Palm Log (Megasquirt Data logging)

**Martin0660** · 10-15-2010, 10:26 PM

I mentioned this in one of my build threads, finally getting around to doing something about it ;)

The Megasquirt platform will datalog every paramater realted to the EMS, but the down side is you need to have a laptop connected as there is no on board memory. When I'm doing heavy tuning, I use the laptop anyway so it's not been a big deal to this point otherr than the laptop sitting on the passenger seat open and running. I have a very small Acer for tuning so it's not that big of an issue.

Anyway, there was a neat utility created called Palm Log. This effectively allows you to view engine paramaters and save up to three logs using a cheap, old school Palm device. The neat thing is you can see what you feel are important parameters quickly, as well as create logs with all the data that can later be dumped into TunerStudio (tuning software) for analysis.

So I picked up a Palm IIIxe off eBay. This is a refurb unit and I went with it because it uses tripple A batteries and has back lighting (night use). Spent some time tonight getting it set up ...

Overview screen ...

More close up of overview screen

This is a quick view gauge panel. All of these are accessed with one Palm hard buttons so no fumbling. I have it set for RPM / AFR / Coolant Temp / MAP (pressure) right now, but could change any of the gauges as needed. Key for me is a real display of the coolant to know i'm out of warm up enrich ...

Another quick view gauge panel. I have it set up for warm up % and coolant temp as those are critical before a pass (and something I'm tuning on).

This is the log screen where you can manage files (delete or upload to PC)

I was hoping to use this this weekend at the track but dropped the ball. The communications to the squirt needs a serial null modem adapter, and I got one but it's female to male, and I need male to male. I ordered one so I should be running with this later in the week.

I will update when it's talking :D

**White5.0** · 10-15-2010, 10:34 PM

thats pretty neat Bob. I was just messing around with BE and quarterhorse today actually for the first time in about a month. I was just thinking of how it would be nice to have something smaller to do it on...I have an iphone i wish there was an app for that haha

**Martin0660** · 10-15-2010, 10:42 PM

LOL ... Some are working on iPhone apps for the squirt but the issue is with communications. This is effectively set up to use serial comm so that really becomes the issue. I use a USB adapter on my laptop, but it is not as stable as true serial comm.

I picked this laptop up a few years ago for under $300.00. That is a full size CD sitting on it (and BE running in the background). it's been a great asset for tuning with it's small size. I would not want to go any smaller on screen size that's for sure.

**yeahloh95** · 10-15-2010, 11:00 PM

thats cool bob more toys

**blizzard** · 10-16-2010, 12:24 AM

AAAs ?! geesh, don't forget a few value-paks of those on race day :o

i always wanted do this with vagcom.. and lol those tiny laptops, my brother has a Dell mini9.. it's so cute you have to squint at it and it's so light you can almost accident'ly throw it across the room

**Martin0660** · 10-16-2010, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by blizzard

AAAs ?! geesh, don't forget a few value-paks of those on race day :o

I prefer batteries over on board cells for things like this. I've been playing with the thing for many hours and they are still good ... at the track I don't envision it being on for more than 30 minutes total even going some rounds. We will see.

**phillysrt4** · 10-17-2010, 11:39 AM

sweet setup bob

**Martin0660** · 10-25-2010, 08:23 PM

I got my POS header back on tonight and was able to spend some time playing with this toy :D Got the thing up, communicating, and collecting data :D It's pretty hard to take pictures of it in the garage, it keeps washing out the pictures ... Anyway, here is the best I could come up with for now ...

Overview (no chance of seeing this from a picture, but take my word it's cool ;))

4 way box displaying RPM, Wideband AFR, Coolant Temperature, and Timing (all live displays) ...

2 way box showing RPM and AFR (same as 4 way but bigger) ...

4 way box with backlighting on the Palm ...

Video, just going through the parameters on the 4 way box and different screens. I will upload it some where better later...

http://good-times.webshots.com/video...66453426xCqOwy

**yeahloh95** · 10-25-2010, 08:36 PM

thats cool i feel all old school still running a stock computer

**Martin0660** · 10-25-2010, 09:19 PM

Video uploaded to StreetFire (a little better quality) ...

[ame]http://www.streetfire.net/video/palmlog-for-ms-in-operation_2077929.htm[/ame]

**biminiLX** · 10-25-2010, 09:54 PM

Fkn awesome Bob. I need to research if anyone does this for my XFI.
Great idea.
You racing anymore this year?
-J

**Martin0660** · 10-25-2010, 10:07 PM

Not sure if I will make any more passes or not. I really want to, but every time I make passes about the third go it cracks the header. At this point I am better off to just drive it and work on the hard cold start and warm up tuning. We will see, but we are not going to weld this header again (I have a new plan for winter).

I'm there if they are open and will have this stuff there if you can make it out. BTW - I have to get some things to Mark so meet up with him and come out.