Ran across another product (Datalogger)
 

I just ran across this ODBII compliant data-logger.
Car Chip Pro Engine Performance Monitor
No real-time feedback, but an interesting product none-the-less.

This is very cool. I have a scan gauge and wouldn't give it up because I like the instant feedback, but I could see myself buying this as another tool within a year or so. I like the fact that it logs the data. I'd like to know more about how you can access/view the data logged. I assume that somehow it will easily be imported to excel (or open office calc) and graphs made showing all of the recorded data. This could then be installed in your friends car to help them trouble shoot an intermittent problem.

edit: I just looked at the specs some more and I definately think that it should be able to log more than 4 parameters. I'd sacrifice most of the 300 hours of capability if it could be 8. I only realistically see a need for ~12 hours tops.

Figjam74 -

I think RH77 has one. I was interested in it, but I think it only logs 4 data points :

ThinkGeek :: Car Chip Pro Engine Performance Monitor
CarChip Pro Specs (PDF)
http://www.thinkgeek.com/files/Specs_CarChipPro.pdf
With an Elmscan and the appropriate software, I can log all the data points myself. The Carchip is nifty, but I think it's "window of opportunity" has passed.

CarloSW2

I see you got your think geek email today also,
These were marketed some years ago as a way for Dads to monitor their kids driving habits, hence the 300 hours of data.
Obviously they are not selling in that market as well anymore so they are now selling them to us info hoarders.
Nice tool though.
May make intermittent problem finding a tad easier.
Schultz

That's right (good memory).

It logs 4 parameters that you choose, and vehicle speed, which is a preset -- so a total of 5.

It's handy to monitor what the car is doing after a modification. You can take the data and convert it to a spreadsheet, run reports and trends, etc. The problem is, the SG usually wins the spot for OBDII connecting rights. :o It takes a snapshot of data every 5-seconds (or longer, depending on your prefs), so maybe hooking the 2 together with a splitter would blink-out the SG momentarily, on that interval. Not sure though...

RH77

I need this for the wife's car, she always says "I drive easy on it" I could print out a sheet with this. Bwahahaha

Even better -- it has a G-force meter to track hard stops and starts (you can preset the amount of force to trigger an "event". :thumbup:

I accidentally left it on my Wife's car (was performing a single-blind test of regular vs. premium fuel). She knew I was going to hook it up, but didn't know when. I pulled it and ran the data. I got some "teasing rights" for some top speeds posted :p

RH77