DataLoggers Information Please

[KensEclipse]

I have heard that The data logger can check/log :

Engine RPM
Engine Knock
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
Timing Advance
O2 Sensor Voltage
Injector Pulse Width
Battery Voltage
Air/Fuel Ratio
Fuel Trim

But it is only a cable that connects to a PDA and Laptop. I have a laptop, would it be a good thing to invest in, it is fairly cheap and I can get the software for free on the next supposedly. Anyone use the datalogger? Is it really useful? Thanks again in advance.

-Ken

[Rooikat]

Whne someone answers that, maybe they could tell me which logger specifically is better?

[kjewer1]

You can measure a LOT more than that with a good logger. The problem is there are several types, and you dont mention which one you are looking at.

The vast majority of 1G owners use the TMO logger. It wasnt cheap but people loved it. TMO (.com) basically fell off the face of the earth, but people are selling copies on EBAY. I normally wouldnt condone this type of behavior, but if TMO doesnt want to take care of business... It runs on a laptop only.

Most 2G owners use the Pocketlogger (.com) by Digital Tuning. They offer both an OBDII version for 95-96 and newer imports, and well as a DSM version for the 1Gs. Its about 175 for software and cable when I bought mine way back, and runs on a simple, cheap palm device. The best options for the 2G is the DSMlink by far. But you need an EPROM ecu from a 95 car, and its 600 bucks. But worth every penny.

Dataloggers are very powerful tools. They are the ONLY way to get consistent safe power and allow you to completely maximize your current setup. Whats the difference between the guy with the 20g running 14s and the guy with the 16g running 11s? Tuning. And tuning on the street and at the track requires datalogging. If I dont have my datalogger for some reason, I dont bother going to the track Its an important piece of the puzzle...

[KensEclipse]

Thanks GSX racer, that really helped me out, since I do have the 1g Im going to look into the TMO or TMO copies.

[KensEclipse]

can some one help me aquire the freeware for datalogging?

[kjewer1]

I'm not sure which software you are refering to, but be sure to get a good one. That means not freeware. Some of the logger software out there is real crap. Try to talk to someone that is using it, or at least see some screen shots etc.

[KensEclipse]

Alright, thanks!

Anyone have suggestions to which is the best? Im planning to run it on a laptop.