PLX Sensor Module/Datalogit Install
02-06-11, 06:56 PM
#1
PLX Sensor Module/Datalogit Install
PLX Devices makes some pretty nifty sensor modules that are pretty easy to mount because of their compact size. However, my collection of modules is about to expand to six (2 EGTs, 1 AFR, 1 pressure, 1 temperature, and one AIT) so Velcroing to the back of the PFC was not going to work. Fortunately, as others have discovered, there is quite a bit of space behind the ECU.
Here is a view of the space available. I had to grind down two mounting screws and square the bottom right round corner of this area.
I made a mounting frame from an electronics project box to would fit in this area.
Here it is during a test fit:
And here it is with the modules and the Datalogit during a test fit:
I needed to drill a hole in the top ECU bracket to allow the cable a Commander cable to install. It is tight, but the serial-to-USB adapter will fit behind the bracket.
I removed the backs of the PLX modules and drilled holes in the frame so that the modules could be screwed to it.
Here is the final frame assembly. I added some rubber striping to the sides of the frame to cover the sharp edges.
Here is the final install. There is still quite a bit of space between the modules and the back of the PFC to route wiring. On my car, all the wires from senders come through a hole I drilled in the passenger firewall.
Here is a view of the space available. I had to grind down two mounting screws and square the bottom right round corner of this area.
I made a mounting frame from an electronics project box to would fit in this area.
Here it is during a test fit:
And here it is with the modules and the Datalogit during a test fit:
I needed to drill a hole in the top ECU bracket to allow the cable a Commander cable to install. It is tight, but the serial-to-USB adapter will fit behind the bracket.
I removed the backs of the PLX modules and drilled holes in the frame so that the modules could be screwed to it.
Here is the final frame assembly. I added some rubber striping to the sides of the frame to cover the sharp edges.
Here is the final install. There is still quite a bit of space between the modules and the back of the PFC to route wiring. On my car, all the wires from senders come through a hole I drilled in the passenger firewall.
02-08-11, 09:33 AM
#4
The project box can be ordered here for those interested in making a similar bracket (PN #KAB-3743):
http://www.lmbheeger.com/products.asp?catid=56
I simply removed the two sides of the box with a hack saw.
http://www.lmbheeger.com/products.asp?catid=56
I simply removed the two sides of the box with a hack saw.
02-08-11, 12:43 PM
#7
Actually, I really don't like their gauges - the graphics are a bit Commodore 64ish for me.
I am running all these for logging purposes.
Ironically, given that it is a big selling point, the modules do not slide together as advertised. I have five of them (and a DM-100) and no two will fit together.
I am running all these for logging purposes.
Ironically, given that it is a big selling point, the modules do not slide together as advertised. I have five of them (and a DM-100) and no two will fit together.
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... Edit- Yes that is Mr RX7_RAGE himself sporting a set of sakebomb/theorie tailights.
02-08-11, 03:15 PM
#11
I respect your opinion but I still don't see it though...
Atari 800:
I think you have the old software to tell you the truth. One my gauges came like that and it was old school looking. But no matter what version you have these gauges allow you to upload any display you want. And I mean anything. so in the end if you think they look atari 800/commodore 64 it's all within your control to change the display to something of your standards.
Atari 800:
I think you have the old software to tell you the truth. One my gauges came like that and it was old school looking. But no matter what version you have these gauges allow you to upload any display you want. And I mean anything. so in the end if you think they look atari 800/commodore 64 it's all within your control to change the display to something of your standards.
02-08-11, 03:45 PM
#13
That is a really nice solution as to where to mount these. Mine are under my driver's side carpet so it looks like another project for me
And FYI - I have two display units and own all of their sensor modules and I love them with the exception of the AIT module which is back at PLX for testing as it has never worked.
I too think the display looks great and not like some old computer thingy.
And FYI - I have two display units and own all of their sensor modules and I love them with the exception of the AIT module which is back at PLX for testing as it has never worked.I too think the display looks great and not like some old computer thingy.
02-08-11, 04:01 PM
#14
As for the PLX displays, I am pretty sure I have the latest firmware - but will check this weekend.
02-08-11, 05:43 PM
#15
I was able to get all of mine to slide together but had to remove the end plates and guts then press them together in the vise and put them back together. They will never come apart.
I made up my own gauge screens using bit maps but agree overall they could have done better. Also I'm noticing some burn in on the display....
Here is an FYI for the SM-AFR module; the DC/AC oscillator puts out all kinds of RF and if you run it's power supply 12v wiring near your audio head it will mess up the FM reception. PLX has acknowldeged this is an issue.
SM-AFT with Datalogit and PFC - also feeding the NB output to the PFC
Others and DM between peddles
I made up my own gauge screens using bit maps but agree overall they could have done better. Also I'm noticing some burn in on the display....
Here is an FYI for the SM-AFR module; the DC/AC oscillator puts out all kinds of RF and if you run it's power supply 12v wiring near your audio head it will mess up the FM reception. PLX has acknowldeged this is an issue.
SM-AFT with Datalogit and PFC - also feeding the NB output to the PFC
Others and DM between peddles
02-08-11, 05:56 PM
#16
A couple caveats regarding the PLX gauges in my experience.
1) Some of the units will NOT slide together. I don't know if they come from different batches or what but the QC seems weak.
2) They don't advertise it but an item that should be considered before purchasing their boost sensor. It will only show vacuum or boost. You won't show vacuum and then have it go into boost on a single display. You need to have it running in multi-output mode or whatever you want to call it or choose one or the other in single.
1) Some of the units will NOT slide together. I don't know if they come from different batches or what but the QC seems weak.
2) They don't advertise it but an item that should be considered before purchasing their boost sensor. It will only show vacuum or boost. You won't show vacuum and then have it go into boost on a single display. You need to have it running in multi-output mode or whatever you want to call it or choose one or the other in single.
02-08-11, 06:01 PM
#17
2) They don't advertise it but an item that should be considered before purchasing their boost sensor. It will only show vacuum or boost. You won't show vacuum and then have it go into boost on a single display. You need to have it running in multi-output mode or whatever you want to call it or choose one or the other in single.
02-08-11, 06:18 PM
#18
All of their other gauges I'm pleased with but it's fairly apparent the company is run by coding nerds and not usability experts. My reasoning for this is that PLX has and continues to tell the consumer what is best for them instead of listening to the consumer.
If you go into their forums you can see two items that have come up repeatedly for years:
1) The boost/vacuum issue that they claim to have been working on for years now...seriously...I can't believe this is a difficult issue that couldn't be resolved by firmware.
2) I've read threads in their forums where PLX themselves have started that the gauges cannot be dimmed because PLX feels they have given the best visibility output...and in my opinion you can't see crap during the day and it would be very nice to have the display dimmed at night...brightest damn thing in my car. Sure you can change the colors but who really wants to change the colors for day and then again at night since you can't adjust brightness any other way without a wiring change that voids your warranty.
If you go into their forums you can see two items that have come up repeatedly for years:
1) The boost/vacuum issue that they claim to have been working on for years now...seriously...I can't believe this is a difficult issue that couldn't be resolved by firmware.
2) I've read threads in their forums where PLX themselves have started that the gauges cannot be dimmed because PLX feels they have given the best visibility output...and in my opinion you can't see crap during the day and it would be very nice to have the display dimmed at night...brightest damn thing in my car. Sure you can change the colors but who really wants to change the colors for day and then again at night since you can't adjust brightness any other way without a wiring change that voids your warranty.
02-08-11, 10:37 PM
#19
Actually, I really don't like their gauges - the graphics are a bit Commodore 64ish for me.
I am running all these for logging purposes.
Ironically, given that it is a big selling point, the modules do not slide together as advertised. I have five of them (and a DM-100) and no two will fit together.
I am running all these for logging purposes.
Ironically, given that it is a big selling point, the modules do not slide together as advertised. I have five of them (and a DM-100) and no two will fit together.
You can get the modules to fit together, but you have to take them apart and put them in the vise
I just velcroed them to the back of the PowerFC. The display module for the gauge is stuffed over on the driver's side.I do like their gauge (DM-100) because it can be configured to display 4 sensors values at once - very space efficient and (INMO) avoids the too-many-pods look. I use it for boost, AFR, oil and water temp, in a pettit steering wheel mount. I have the "colors" set to some brightness of white that provides a decent balance between daylight readability and nighttime brightness. I use the commander for inj duty cycle, boost (vacuum), AIT, and knock.
02-09-11, 06:01 AM
#20
Not to turn this into a product debate thread, but I really like the gauges. I have had these for over 3 years. I use mine in the "4 values" mode, where I have two DM-100 display units column mounted so I get 8 readings on two gauges. Very space efficient if you ask me. When I dyno the car, I put one gauge in AFR mode and the other in boost with both having big digital readouts on each. Very easy to see and works great for the dyno.
Regarding the boost/vacuum issue, yes that is the way it works but for me, since I two display gauges, I have both boost and vacuum readings simultaneously displayed anyway so it works just fine. I have also adjust the colors to display nicely during the day so that is not an issue either. The dimming thing would be nice to have but really not an issue for me.
And finally, their service is excellent. Tim Orvec is the man when it comes to support. Was just on the phone with him yesterday trying to figure out my AIT issue. Seems like it is an end user error
So, yes, they are not perfect, but for me, they do blow away everything else on the market.
Random PLX pic with units configured to display like "normal" gauges:
Regarding the boost/vacuum issue, yes that is the way it works but for me, since I two display gauges, I have both boost and vacuum readings simultaneously displayed anyway so it works just fine. I have also adjust the colors to display nicely during the day so that is not an issue either. The dimming thing would be nice to have but really not an issue for me.
And finally, their service is excellent. Tim Orvec is the man when it comes to support. Was just on the phone with him yesterday trying to figure out my AIT issue. Seems like it is an end user error
So, yes, they are not perfect, but for me, they do blow away everything else on the market.
Random PLX pic with units configured to display like "normal" gauges:
05-24-11, 07:39 PM
#21
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I respect your opinion but I still don't see it though...
Atari 800:
I think you have the old software to tell you the truth. One my gauges came like that and it was old school looking. But no matter what version you have these gauges allow you to upload any display you want. And I mean anything. so in the end if you think they look atari 800/commodore 64 it's all within your control to change the display to something of your standards.
Atari 800:
I think you have the old software to tell you the truth. One my gauges came like that and it was old school looking. But no matter what version you have these gauges allow you to upload any display you want. And I mean anything. so in the end if you think they look atari 800/commodore 64 it's all within your control to change the display to something of your standards.
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