performing, or aid in specific tuning complications that could arise when running fuel injection, nitrous, or both. Suspension travel is measured by a sensor called a "stringpot". Unlike a shock potentiometer, which is based on a linear design, the rotary style "stringpot" measures suspension travel up to eight inches, providing the most accurate reading available.
Unlike the potentiometer, the "stringpot" measures travel by the movement of a wound cable. The movement of the cable gives a more accurate reading due to the measured sensitivity of the cable. In a linear "shock" style device, the greater mass may cause the system to be less responsive. The stringpots can measure suspension travel on both sides to show suspension performance at the launch and throughout the run. For racers using electronically adjustable shocks, mapping this information can save incredible time in tuning and troubleshooting. This information can separate many drivetrain problems from suspension tunings. The racer can also graph this out to see how the car reacted up to the loss of traction, or tire shake. By using the Data Logger, it is possible to improve passes by reducing the amount of time within both drivetrain and suspension component response.
The accelerometer is a very advanced onboard tool that will measure the g-force of positive and negative acceleration during a pass. Viewing the acceleration in force from the launch combined with the suspension travel readings will be useful in improving suspension adjustments for increased short-term acceleration. The uninformed racer's only tool in this area to date is the 60-foot time on his time slip. The accelerometer will show the point in the run when the car reached maximum acceleration, as well as negative acceleration that can signify loss of traction.
Another valuable sensor to talk about is voltage. There are many cases when a voltage problem mysteriously resembles other system problems. Many times it's this type of problem that will be a nightmare to track and resolve. The Data Logger spells it right out. By taking a reading at a solenoid or switch, the voltage can be read in .01 second intervals with draws easily corrected. Pressure of various systems can be monitored as well with the Data Logger. Crank case pressure, vacuum pressure for persons running a crank case vacuum pump, oil pressure, and boost pressure can be measured where applicable. All of this information and more is viewed and graphed through the Data-Facts Pro software.
The Data-Facts Pro software features several unique options that were added with the racer in mind. The racer logbook will save important information about each race and the immediate conditions. Racers can detail the runs saved by logging in altitude compensation, track location, ET, and MPH. The sensor readings, when downloaded, are displayed in graph form for easy analysis. The user-defined format allows racers to view various sensor readings as a group or individually. The information can be viewed to .01 of a second, cropped, or compared to others accordingly. Problem area can be zoomed in for a closer look as well. The information is recorded at an incredible sample rate for clarity and the ultimate in noise reduction. The Data Logger records at a sample rate of 100 samples per second. This sample rate is currently the most optimum, as sample rate is directly proportional to the output of the signal being sampled. A low sample rate reading a higher sample perimeter results in a vague communication that lacks many crucial details. A sample rate that is too high records more information than necessary, creating a sample clouded by a lot of waste information. Especially if the occurrence being sampled changes at a rate less than the times it is being sampled each second.
The Data Logger, as mentioned earlier, is affordable data acquisition for the average racer working within a budget. Since the system is expandable, racers can fine-tune their system as budget and experience dictate. Auto Meter's exceptional Data Logger support crew attends many events nationwide, assisting race teams with analysis and operation. Dave Morgan's recent series of chassis seminars will offer a crash course on Data Logger use in a variety of applications. The chassis seminars will also provide a hands-on approach to interpreting the data collected, using participant vehicles in race conditions. Auto Meter's cable termination service will customize the Data Logger install by sizing all sensor cables and attaching the appropriate end terminations. Source Auto Meter Data Logger Department (815) 895-8141
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