Supernaut

iTrader: (83)

I have an AEM truboost as well. Ahhh what are ya gonna do. Maybe you can change the background of the gauges to make em look like the AEM one.

As for arkman, I doubt it dude. I think if our ECUs were OBD II compliant we could. At least that was what I got from the conversation but as you know, our ECUs are not.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

I wish Tim was allowed back to answer this but as I recall he said yes. The sensor modules have aux outputs for use like this. You can go to their website, get the number and call them to ask.

Supernaut

iTrader: (83)

WOW really? This would really! Sorry for the wrong info ark.

bzwigart

iTrader: (9)

Prettty sure they do have a 0 - 5v output for datalogging. They also sell thier own datalogger that would probably be a very simple plug and play.

Eien

These were $200 piece (+shipping to godforgotten land), right? And "regular" gauges go for like $25, so for the sole need of boost and temp two regular gauges would be the cheaper option by far.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Yes, before this thread was closed Tim discussed the aux port on the back of the boxes that can be hooked up to other systems (ems) for data logging.

I would check with them about the details.

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

No worries. If I decide to go with these I will just call and speak to a rep. Something so nice should have a 0-5v out, but I just wanted to have a quick, easy answer on here.

Yeah, I saw their datalogging equipment. It looks nice, but I would like to have everything running to all the same logger. It makes things easier.

Again, these are really nice!! and I LOVE the ability to design custom backgrounds. They are a little expensive, but not really that much more than defi's or any other "link" gauge system. The major advantage here is the ability to run one, or two displays and then connect many sensors to display the information. It cuts down on the clutter in the cockpit. But if you want cheaper and VERY nice gauges I would look into prosport gauges.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

This is correct. Checked the website and the sensors have analog outputs on the back of them.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

I don't think $25 per gauge is going to buy you reliabilty but there certainly are less expensive options for two gauges. Because I wanted to measure and monitor multiple parameters I felt this was a good way to go. And for the majority of us that monitor more than two things, it really cleans up the interior.

flunkysama

iTrader: (4)

My problems with the PLX system can be summed up in the attached picture. For each display you need one of the large display boxes and then a small box for each sensor. A nice setup will take alot of space someplace in your car. And the boxes are not environmentally sealed so forget mounting them in the engine compartment.

Also the power and serial link connectors are just friction lock. Put it kindly, hardly race-ready, let alone production car quality. Granted, if you take a lot of care mounting the boxes and wiring you can have a reliable system. But in this price range, there are other of high quality gauge systems out there with lower underdash space usage and that use connectors that won't unplug under their own weight.

That said, these still are on the top of my list because I like to minimize the number of gauges while still monitoring (almost) everything.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Some of what you post I agree with, others not. The actual size of the units are small. The "large" display modules are 4 x 3 x 1 and the sensor modules are 2 x 1 x 1 so they are all pretty small. I have 2 dispaly modules and 5 sensor modules are they all fit easily under my driver side carpet. I cut out some of the foam under the seat for the install so it all fits nicely. If I were to do it again I would propbable put them in the driver bin. They are designed to click together so I think this would work well. So I guess I disagree with your size comment.

I do agree with your friction connection comment. While
many of the connectors are click style and not friction (display connection and all sensor probe connections) the daisy chain connectors are friction style (think iPod headphone style). This makes it difficult to troubleshoot if something isn't connected properly. A few times I unconnected the daisy chain connectors and then reconnected them to get the sensors to work properly. A click style connector would work well he as well as my sugesstion to them of adding led lights to indicate "power on" and "connected" status.

Regarding your comment about these not being environmentally sealed I guess I see these like I do my Microtech EMS. I wouldn't put either in the engine bay area exposed to the elements.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

I've checked with PLX about mounting the sensors in the engine bay and this is their response:

“We actually mount all our sensor modules into the engine bay of our S2000 test/show vehicle. We have not had any problems with elements getting to the boxes, granted this vehicle doesn't see the track like most of your vehicles would. We mounted closer to the hood and away from the gap in the hood/fender.

As for your discussion earlier, all our sensor modules have a 0-5v output and a 0-1v output.”

Interesting indeed.

Barry Bordes

They stack well in the cavity behind the computer. (2 ea EGT's, oil temp, AFR, plus gauge sending unit).





This is all that shows.


You can log four inputs into the PFC. The 0-5v inputs work perfectly as stated in the instructions!

Barry

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

David, thank you for calling PLX and asking them my question. It is appreciated.

Barry, I really like the way you stacked the units as well as the screen shots of the logging. Thanks for putting those pics together.

If nothing else, these are great options in addition to the FJO's for digital EGT logging!! and truly for that (unless you enjoy staring at egt readouts on a small gauge) the expensive gauge is not needed, you could just purchase the sensor boxes and connect them to the datalogit...

ttmott

iTrader: (1)

It would be the icing on the cake if they produced a set of configurable ECM to Display modules. One could look at the same sensors as the ECM as well as all of the ECM commands.

Does any of the equipment get warm or hot??

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Yes, as shown above, you could do this. As for readouts on a "small" gauge, you don't have to display 4 values at one time on the display. As I posted earlier in this thread, there are many "larger" ways to look at the data. I usually display AFR on my top gauge and BOOST on the bottom as default values and then periodically look at 4 at one time. Or you could set "alarms" for each value to warn you when something is out of parameter.

Finally, you could run the larger 60mm gauge if you need it.

And Barry, that is a great location for the sensor units and for the display module. Might have to relocate mine there. Tim from PLX did tell me as I posted above that they put all of their sensor modules in the engine compartment so I would think we could do that also.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

That is an interesting idea. I would think they would run into differences from ECM to ECM that would prevent them from making a standard for this. But this is what I have thought about for some time by adding in a car computer. I would want it to display ECM data as well as the radio, nav, etc.

PLX does make an OBDII reader that does exactly what you describe but that doesn't apply to us.

And no, the boxes do not get warm or hot. I have them installed under my driver's carpet which would in theory make them even hotter but no, they are never warm or hot.

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

David, I was not complaining about the gauge size. Simply stating I have no real reason to sit and monitor EGT's while I am driving. To me, it is a great tool to use when tuning and thus really only needs to be logged, interpreted, then used to adjust timing/fuel. I think the PLX gauge is a perfect size, even to display several other readings.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Gotcha. Data logging is the way to go with something like that. The sensor do have a "max" hold for this but PLX also has a data logger available:

http://plxdevices.com/datalogger.html

Not bad at $259. Or at $70, they have an adapter that connects to your PC for data logging.

ttmott

iTrader: (1)

I just got the DM-200 and temperature, AFR, and Vac/Boost modules. The serial cables are only 1 foot long - what's up with that??

Did you have your modules over 1 foot apart and if so how did you work around the cable lengths? PLX does not offer a longer cable as an accessory.... The cables do look to have "stereo" type plugs.

I need to put the AFR module by the PFC / Datalogit but the others over by the drivers (left) side.

Oh, and what was your mounting method for the display and modules? PLX also has none of this stuff either.

Thanks
Tom

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

I have all of my sensor modules located next to each other under the driver's side carpet so I don't need long cables. I am assuming PLX expects this is how most people will daisy chain the products together (they need to be daisy chained and then plugged into the DM-200) but I don't know why a regular cable from Best Buy or Radio shack would't work. Call PLX first though and ask them - they're very helpful.

I am assuming the AFR module will feed the PFC with data and this is why you want the module over there? Why not keep the modules all together and run a cable from the driver's side to the PFC instead? I think you use the AUX output for this but again call PLX and they'll know what to do. Ask for Tim.

The mounting method for the displays (I have two DM-100s) is shown in the pics. Mine are column mounted just like normal gauges. My sensor modules are velcroed to the floor so they don't move around although it is a tight fit (I cut away some of the foam under the carpet) so I doubt they would go anywhere.

ttmott

iTrader: (1)

I will be using the Wide band and narrow band from the AFR module.

Narrow band to the PFC
Wide band to the Datalogic
Serial cable to the display unit.

The narrow and wide band wiring seems to be sensitive to interference and as a result requires capacitors to be installed at the end items. Consequently, I want to get the wiring for the WB and NB as short as possible.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Got it. Did you call PLX?

ttmott

iTrader: (1)

Yes, as it ends up the cables are standard shielded audio stereo cables with 3.5mm connectors. I got a 6' one at radio shack...

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Cool, look forward to pics of the install.