I have been looking at accelerometers, Nology PDA, Autotap, etc. For those of you who don't know, these are systems that plug into our vehicle's ODB II port, and show various engine parameters...and calculate some as well. The ODB II port outputs engine light diagnostics, intake air temp, coolant temp, and many others in real-time.
Autotap
Nology PDA system
Beltronics Accelerometers
The Autotap is neat becuase you can display on your laptop in realtime. The newer windows version apparently has various graphics and gauge options. For those of you who have a laptop....this would be good for only $200. Talk about plug-and-play. You can look at your speed / RPMS / vs. time, coolant temp in realtime, RPMs, O2 sensor data, etc. The problem with this system is the incapability to calculate an estimated Hp, which depends on the vehicle's weight, and other parameters like 1/4 mile time, 0-60, etc. This unit uses USB connectivity. Which brings me to the Nology PDA Dyno system.
The Nology system can calcuate Hp and torque accurately if the vehicle's specs are defined correctly. This system offers all the outputs as the others, and some more.....but limits users to the use of a PDA. You need ot purchase one seperately if you want to use it. This system is $350 +. (Not including PDA)
The Beltronics Unit is a more permenant application for the vehicle, and has a smaller screen. It actually does not connect to the ODB port, but has some options similar to the other units. The options are less.....and so is the price. A non-logging unit (FX1) can be found for $100. The FX2 allows the user to output to a computer after logging, but not in real time. This unit is $180. They both show a bit less. They both JUST calculate Hp, 1/4 mile, 0-60, and G-force. If you don't care about logging the FX1 is hella cheap for a neat little tool. If the Hp is not extremely accurate, at least you can use it as a comparative tool as you mod....watching the estimated Hp go up or down depending on the mod. This just plugs into the cig. lighter......don't know how accurate this can be.
Depending on exactly what you want, these units all have various options and have a wide price range. The Nology has the most features....and the highest price. I personally would like to see a laptop program that does it all.
If you have any experience with these items, please post your input on this thread. If you know of any other items that are similar, please post on those items as well. Obviously these are not all the options available. I hope this to be an informative thread.
Autotap
Nology PDA system
Beltronics Accelerometers
The Autotap is neat becuase you can display on your laptop in realtime. The newer windows version apparently has various graphics and gauge options. For those of you who have a laptop....this would be good for only $200. Talk about plug-and-play. You can look at your speed / RPMS / vs. time, coolant temp in realtime, RPMs, O2 sensor data, etc. The problem with this system is the incapability to calculate an estimated Hp, which depends on the vehicle's weight, and other parameters like 1/4 mile time, 0-60, etc. This unit uses USB connectivity. Which brings me to the Nology PDA Dyno system.
The Nology system can calcuate Hp and torque accurately if the vehicle's specs are defined correctly. This system offers all the outputs as the others, and some more.....but limits users to the use of a PDA. You need ot purchase one seperately if you want to use it. This system is $350 +. (Not including PDA)
The Beltronics Unit is a more permenant application for the vehicle, and has a smaller screen. It actually does not connect to the ODB port, but has some options similar to the other units. The options are less.....and so is the price. A non-logging unit (FX1) can be found for $100. The FX2 allows the user to output to a computer after logging, but not in real time. This unit is $180. They both show a bit less. They both JUST calculate Hp, 1/4 mile, 0-60, and G-force. If you don't care about logging the FX1 is hella cheap for a neat little tool. If the Hp is not extremely accurate, at least you can use it as a comparative tool as you mod....watching the estimated Hp go up or down depending on the mod. This just plugs into the cig. lighter......don't know how accurate this can be.
Depending on exactly what you want, these units all have various options and have a wide price range. The Nology has the most features....and the highest price. I personally would like to see a laptop program that does it all.
If you have any experience with these items, please post your input on this thread. If you know of any other items that are similar, please post on those items as well. Obviously these are not all the options available. I hope this to be an informative thread.
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