To load and analyse existing data logs all you need is a PC with Windows 95 or later.

Data Log Lab is able to load data logs generated from the following engine management computers and associated data logging software:

The optimum set up is a reasonably powerful laptop which you can take with you in the car.  This way you can data log with proprietary software, then use Data Log Lab to analyse the results, and then use proprietary software upload setting changes to the ECU, all whilst you are out and about.  If you have a Flyin' Miata Link ECU then you can perform all the actions from within Data Log Lab.  Also, don't worry if your flashy new laptop doesn't have a serial port - many companies make USB to serial converters that work just fine!

But this isn't the only way!

You don't have to do the analysis whilst out and about.  You can use a lower powered laptop to capture the data logs and then analyse them in the comfort of your own home using a conventional desktop PC.  Flyin' Miata Link ECU users can take advantage of Jeff Thomson's LinkWIN utility to acquire data logs and upload settings to the ECU.  Though Data Log Lab requires a reasonably powerful computer, LinkWIN doesn't.  This means that it's perfectly practical to use a basic 486 4Mb B/W laptop (just enough to run Windows 95) in the car with LinkWIN to acquire the data log, then copy it on floppy disk to a desktop PC and load it into Data Log Lab for analysis!  You can then save new settings back to the floppy disk, transfer them to the laptop, and upload them to the ECU using LinkWIN.  LinkWIN is bundled with Data Log Lab and comes with it's own instructions, making copying it to and using in on another computer easy (thanks Jeff).

Data Log Lab's official minimum PC requirements are:

• 100MHz Pentium processor.

• 16Mb of memory.

• 15Mb of hard disk space.

• Screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.

• The application’s on-line help requires a web browser installed on the computer.

A more comfortable specification would be a 200MHz processor, 32Mb of memory, and a 1024 x 800 pixel screen resolution...

Flyin' Miata Link ECU User Question: Do I Need a Link Keypad ?

This question gets asked a lot.  Personally we find it handy to have a keypad plugged in and sitting in the glove box when we're not data logging, but you don’t need a keypad if you have the Data Log Lab software.  A lot of the steps detailed in the set-up sections of Flyin’ Miata’s ECU installation and tuning document will certainly be significantly slower using data logging, but they can all be done as the necessary data is output in the data logs.  However, there are certain steps where it may not be immediately apparent how you achieve it:

Setting the Base Timing

The equivalent of the ‘IGN SETUP +10’ keypad screen is achieved by ensuring your ignition trim is set to zero and all of your ignition zones are set to ‘40’ via an upload.  After the base timing has been set, the original ignition zone values can be restored by uploading the relevant default MAP shipped with the application.

Setting the Throttle Position Sensor on a 1.8 Car

This is achieved by performing a data log, adjusting the TPS Offset and TPS Scale Factor settings in the Zone Data Editor, uploading, performing a data log, repeating the process until the fields are set correctly.

Look at the TPS values logged at both idle and WOT.  The goal is to get the WOT TPS to be between 98 to 102 and the idle TPS to be between 10 and 20.

·          The difference between WOT and idle values should be between 80 and 90.  If the difference is too low, raise TPS Scale Factor proportionately.  If it's too high, reduce TPS Scale Factor proportionately.  Repeat as required.

·          Look at only the WOT TPS value.  If it is over 102, reduce TPS Offset by the amount over 100.  If TPS is under 98, increase TPS Offset by the amount below 100.

Initial Coarse Tuning

This one’s a little more tricky - you won’t have the benefit of the real-time feedback the keypad offers.  However, as long as Lambda and Master Fuel auto tuning are enabled and L3 auto tuning is disabled, the ECU will be auto tuning whilst you data log.  When you upload these auto tune settings ensure that the Set Auto Tune Mode field in the Upload Zone Settings window is set to ‘Coarse No Idle’ to put the ECU into the correct tuning mode.

The tuning instructions ask that you stay within a set ‘row’ and accelerate from 2k to the redline several times, and then move on to the next row.  You’re going to have to use the boost gauge to work out what row you’re in:

The data log can be examined for the same symbols which are displayed on the keypad, and like the keypad, as your auto tuning continues you will see ‘=’ symbols rather than ‘+’ and ‘-‘ within the data log.  These symbols can also be seen in the Sample Details frame of the Sample Graph as you click on the series displayed in the graph.

Each time you stop and examine your data log, don’t forget to copy the new fuel zone settings from the ‘Lambda/Knock Zone Changes’ benchmark and perform an upload to the ECU.