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I built a PowerFC ECM Logger/Dashboard tool. Anyone interested?

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Old 03-25-18, 09:28 PM
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So as a way to bypass needing to transfer data through an app, I added the ability to plug in a flash drive and automatically have logs written to it. You won’t need to plug in a mouse and keyboard and manually copy files, or rely on Bluetooth transfer to a phone.

Based on survey results so far I am concentrating on the data logging, warning thresholds, and sensor checks. I’ll try to make the initial version work entirely without a phone, but the only way to configure the dashboard and thresholds and such will be through a config file stored on the flash drive.
Old 03-26-18, 11:31 PM
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Update: I recorded a quick video update showing the dashboard generating log files on a flash drive, and parsing the logs in a new web tool I am building:

And please take a moment to take a survey if you're interested! Thanks
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...rm?usp=sf_link

Last edited by derSchwamm; 03-27-18 at 09:06 AM.
Old 04-02-18, 07:19 AM
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I noticed today the the PowerTune project is working on a dash that's built a lot like mine, and configurable. https://www.facebook.com/Raspexi/

This has been a cool project but in light of what they're doing now it might not be worth continuing. The only thing mine can currently do that PowerTune can't is data logging, and maybe syncing to a phone in the future. I'll think about it...
Old 04-02-18, 10:21 PM
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I just want the ability to project every possibles parameter onto a double din display yellowcable/hdmi rather than a pfc commander. And with the ability to log is icing on the cake
Old 04-03-18, 12:09 AM
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Wow! Wish I had seen this thread earlier. It would be really helpful to test mods & tuning. Subscribed
Old 04-03-18, 11:57 AM
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I had followed the Raspexi project and liked it, but he also didn't really lay out what it takes to put one in place. If you could make it simple for users to display PFC data on a larger screen that's easier to read and provide it easily/quickly to customers in the US I'd say you have an advantage over the Raspexi as far as what I've seen. The bonus of being able to datalog to a USB drive is an added bonus if it solves us having to always hook up the laptop to log runs.

I track my car and use the PFC to monitor coolant and intake temps. If I could easily display them on a big screen that was legible a quick glance while going fast that would be a nice benefit for me. What would seal me into buying would be if you showed exactly what's needed to put together (not saying you need to sell the tablet interface, but show where to get the proper one).
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Old 04-03-18, 01:17 PM
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^^^^
I'm with Smokey. I do OK with mechanical things, but I don't know from nothin' about no electronics, software, or computers (especially if they aren't MACs). I need a plug and play kit, or VERY explicit instructions and parts list.

Basically, since I went to a standalone boost controller, I really only use the commander for gauges, which would be a LOT cleaner on a nice double din monitor where the stereo used to be.
Old 04-03-18, 03:40 PM
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^
+1 on the plug and play solution, or detailed part list and instructions.
Old 04-03-18, 05:26 PM
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Subscribed for updates!
Old 04-04-18, 09:09 PM
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I haven't check this thread in a few days - Thanks for the feedback and interest! I guess I'll keep at it.

I definitely want to put together a kit with instructions for adding it to your car, and make the whole thing as simple as possible. I'm currently working on the wiring to power a computer off the car battery directly, with an automatic shutdown tied to the ignition switch. It's harder than it sounds.

I am hoping to make it to part of the Deals Gap Rotary Rally later this month, hopefully in a running FD with my dashboard and logger installed and fully functional. No promises though, I might not get it done, and I may also have to travel for work that week. If you're attending and you want to see it though, let me know
Old 04-05-18, 12:09 PM
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i'll be there and wanna see it!
Old 04-05-18, 03:04 PM
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Would love to see it in person and meet you as well! I'll be there.

Dale
Old 04-08-18, 01:00 AM
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interested
Old 04-09-18, 09:48 AM
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+1 for the ability to see MOST/ALL gauges in the double din from the power FC.

I really dont want to hack and drill to add gauges, and i really dont want to even take apart anything on the dash as it might break. So a double DIN install that shows everything is perfect. Datalogging is icing on the cake!.
Old 04-10-18, 01:19 PM
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Definitely interested, it would be nice to have a large, easily readable display for any desired sensor input, especially for those who are progressively modding (myself included). I know nothing about how any of this even begins to work, but what might be a cool feature is having the ability to adjust minor settings like rev limit and such on the fly, through your interface. Don't know how feasible that would be as I haven't gotten to fiddle with my PFC yet but it's a thought.
Old 04-26-18, 09:03 AM
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I plan on going to Addicted Performance around 10am tomorrow morning for the DGRR event, so please look out for me in a near-stock MB FD with Tennessee plates if you want to see the dashboard (yeah, there will probably be several MB FDs...)

I don't have all the features complete yet, but the in-car dash and logging all works so I'm happy to show anyone who is interested. I'll stick around until 11:30 or 12, then I have to drive to Detroit so this is the only part of DGRR I'll be able to attend
Old 05-21-18, 08:25 AM
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Update

I finally got the system installed in my FD. It has a few issues I’m working through and the installation is still a little messy, but it works! I’ve been driving around with it for a few days now. Logging works too

This is hooked up to my Pioneer AVH2300nex stereo.

Next steps for me are to finalize the hardware, then get this into other people’s hands for more testing.

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Old 05-21-18, 10:22 AM
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I'd love to try this out and might be able to help with UI/design if needed. Nice work!

P
Old 05-21-18, 12:53 PM
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Killer. Keep up the good work!
Old 05-21-18, 03:14 PM
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Looks great! Definitely interested in one of these for my car once you have it ready.
Old 05-21-18, 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by ptrhahn
I'd love to try this out and might be able to help with UI/design if needed. Nice work!

P
Thanks, I’m a terrible designer and it’s definitely not been the focus. I just wanted it to work first. I might reach out!
Old 05-21-18, 10:13 PM
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Very nice !!!
Old 05-21-18, 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Molotovman
This is pretty cool, there's a lot of guys that still run PFC's in vehicles that see driving events regularly. Programmable warning lights, maybe with an audible buzzer if you could code it, would be fantastic. I know the PFC has a provision to use a dash light in JDM cars as a warning light but with USDM cars we're unable to use that provision without adding a wire to the ECU connector and installing a light. The logging without lugging around a laptop would be nice as well.
Very interesting project! Similar to what I was pondering over the last few days. Though I doubt I'd hear a buzzer over the engine with my melon inside a helmet. Super bright LEDs are a possibility. I was thinking of a GM or other such reasonably accurate oil pressure sensor and water temp sensor. Big bright idiot light for oil pressure, another for water temp. Sequential green-yellow-red shift LEDs in a pattern like g-g-g-g-g-y-y-y-r-r-r-blink along the top edge of the instrument cluster bezel. I'd need something more robust than an RPi header though. I'd probably want to solder all the connections and pot the whole thing in epoxy just to help mitigate vibration damage.

Excellent choice in cars as well. My first competition car was an 84 GSL-SE though it was my second RX-7. The first kid hauler was a 2003 Protege 5. I'm on my 2nd FD now.
Old 11-03-18, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Smokey The Talon
I had followed the Raspexi project and liked it, but he also didn't really lay out what it takes to put one in place. If you could make it simple for users to display PFC data on a larger screen that's easier to read and provide it easily/quickly to customers in the US I'd say you have an advantage over the Raspexi as far as what I've seen. The bonus of being able to datalog to a USB drive is an added bonus if it solves us having to always hook up the laptop to log runs.

I track my car and use the PFC to monitor coolant and intake temps. If I could easily display them on a big screen that was legible a quick glance while going fast that would be a nice benefit for me. What would seal me into buying would be if you showed exactly what's needed to put together (not saying you need to sell the tablet interface, but show where to get the proper one).

Sorry for highjacking the thread . Raspexi is quite old and we decided to replace it with PowerTune and support now a lot more ECU's in addition to the Power FC . The frontend got a lot more polishing now and you can display every sensor as well as set warnings for each sensor . Best way to get in touch is via our facebook site mentioned above
Old 11-04-18, 05:21 PM
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I’m still looking forward to Shwamm’s update, especially when I noticed his pioneer head unit as I was about to purchase the 4400 or higher unit myself.


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