Hello all,

Im trying to find the best starter kit so to speak for logging. I'll have a laptop to do the data acquisition on, so would I really need the LM-1?

Ive searched and read tons of threads, and I think I would be set with the LC-1, but id like to make sure before the purchase.

Would I be able to just run logworks on my laptop and pull data straight off the o2? Im also purchasing a tactrix cable to get my fuel maps and flashes in place. I have yet to mod anything on my car, im so paranoid about messing anything up I feel the first step would be getting solid log files and learning how the stock mapping and data work first off.


Anyhow, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

The LC-1 comes with everything you need to log directly to a serial port on your PC (you will need a serial port, so if your PC does not have one you would have to get a USB->Serial adapter).

If you download the latest version of LogWorks you should also be able to log directly from the Tactrix cable into LogWorks as well.

Of course, Mitsulogger is a great free option for Tactrix cable logging and EvoScan has LC-1 support as well.

-jjf

 

So if I just ran the Tactrix cable, I could log the same data as the wideband?

I thought it was better to run both, for assurance sake? Unless ive been reading incorrectly, which very well may have happened in my late night endeavors

 

oh yes you want the lc-1 AND the cable. you Need a way to measure AFRs

if you are going that route innovate has a package deal at their website.

 

Ahh ok good, I was just reading it wrong then I figure I had it right in my head at some point.


Innovate has some nice packages, but would I really need anything other than the LC-1 and just getting a tactrix cable seperate? I can measure the afr on my laptop, so would I really need the LM-1 or a combination there-of?

 

I am in kind of the same boat. I am not sure I need a gauge. I think if I just use the serial cable to go to the laptop that will be fine. Although the gauge would be nice to keep an eye on the a/f even while just crusing

 

But honestly the afr shouldn't be something you should have to monitor daily I wouldnt think.

I figure after I tune it, I would remove the wideband and plug the bung anyways, why run the o2 if its not being actively used? Seems like a waste to me. I would like to remove any unnecessary usage if at all possible.

Plus, id like to keep my in car gauge usage to a minimum.

Someone correct me if im wrong on any of my points obviously, im still learning

 

Rather or not you want to monitor AFR as a gauge depends on mods, aggressiveness of the tune, and personal preference.

Gauges can take many forms with the LC-1. You can hookup a number of analog AFR gauges, there is a digital gauge with alarms, min/max hold, etc., some third parties offer PDA based gauges, and you can always do a software gauge on a PC using LogWorks.

So, you could start with just an LC-1 (AFR) and a tactrix cable (ECU parameters like fuel trims and RPM) and use your computer. Then if you decide you want to monitor specific things via a gauge, add that functionality later.

Taking your sensor out and plugging the bung is a reasonable approach if you are not monitoring AFR. However, depending on ECU and mods, some folks leave the LC-1 in all the time. For example, an analog output might be programmed to simulate a narrow band sensor and fool an ECU.

But, again, you can learn a lot about your car with a wideband and a Tactrix cable.

Good Luck,
-jjf

 

i like innovative widebands. gudluck

 

I have the LC-1 (WB o2) and LMA-3 (3-Bar MAP and G-Sensor) combo on my car....this setup is awesome with the OBD-II cable....here is a sample logs of mine...

 

Nice, so you just bought the lc-1 and lma-3 module and it came with everything you needed?

In the chart you posted specifically, what did the lma-3 add that the straight lc-1 couldnt produce a reading on? Just the boost reading throughout the graph?

Sorry if that is a dumb question, im trying to pick these graphs apart with noobish eyes

Thanks for all the help and info everyone.

 

This is a description of the lma-3. So, im assuming that there arent any additional sensors needed to pull data, it somehow taps into the existing sensors or straight into the ecu to pull data? It says that it has the capability to use external sensors, but is it required?


It also states that it ships with an LM-1 connecting cable, but im assuming that this can also be used to connect to an LC-1?

 

you are joining the afr with the ecuflash program to get most of the information you need to tune. thus the lc-1 and the flash program. it is logged together on the logworks program that is free with the lc-1.

if you want to log boost, nice idea but not absolutely important, you will need to add a lma3 or other psi reading device. the lma3 readings will be included in your logs on logworks.
the lma3 will also log other non ecu provided information, egt, accelerations(G) and some redundancies with the ecu.
you need to tap a hose into the vacuum line for the psi readings and hardwire for any of the other lma3 features, except the accelerations which is done internally

if I have botched this up, it is my plan to go this route but not yet implemented

 

FWIW, if you are trying to get good road dyno readings, the G meter on the LMA-3 can be very helpful. Though I still say that ECU (tactrix) logging combined with wideband (AFR), can get you off to a very good start understanding/tuning your car.

-jjf

 

Thank you, that is precisely what I am looking for, a good start.

Ill be getting an LC-1 and Tactrix to start me off.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies and information.