Sample Graph
This is the starting point of the application. The graph displays various engine parameters against time and provides the perfect intuitive and easy to use instant view of your data logs. You can freely navigate around and zoom in and out to see the amount of detail you need.
Click the image to the right to see the screen full size.
Scatter Graph
The Scatter Graph is used to generate graphs of any one of the Data log’s parameters expressed against another. A couple of particularly useful examples are:
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A graph of knock sensor output against RPM across the entire sample range where the knock sensor output is 10 or greater in magnitude. This would reveal all of the ‘hot spots’, RPM wise, where the ignition zones might need reducing. This graph is illustrated in the screen shot above.
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A graph of MAP against RPM across the entire sample range where MAP is 100 or greater. This would show an overall picture of spool up and boost target maintenance.
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A graph of Coolant Temperature against RPM where Coolant Temperature > 105 will immediately show whether the coolant temperature is getting worryingly high.
You can filter the data displayed by any of the data items containing in the data log.
Click the image to the right to see the screen full size.
Power Graph
The Power Graph is the most popular aspect of the application - here you see the effect of your ECU tweaks and engine modifications on the power output of the engine.
The Power Graph generates power and torque curves from sections of your data log. It’s not clever enough to work these things out from your data log in general, but requires that you actually perform a ‘power run’ whilst data logging. This consists of a 2000 RPM through to 7000 RPM+ foot-to-the-floor acceleration in a known gear. The higher the gear, the lower down in the rev range you’ll achieve your target boost and you’ll have a smoother graph, but you’ll also run a higher risk of getting caught speeding!
A nice touch is the ability to save your power graphs to disk and then load them back in as benchmarks for later runs. If you generate a power graph that you are particularly proud of you can use this feature to save it for posterity or pass it to your friends.
Note that
the figures generated by the calculations are all 'at the wheel’.
You can guesstimate your engine’s power by adding and appropriate
amount to cover drive train losses. For
two wheel drive vehicles this is typically in the 25-30 HP range (or its
equivalent), and for four wheel drive it can be as high as 100 HP (or its
equivalent).
Data Log Lab's Power Graphs are a significant aid to all after-market ECU because:
- They allow consistent and effective tuning of your car without the need for expensive rolling-road time.
- They give a quantitive and definitive answer to the question "Has my latest performance modification made any difference?". The Power Graphs are sensitive enough to accurately show a 2-5 hp increase in engine output - the amount you might typically get from an air filter or exhaust swap, and mild timing boost, etc., etc.
- They give early warning of failures and problems by allowing the regular monitoring of engine power output.
- They allow instant comparison between cars when the owners live miles apart and don't have access to the same rolling-road.
Data Log Lab's Power Graph feature has been around for over 2 years now in the form of Miata Link Lab, Data Log Lab's predecessor. The calculations it performs have proved remarkably consistent and typically within 2-5% of rolling road figures.
Click the image to the right to see the screen full size.
Speed Graph
The purpose of the speed graph is to display in-gear acceleration times based on the data used to generate power and torque graphs. The graph can also be configured to display multiple-gear acceleration times as well, e.g. 0-60 MPH , 0-100MPH, etc.
Click the image to the right to see the screen full size.
Zone Data Editor
For Flyin' Miata ECU owners only.
This window allows the viewing, alteration, and upload of all of the Link ECU settings. The screen is divided into four tabs. The second tab displays the fuel zones, the third tab displays the ignition zones, the fourth tab displays any notes that have been recorded against the collection of zone settings, whilst the first tab displays everything else. The tab shown organizes the zone settings into logical framed groups, applying various restrictions to the values that can be entered in each. Each numeric field has a ‘up down’ control to its right which allows alteration of the field’s value by use of the mouse. From here zone values can be copied from various benchmarks that can be set up within the application, and amended zone values can be uploaded to the Link ECU.
Click the images to the right to see the screens full size.
Zone Graph
For Flyin' Miata ECU owners only.
The power of the 3D graph is its ability to instantly display a meaningful image of all of the fuel or ignition zones. To give the best ‘perspective’ on the data the graph can be freely rotated in three dimensions using the fields within the Orientation frame or by selecting the chart and dragging it using the mouse. The individual zone values can also be amended within the graph.
Click the image to the right to see the screen full size.
