Dashhawk Questions

[IKE=MS3 08.5]

Ok I have looked for these but a few questions:

1) I am not modding to the point of needing a tune(only have a nano and forge bpv (blue) on) , but I would like to know more about my car. I would like to know boost and if KR is happening and just plan old other information here. Also I would like to be able to clear or read a CEL if one ever occurs and I think the dashhawk can do this(correct me if wrong). Is the dashhawk the best option for me here?

2) I think i read somewhere a few months back that, the dashhawk for our car is no longer made or something along those lines because a new one is being made. Is this true? If so, should I wait for the new one to come out, or does no one know yet?

3) Also, how do you install the dashhawk, pretty straight forward or not?

4) What is the best place/least annoying place to mount this bad boy, I fell like a lot of people just place it in front of the speedometer and I don't want to do that, if anyone has it placed differently and has a pic, please post it up.

5) Will the dashhawk software work with mac/lynx machine? Not a problem I have a windows also, just don't use it much.

That is it for now. Thanks

EDIT:
One more question.
6) If I want to take it into the dealer, would they be able to know that I plugged in this bad boy, I know someone is going to say that this can not void the warranty, that is not what Im asking, I would just like to know if they would be able to tell that I plugged something into the port (assuming that this where you plug this in). Thanks

[SuperStretch18]

1) The Dashhawk is a good option; there are several others, but it's got a good balance of cost/performance/features. I'm very happy with mine.

2) MSD is no longer doing firmware updates for the Dashhawk. The most recent update is still available on their website and it is pretty comprehensive. I personally wouldn't hold out for a product that hasn't even been truly announced yet, as it could be years down the road before the "new and improved" product surfaces.

3) Determine where you want the DH, route the wire and plug into the OBDII port. Done.

4) I'll let someone with an MS3 answer, but on my car, the best places are on the dash, next to the port window and on the steering column, slightly blocking the fuel level.

5) I think the software is only windows compatible, but I could be wrong...

6) I don't think that they can tell something was plugged in. I wouldn't leave the DH plugged in for dealer visits though. Most dealers are looking for ANY reason to void a warranty...

Hope that helps!

[AutoEuphoria]

1) I am not modding to the point of needing a tune(only have a nano and forge bpv (blue) on) , but I would like to know more about my car. I would like to know boost and if KR is happening and just plan old other information here. Also I would like to be able to clear or read a CEL if one ever occurs and I think the dashhawk can do this(correct me if wrong). Is the dashhawk the best option for me here?

Yes it can, and probably

2) I think i read somewhere a few months back that, the dashhawk for our car is no longer made or something along those lines because a new one is being made. Is this true? If so, should I wait for the new one to come out, or does no one know yet?

Buy the GenII...it'll work just fine for what you need. No more updates are coming, but it's good the way it is with the latest firmware (you will need to download that from the dashhawk website and upload it to your DH when you get it

3) Also, how do you install the dashhawk, pretty straight forward or not?

Less than 1 minute

4) What is the best place/least annoying place to mount this bad boy, I fell like a lot of people just place it in front of the speedometer and I don't want to do that, if anyone has it placed differently and has a pic, please post it up.

this is how I have it:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/AutoEuphoria/Cars/Mazdaspeed3/IMG_0008JPGcroppedSMALL.jpg

5) Will the dashhawk software work with mac/lynx machine? Not a problem I have a windows also, just don't use it much.

I believe so, but check www.dashhawk.com to find out for sure

That is it for now. Thanks

EDIT:
One more question.
6) If I want to take it into the dealer, would they be able to know that I plugged in this bad boy, I know someone is going to say that this can not void the warranty, that is not what Im asking, I would just like to know if they would be able to tell that I plugged something into the port (assuming that this where you plug this in). Thanks

No. And if they will void your warranty for having a monitoring device they will void it for having your tire pressure 1 psi off. It doesn't do anything but monitor, which they should like MORE because it can help prevent bigger problems later on



Responses in blue

[IKE=MS3 08.5]

Thanks guys,
New Question
I was wondering where the OBDII port is located on the MS3? Or is a picture included when you purchase?

[SuperStretch18]

It's left of the steering wheel, below the hood release.

[AutoEuphoria]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/AntiStockPhotography/MS3/AP-vs-DH.gif

I made this GIF to show the difference between the Cobb AP plug and the DH plug, but it shows where it plugs in, anyway.

[AGspeed3]

I have mine mounted similarly, but to the left so it only covers below 2k rpm on the tach. Of course, RPM is one of things I usually have up on the dashhawk anyway. It sits just high enough to read all the display and no higher. I just custom cut something to mount the dashhawk to that wedges inbetween the part of the steering wheel pod that sitcks up and the dash. It stays put just fine - sorry, no picture.

[coyfish]

Yeah dashhawk is a good product.

If you want the best bang for you buck get a dashhawk or aeroforce scan gauge.

I have the scangauge and both are great products. Dashhawk has a better datalogging feature but its also bigger and more cumbersome imo. The aeroforce scan guage is easier to use and looks like a normal 52mm gauge. Scan gauge is also a bit cheaper and you dont have to upgrade it or dl anything to measure A/F or boost.

[dkswim]

good product when i get home ill post pic mine suctioncupped to the window left side...

[SubieKiller3]

just to add one thing about windows, heard its hard to use vista with it. also, do a search on here and you should come up with some pictures of them mounted in peoples cars. the coolest place i have seen so far, someone took out the passenger airbag light and mounted the dashawk in its place.

[coyfish]

but what if the passenger doesn't know if his airbag is activated !

[BillTheCat]

Most DH vs. Vista issues can be fixed by simply running the DH software as an Admin. EXCEPT, it appears that the DH software WILL NOT work in 64-bit Vista. It worked on my laptop with 32-bit Vista, but the laptop died a few months back. So I actually DL'ed the 32-bit beta of Windows 7 (my desktop's main OS is Vista 64) and the DH works fine in 32-bit Windows 7 on a separate partition.

I have my DH mounted in front of the fuel gauge, and I display fuel level on Screen #1 of the DH to make up for it. It does not block my speedo or tach at all. I'll see if I can remember to snap a pic of it before I leave work in the morning.

DH setup is easy. DL the v2.5x software upgrade for your PC, then plug in the DH & flash the upgrade to it. Set up your parameters & you're good to go. Most of it is pretty easy to figure out without the manual. The unit itself just plugs into the OBDII port & works. No sweat.

I have noticed that I have to adjust the gas mileage correction to about +8% to get what seems like accurate real time fuel economy display on the DH.

[turbos3]

i ran the cord through the dash so i wouldnt see much of it then mounted in the corner. right in sight.

[dkswim]

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq1/dkbswim/generic%20car%20-%20parts/DSC00653.jpg
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq1/dkbswim/generic%20car%20-%20parts/DSC00654.jpg
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq1/dkbswim/generic%20car%20-%20parts/DSC00660.jpg
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq1/dkbswim/generic%20car%20-%20parts/DSC00661.jpg

[AutoEuphoria]

I like that idea, too. You definitely want to mount it in a place that is easily seen at a glance (which is why down by the airbag light isn't such a great idea).

And yes, it does not work with 64-bit Vista. I found that out last week :( Have to use my old laptop running XP to dl now.

[IKE=MS3 08.5]

thanks guys, i do like the idea of running the cord back thru the dash. They all look good. If and when i get mine and the time to do that, ill post up some pics.

dkswim: Does your dashhawk ever fall off from vibrations or with temperature change?

Thanks

[SubieKiller3]

I like that idea, too. You definitely want to mount it in a place that is easily seen at a glance (which is why down by the airbag light isn't such a great idea).

And yes, it does not work with 64-bit Vista. I found that out last week :( Have to use my old laptop running XP to dl now.

easily seen by theives at a glance?

[AutoEuphoria]

That's why you attach it with velcro. Disconnect wire from the back of the unit and remove from the mount. Hide in glove box or take it with you (that's what I did when my car was at the airport for a week)

[dkswim]

dosn't fall off. it gets removed every now and then... so its on fresh every now and then. if im leaving my car in a bad part ill take everything with me...

[AllLostThings]

That's why you attach it with velcro. Disconnect wire from the back of the unit and remove from the mount. Hide in glove box or take it with you (that's what I did when my car was at the airport for a week)



I'll be getting a Dash Hawk soon and you just answered a big question I was having. I figured some Ahole would think it was GPS and rip it off. I'll have to mount mine the same.

[phantom6294]

I just use one of those cell phone sticky pads on my steering wheel column. I've never had any problems with my DH moving around.

[funksilver07]

Mines right on the steering column, best place to get a good look at it. Depending on what screen your set up in (2,3, 4, 6, or 7 windows) could be a bit hard to see the numbers in the 6 or 7 screen configuration. I think the closer the better... plus it's pretty inconspicuous.

[IKE=MS3 08.5]

Mines right on the steering column, best place to get a good look at it. Depending on what screen your set up in (2,3, 4, 6, or 7 windows) could be a bit hard to see the numbers in the 6 or 7 screen configuration. I think the closer the better... plus it's pretty inconspicuous.

Could you snap a picture or is it in a similar position as the picture on the previous page?

[Boostin McFly]

Yeah what did you use to mount it on your steering wheel column? Velcro?

Also, What kind of cell phone holder are some of you using to suction cup it to the lower left side of the window? Thanks

[funksilver07]

here you go...hard to get a good shot of my POV when driving but I have a perfect view of all my gauges and the DH. I personally don't like anything on the upper dash above the gauges, don't like advertising. The velcro works great too, no problem sticking solid. DashHawk supplies a base that I used to velcro to the unit. (Ignore the numbers on the DH, the car was sitting in my garage after driving and when I clicked the pics I just turned on the key didn't start the car.)

[IKE=MS3 08.5]

here you go...hard to get a good shot of my POV when driving but I have a perfect view of all my gauges and the DH. I personally don't like anything on the upper dash above the gauges, don't like advertising. The velcro works great too, no problem sticking solid. DashHawk supplies a base that I used to velcro to the unit. (Ignore the numbers on the DH, the car was sitting in my garage after driving and when I clicked the pics I just turned on the key didn't start the car.)

I think this is the placement I will go with when I get mine. Thanks for all the help guys.

[Boostin McFly]

I think this is the placement I will go with when I get mine. Thanks for all the help guys.

I'm right there with you. UPS should dropping it off tomorrow!(hump)

[funksilver07]

and yes I remove it from my car if parked, I don't leave anything visible in my car. If they don't see anything to take.... well you get it.

[stevekt]

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-7/1201673/2009-62-0-0-48-1-P3010597.JPG

I have my Dash Hawk mounted on the dash with a modified Garmin GPS suction mount. I will take some better photos and post them.

[Kurt07]

Here is mine. Sorry about the crap cell phone pic.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c262/kurtbliesener/dashhawk.jpg

Version 2.51 is available. It is a good upgrade over 2.5

[tuOdekcalB]

I really like it mounted near the windshield on the left kinda like the performance display on the new cobalt SS/TC.

[tuOdekcalB]

To install the dashhawk i know you just plug it in to the port under steering wheel but is that it? Like to get boost on it, just plugging it in makes it work?

[Sport6]

Well it would be good to plug it into your computer first then update it to the latest firmware. You can set what you want to display on what screen and then ya just plug it in and it works.

[tuOdekcalB]

so i don't need to like cut the vacuum tube like you would if installing a normal boost gauge?

[Boostin McFly]

WHOA!!!! relax...just plug it into the hole...there is no need for cutting or splicing...just update it on your computer to the newest version and boost/vacuum will be available

[sxyspeed6]

Does the Dashhawk controll boost or just monitor??

[AutoEuphoria]

The DashHawk only monitors parameters. It does not control anything

[jodacoto]

with DashHawk is there an option to turn it on / off or is it like the AP that it stays on even when the car ingnition is off? The only way i can turn the AP off is by disconnecting it

[dkswim]

display turns off when key off. minamal battary consumption but if i were to leave car for a month or so i would unplug it.