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Data Logger Units store data and
often contain batteries, some sensors, and connection ports for
sensors, chargers, and display units. The connections for
sensors are called Channels and read the connected senor and
store the sensor data.
Display is the LCD panel that
displays some of the data to the driver. It may be a self
contained unit that includes the logger.
Analog Channel is one or more of the
Data Logger Unit connection ports that takes a variable voltage
input and measures it for data storage. Most Karting systems
like the EVO 3 have 2 Analog Channels.
Digital Channel is one or more of
the Data Logger Unit connection ports that simply looks for a
change in voltage on the sensor connected, and stores those
counts. Don’t confuse these Digital Channels with digital data
streams like CAN Bus or Ethernet. Its simply a pulse counter.
Batteries are important - without
them charged the DA system becomes a DOA system. Some DA’s use
9V dry cells some have rechargeables. Some DA systems record
and store battery voltage levels which can be helpful in
determining when they need charging.
Temperature Sensors can generally
measure about any temp from sub-freezing to 1600° F. They may
vary in mounting configuration depending on how they are to
used. A Cylinder Head Temp (CHT) probe may be a ring shape to
fit on the Spark Plug, where an Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT) or Water
Temp (WT) probe are the same threaded types. Each probe plugs
into an Analog Channel.
Axle Rev Counter counts the number
of revolutions an axle makes and can convert that into both
speed and distance. As this sensor just counts pulses, it uses
a Digital Channel.
RPM Counter counts Spark Plug firing
and uses a Digital Channel.
System Clock is a timer that starts
when the system is turned on to keep track of all the data that
gets stored. Each data element has a time stamp when it gets
stored so the system knows when everything was logged. The
System Clock is contained in the Data Logger Unit.
Beacon emits an infrared (invisible)
light source that triggers the Beginning of New Lap and is
usually placed at the Start/Finish line.
Beacon Pickup senses the Beacon
signal on the track and sets a point on the timer so the data is
displayed according to lap.
Accelerometers measure the G-Forces
in a given axis - some units measure on the left-right axis only
(turns) some left - right, forward-back (braking/acceleration).
The only axis really needed for a kart is left-right, as the
Axle Rev Counter can determine accel/decel rates.
Download Accessories connect between
the Data Logger Unit and a PC to download the session data to a
PC for analysis. In most cases this is a Mychron - USB cable.
Pinout
Diagram for Mychron - USB Cable |