Megasquirt datalogger

[jpnovak]

I know that many members here are running Megasquirt in their cars. There is also a need for data feedback from the ECU. Previously I made a dash display for my MS unit. Here is the link.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/459699-megasquirt-dash-display.html

When I originally started the display project I envisioned additional functionality. Who knew it would take so long to make this happen. My code skills are poor at best but I can say I made this happen with only a little outside help.

I just completed a prototype SD card datalogger on the breadboard. It is working with B&G MSII 2.88 code. I have not tried it with any other code variants yet (MSII Extra) but expect to soon. I will be testing in the car over the next week or so.

This should answer the call for track users, Motorcycles and other users that can not carry a laptop for obvious reasons. This is not meant to replace a laptop but rather be a supplement.
The current setup has the following features:

microSD card
file format (.frd) that imports into TunerStudio (Thanks to Phil Tobin for the help)
LCD display compatibility (# variables depends on size)
switch activated logging capability
data rate ~20Hz

My plan is to do a small preliminary run of boards to make this happen. There are a few options and I thought I would poll the board to see what interests are out there. These three represent the simplest options. Each would probably require some user assembly for power hookups and other peripherals.

1. MS datalogger
(+) small size (approx 1x3" without box)
(+) simple (only datalogging)
(-) no options
expected cost ~$100

2. Expanded function datalogger with display
(+) similar size as above size (approx 1x3" without box)
(+) added display (2x20 with 4 variables or 4x20 with up to 8 variables)
expected cost ~$150

3. Vehicle Dynamics datalogger
can function as MS datalogger or vehicle dynamics datalogger (but not simultaneously - yet)
(+) MS variable logging (up to 10, possibly more with development; for example, rpm, MAP, AFR, CLT, etc)
(+) 3-axis - 2G accelerometer
(+) LCD display (see option #2)
(+) 10 Hz GPS (almost finished working)
(+) csv data format compatible with TrackVision or other external software
(-) you are on your own for data interpretation. I am still working on this but there are no plans for integrated software - yet)
expected cost ~$350 (compare to other systems)

the price goes up with increased complexity and board design. I am trying to keep these competitive and the price may change but not significantly. Keep in mind that this system is based upon a rather powerful (and expensive) microcontroller. I am not sure I can bring the cost down too much.
There is room for further development and other options might be available.

So... Post which option is most favorable and I will begin doing board layout once I see a clear indication of a favorite for the first beta run.

Also what is the preference.. regular or micro-SD card? I can do both.

[benzyne]

Jamie, this looks great. I'll be installing MSII in my SC while the Winter Olympics are happening up here in a couple of weeks. Once I get it running fairly well, I might be in for option 2 and a regular SD card slot.

[brads911sc]

Looks GREAT. Id be interested in #2 as well... Micro SD would be fine.

Thanks

[davidppp]

I'd definitely be in for #3.

I assume that oxygen sensor data is included in the package?
David

[jpnovak]

David,

The AFR reading would come out of the MS ECU along with the other available engine parameters deemed to be important.

I think right now I am going to do a run of the MS datalogger (option 2). If I have enough cash I will also make a small quantity of the vehicle dynamics board. The issue becomes mounting in the car and GPS antenna hookups.

[jpnovak]

btw, Here is an example output of the accelerometer rotating around its 3 axes. Logging rate is approximately 25 Hz. I do not have this time synchronized with a clock yet.

[davidppp]

Yes, the g-meter and gps is pretty much essential to analyse my performance!

Kind regards
david

[jpnovak]

David, That's exactly why I built this setup.

The problem is data manipulation and extracting meaningful information. You can spend a lot of time getting the data in a format for analyzing.

[SchnellSchweitz]

...I want to be able to port this info into my ITOUCH via USB dock (I will write my own code).

Would #1 allow for this, or is it #2?

Thank you.

Eric J.

[jpnovak]

Do you mean port as in take the data file over and place it on your iTouch or port as in get the code to work in an App for the iTouch?

Because I am using a microcontroller the only way to remove the data is to physically remove the card and read it on an external device.

Also, Most i-devices only function as a usb slave. That is, they commonly do not have the ability to host a connection and control another device. The information for polling a MS device is available if you want to develop your own code. PM for details.

[jpnovak]

I have 10 test boards on the way.

I can supply the board and a list of materials or the populated options listed above. PM if you are interested. I am working up final pricing now. I should be able to come close to the initial targets.

[SchnellSchweitz]

This is what I was thinking. Not sure if it will work with your board???

YouTube - Kiwi Wifi iPhone / iPod Touch OBDII OBD2 Interface

[benzyne]

Jaimie, will your datalogger provide files that MLV can view and analyze?

EDIT: oops, just reread your first post and noticed the .frd comment. I'll look into TunerStudio further to see what can be done with a .frd

[jpnovak]

Yes, the .frd is the correct format for Tuner Studio to import.

TS will perform the file conversion and then you can open in MLV.

Schnell - If you know how to connect a serial port to the iTouch I can help you establish the file format.

[jpnovak]

Get out the soldering iron. The boards arrived last night. Get 'em while they are hot!

[benzyne]

PM sent. Where do I send my $$?

[benzyne]

Jamie, how's the testing going?

[benzyne]

Jamie, I'm still interested in option 2. How are things progressing?

[jpnovak]

I thought I would post a quick update to this project. The boards have been complete for a while and I had to assemble and debug. All of the issues have been software related. Thankfully, no current board revisions are planned.

The boards are dual sided. The topside is basic functionality for the MS system. This includes a micro controller, SD card slot and power supply. There is also display output and a trim-pot for the LCD contrast. The dual sided board was made with a full ground plane. Hopefully, this will cut down on cross talk and noise from the car environment. Boards are Sn plated Cu.







The backside of the board is for additional functionality. I have installed a 3-axis accelerometer and 10Hz GPS. This provides full vehicle dynamics capability whereby I can log all the parameters of the engine along with position, velocity (yes, speed and heading direction) and acceleration data.



Everything mounts nice and neat in a standard plastic project box. There are two switches to enable different datalogging functions. These are the .frd format for using in Tunerstudio and the vehicle dynamics logger which is a parameter datastack in .csv format. The comma separated value (csv) table will allow insertion into popular track video overlay programs.

There is a realtime output in the form of a multi-line character display. I have 2x20 and 4x20 display capability. The functionality is present to interface with a mobile LCD such that you would find in a cell phone. I have not coded this in yet but would consider depending on demand.



It has been a fun project to work on. I wish I had more time to devote to speed up the process. I am willing to sell boards plus a parts list if you want to assemble your own. I am working up final pricing now.

I will also provide the source .bin file to operate the device. Software is easily loaded using a USB connection. The device shows up as a flash drive and you just add the file to the device and reboot.

[brads911sc]

Wow. Nice.