Digital Gauge suggestions
 

I would ulitmately like to put digital gauges in my vehicle. I love the functionality of the scan gauge, but I can't find any information anywhere as to whether it supports realtime output. If not, what's the best alternative to the SG that does support it?

What do you mean by realtime output? If you mean can you capture data from it on another device (palm, laptop), no. But the digital info available on it is live (eg. all the gauges, instant & avg fuel consumption, etc.)

the only real time signals are signals in the time domain, not sure what parameter you want to look at? digital displays by their very nature have some averaging built in or the human eye could not see them. if your testing at steady state conditions, a reasonable delay might actually be beneficial, e.g. when the dispaly stops changing, take your data point. tell us what you want to do.

I think the SG will work for you!

By the way, welcome to the site!

extragoode -

Welcome to EM! What's your price point? The SG is around $150.

If you want to go hardcore, then I would do a lot of research into a tuner gizmo like this :

Apexi AFC NEO-FUEL "Piggy-Back" Color Display Air Flow Converter Computer - $370 :eek:
http://www.2kracing.com/product_info...b83c867b5463c3
http://www.2kracing.com/images/apexineo.JPG
Hrmmmmm, I don't see MPG in the list above, maybe not so good, :( .

It's also a lot of upfront cost and that's NOT including installation, which would be more than the super simple "plug it in" ScanGauge. But, I think it could end up giving you more flexibility in the long run.

CarloSW2

What I want is something like the dashdaq that was mentioned on the page Who linked to. I like the data that the scan gauge provides, but I want a realtime (or near it, I understand that realtime would update way too fast) data stream to an external computer which could be used to display and analyze the data. As I understand the scan gauge's only interface to a computer is to disconnect it from the obd2 port and plug it into a computer to download a batch of data. Basically, what I'm looking for is the cheapest/best/easiest way to interface the ecu to a computer plus any recommendations or advice from anyone who has already done this.

Sounds like this is what your asking for.

http://www.scantool.net/

Bingo!
 

That's almost exactly what I'm looking for! Actually now that you point that out, it looks and sounds very familiar. I think found it a couple years ago and forgot all about it. It's even compatible with windows AND linux. Does anybody have any experience with these?

extragoode -

I have one but I haven't got it to work consistently. But, it may just be a function of the car it interfaces to. It was fickle for my Saturn.

Also, all the good Software costs extra $$. The free software doesn't have good downloading capability (that I have found).

It's main virtue to me was that it shows the 02 sensor(s) and short/long term fuel trim, which the SG does not (boooo!). I got discouraged so I put it on my back burner list.

CarloSW2

Protocol
 

Do you know which protocol your Saturn uses? The compatibility chart linked to on there site says my nissan uses an ISO 9141-2 or something like that. I'm going to do some more research before I believe them, but wouldn't be suprised if it works somewhat differently with different protocols. Does that make sense?

It makes a lot of sense. Also, it might be something to do with my PC configuration. I have this one (the one for GM products) :

ElmScan VPW Scan Tool - P/N: 420300
http://www.scantool.net/products/pro...products_id=12
http://www.scantool.net/products/pro...pg&w=140&h=120

I suspect that because I am a Saturn, I am a little different from the protocol POV. But, since the ScanGauge "just works", I was expecting the Elmscan to "just work" also, so I was miffed.

If I had the time (doctor, if he has the time), I would dig into it and write my own customized datalogging interface.

CarloSW2

Re: Saturn

I'm thinking the freeduino has enough processing power to be a mpg gauge AND fix some of the ailments that saturn hypermilers suffer, i.e. give you cruise control back after a 5th gear swap, and do a better job of managing the idle speed. Maybe it can correct a speedo after putting different sized tires on too :)

Well, vehicle specific versions of opengauge isn't at the top of the list currently, but the project is now open to donations ;)

http://sourceforge.net/project/proje...roup_id=222201

Have you looked into the ScanGauge yet? I'm running a group buy on it on several forums.