Using MSII for dyno data collection

[Theo]

I'm converting an older analog engine dyno to digital. At this point I'm using an analog to digital converter and some custom software to plot dyno pulls. The problem is it is a little slow collecting data and only has 4 channels. I was dynoing my new motor and tuning with TS when the though hit me. If I collect the torque signal through MS I would have everything you could need to analyze, log and plot torque and HP.

I want to install a MSII on the dyno just to collect data and produce TQ/HP plots.

So my questions are: Would MSII be a good choice for data-logging a dyno?
Is it feasible to collect torque data through the MSII?
How hard would it be to write software to talk to the MSII?
Has anyone done this before?

I'm a computer programmer with 3 MS installs under my belt.

Thanks!

[Philip Lochner]

You have an interesting concept Theo!

I recon (thinking very quickly) you can do what you want to do (using MS2) as follows:
1) to get dyno RPM, install some tach mechanism to the dyno like a trigger wheel. You do not need many teeth so anything from 4 teeth and up should do fine;
2) to get torque, have a device that converts torque to a 0-5V signal and feed that in on the WBO input.

Using datalogging you can then easily record roller rpm against "torque" (AFR). By using a spreadsheet, and two conversion factors (roller rpm -> engine rpm, and AFR->torque) you can then also plot power and torque against engine rpm. You could then also feed manifold pressure into the MS to also record engine load.

MS3 might be even more suitable but I have not given that much thought - nor do I have as good an understanding of MS3 as I have of MS2.

[DonTZ125]

If you're running your engine on MS2, why datalog the roller rpm? Just graph engine rpm vs afr / torque.

[Philip Lochner]

I understood the requirement as also being able to dyno plot cars that are not equipped with MS

[Joe]

I've given some thought to this also-

I have an engine dyno also- The dyno software I'm using has the ability to 'poll' an aftermarket data board.

I wrote a plugin for MSII for my Dyno software to poll MSII during a run.

I just used the INI to get the data layout. The dyno software now has MSII data parameters along with HP,TQ,EGT etc....

It's great for pulls, a pain to pull and tune. So I have the same thought as you-

I've debated the same thing you are debating. When I get some time(Could be a while, knee deep in a 'Cuda project)

I figured I'd take a look at my Dyno strain gauge output and see what I could come up with.

I like tuner studio and would also like to integrate my strain gauge for a HP/TQ reading.

I was thinking of using an extra channel on the MSII(MS3 would be Ideal) and feeding the strain gauge signal and logging everything with tuner studio. I don't think it would be to difficult for a basic setup.

Issues I've thought off-

Some form of hardware to interface the strain gauge to a 0-5v signal (Not sure what my strain gauge even puts out at this time).

My strain gauge has some temp drift and it might be difficult to correct for in an MS tunning program(Dyno software does this).

Anyway, MSII or MS3 should be able to log a strain gauge. Not sure what you are using.

Joe-

Edit- MSII dyno without MSII engine- (Guess I missed the initial point)

Yes, just use all the initial MSII sensors. Configure dyno shaft RPM as crank trigger. Your in the same boat for hp measurement. Do some R&D on your dyno load output and see what signal you are starting with.

You will then need to modify an MS ini for a spare channel that matches your dyno brake output.

Go for it, I think it's do-able

Edit - 2 (It's getting late and I'm getting brain dead)

Polling the ms II for data wasn't to big of a deal (Raw data anyway) It was a trivial serial port excersize.
Not real versed in what it would take to convert raw data (I'm not real GUI familiar). I just had to define the stream for the dyno software.

[Theo]

Sorry for the slow response.

This project would place a megasquirt on the dyno to collect info for the dyno run for non injected cars. It would also be used to dyno MS injected motors.

1) to get dyno RPM, install some tach mechanism to the dyno like a trigger wheel. You do not need many teeth so anything from 4 teeth and up should do fine;

I have a VR sensor installed on the output shaft. It has four teeth.

2) to get torque, have a device that converts torque to a 0-5V signal and feed that in on the WBO input.

I have a pressure sensor that runs 0-10v to measure torque. I would need to condition it to 0-5v.

I would like to keep the wideband output for the run... Is there another channel available on the MS2 or MS3?

I'm a computer programmer and have written software that uses a 4 channel digital analog converter to take dyno pulls. It polls slow and we are having trouble getting enough samples for reliable readings. The MS solution seems robust plus it can support FI motors on the dyno. Polling the MS is an option for sure.

I like TS and Log viewer combination and thought I might squeeze in a torque measurement somehow.

Should I go MS2 or MS3? I was thinking MS2...but I don't know enough about MS 3 to see a clear advantage.

Ideally we would log RPM, Torque, HP, AF, Intake temp, exhaust gas temp, head temp, timing ...

I just finished a Baja Bug with a MS3 and a crazy oversize VW motor. I love this FI stuff.

Thanks for the help guys,

[Theo]

Hi Guys,

I did finaly get this to work thanks to many of the people and posts around here. The MS3 now logs the dyno and seems to work well. Here is a vid of it while I was still working the kinks out.

Thanks!

http://youtu.be/moi2viHbKuw