Datalogging on Battery power

ForwardThrust · Post by **ForwardThrust** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:10 pm

V1.4.1.0
Dell Latitude D630 on Windows XP
Datalogging all parameters while the laptop is plugged into AC source.
If I run off batteries, datalogging stops. I am able to navigate to some screens and make changes.
Also, datalogging stays functioning on battery power as long as the engine isn't running.
I've checked device manager - appears to be working properly. I've also disabled the USB root from turning off ports to save power.

Martian · Post by **Martian** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:55 pm

This isn't an Smanager problem. Your usb is disconnecting, so you still have settings that need to be changed.

ForwardThrust · Post by **ForwardThrust** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:58 am

Thanks - I was hoping someone could help out with determining what those settings are.

Post by **Spunkster** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 9:17 am

What has been done to the ignition system on the car, and what spark plugs are you using?

ForwardThrust · Post by **ForwardThrust** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 9:21 am

Spark plugs are NGK V-power resister type. MSD SCI, blaster coil, and MSD Wires. Distributor/ICM are stock.
Don't think it's related to RF interference. Datalogging works as long as the laptop is plugged in.

Post by **Spunkster** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:50 am

MSD SCI, blaster coil, and MSD Wires could all be part of the problem. We have seen it many times. Does the laptop stay connected on a different car that has all stock ignition components?

ForwardThrust · Post by **ForwardThrust** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:34 am

No other car to test on at the moment. If the iginition components were the problem, I should be able to test with K-Manager on an RSX, to verify datalogging works, correct?

I don't understand why it the power source for the laptop would make a difference with datalogging if it's the ignition system components. In the vehicles I've seen with RF interference, I wasn't able to datalog at all with the engine running, regardless of battery or AC power supply to the laptop.

Post by **Spunkster** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:42 am

Comparing a K-Pro to an s300 is not a good comparison as they work completely differently. It is possible that the problem is with the laptop itself. This is why a test wiht the same ecu in another vehicle is needed.

ForwardThrust · Post by **ForwardThrust** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:54 pm

Ok - I'll do that tonight. I was just thinking, since K-Manager and S-Manager share drivers, it might isolate the issue to being laptop specific.

Thanks

00Typer · Post by **00Typer** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:54 pm

Spunkster wrote:MSD SCI, blaster coil, and MSD Wires could all be part of the problem. We have seen it many times. Does the laptop stay connected on a different car that has all stock ignition components?

So if I have an Accel 300+ Digital Ignition, Accel 300+ wires, NGK plugs and Accel cap (external coil), this may be why my laptop shows the Hondata sometimes, shows it as an unknown device sometimes and SManager has trouble recognizing the ecu as online?

Post by **Spunkster** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:59 pm

it is possible

00Typer · Post by **00Typer** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 4:02 pm

So in order to fix the problem I would have to demod the car? That does not sound like a good option. How do I tune it then? If it works with my stock computer how do I get it to work on Hondata with aftermarket ignition components?

ForwardThrust · Post by **ForwardThrust** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:53 am

Tried datalogging on a car with stock ignition system and it works fine. So, it appears the MSD components may be suspect. Although, I'm wondering, since it appears to only happen when the laptop is on battery power, if I might be able to put a new coil secondary lead on and cure the problem.
In any case, I'll be disabling the MSD stuff and using a factory distriibutor and coil for tuning.

00Typer - I don't think the aftermarket ignition components affect the ECU or Hondata elements in the ECU as far is operting the engine. They disrupt the datalogging function.

I wonder if wrapping the datalogging cable in aluminum foil, then grounding the foil to the car would help. Basically shielding the cable from RF interference

Post by **Hondata** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:59 am

The laptop probably is not powering the USB port in the same way on batteries as on AC power.

We have found that almost all aftermarket ignition components produce significant EMI. You just don't normally notice.

All USB cables are shielded and grounded. The solution is to remove the source of the interferrence.

Post by **Spunkster** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:46 am

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/s ... country=US

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I use a resistor spark plug?

A: NGK "R" or resistor spark plugs use a 5k ohm ceramic resistor in the spark plug to suppress ignition noise generated during sparking.

NGK strongly recommends using resistor spark plugs in any vehicle that uses on-board computer systems to monitor or control engine performance. This is because resistor spark plugs reduce electromagnetic interference with on-board electronics.

They are also recommended on any vehicle that has other on-board electronic systems such as engine-management computers, two-way radios, GPS systems, depth finders or whenever recommended by the manufacturer.

In fact, using a non-resistor plug in certain applications can actually cause the engine to suffer undesirable side effects such as an erratic idle, high-rpm misfire, engine run-on, power drop off at certain rpm levels and abnormal combustion.