What information can I view from my DashDAQ?

The DashDAQ can view information from your car's factory computer systems thru the OBD2 port. Vehicles that were sold in the U.S. from 1996 to present typically have an OBD2 port. Unlike "generic OBD2" devices on the market, we have put thousands of hours in DashDAQ's parameter database allowing it to access more signals at faster data rates. DashDAQ uses information from the stock computer to display calculated parameters such as fuel economy and vehicle performance. If you don't have an OBD2 car, DashDAQ can also connect to many aftermarket EFI systems to collect data and display it as a digital dashboard. DashDAQ also has two analog sensors that can be connected to Wideband Kits and other analog devices. If that's not enough, you can use DashDAQ's RS232 and USB Host ports to add sensors like Accelerometers, K-Type thermocouples, and pressure sensors. DashDAQ also connects to data logging systems like Zeitronix and Innovate, allowing you to consolidate, view, and log data from multiple sources.

Specific parameters for OBD2 vehicles are listed HERE and parameters for EFI systems and add-on accessories are listed HERE.

 

How fast can DashDAQ display and record?

Most competing devices only give you generic OBD2 data, which can be very slow (1 sample per second). We realized this wouldn't be very useful, so we focused on using manufacturer-specific ECU communications to get data at faster rates. Depending on the ECU type, we can get data at up to 200 samples per second or more. The sample rate does depend on the vehicle, and as a general rule the newer CAN vehicles (in 6X mode) do send data faster than the older ISO9141 vehicles. Regardless of the vehicle type, we employ all of the tricks to get the data as fast as possible.

DashDAQ originally displayed data on-screen at 30 frames per second, but we slowed down the screen update rate it down because it was too fast for most people. The DashDAQ has enough processing power and memory to record data at a much faster rate, which will depend on the source. The user can record data from multiple sources like OBD2, Serial, USB, and Analogs without affecting logging speeds.

 

How much data can the DashDAQ record?

The answer depends on how big your memory card is and how much data you are recording. DashDAQ can accept up to a 4GB MMC/SD card, and it can record up to 32 signals at one time. If DashDAQ is recording all 32 signals at a fast data rate, you will be able to store several months worth of data on one memory card. If you only record 8 signals at once, you may be able to store more than a year's worth of data on your memory card.

 

What are licenses, and how much do they cost?

Licenses are special drivers that add even more functionality to DashDAQ. For any OBD2 vehicle, a user can access the most important enhanced parameters without buying a license. We asked our BETA users to come up with a list of the most important parameters and we give those to DashDAQ customers for free. The enhanced licenses are only necessary if you want access to the entire parameter list (useful for tuners and scantool users). You will need a license if you connect to an aftermarket EFI system or some 3rd party sensors. To get a license, just buy it online from the DashDAQ store. As soon as you have received confirmation that your purchase has been fulfilled, you run the update client software and it will electronically deliver the license to your DashDAQ.

 

How do I access Enhanced Parameters for my OBD2 vehicle.

Each DashDAQ comes setup for Generic OBD2 vehicles. If you want to add enhanced data for your vehicle to get more paramaters, you will need to download that driver. To download the driver, go to your CD or out download page HERE and run the update client. The update client will allow you to click checkboxes to install additional drivers. Check the drivers that match your vehicle type, and update your DashDAQ software. Once updated, you will power on your DashDAQ and go to Setup ->Devices -> Manager. In Manager, scroll down to the next unassigned slot (usually D) and click Change. Once in the Change screen, pick the Driver you want to add. If you have a Ford, you would scroll to ECU and pick "Ford Specific", then click save. This will return you to the Change Screen. The default Port for OBD2 vehicles should be J1962, this is correct. Then click SAVE and EXIT. The last thing you have to do is run the "Find Signals" icon. This will rescan your vehicle for enhanced parameters. Once scanned, you can assign them to any gauge or object.  

 

How do I connect DashDAQ to my aftermarket EFI system

Just get a license for the system you want to use, and wire it up properly. Once wired and licensed, you will be able to view all of the parameters that are listed for your EFI system HERE.

 

How do I view the recordings I made with DashDAQ?

You can view recordings on your DashDAQ with the log playback screen, or you can view the log files on your PC. Yes! When log file are created with DashDAQ they can be saved as either a *.csv or a Logworks *.dif file. If you view them on your PC, you can either open them with Excel or a text viewer in CSV format. As an alternative, you can save your logs in DIF format and view them with Innovate Motorsports free logworks data analysis tool.

 

Can I configure warnings on DashDAQ's gauges?

Yes. Each time you assign a signal, you can configure the high warning, low warning, high limit, and low limit. When you reach a warning, the screen will draw a warning based on the color you selected for the warnings.

 

Does the DashDAQ adjust for day and night operation?

Yes. The DashDAQ has an ambient light sensor that has a response curve similar to the human eye. You can configure your DashDAQ to "automatically" dim based on light settings, or you can manually adjust the brightness.

 

Does the DashDAQ have a video-out port so I can display video on my own monitor?

Because DashDAQ run's Linux, there are USB adapters that allow you to connect external monitors. We evaluated this, but decided not to support it at this time. Our reason is because there are too many variables to make it work reliably. Most external monitors do not have a touch-screen, which makes it hard to navigate. Those that do fail to follow any standard for touch-screen communications. Also, most external monitors have a fairly low resolution, and a variety of different sizes and screen formats.

 

Can I see data that happened before I pressed record?

Yes. Even before you press record, DashDAQ is buffering data. When you press record, it will write out all of it's buffer as negative time (all numbers where the time is below 0). Usually the buffer will hold 30-90 seconds worth of data.

 

Does the DashDAQ turn off automatically?

Yes, this feature will be released by the end of November 2008. You can configure your DashDAQ to automatically turn off after there is no activity from the OBD2 port for a certain amount of time. This is a convenient feature that helps you save battery power.

 

How long does it take the DashDAQ to power on?

The DashDAQ takes 6-8 seconds to power up from a cold boot. There is a " low power suspend" button on the DashDAQ that will instantly put it to sleep and wake it up.

 

How do I create my own gauges for DashDAQ? 

The DashDAQ skin editor is used to modify the gauge layouts and gauge screens. A user can start by modifying the included themes, or get as creative as they want by creating their own custom gauge artwork.

 

Does DashDAQ do GPS Navigation?

Yes! DashDAQ can be ordered with Navigation or it can be purchased separately. The Navigation component includes a GPS sensor and allows users to use their DashDAQ as a turn-by-turn, voice guided, graphical GPS device.

 

What kind of performance information can I view on DashDAQ? 

The DashDAQ comes pre-programmed to monitor record ¼ mile, 1/8 mile, 0-60 MPH, and 0-100 KPH times as soon as you plug it in. A user can create up to 4 performance tests of their own as well.

 

Will my DashDAQ make me breakfast?

Not yet, but this feature is scheduled to be completed by early February.

  

What happens if I have a problem with my DashDAQ? 

Please feel free to contact Drew Technologies technical support at 734-222-5228. You can also E-mail us a support@drewtech.com. We charge $100 per minute of support so have your credit card ready (technical support is actually free, but we thought we would try).