MoTeC has a number of data logging solutions to meet the need of a wide range of users. This is a guide to help you choosing the most suitable system for your application. We recommend that you discuss your requirements in detail with an authorised MoTeC dealer prior to making a purchase, as the dealer will be able to offer you the best advice in order to make the right choice.

What do i need?

Logging Requirements

• The number of inputs you need is determined by how many engine and chassis parameters you wish to measure. Each sensor used to measure a particular parameter requires specific input characteristics. For example, wheelspeed sensors need a digital speed input, while temperature measurements need analogue temperature inputs.
• The appropriate logging speed of any parameter depends on its rate of change. For example, engine temperature doesn't need to be logged at the same rate as damper position. Choosing the right logging speed allows for optimal use of the available memory.
  

• Logging resolution is another important consideration. Higher resolution inputs provide more detailed data and therefore require more logging memory.

• The logging time needs to suit your race or test mode, for example a complete race, a lap, a run or a stage.
  

The number of sensors, the logging speed and resolution, and the logging time will help to determine your required logging memory.

What do I want?

Display Requirements

• Fully contained all-in-one Dash Loggers integrate logging and display functionality in a single compact unit. This eliminate the need for separate displays.
  
• Stand-alone devices connect to digital displays and other external modules. This allows more freedom in the choice of display and the positioning of the logger.
  

Outputs

MoTeC Dash Loggers offer auxiliary control of external devices such as shift lights, warning lights, diff pumps and thermo fans. The number of outputs available varies per model and can be expanded using optional upgrades and expansion units.

Communication

• Data loggers communicate with other electronic devices on the vehicle via either RS232 or CAN.
• To download the logged data to a PC, the SDL uses a USB connection, while the ACL and ADL3 use an Ethernet connection, which provides a download speed twice as fast.

Telemetry

The Telemetry upgrade enables transmission of live data from the vehicle to the pit where it can be viewed in real time. To convert telemetry data into a log file for analysis with i2 software, the Remote Logging upgrade is required. The ADL3 and ACL offer these options.

Future Uses

It is worth considering your future data acquisition requirements and look into the available options to grow the system. The ADL3 can be updated with extra logging memory and additional inputs and outputs. It can also be integrated with the VIM, E888 or E816 input/output expanders. The ACL is even more flexible with numerous expansion options including up to 8 VIMs, providing 200 inputs.

Examples

Basic System

In a typical setup for a Formula Ford you might want to log the following:

• 1 x Ground speed at 20 Hz
• 2 x Pressures (fuel and oil) at 20 Hz
• 1 x Engine temperature at 1 Hz
  
• 1 x Beacon at 1 Hz
• 2 x G-forces at 20 Hz
• 1 x Engine RPM at 20 Hz
• 1 x Throttle position at 20 Hz

The system needs a minimum of 9 inputs of different types, and needs to be capable of logging at between 1 and 20 Hz.

A typical race lasting 30 minutes, would require a memory capacity of approximately 0.5 MB.

In the comparison table you can find that the SDL Sport Dash Logger would fit this application.

More Comprehensive System

A typical logging setup for a V8 Supercar might be:

• 4 x Suspension position at 200 Hz
• 4 x Brake temperatures at 10 Hz
• 4 x Tyre temperatures at 5 Hz
• 1 x Oil temperature at 1 Hz
• 4 x Tyre pressures at 10 Hz
• Plus all the basic logging as in the previous example

This system needs a minimum of 26 inputs and needs to be capable of logging at 200 Hz.

With this setup an ADL3 with a 16 MB memory capacity would allow for a logging time of approximately 2 hours, while the 1 GB memory of the ACL would be sufficient for an endurance race.