DashDAQ XL Instruction Manual 1
Dear Customer, Congratulations! You have just purchased the most powerful, sophisticated, and easy to use automotive data logger ever created. The DashDAQ XL gives everyone access to the powerful information embedded in their vehicle. When it comes to automotive performance, knowledge is horsepower. The DashDAQ XL works with any OBD II vehicle. It can also be fitted to any other vehicle using optional add-ons. Now you have a device that captures information on your new vehicle as well as your vintage one.
Table Of Contents Important Notices ................................................................................................................... 6 Components............................................................................................................................. 7 Installation............................................................................................................................... 8 SAFETY FIRST! ...............................................................
Adding Enhanced OBD II DATA............................................................................................................. 19 Adjusting Driver Parameters ................................................................................................................ 20 Data Logging......................................................................................................................................... 21 Calculators ...............................................................
Analog Inputs......................................................................................................................... 33 Connections and Wiring ....................................................................................................................... 33 Linear Analog Input Driver Setup ......................................................................................................... 33 Linear Analog Driver Correction Factor and Correction Offset.........................
IMPORTANT! THIS IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCT, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK Do not use this product until you have carefully read the following terms and conditions for the use of this product. The installation of this product indicates the BUYER has read and understands this agreement and accepts its terms and conditions. This agreement takes precedence.
Components Included with DashDAQ Display Unit Software CD USB Cable OBD II Cable Windshield Mount with four screws Optional DashDAQ Accessories Accessory Cable SD Memory Card.
INSTALLATION SAFETY FIRST! Install DashDAQ in such a manner that it does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. If DashDAQ cannot be mounted in such a manner, promptly return the DashDAQ to Drew Technologies or your purchasing location. Visit www.dashdaq.com to see Drew Technologies return/refund policy. OBD II CONNECTOR The OBD II, or “data link,” connector is necessary for DashDAQ operation in OBD II vehicles. Power and all vehicle information come directly from this vehicle link.
WINDSHIELD MOUNTING Mount the DashDAQ on the windshield in a spot that does not obstruct the view of the road or in any way that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle. Mounting Suggestions: • • Mount the DashDAQ as low to the dashboard as possible. Mounting to the left or in the middle works well.
SD MEMORY CARD Always insert and remove the memory card with the DashDAQ powered off. Insert the card with the gold connections facing towards the screen. Press the card into the DashDAQ until a click is heard. If the card sticks out at all, it has not been pushed in all the way. To remove, press the card in until a click is heard. Release and the card will eject enough to grab it.
BASIC OPERATION MENU NAVIGATION When DashDAQ first starts up, a boot screen will appear. Start will take a few moments to start up. When this warning screen appears, please read carefully. To continue, tap the [I Accept] button. If you do not agree to abide by the warning, please disconnect DashDAQ and contact Drew Technologies for a return authorization.
MAIN MENU AND SETUP MENU 12
GAUGE SETUP & NAVIGATION DashDAQ offers the ability to monitor hundreds of vehicle sensors for real time display and data logging. Data sample rates will vary by vehicle. This rate is a fixed amount and the total of active signal being monitored and logged will share this sample rate. NAVIGATING GAUGES From the Main Menu tap [Gauges]. Layout with 3 round gauges Tap on the [<<] and [>>] buttons to view other gauge layout options.
SET GAUGE MIN/MAX VALUES-OPTIONAL Tap on the [Low Limit] button to set the bottom value for the signal. Tap on the [High Limit] button to set the top value for the signal. 1. Tap [Low Limit] or [High Limit] will bring up this screen: Entering maximum value for a gauge 2. 3. 4. 5. Type in the desired value. To make the value negative tap [+/-]. Tap [save] Repeat steps 1-4 to set the signal’s minimum value.
WARNING SOUNDS- OPTIONAL DashDAQ can also play a pre-installed or user defined audible warning when a signal has entered the upper or lower warning area. To set a Warning Sound: 1. 2. 3. Tap on a gauge that you want the warning sound to be apparent on. Tap on the crossed out speaker for either the High or Low warning. Tap on the black box next to “Sound” to select the audio clip to be played when the threshold is crossed. High Warning sound set for RPM warning. 4. 5. 6.
SETTING SIGNAL/GRAPH COLORS- OPTIONAL Setting different colors for a gauge makes it easier to see, and is especially helpful on the graphing gauge. To change a gauge’s color: 1. 2. 3. color palette in the corner of the box. Tap on a color to select it. Tap [Save]. Tap [Save] to return to the gauges. Button to change gauge color Color selection screen You will now be able to monitor the sensor activity on that gauge. Repeat the above steps to fill in the remaining gauges.
DEVICE MANAGER/THIRD PARTY ACCESSORIES* Besides Generic OBD II data, the DashDAQ offers a wide range of enhanced data and third party sensor devices that help improve the quality and quantity of data you are able to monitor and log. These drivers and licenses can be purchased on the original purchase or anytime thereafter. These add-ons may require additional software or hardware for full functionality.
LICENSED DASHDAQ DRIVERS Some third party devices require the purchase of a licensed driver in order to provide full operation with the DashDAQ. These licenses can be purchased online at, www.dashdaq.com, or by calling Drew Technologies. Licenses can be purchased at the time of purchase or any time thereafter. Licenses are assigned to the DashDAQ, based on the DashDAQ serial number, and can not be refunded or transferred.
ADDING SUPPORT FOR ENHANCED OBD II DATA Enhanced data purchased with the DashDAQ will be pre-installed when you receive your DashDAQ. If you purchase the enhanced license after the original purchase or wish to change the driver you may use the DashDAQ recovery tool to update the DashDAQ to include the purchased driver into the available device driver list. Check out the “Updating DashDAQ” section for more details. If a user buys a Chrysler Enhanced driver for example: 1. 2. 3.
ADJUSTING DRIVER PARAMETERS The Parameters menu is used to customize how data is displayed on the DashDAQ. For example, changing the units to metric, to change signal scaling, and other options. 1. 2. 3. From the main menu, tap on [Setup] Tap on [Devices] Tap on [Parameters] Enhanced Drivers can also be modified through the Parameters screen so that more or less parameters are searched for through “Find Signals.” Each enhanced driver for each manufacturer has thousands of parameters.
DATA LOGGING The DashDAQ can log and save all information represented on the gauges from the active screen. The information can be saved as a Microsoft Excel *.csv, or Logworks *.dif file directly to an inserted SD memory card. To begin data logging: 1. 2. 3. 4. Select a gauge layout from which to capture information. Assign signals to the gauges to data log. Tap on [Start Log]. The signals will be saved to the SD card with a timestamp.
To view log files: 1. 2. 3. Remove the SD memory card from the DashDAQ. Place the memory card into a SD card reader and attach to your PC. Open the contents of the card. Log files are saved in the “logs” directory on the card. Log files may be opened in Microsoft Excel or any other spreadsheet program that accepts *.csv files. Logworks *.dif can be viewed in the Logworks program available from Innovate Motorsports for free at www.innovatemotorsports.com.
SETTING THE PARAMETERS FOR ANY CALCULATOR DRIVER Some calculators will ask for user defined values such as vehicle weight, and fuel density. Others will require signals to be selected to complete the formula. Parameters available for the Economy Calculator To adjust a parameter for a driver: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. From the main menu tap on [Setup]. Tap [Devices]. Tap [Parameters]. Use [<] or [>] buttons to the Navigate to the “d-Economy Calculator” option. Select an input by tapping it.
Only three parameters are required for the calculation: • • • Input Speed Signal: Choose Vehicle Speed from GenericOBD II or other Speed sensor input Input RPM Signal: Choose Engine RPM from GenericOBD II or other RPM sensor input Input Vehicle Weight (lbs): Enter the vehicle weight in pounds The other parameters can usually be ignored, but you can try tuning the values for increased accuracy: • • • Input Acceleration Filter Time: Input Accel Calc Type: Input Speed Filter Constant: If you’ve assigned ei
Rescale Signal Calculator Allows you to adjust a single signal or use multiple signals to create a custom signal for you to monitor and log. This provides the ultimate in flexibility because you can multiply two signals together, add/subtract two signals, multiply a signal by a constant value, etc.
You can now assign the economy calculator values to a gauge (pg 13). Use the [<<] or [>>] buttons to select the signal from the Rescale calculator signal list. EXAMPLE: DISPLAYING RPM AS 0-8 INSTEAD OF 0-8000 Some people prefer a tachometer that displays RPM x1000 because the gauge face has fewer unnecessary zeroes and looks less cluttered.
This driver has a few parameters: • • • • Input Signal: Signal for this calculation. Time to Average (s): Seconds of historical data to use in the calculation. For example, specify “1.5” to average the past oneand-one-half seconds of data. Name: Abbreviation to identify this signal. Displayed on the assign signals screen. Precision: Number of decimal digits to display.
Follow the instructions DashDAQ will display your reaction time and other measurements Tap [Start] to start the test. Results will be saved to the SD if installed. Follow the on-screen instructions. The results will be posted in the left box at the end of the run. USER DEFINED SPEED TESTS Create your own performance tests. To set up a specific test: 1. 2. 3. 4. From the main menu tap on [Performance]. Tap on [Setup]. Tap on one of the four [User Test] buttons. The “Edit User Test” screen will appear.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The results will be posted on-screen at the end of the run. Example of a results screen: DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER To view and clear diagnostic trouble codes: From the Main Menu tap on [Diagnostics]. This screen will appear: Diagnostics screen for reading trouble codes Note: Use the [<] and [>] buttons at the top to switch between Generic and Enhanced OEM information. Turn the vehicle’s key to the on position. The vehicle does not need to be running. Tap [Read Codes].
Note: Clearing codes does not solve any underlying vehicle issues. Tap [Yes] to clear the code(s) and turn the check engine light off. Tap [No] to leave the code(s) set and leave the check engine light on. DASHDAQ MEDIA PLAYER The DashDAQ has the ability to play a variety of sound and video files. The Media player is not pre-installed and will require the driver to be installed to the DashDAQ using the DashDAQ Recovery Tool. See “Updating DashDAQ” below for instructions.
CUSTOMIZING YOUR DASHDAQ INSTALLING FILES FROM SD CARD Various files can be installed on to DashDAQ from the SD card. Themes, Splash Screens, Sounds, Config. File, and Licenses can all be installed this way. In order for DashDAQ to see these files when a SD card is inserted, the files must be contained in a folder called “transfer” in the parent directory of the SD card. A user can backup, install, uninstall files and format and eject a SD by navigating to: Main Menu>Setup>Memory Card.
DISPLAY DIMMER/DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS The DashDAQ has a built in light sensor that adjusts the screen brightness according to its surroundings. DashDAQ comes setup to automatically change the brightness of the screen; however, the automatic dimmer can be turned off or set to a specific brightness level. 1. 2. 3. 4. Tap on [Setup] menu Tap on [Display] Tap on [Brightness] Select the desired brightness level.
ANALOG INPUTS DashDAQ has two analog inputs available on the accessory connector. They accept a 0-5v DC signal and are compatible with most automotive sensors. These signals can be displayed on the gauge screens along with any other input. They can be rescaled from the 0-5v scale into Fahrenheit, PSI, Air-Fuel ratios, or whatever the voltage represents. The analog inputs on DashDAQ have a 24.7 kilo ohm input impedance and may not be accurate when connected to a device with a high output impedance.
DashDAQ comes preloaded with both Analog Inputs. If you needed to reinstall, you’d use Device Manager to install Analog Input in an available slot Then you’d specify either Analog-1 or Analog-2. To read both, just load the driver twice in two different slots. LINEAR ANALOG DRIVER CORRECTION FACTOR AND CORRECTION OFFSET If you have an Innovate LC-1 wideband controller and you’d prefer to see an Air-Fuel ratio instead of a raw voltage.
These parameters are used when converting an analog signal into physical units: • • • • • • Correction Factor: Multiplier for the raw voltage. Correction Offset: Added to the raw voltage Corrected Reading Name: Abbreviation to identify corrected signal. Used as a gauge label and displayed on the assign signals screen. Corrected Reading Units: Physical units for the calculation. Any automatic Imperial/Metric occurs afterward.
The analog inputs of DashDAQ have 10 bit A/D converters. This means that there’s 1024 discrete readings possible on each A/D input. th The actual input measuring range for the A/D converter is 0 to 5.035V in 1023 steps, with the 1024 step being anything over 5.035V, so each step is (5.035/1023), or approximately 0.00492 volts. The configuration file consists of 1024 ascii numbers separated by any non numeric character except ‘.’, ‘+’, or ‘-‘.
2. 3. Click on “Run.” If the ‘Run” option does not work, save this file (DashDAQ-PCTool-2.0.4.msi) to a memorable location and double click on it to run the DashDAQ Update Tool installer. This screen will appear next: 4. Click “Next.” 5. Check the box by “I Accept the End-User License Agreement” if you agree to abide by the license agreement. 6. Click “Next” to install DashDAQ into the specified directory.
7. Click “Install.” The DashDAQ Update Tool will now be installed to the computer. Click “Finish” when the installer has finished. UPDATING DASHDAQ WARNING: Do not power DashDAQ from the PC with the USB ports on the right. Permanent damage to your DashDAQ can occur. To update DashDAQ: 1. Establish an Internet connection on your computer. The DashDAQ Recovery Tools requires Internet access throughout the update process. 2. Connect the USB cable to the single USB port located on the left side of DashDAQ.
6. Click “Next.” This screen appears: 7. Click “Next.” 8. Use the drop down menu to select which firmware to install. For most users the most current firmware is the only option. 9. It is recommended to always to use the “select recommended options” button to always keep the factory base settings. You can then select additional components you would like to add, i.e. Purchased licenses.
Click [Next]. This screen appears: 10. Click “Next.” This screen appears: Optional: To save the firmware package that was just created to the computer, click “Save As” under “Optional.” Firmware saved to the computer may be reloaded to DashDAQ in the future without Internet access. 11. Click [Next] to send the firmware to the DashDAQ. Wait. When DashDAQ has finished updating, the DashDAQ Recovery Tool will display the screen below.
Click [Finish] to close the Recovery Tool.
APPENDIX SUPPORT Before contacting us, check our online FAQs. Submit all support questions to www.dashdaq.com/forum. The forums are constantly monitored, and will provide you with the fastest answers. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Display 4.
APPENDIX A: ACCESSORY CABLE PIN OUT If DashDAQ is connected via OBD II cable, this is the source for vehicle power. If OBD II is not connected, vehicle power must be applied here. Warning! Do not attempt to power any device from this output that draws more that 500ma of current. Failure to observe this restriction could result in permanent un-repairable damage to your DashDAQ.
APPENDIX B: CAN EXPANSION CABLE PIN OUT Color Function J1962 Pin # 1 Black J1850- 10 2 Brown J1850+ 2 3 Red ISO-L Line 15 4 Orange Unswitched Power 16 5 Yellow ISO-K Line 7 6 Green CAN-L 14 7 White CAN-H 6 8 Blue Signal Ground 5 44
APPENDIX C: ENGLISH TO METRIC CONVERSION UNIT NAMES Conversion Type English Unit Name Metric Unit Name Temperature degF or °F degC or °C Speed MPH KPH Distance miles km Fuel Economy MPG L/100km Fuel Consumption Gph lph Pressure psi kpa Pressure psi mbar Pressure In Hg/PSI mmHg/BAR Flow Rate lb/min g/s or g/sec or gm/sec Flow Rate lb/hr kg/hr Weight lbs kg Volume gal L 45
APPENDIX D: GPS NAVIGATION SETUP-DISCONTINUED The DashDAQ can be purchased with or without GPS navigation. If a DashDAQ is purchased without GPS navigation, the GPS navigation kit can be purchased separately. If you purchased a DashDAQ along with a GPS kit: 1. 2. 3. Insert the navigation SD card. Connect the antenna cable to DashDAQ, and place the antenna on your vehicle dashboard for signal reception. Turn on your DashDAQ and tap on the [GPS Navigation] icon.
LIMITED WARRANTY Drew Technologies, Inc. guarantees that every DashDAQ XL is free from physical defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of purchase. Warranty card must be mailed within 90 days of initial purchase to activate warranty. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, email Drew Technologies Customer Support (support@drewtech.com) in order to obtain a Return Authorization number and form.
