Got it working today. All you need is an old Palm and a null modem adapter (or make your own), and the appropriate software. All of it can be found at the msefi forum stuff. There are three programs, PalmLog, PalmTune, and PalmEdit. PalmLog is a datalogging program that you send into MegaTune via burst mode datalogging, and then look at in MLV like any old datalog. Looks pretty neat. It also has a real-time display while connected to the MS. Multiple views, seen here:


PalmTune is, well, a tuning program for fuel and spark tables, and any other table you tell it. I haven't messed with this one yet, but it is configured basically the same way as PalmLog. It supposedly has some nice features in order to conveniently tune on the small screen.

PalmEdit is the program you would use to change variables. It fetches what MS is using, and you can give it a new value to burn in. Can do any variable you want, so long as you know where it is in the MS files. Most of the standard ones are built in.

All programs require a bit of configuration to use, obviously, but nothing difficult. Just set it up for your firmware version and give it the values from easytherm for the real-time displays.

Great stuff...much more convenient for random datalogging than always having a laptop in there. Not sure if I'll use the tuning stuff much, but def. the logging stuff.

Just thought some of you might be interested; seems a good way to use those old Palms I know are sitting in your desk drawer.

edit: those screen caps aren't my car, so don't look at that horribly rich AFR!

 

that's good news for all those driving around with a laptop in the pax seat

 

that's pretty badass...I think I have an old palm too....might be a lot easier than lugging the laptop around all the time for simple monitoring and logging.

 

No joke, i think i have an old palm as well. Might be a different OS though. I'll have to get on that when i get back.

 

It'll work with any version of Palm OS 3.5+

I'm running an old color IIIc with 4.0. Great for monitoring temps, etc. while driving around.

I was afraid of running out of RAM on the Palm (8mb), but each mb is about 2 hours of datalogging, supposedly. It can take three files, and each file can be stopped and started with the touch of a button. In fact, you can rig it up to turn on, run the program, and start/stop logging all without using the stylus. Neat.

 

Sweet i might have to pick up a palm then.

 

That is cool.
Does the palm charge off of the serial cable?

 

I built my null modem adapter with the fewest connections necessary (3) so it didn't have a charge wire. I've been thinking about whether it is possible to charge with the serial cable...and I'm just not sure. I don't think I can with my palm.

 

The MSPNP supplies 5V to the serial connector. Would be cool if it could be utilized to keep the Palm device powered. Then all we'd need is a dash mount.

 

If there was something that ran on Windows Mobile, I'd use it in a heartbeat on my 8125.

 

awesome news, i can see this becoming a great accessory down the road as I would like the ability to at least make crude tuning adjustments down the road if my laptop is not available.

 

It's sort of like a megaview, but many people have them already and you get a nicer screen.

 

X2

Like anything else Megasquirt, give it time. Im sure someone, somewhere is working on it.

 

I bought two 8mb palms a couple of years ago for <$25 delivered- that'd be worth the price to do this IMO. Datalog at a moment's notice- just leave it in the glove box.

Do any of those (or other) apps allow map swapping? That'd be nice.

 

PalmTune allows swapping fuel and spark tables, I believe. None can actually load complete msq files, though.

 

MS can hold 2 msq's, each selectable by flipping a toggle switch.

 

that's so scifi

 

very interesting...

 

If you need a Palm for this, I recommend getting a Palm IIIxe, has 8mb of RAM, can be upgraded to PalmOS 4.0, and uses AAA batteries. I heard that IIIc's were difficult to see in daylight due to the color screen, and I didn't want to mess with charging a battery, rather just throw in some AAA's. Also, considering the age of these Palms, if they have a rechargeable battery, you can bet the battery is bad. Granted, replacements are cheap, it just adds to the cost.

 

do we have to use an older palm?